The Phillies return to the HS ranks in the 3rd round, going off of most boards for OF Jordan Viars.
Viars is one of the youngest players in the draft (turns 18 next week). He is a big (6’4″) slugger with big left handed power. He is currently a corner outfielder, but there is a chance he ends up at first base long term.
By public lists this is a big reach as he was 403 on BA’s list, not on MLB’s top 250, and not on any other list (EDIT: Viars was the 126th best HS player for Perfect Game). The arrow was up, but not that up of late. It is hard to judge until we see the bonus and the rest of the draft, but definitely a curious selection for the third round.
Phillies take Jordan Viars, prep OF. LHH with big bat speed and power projection, corner defensive profile RF/1B type, lots of room to fill on frame, young for grade also, not 18 yet. #PGDraft
— Brian Sakowski (@Sakowski_GoDuke) July 12, 2021