32. Tampa Bay Rays: Jake Hager (SS, Sierra Vista HS, Las Vegas)
This pick is could be a reach, as Baseball America didn't list Hager among the draft's top 100 prospects. With a surfeit of picks - 10 of the first 60 - the Rays might be thinking about their draft budget, or they might simply believe they have the luxury of using one of those picks on a player who will take some time to develop. On the other hand, at least some scouts believe Hager was one of the potential bargains of the draft, as a scrappy player with underrated tools. He runs well, has a solid glove, and has a chance to be at least a decent hitter.
Hager's development will presumably be helped by his makeup, as he's another middle infielder with the reputation as a baseball rat. Hager does have a commitment to Arizona State, but will likely be swayed if the Rays offer him first-round money, considering he probably wasn't expected to be drafted until the compensation round at the earliest.


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