There are just 10 days until the first pick of the 2023 MLB Draft is made. With the collegiate season now over and the draft approaching quickly, new mock drafts are continuing to come out as certain scenarios begin to take form with draft day on the horizon.

Keith Law of The Athletic released his third mock draft for the year on Thursday. He has the New York Mets  selecting shortstop George Lombard, Jr., out of Gulliver Prep High School in Miami, Florida with their No. 32 overall pick in this year’s draft. He is ranked as the No. 31 prospect in the 2023 draft prospect pool according to MLB.com. Some believe he could go in Round One and not be available in the competitive balance round.

Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

Lombard Jr. is 6’3” and weighs 190 pounds. He is the son of former Atlanta Braves Braves’ prospect George Lombard, Sr. Lombard Sr. was Atlanta’s second round pick in 1994 and now serves as the bench coach for the Detroit Tigers.

Lombard Jr., a Vanderbilt commit, is known for his athleticism. Here is Law’s brief analysis:

“He’s got a straightforward swing and quiet approach with good loft for future 65-70 power. However, despite plenty of bat speed, he has struggled with better velocity and can get locked into a single bat path.”

MLB Pipeline’s current scouting grades (on a scale of 20-80) on Lombard Jr. are:

  • Hitting: 50 | Power: 55 | Run: 50 | Field: 50| Overall 50

Tyler Kotila, a scout for Perfect Game Florida , says Lombard Jr. has “an insane hit-tool, super quick hands with loose wrists,” and he “gets the barrel on [the ball] and does damage.”

Scouts currently say Lombard Jr. will be good at shortstop, but he could potentially shift over to third base at the minor league and/or major league levels. He moves well, is athletic on his ability to field ground balls, and does his job well in the field.

The MLB draft starts July 9 with Rounds 1 and 2 (and the competitive balance rounds). The Mets have two picks on the first day, starting with No. 32. They had to move down 10 spots after exceeding the top luxury tax threshold. The team will have to do the same with the first round pick in the 2024 draft unless they land in the top six picks in the draft lottery.

The remaining 20 rounds will take place July 10 and 11.