D-Backs Select Auburn Outfielder In MLB Draft

Photo Credit: Dakota Sumpter/Auburn Athletics

For the Arizona Diamondbacks, it’s a tale of two drafts the past few years.

After selecting Vanderbilt shortstop Dansby Swanson first overall in 2015, the Diamondbacks were without a first round pick the following year. A small price (that, and like $200 million) for free agent pitcher Zack Greinke.

The Snakes’ first pick came at #39, where they selected Auburn outfielder Anfernee Grier. The pick came in Lottery Round A. This round consists of six picks at the end of the first round from the Competitive Balance Lottery. Teams may be awarded this pick if they are a part of the 10 smallest markets or 10 smallest revenues.

Ok, back to Grier.

The 6-foot-1, 180-pound outfielder can fly. He hit .366 with 12 home runs was was 19/24 on steal attempts in his junior season. If there is an area of concern for Grier, it would be plate discipline. The outfielder struck out 55 times versus 32 walks in 2016.

Here is the type of ground Grier can cover in centerfield:

The D-Backs’ next selection is with pick 52 in the second round.