The Arizona Diamondbacks began Day 2 of the 2021 MLB Draft on Monday by doubling down and drafting their second shortstop in two picks, Auburn’s Ryan Bliss, at 42nd overall.
It comes after the D-backs drafted high school shortstop Jordan Lawlar with the sixth overall selection on Sunday night.
Bliss ranked 70th on MLB.com’s list of the top draft prospects this year.
Though he’s just 5-foot-9 and 165 pounds, Bliss is strong for his size and has quality hand-eye coordination. He has added some loft to what had been a relatively flat right-handed stroke and he uses a big leg kick to make the most of his modest raw power. His swing doesn’t always look pretty but he has a knack for barreling the ball and generates a lot of hard contact.
A solid runner, Bliss has good hands and instincts on defense. He covers ground at shortstop and tries to compensate for fringy arm strength with a quick release, but he’ll likely move to second base in pro ball. He has the tools to become a plus defender at the keystone.
Bliss averaged .365 and recorded 77 hits (team high), 15 home runs and 45 RBIs in 2021.
A full look at the team’s draft choices so far:
This article will be updated throughout the MLB Draft
Arizona Diamondbacks 2021 MLB Draft picks
Round 1 (pick No. 6): Jordan Lawler, SS, Jesuit College Prep HS (Texas)
Round 2 (pick No. 42): Ryan Bliss, SS, Auburn
Round 3 (pick No. 77): Jacob Steinmetz, RHP, ELEV8 Baseball Academy (Fla.)
Round 4 (pick No. 107): Chad Patrick, RHP, Purdue University Northwest
Round 5 (pick No. 138): Caleb Roberts, C, North Carolina
Round 6 (pick No. 168): Luke Albright, RHP, Kent State
Round 7 (pick No. 198): Scott Randall, RHP, Sacramento State
Round 8 (pick No. 228): Gavin Conticello, 3B, Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School (Fla.)
Round 9 (pick No. 258): Jake Rice, LHP, Kennesaw State (Ga.)
Round 10 (pick No. 288): High Fisher, LHP, Vanderbilt