MLB Draft tracker: Updates on Florida State players and commits

Tonight kicks off the 2020 MLB Draft. The schedule for the draft is as follows:

Wednesday, June 10th- Day 1

7 p.m.- Round 1 and Competitive Balance Round A (picks 1-37) on MLB Network and ESPN.

Thursday, June 11th- Day 2

5 p.m.- Rounds 2-5 on MLB Network and ESPN2.

The draft will look different than ever this year, with just five rounds and 160 total picks. Teams can sign as many un-drafted players as they want, with a cap of $20K for each UDFA.

FSU hasn’t had a first rounder since taken since DJ Stewart in 2015. CJ Van Eyk could change that this year, as he could be picked anywhere from 25-45. Shane Drohan could also make some history for the ‘Noles, being their first LHP drafted in the first five rounds since Sean Gilmartin in 2011. The Seminoles have a few other draft-eligible sophomores that teams could take a look at in the later rounds, including Elijah Cabell and Matheu Nelson.

On the recruiting side, the ‘Noles have two names that could hear their names called. Carson Montgomery is the best prep arm in Florida and will be an intriguing option for teams around the 20-40 pick range. AJ Shaver is a toolsy OF from FL that could be a late riser into the back end of the draft.

For my full preview of the draft, click here.

We will keep you updated in the comments below as the draft progresses and make updates to these articles as FSU players and commits come off the board.

UPDATE, 10:20 PM, 6/10:

No FSU players or commits heard their names called on day one of the draft. Van Eyk and Montgomery can both go early tomorrow, but if Montgomery slides past the 40-45 range, he could be coming to Tallahassee. I’d be very surprised if Van Eyk is not picked very early tomorrow. It will be an active day two, with Drohan also likely to be drafted, somewhere in the third round.

UPDATE, 4:50 PM, 6/11:

There are five teams that I’m looking at that have the resources to take and sign Montgomery in the second. The Tigers (38), Orioles (39), Marlins (40), Mariners (43), and Giants (49) are the picks to watch early. If he gets past those picks, I will be quite confident that the RHP reaches campus.

UPDATE, 5:25 PM, 6/11:

The Seminoles’ ace is off the board! CJ Van Eyk has been taken with the 42nd overall pick in the 2020 MLB draft by the Toronto Blue Jays. The bonus value on his pick is $1.77 million. For more on the pick, click here.

UPDATE, 8:10 PM, 6/11:

FSU’s top commit Carson Montgomery is likely a Seminole. The RHP has not been selected through the first three rounds. With no compensation for not signing players in round 4-5, teams are unlikely to draft players that have signability questions. A team would have to have a deal done with the RHP to take him.

Shane Drohan and OF commit AJ Shaver are likely still in play.

UPDATE, 9:35 PM, 6/11:

Per Tampa Bay Times, CJ Van Eyk has already come to an agreement that is worth more than the $1.77 million slot bonus.

Update, 10:30 PM, 6/11:

Shane Drohan goes to the Red Sox with the 148th overall pick. Raw physical tools outweigh the questions of command and efficiency. True three-pitch mix. Well above average spin rates. Loose, athletic delivery. Lanky frame to keep adding to. For more on Drohan being selected, click here.

Update, 10:45 PM, 6/11:

Despite losing Drohan late, this was still a best case scenario draft for the Seminoles. FSU didn’t lose a single commit. They will bring in a class of 19 players, including their best ever rated pitching recruit in Montgomery. They’ll also add 5-tool OF AJ Shaver, who was rumored to be a high option in the last couple rounds. FSU also kept all of their draft-eligible sophomores and will return their entire starting lineup.

Update, 11:00 PM, 6/11:

Update, 11:05 PM, 6/11:

The draft process isn’t over for a couple FSU seniors. I’d expect both Antonio Velez and Chase Haney to test the UDFA market. Both could get up to $20k. Staying much longer and putting more years on their arms would likely hurt their draft stock and bonus in 2021. The bidding for the UDFA’s start Sunday, we’ll keep you updated here.

Update, 1:00 PM, 6/12:

For people who are skeptical that Carson Montgomery may pursue the JUCO route:

Update, 6:10 PM, 6/14:

Antonio Velez has signed a deal with the Miami Marlins.

Update, 8:48 PM, 6/17

Pitcher Shane Dohan is taking up the Boston Red Sox on its draft offer:

Update, 6:00 PM, 6/18

CJ Van Eyk is officially signed and gets a hair over the bonus slot at pick 42.