Like everything else in these strange and unknown times, the 2020 MLB Draft is still operating in a fluid state. Slated to be held in conjunction with the now canceled College World Series, the MLB Draft has been moved to July, possibly when the All-Star Game was supposed to be held. Even then, no one really knows a concrete date or place.

It is pretty clear there will not be 40 rounds of athletes hearing their names but, more likely, 5-10 rounds of the very top prospects. That, in itself is unfortunate, but the signing bonuses could be a lot smaller or even deferred to a later date. Plus, undrafted athletes would be severely limited in how much a team could offer them, reportedly to prevent teams such as the Yankees, Red Sox and Dodgers from raiding the undrafted talent.

This year, more than ever, families will have to really sit down and make decisions about going to college instead of signing. As always, families have to do what is best for their own particular situation.

Listed below is just a sample of the talent from various Arizona high schools and the decisions they might have to make. If the draft was still 40 rounds it’s pretty clear all of them would be drafted, but the stakes are higher this year.

 

Baseball America

5: Nick Gonzales (5-10/190), New Mexico State (Cienega) SS

48: Gage Workman (6-4/200), ASU (Basha) 3B

74: Carson Tucker (6-1/170) Mountain Pointe SS (Committed to Texas)

158: Trevor Hauver (6-0/205) ASU OF (Perry)

170: Ronan Kopp (6-5/200) Scottsdale Christian LHP (Committed to ASU)

212: Hunter Hass (6-0/170) Corona del Sol SS (Committed to Oregon State)

238: Boyd Vander Kooi (6-5/220) ASU RHP (Skyline)

269: Ethan Long (6-2/220) Mountain Pointe 3B/RHP (Committed to Arkansas)

 

Baseball Factory High School

65: Carson Tucker (6-1/170) Mountain Pointe SS (Committed to Texas)

74: Hunter Hass (6-0/170) Corona del Sol SS (Committed to Oregon State)

84: Jacob Berry (6-0/200) Queen Creek IF (Committed to UA)

90: Ethan Long (6-2/220) Mountain Pointe 3B/RHP (Committed to Arkansas)

 

We talked to the highest high school athlete on the list, Carson Tucker of Mountain Pointe, on Monday afternoon after Governor Doug Ducey closed the schools for the remainder of the year. With his senior season gone, Tucker’s focus has obviously shifted to his future. His older brother, Cole Tucker, was drafted in 2014 and he plays shortstop for the Pirates:

Q: First off, when did you start playing baseball and what other sports did you play growing up?

A: I guess I started playing in my backyard with my family but I played Tee-Ball when I was about 3. I also played football and basketball but I gave that up to concentrate on baseball.

Q: Your season has been officially canceled. What will you miss the most?

A: I’ll miss playing the games but it’s the little things I’ll miss the most like hanging out with my friends and teammates. Getting something to eat. Little things like that are so important.

Q: Did you have a feeling you were playing in your last game when you took the field?

A: Not really. We were preparing for the Boras Classic but then the rains came that week and it was canceled. I started to hear from friends form other states and then I thought we might be next.

Q: You committed to Texas. Can you tell us about that process?

A: Texas really wasn’t on my charts until the summer before my junior year. They saw me play in Chicago when I was part of Team USA and then they saw me at the Area Code games and we set up a visit and we clicked. I wanted to play for a winning program and they have won more than anybody. The atmosphere there is crazy.

Q: Is the draft on your mind now?

A: Yes, I’m still working out and I’ve been going through every situation and changes with my advisors. When the time comes, I’ll be ready to decide.