As we creep toward the end of the third round, the draft board starts to look a little more like a bargain bin—plenty of names, fewer real treasures. By the fourth and fifth rounds, most teams are simply looking for depth pieces, organizational fillers, and cheap role players who can plug gaps when injuries strike.
But every draft has its gems buried in the rubble, and this one is no exception. A handful of players still on the board offer intriguing upside—if not as future stars, then as quietly useful contributors who can exceed expectations.
Here are some of my favorite remaining options heading into the draft’s final stretch:
OF Jeff Abbott
Abbott is the kind of imperfect-but-intriguing profile you expect to see here: limited defensively, playable only in left field unless you’re feeling adventurous enough to test those yellow center and right field ratings.
What he does bring is a set of splits against left-handed pitching that make you pause. Is he a full-time starter? No—and you shouldn’t be shopping for one this late anyway. But as a part-time bat who can give you 200 at-bats and chip in legitimate power? Abbott is one of the few remaining players who offers that kind of offensive spark.
3B Russ Johnson
Johnson is the prototypical value pick for this stage. He won’t headline your lineup, but he will give you peace of mind. Yellow defense at two infield spots and the potential to learn shortstop make him a versatile bench tool for any contender.
He’s steady, reliable, and unlikely to embarrass you—qualities that go further than most fans realize once the season grinds into August.
3B Abraham O. Núñez
Núñez fits squarely into the same box as Johnson: not a starter, but an appealing bench stabilizer. He won’t wow anyone with the bat, but he’s a fundamentally sound infielder who helps you sleep better knowing the bench isn’t a wasteland.
Depth wins games in the long haul, and Núñez provides exactly that.
RP Antonio Alfonseca
The “six-finger wonder” is one of the more interesting relievers still available at 24, and with room to fill out physically, he’s a developmental project worth investing in.
His ceiling? Probably the last man in a big-league bullpen.
His value? A legitimate shot at being a useful low-leverage arm—something many teams will be thrilled to get in round four or five.
RP Matt Whisenant
One of the few remaining players with 2.5-star potential, Whisenant is the kind of arm scouts linger on. Two genuinely strong pitches and impressive movement make him one of the more appealing late-round relievers.
So what’s the catch?
Control. Serious control issues. The kind that might have him hitting fans in the stands if things go sideways.
But if a team believes it can straighten out his command, there’s real upside here.
SP Jason Johnson
Rotation depth is always in demand, and Jason Johnson offers exactly that. He still needs to physically mature a bit, but the 2.5-star potential, solid stamina, and projectability make him an easy pick for any organization that needs an emergency starter waiting in the wings.
He may not be flashy, but he’s the type of pitcher who often sneaks into meaningful innings down the stretch of a season.
Final Thoughts
At this stage of the draft, you’re not drafting stars—you’re drafting possibilities. Bench security. Bullpen lottery tickets. Players who need only one thing to break right to become unexpectedly valuable.
Abbott’s bat, Johnson’s versatility, Alfonseca’s frame, Whisenant’s movement, Johnson’s durability—each offers something worth a flier.
Smart teams know the late rounds aren’t about dreaming big; they’re about finding small advantages. And these players fit that mold perfectly.