2014 MLB Draft: Los Angeles Dodgers Will Pick 22nd Overall

The Los Angeles Dodgers will selected 22nd overall tonight in the 2014 MLB First Year Player Draft, which can be seen on MLB Network at 3 P.M. PST.

While the Dodgers have been struggling or “playing like crap”, as Manager Don Mattingly referred to it, the Dodgers front office has been prepping to make a selection tonight in the MLB Draft tonight, and another 50 or so over the course of the weekend.

The Dodgers will have a draft bonus pool of just under $5M. Under the new CBA, which was signed in 2012, picks are assigned a slotted signing bonus value. If a team gives out a higher signing bonus than the allotted amount, there are penalties that are handed down from the commissioners office.

The Dodgers first round pick, 22nd overall, can receive a maximum signing bonus of $1,980,500. Signing bonuses for the Dodgers next 9 selections go down in value.

Last year the Dodgers picked 18th in 2013 and spent the full slot value of $2,109,900 on Chris Anderson.

So, who are the Dodgers looking at taking this year. Well, as always, the Dodgers number one priority is to building through pitching. Therefore, we should expect the Dodgers to continue that trend and select a pitcher with their first pick, unless there is a can’t miss hitting prospect that tops their board.

Here are the five players the Dodgers are most likely to select tonight:

Nick Howard. RHP, Virginia

Flame throwing Closer who is probably as close to the major leagues as any prospect in the draft. Dodgers could use some help in the bullpen.

Tyler Beede, RHP, Vanderbilt

His 3.42 ERA falls well behind other top prospects on the Vandy staff; however, he has the gas to throw it by big leaguers right now and with a huge frame will be a MLB pitcher in the near future. His control is the biggest issue preventing him from being a front end starter.

Derek Hill, OF, Elk Grove (Calif.) HS

His father, 1982 first-round pick and Dodgers scout Orsino Hill, is a fantastic defensive center fielder and may have the pop to make a difference in the league. The Dodgers are stacked in the outfield already and have Joc Pederson waiting in the wings.

Sean Reid-Foley, RHP, Jacksonville (Fla.) Sandalwood HS

High school pitcher may take a while to develop, but he has all the stuff your looking for in a RHP. Throws hard, has control, just needs to be seasoned.

Sean Newcomb, LHP, University of Hartford

A ton of upside and he’s left handed, which the Dodgers love. He has pinpoint control, though he’s not the hardest throwing of the bunch. Think a Jamie Moyer typer, and Tom Glavine light if he reaches his peak.