KC Royals: Notable picks by divisional opponents in 2019 MLB Draft

Chicago White Sox

Round 1, Pick No. 3: Andrew Vaughn, First Baseman, California

In most drafts, a team picking first overall would salivate at the good luck of drafting Cal first baseman Andrew Vaughn, a 6-foot slugger who mashed 50 home runs in three seasons for the Golden Bears. For a right-handed hitter, Vaughn has one of the sweetest swings out there. Check it out:

In this draft, though, as deep as it was from top to bottom, Vaughn fell into the laps of the White Sox at pick three behind Oregon State catcher Adley Rutschman, who went first overall to the Orioles, and Witt to the Royals.

Vaughn joins a loaded group of prospects with the White Sox that includes the likes of second baseman Nick Madrigal, drafted with the fourth pick in 2018; outfield prospects Luis Robert, Micker Adolfo, and Blake Rutherford; recently promoted catcher Zack Collins, the tenth pick in 2016; third baseman Jake Burger, the 11th pick in 2017; and a slew of pitching prospects from the talented-but-oft-injured Michael Kopech to 24-year-old Zack Burdi, drafted with the 26th pick in 2017.

Don’t be surprised if Vaughn reaches Chicago sometime in 2020. It will be, of course, his bat that catapults him through the White Sox farm system as he’s limited defensively to first base. With free agency looming for both Jose Abreu and (maybe) Yonder Alonso, the White Sox will need another slugging first baseman/designated hitter type player to insert into the middle of the lineup.

Great selection. Of all first-round selections by A.L. Central teams this draft, Vaughn will reach the Majors first.

After selecting Vaughn, the White Sox went the high school route with their next three picks, taking two pitchers and a center fielder. The first pitcher selected, Matthew Thompson out of Cypress Ranch (Texas) High School was MLB Pipeline’s  69th prospect. Currently committed to Texas A&M, the 18-year-old right-hander has a 60 fastball, on the 20-80 scouting grade, which can touch 96 MPH.

Interestingly, in the 34th round, the White Sox selected lefty center fielder Chase Krogman from Liberty (Mo.) High School. Krogman is presently committed to Missouri State, an agreement that will most likely be kept due to being picked so late.