Now that the 2013 MLB Draft has come and gone, it is time to start looking at top-level prospects that have an opportunity to be drafted in the 2014 draft. 

As we saw at the Midwest Futures Games this past summer, Missouri is loaded with talent in the Class of 2014 and a few players are starting to generate some early buzz.

Alex Lange, RHP, Lee’s Summit West- Lange has been the No. 1 player in the Class of 2014 since we released the 2014 rankings, and for good reason. His fastball sits 89-91, touching 92-mph with a 79-82 mph slider, which is a legit out pitch and ready for the professional level. His velocity wasn’t as consistent this spring as it had been in 2012, but Lange should get back on track this summer and see the consistent velocity that we have been accustomed to. Lange is very polished for a pitcher of his age, and that is something that has not gone unnoticed.

Monte Harrison, OF, Lee’s Summit West- Harrison could be the best overall athlete in the state of Missouri. A standout football player as well as top level baseball player have scouts hoping baseball s the route he takes. With numerous offers to play both sports at BCS conference schools, Harrison is a rare talent who has professional sports written all over him, whether it be MLB or NFL. Standing 6-foot-2, 195-pounds, Harrison hits for power and average, as well as showing speed on the base path and ability to track down fly balls in the outfield. 

Shane Benes, SS, Westminster- Benes is currently ranked No. 3 in Missouri, and has a good chance to jump to the No. 1 spot if his summer matches his spring. The 6-foot-2, 195 Benes was a monster at the plate this past spring, hitting .417 with 11 homeruns and 37 RBIs. He also makes all the play at shortstop and has a strong arm across the diamond. Benes is as close to pro ready as one can be, and he is still has one more year of high school ball to perfect his already impressive craft. 

Keith Greishaber, SS, Marquette- If Greishaber performs at a level slightly above where he was this past spring, he has the potential to be one of the first players from Missouri picked in next year’s draft. Scouts love his ability in the field as well as his speed on the base path and a nice easy swing that attacks the gaps. We have heard from a few scouts that love his all around ability and baseball IQ, making Greishaber as close to the complete package as one can be going into his senior year.

Elijah Dilday, OF, Francis Howell- Dilday has finally found a home in the outfield, and has shown that is where he needs to be on the field to use his athletic ability, speed, and arm strength to see his stock rise in the eyes of MLB scouts. More impressive than his ability in the outfield, Dilday has a powerful left-handed swing, the type that will get him drafted. At the Midwest Future Games last summer, Dilday did a great job of showing his hand and bat speed, which greatly increases his stock.