By Justin Burgess
Florida Area Scout

The recent release of our 2016 PBR Draft 100 marks the 6-month point before the Major League Draft in June. Being in Florida, we know the impact that our state makes not only on the draft as a whole, but on the first round as well. We have seen players in recent years—like Manny Machado, Jose Fernandez, and Francisco Lindor—get picked up early in the first round and have success early in their careers in the big leagues. Last year was no different as the first two high school players selected, Brendan Rodgers and Kyle Tucker, were both from Florida.

This year, however, appears to be a little different than any in recent memory as there are no Florida players currently in the top ten of the overall rankings. The 2016 draft could end up being similar to 2013 where there was only one high school player from Florida taken in the first round. The spring season still has to play out and that will obviously have a major impact on the draft process but, as of right now, this group from Florida probably will not impact the first round like it usually does.