Indians select Will Benson with 14th overall pick

With the 14th overall pick in the draft, the Indians have selected outfielder Will Benson. Prior to the draft, Benson was projected to go 25th overall to the Padres by Baseball America and 27th overall to the Orioles by MLB.com, so he rose up the boards on draft day.

Benson is the latest high-upside outfield option in the Indians’ system, joining former top picks Tyler Naquin, Bradley Zimmer and Clint Frazier. Cleveland is especially light on outfielders behind Michael Brantley at the major-league level.

In his Junior year with The Westminster Schools in Georgia, Benson slashed .369/.486/.750 while showing good power, speed, and plate discipline. That being said, scouts believe he can get into some bad habits at the plate looking for pitches to drive instead of sticking with a steady approach. Benson has the arm to manage an outfield position, though may lack the range to stick at centerfield. The lefty also has some experience playing first base.

Benson ranks 30th among all prospects by Baseball America and 38th by MLB.com. The 17-year old outfielder certainly doesn't lack size and is already 6'6" and 220lbs. His hit tool could use some seasoning but scouts believe his raw power, speed, and arm all play above average.