After much deliberation in a draft with no obvious standout, the Diamondbacks chose Vanderbilt’s Dansby Swanson with the first overall pick in the 2015 draft.
The 21-year-old Swanson appeared to be the safest choice. One of the best players in college baseball this year, he hit .348/.441/.648 with 14 homers in 253 at-bats against a tough SEC schedule.
Despite the fine power numbers, it’s Swanson’s on-base ability that has teams most excited. He projects as a future No. 1 or No. 2 hitter and a quality defense shortstop. It might not be a package that takes him to several All-Star Games, but in a draft short on star potential, he looked like the right choice for Arizona.
Swanson is the second Vandy product chosen No. 1 overall, joining David Price. It’s the second time the Diamondbacks have had the first overall pick; they went with Justin Upton in that spot in 2005.
