Dodgers draft high school SS/OF Michael Sirota in the 16th round, 492nd overall

I didn’t think I’d live to see the day, but the Dodgers finally drafted a position player! With their 16th round pick, LA selected high school shortstop/outfielder Michael Sirota. He’s currently committed to Northeastern.

According to the MLB prospects page, Sirota is a raw high schooler. He has some tools, most notably his bat speed and raw power. With that being said, they lack refinement overall as he hasn’t faced top competition much. He has played shortstop and center field, with most thinking his speed and solid arm will work better in the outfield long term.

This really is a bargain of a pick for the Dodgers, as Sirota was ranked by Baseball America as the No. 202 overall prospect. Not bad when you can get him at 492.

BA says that clubs have been intrigued by his athleticism, tools and youth. He’s one of the youngest players in this entire class, as he just turned 18 last month.

He’s an athletic center fielder with plus speed and a strong arm, showing good defensive instincts and reads off the bat. While a lot of teams haven’t seen Sirota against top competition, he has generally hit well in games, including at the Perfect Game World Wood Bat Association Championship last year in October and the PG High School Showdown in Alabama this year in March. Sirota isn’t the most physically imposing player, but he shows good bat speed, a patient approach and over-the-fence pop now with some strength projection remaining for that to tick up.

Fun fact. He’s also the great nephew of Hall-of-Famer Whitey Ford.