MLB Draft: Illinois Day 1

With Day One of the MLB Draft in the books, two of the evening’s draftees not only have ties to Illinois, but are both graduates of Mount Carmel: Josh Stowers (2015; Louisville) and senior Alek Thomas (Texas Christian commit). Surprisingly, it was Stowers who came off the board first, 54th overall by the Seattle Mariners. The Louisville outfielder was ranked No. 155 on PBR’s draft board whereas Thomas was ranked No. 19 overall. The senior center fielder slid to the second round and was drafted by the Arizona Diamondbacks, 63rd overall.

Josh Stowers, OF, Louisville (Mount Carmel, 2015)
2nd Round, 54th overall, Seattle Mariners

Stowers’ calling card is his athleticism. Couple that with his strength in the batter’s box and speed on the basepaths, and all of a sudden Stowers has made himself a toolsy talent who can succeed at the next level. This season at Louisville, he’s hitting .336 and is slugging .559, the highest mark on the the team by nearly 40 points.

Report from HS: 2/16/14 – Developed build, strong lower half, 6-foot-1, 195-pound right handed outfielder. Offensively hits from a balanced stance, short stride, maintains excellent balance throughout. Hands are strong, creates advanced bat speed. Short path, contact point out in front. Creates lift, strong power hitter, 85 mph exit velocity. Defensively has a strong arm from the outfield, short over the top arm action, 86 mph from the crow hop, creates carry. Advanced foot speed, 6.70 runner in the 60. Stowers is one of the more physical athletes in the class. His powerful presence with the bat coupled with his dynamic foot speed is a rare combination of speed and power.

Josh Stowers (2/1/15)

Alek Thomas, OF, Mount Carmel (Texas Christian), 2018
2nd Round, 63rd overall, Arizona Diamondbacks

Thomas entered the spring with a chance to land within the first round and he did nothing to lessen his own draft stock. Thomas had a very strong season for a Mount Carmel team that won 27 games, enduring one of the tougher schedules in the state. The team was also invited to play at the prestigious NHSI tournament in early April and Thomas performed well there, too. For his high school, he hit .423 this season, homered 10 times in 38 games, and struck out just five times in 157 plate appearances.

Report: 2/4/18 – Texas Christian recruit, 5-foot-11, 179-pound left-handed hitting outfielder, athletic, wiry-strong frame with room for continued physical development. Easy, natural athlete - recruited to go to TCU in baseball and football (also standout basketball player) - with highly advanced baseball instincts. Ran a 6.70 laser-timed 60 (previously ran a 6.43 at the PBR Midwest ProCase last summer). Offensively, hits from a relaxed, open setup, advanced rhythm in load, smooth leg lift back; loose, fluid athletic hands, generates easy bat speed. Overall professional approach. Registered 95 mph exit velocity off a tee with wood. Per FlightScope data during BP, had an average exit velocity of 92.61 with a max of 99.4, with an average launch angle of 15.94 degrees, and a max carry of 360.17. ... Speed and athleticism translate in the field, profiles as a center fielder at the next level. High-level defender with advanced defensive actions. Moves with fluidity and ease. Was clocked at 88 mph from the outfield. Overall, potential top-round draft prospect.

Alek Thomas (2/4/18)

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