Rays select high school outfielder Garrett Whitley with 13th overall pick

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The Tampa Bay Rays selected an outfielder with their top draft pick Monday for the first time since 2011, grabbing toolsy New York high-schooler Garrett Whitley with the 13th overall pick in the 2015 First-Year Player Draft.

"Euphoria," an emotional Whitley told MLB Network. "I couldn't be happier.''

Though few players wield the complement of tools that Whitley does, scouts are traditionally skeptical of preparatory players who hail from northern states, as they play far less frequently and face inferior competition compared to players from the south. The success enjoyed by players like Mike Trout, however - the reigning AL MVP attended high school in New Jersey - has helped dispel this bias.

Bio

Position: OF
School: Niskayuna HS (NY)
Height/Weight: 6-1, 195 pounds
Age: 18
Bats: Right
Throws: Right

Stats

Overview

A phenomenal athlete, Whitley is expected to stick in center field thanks to his exceptional speed and solid arm. His strength could allow him to be an above-average power threat from the right side of the plate; he ripped a foul ball last season that traveled an estimated 497 feet.

The New York State Gatorade Player of the Year, Whitley is one of the more well-rounded players in the draft.

Highlights

(Courtesy: MLB.com)