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ALEK THOMAS LISTED AS TOP 50 DRAFT PROSPECT BY MLB PIPELINE
Mount Carmel senior Alek Thomas (Bronzeville, Chicago) was named the No. 49 top draft prospect in the latest rankings from MLB Pipeline. If he follows through on his commitment to Texas Christian, he wants to try to double as an outfielder in baseball and a slot receiver in football. Gatorade's 2017 Illinois baseball player of the year as junior, he has the hitting ability and athleticism to get drafted high enough to forego college.
With his compact left-handed stroke, impressive bat speed and mature approach at the plate, Thomas smacks line drives to all field. He has no trouble barreling quality fastballs and led gold medal-winning Team USA in hitting with a .361 average at the 18-and-under World Cup in September. Though he's not very physical, his feel for the barrel and sneaky pop should produce at least 12-15 homers per year in pro ball.
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Thomas enhances his plus speed with good instincts on the bases and in center field. While he has below-average arm strength, it's playable in center field. His game earns him comparisons to Jacoby Ellsbury and Thomas is more advanced at the same stage of their careers.
