There was some Canadian content in the first round of the 2018 MLB Draft.
The Cleveland Indians selected 18-year-old Noah Naylor with the 29th pick on Monday, with the Mississauga, Ont., native becoming the third catcher chosen in this year's draft.
With the 29th pick in the 2018 #MLBDraft, we’ve selected high school catcher Noah Naylor of St. Joan of Arc in Ontario. #RallyTogether pic.twitter.com/NX5C5QjpnO
— Cleveland Indians (@Indians) June 5, 2018
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Naylor was the top-ranked Canadian prospect ahead of the draft, and has signed a letter of intent with Texas A&M University. The teenager participated in the High School Home Run Derby as part of the 2017 MLB All-Star Game festivities, making a name for himself when he qualified for the finals.
"We're excited about Noah's bat. He can really hit," Indians director of amateur scouting Scott Barnsby said. "Controls the strike zone. Really good hand-eye. Can drive the ball to all fields. There's power there."
Cheering him on in that event in Miami was older brother Josh, who was drafted 12th overall by the Marlins in 2015 and now plays for San Antonio in Double-A as part of the San Diego Padres organization. The brothers became the first Canadian sibling duo to be drafted in the first round of their respective drafts when Noah was selected by Cleveland on Monday. The younger Naylor credits his older brother with being a key influence on his own career, especially as a shot at the major leagues became closer to reality.
“He’s always kind of told me: ‘Through everything you go through — your highs, your lows — remain humble. This is a very important and fun experience for you, take the most from it,’” Naylor told the Toronto Star prior to the draft. “So that’s what I’ve been trying to do.”