Theo Epstein called the upcoming MLB amateur draft "probably the most important thing that we're doign right now, to be honest."
Which makes sense, given the new regime's desire to build a sustained winner from within, rather than just signing free agent after free agent.
In advance of the draft kicking off on June 4, Jim Callis at Baseball America compiled a one-round mock draft.
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He has the Cubs taking Florida high school center fielder Albert Almora at sixth overall. Here's what he has to say about the pick:
Once Appel, Gausman and Zimmer are chosen, there will be a run on position players, most of whom will be high schoolers. Chicago's pick could come down to Correa and polished Florida high school center fielder Albert Almora. The Cubs took another prep shortstop of Puerto Rican descent (Javier Baez) at No. 9 a year ago.
Check out Callis' full Round 1 mock at BaseballAmerica.com.