Indians Select Georgia Prep OF Will Benson With 14th Pick

Industry wide experts were unsure of how several of the top picks in the 2016 MLB Draft were going to shake out. Any one pick could widely affect the next pick and without certainty after nearly the first eight or nine picks, it was hard to peg down a lock for any team.

There didn’t seem to be any major mock drafts that had the Indians linked to the player they ultimately chose with the 14th overall pick in first round: Will Benson, a left handed hitting and throwing outfielder from The Westminster Schools in Atlanta, Georgia.

Benson, a 6’6″, 220 lb OF/1B will turn 18 next month and has a commitment to Duke but has already told reporters on the record that he’s going to sign with the Indians.

Benson: “I’m definitely going to sign. I’m definitely going to Cleveland.” Told media at Draft he may still pursue education at Duke.

— Jordan Bastian (@MLBastian) June 10, 2016

Many mocks had the Indians taking a wide range of players from Puerto Rican SS Delvin Perez, New Jersey prep LHP Jason Groome, Pennsylvania prep SS Nolan Jones and even prep RHP Forrest Whitley.

Benson has received build (different from player type) comparisons to Jason Hewyard and high marks for his athleticism, hand-eye coordination as well as high work ethic and makeup. Benson’s goals and work ethic are admirable away from the field as much as they are on it. He’s also considered a bit of a reach because of a bit of a big swing and lack of plate discipline.

He doesn’t appear to use much of a leg kick and gets the bat through the zone quite quick. Based on his workout video, his throws from right field and his actions at first base make it seem like he looks more comfortable and is a better fit at first. But given his age and athleticism, the Indians will probably give him every chance to stick in the outfield.

The big left handed hitter had eight homers, 41 RBI and hit .454 and was 11-12 in stolen bases his senior year.

Benson looks like he has big power upside and could be even more valuable if the Indians can develop him as an outfielder. Like all big, power hitting high schooler’s, Benson could also looks like he has boom or bust potential.