Monday marks the start of the 2015 Major League Baseball draft, and with it, several local prospects anxious to hear their names called. While there are few, if any, prep prospects likely to be picked, there should be at least a couple of college players selected.
Leading the group of local collegiate athletes likely to get drafted is BYU pitcher Kolton Mahoney. The right-hander was selected in the 23rd round of last year's draft by the Milwaukee Brewers but opted to stay at BYU for his junior season.
As a junior, Mahoney led his team in strikeouts (91) while compiling a 4-8 record and 5.27 ERA. Mahoney is currently listed as Utah's No. 1 draft prospect and as the No. 173 prospect overall by Baseball America.
The only other local prospect listed by the same service is Utah pitcher Bret Helton. The Ute righty is listed as the No. 448 overall prospect after going 2-8 this past season with a 5.72 ERA.
Other potential draftees from the Cougars include senior pitcher James Lengal, sophomore pitcher Michael Rucker, senior pitcher Brandon Kinser and sophomore infielder Tanner Chauncey.
Kyle Dean, who signed with BYU out of Rancho Bernardo, California, is listed as the No. 160 prospect overall by Baseball America.
For the Utes, pitcher Dalton Carroll is thought to be the other player who could potentially be drafted during the draft, which takes place in New Jersey and lasts three days and 40 rounds. A live stream of the draft can be found on MLB.com.
Email: bgurney@desnews.com
Twitter: @BrandonCGurney