Pick 15 – Cleveland Spiders
Selection: CF Torii Hunter
The Cleveland Spiders return to the clock for their second first-round selection, having already secured some much-needed pitching help earlier in the draft. Now, with the opportunity to diversify their rookie class, the focus shifts naturally to the offensive side of the board.
And at Pick 15, the Spiders find themselves in a very clean, very logical spot.
With Marquis Grissom hitting free agency and unlikely to return at full price, Cleveland suddenly has a hole in center field—a position where replacement options don’t exactly grow on trees. Fortunately, the draft offers one standout solution: Torii Hunter, the premier true center fielder available.
Hunter checks every box Cleveland needs checked:
- Nearly filled out and ready to contribute earlier than most prospects
- A balanced offensive profile, flashing meaningful power and enough contact skill to hold down the No. 6 spot in a strong lineup
- Plus defense—15 range in center field—giving the Spiders a legitimate outfield anchor
- A playing style that complements the roster’s mix of high-octane bats and inconsistent depth
Let’s be clear: Cleveland is one of the strangest teams in the league to evaluate. They have big-name talent and big-time production… and yet, there are leaks in the boat. Hunter doesn’t just patch one of those leaks—he stabilizes the entire outfield alignment by allowing the Spiders to be flexible with their corner options.
This is about as “safe” as a pick gets in this range—but don’t let the word fool you. Safe doesn’t mean boring. Safe means smart. Safe means winning baseball.
Torii Hunter at No. 15 is not just a good pick.
It’s the right pick.