Every year, I have a habit of trying to predict who Baseball America will choose for their Draft Report Cards in the autumn. However, this year presented a small challenge as I took a break of nearly two months from writing. So, when the article came out in late October, I was unfortunately not in a position to make those predictions.

Today's Picks: Ex Post Facto Awards

Best Hitter, Best Power, Closest to the Majors, Best Pro Debut

Cam Smith truly stands out in my selections for these four superlatives. His debut season was one of the most captivating since Kris Bryant's. In Myrtle Beach, he relentlessly smashed the ball and continued to hit his way to Tennessee. With an OBP of.396 and an OPS of 1.005, he hit an impressive 7 dingers in just 115 ABs. It was truly outstanding! This made it relatively easy for me to pick him for four out of the 11 categories.In his journey, Smith demonstrated exceptional hitting skills and a potential to reach the majors soon. His performance was a sight to behold and set him apart from the rest.

Fastest Runner

Just by watching the videos right after the draft, it was a tough call between Cruz and Southisene. But I am inclined to go with Southisene as he seems to have the energy of an Energizer Bunny on steroids. His speed on the field is something that catches the eye and gives him an edge in certain situations.

Best Defensive Player

On Draft Day, it was evident that catcher Ariel Armas was selected mainly for his defense and leadership rather than his emerging bat. His ability to handle the ball and make crucial defensive plays makes him a standout in this aspect. His presence behind the plate provides stability and adds value to the team.

Best Fastball

Selecting the best fastball was a difficult task due to the lack of drafted pitchers playing. But based on the available data, I would choose Ben Johnson. His fastball has the potential to strike out batters and create chaos on the mound. His pitching skills and the power of his fastball make him a strong contender in this category.

Best Secondary Pitch

People have been raving about Daniel Avitia's off-speed stuff ever since high school. His changeup is a weapon that can deceive batters and give him an advantage. His ability to mix different pitches and keep hitters off balance is what makes his secondary pitch so special.

Best Athlete

Ronny Cruz might be one of the most promising athletes in the next 2-3 years. He possesses size, strength, and a raw physicality that I adore in a prospect. His athleticism allows him to excel in various aspects of the game and gives him the potential to become a star.

Most Intriguing Background

For me, Mathis is the most intriguing player. As a former 2-way player for Charleston, he showed great potential on the mound as a sophomore, hitting 96 mph. But last year, he was shifted to hitting and performed exceptionally well. His versatility is something that intrigues me. With him not playing after signing, there is an air of mystery surrounding him.

Best Day 3 Pick

Oh, it's clearly Lovich all the way. He is like a Christian Yelich clone and was a great acquisition for the Cubs. I also have a soft spot for Avitia and Mangus. Their potential and the value they bring to the team make them stand out in this category.So, how accurate were my picks compared to Baseball America's? Out of the 11 categories, we agreed on 7. The areas where we differed were mainly in the picks for best day 3 pick and the pitches. Baseball America chose Avitia for best day 3 pick, while I went with Lovich. And in terms of pitches, they went with Brooks Caple's fastball and Ryan Gallagher's slider, which were the hardest categories for me to pick without seeing them live. In 2025, I am excited to get the chance to see some of these players in action in South Bend in four months. Overall, a 64% agreement is not bad considering the limited viewing opportunities.