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The past two drafts saw very little drama at the top, with Stephen Strasburg and Bryce Harper both obvious No. 1 selections before playing the first games of their draft-eligible seasons. We are back to normal this year with no consensus top pick, but the abnormal part is the flood of candidates to take that spot, with one leading name but several others fighting to wrest the crown from his head and hear the Pittsburgh Pirates call their name instead.

The favorite

If you want a college performer who projects to hit, hit for power and play plus defense at a skill position, Rendon is your man, and most teams drafting first would prefer to have a star college position player there for the taking. He's extremely patient with the type of pitch recognition that should put him on the fast track through the minors, and has now ability in hitting and power. He's a third baseman with good hands, actions, and arm strength. Teams picking first want ceiling but also want some certainty that they won't get a zero return on their investment, and Rendon has the best mix of both in this draft.

He's not without his flaws as a potential No. 1 pick, however.

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