Cleveland Indians reached in 1st round of 2020 MLB Draft, says Keith Law

The Cleveland Indians reached big-time in the 2020 MLB Draft, per one expert.

While some may view the Cleveland Indians latest draft pick, Carson Tucker, as the heir to shortstop position, one draftnik views his selection as the 23rd overall pick as a reach.

The Athletic’s Keith Law (subscription) was surprised to see the player he had ranked 84th on his big board go so early.

That said, the Indians value youth more than any other team when it comes to drafting, the long-time scribe wrote.

"“Cleveland values youth in draft prospects more than any other team, which is the main explanation I can see for its taking Carson Tucker…This is a big reach, as Carson is a talented player but doesn’t have the same upside Cole his brother who plays for the Pirates.”"

Law went on to note how Carson doesn’t possess any “plus tools” and will probably be an average defender if he stays at shortstop.

Yeesh. I’ll have another. Fortunately, Carson will have a say in how his future pans out, because as we all know, predicting success in the MLB draft is about as easy as predicting Cleveland’s weather in the spring.

Big brother Cole Tucker was much more upbeat on Carson as a prospect, pointing out that little brother was better than he was at every age marker.

"“Where he was at 5 years old was way better than I was at 5 years old,” Cole said, via The Athletic’s Zack Meisel. “Where he was at 10 years old was way better than I was at 10 years old. Where I was at 18, he’s just way better than me now.”"

The Indians were pegged by mocksters to go after a high school pitcher in the draft, as many assumed the team capitalize off a prospect who didn’t get to pitch in the spring as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.

Well, the powers-that-be went with a prep player, but targeted the middle infield, instead.

And while the Indians have said they expect Tucker to make it as a shortstop, that remains to be seen, and that’s OK. Take the player you like and find a spot for him. If I recall correctly, former MVP Joey Votto was drafted as a catcher! Todd Frazier was a shortstop, who switched to third base.

Without a senior season, Carson spent his days working out in his garage outside of Phoenix. In addition to his brother Cole being there, so was Dodgers’ star Cody Bellinger, who was a peer of Cole’s growing up in Arizona. Other prospects there included former Phillies top prospect Scott Kingery and Red Sox prospect Bobby Dalbec.

Tucker has committed to the University of Texas, but I would think he’ll sign, considering he’ll get first-round money. Many, besides Law, had forecasted his selection in the second or third round.