Who will be the No. 1 pick in the 2023 MLB Draft? Sportsnaut’s latest 2023 MLB mock draft 2023 dives into the best prospects available this year, with many names who will help shape the future of Major League Baseball in the years to come.
The first MLB Draft lottery provided a few surprises that shook up the order in Round 1. For the second time in three years, the Pittsburgh Pirates hold the No. 1 pick in the 2023 MLB Draft after jumping ahead of the Washington Nationals and Oakland Athletics in the lottery. We also saw the Minnesota Twins (No. 13 to No. 5) and Texas Rangers (No. 7 to No. 4) skyrocket in the draft order.
While there are plenty of exciting MLB games today, baseball fans are also excited for the upcoming 2023 MLB Draft. The arrival of July brings a new edition of our latest MLB mock draft 2023. Let’s dive right in.
MLB mock draft 2023: Pirates take Wyatt Langford
1. Pittsburgh Pirates: Wyatt Langford, OF, Florida
- Wyatt Langford stats (2023): .373/.498/.785, 1.282 OPS, 21 home runs, 57 RBI
Where there’s smoke, there’s typically fire. The combination of reports on the Pittsburgh Pirates’ interest in Florida Gators outfielder Wyatt Langford and the leaked Dylan Crews’ asking price is revealing. The Pirates have a $16.185 million bonus pool and Crews would reportedly want $10 million of that. With four top-75 picks in a deep 2023 MLB Draft class, Pittsburgh could easily draft Wyatt Langford to a below-slot deal. It means passing on the best player in the class, but the Pirates might view it as the best way to have the strongest draft class.
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Wyatt Langford might be just a tier below Crews long-term, but the Florida Gators outfielder was one of the best players in the country this season. The right-handed outfielder received 60-plus grades from MLB.com for his hit tool and power. At his peak, Langford might be a below-average corner outfielder defensively, but he could hit at an All-Star level.
2. Washington Nationals: Paul Skenes, RHP, LSU
- Paul Skenes stats (2023): 1.69 ERA, 209 Ks, 0.75 WHIP in 122.2 innings pitched, 15.3 K/9
This is a dream scenario for the Washington Nationals and it appears increasingly likely to happen in the 2023 MLB Draft. With the Pirates passing on Dylan Crews and Paul Skenes, Washington gets its choice between the LSU stars. While there’s no wrong answer here, Skenes seems light the type of player who is No. 1 on Washington’s board.
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Skenes’ electric fastball-slider combo can help him become a perennial 200-strikeout pitcher in the majors, providing him with the upside of an ace. He’s also incredibly advanced for a college pitcher, meaning a rapid acceleration to reach the majors. The Nationals drafted Stephen Strasburg with the No. 1 pick in the 2009 MLB Draft and he made his MLB debut on June 8, 2010. Skenes is arguably the best pitching prospect since Strasburg and his ETA could be 2024.
3. Detroit Tigers: Dylan Crews, OF, LSU
- Dylan Crews stats (2023): .425/.567/.517, 18 home runs, 70 RBI, 1.280 OPS
The Detroit Tigers will be celebrating like they just won the World Series if this happens on draft day. Having Dylan Crews fall to the third pick in the 2023 MLB Draft would be the best thing to happen to the Tigers this year, including the no-hitter.
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The 2023 Golden Spikes Award winner, Crews decimated baseballs this entire season with a spectacular 1.280 OPS and a .567 OBP. Only 21 years old, Crews is the best hitter in the draft class and he brings above-average power and speed. He won’t win a Gold Glove Award in center field, but Crews’ ceiling is a perennial All-Star and he could eventually become one of the best players in baseball. That’s worth a $10 million signing bonus.
4. Texas Rangers: Max Clark, OF, Franklin HS (Indiana)
It’s a toss-up between Max Clark and Walker Jenkins, but the nod goes to the left-handed hitter who might offer the highest upside. Clark, age 18, is an outstanding athlete with MLB.com grading his speed (70), hit tool (60), arm strength (65) and fielding (60) at an All-Star ceiling. It’s really the athleticism that makes him an ideal fit for the Texas Rangers. A strong signing bonus is needed to pull him away from the Vanderbilt commitment, but Texas can make it happen and he’s a bet for upside by a team that is willing to take calculated risks.
5. Minnesota Twins: Jacob Gonzalez, SS, Mississippi
- Jacob Gonzalez stats (2023): .327/.435/.564, .999 OPS, 10 home runs, 51 RBI, 18 doubles
Both MLB.com and The Athletic’s Keith Law have reported the noise around the league that the Minnesota Twins are quite high on Jacob Gonzalez. He’s not a typical top-10 pick for Minnesota in a 2023 MLB mock draft, but there’s a level of appeal to a safe bet at shortstop. Gonzalez projects as an above-average hitter with plus power relative to his position and offers great instincts at the plate and at short. Plus, he could make the fastest MLB debut of anyone in this class.
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6. Oakland Athletics: Rhett Lowder, RHP, Wake Forest
- Rhett Lowder stats (2023): 1.87 ERA, 143 Ks in 120.1 innings, 0.95 WHIP, 6.7 H/9, 10.7 K/9
The Oakland Athletics emphasized acquiring pitching at the MLB trade deadline last year and the results thus far aren’t inspiring. Everything about how this front office is approaching roster-building points to run prevention, which makes Rhett Lowder the target. The 6-foot-2 righty brings an outstanding changeup to the table, complementing his mid-90s fastball nicely. If the third pitch (slider) can become above-average, the Athletics will have a front-line starter by the 2026 season.
7. Cincinnati Reds: Walker Jenkins, OF, South Brunswick HS (NC)
The slide for Walker Jenkins ends in our 2023 MLB mock draft with the Cincinnati Reds taking him off the board. Jenkins, age 18, is arguably the best high school prospect in the class and he brings a very well-rounded skillset with above-average tools across the board. Cincinnati’s outfield needs some long-term reinforcements and Jenkins would also shine defensively in right field, too. While Langford is years away, we’d be looking at a lineup in Cincinnati with Elly De La Cruz, Jonathan India, Matt McClain, Cam Collier and Noelvi Marte.
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8. Kansas City Royals: Kyle Teel, C, Virginia
- Kyle Teel stats (2023): .407/.475/.655, 1.130 OPS, 13 home runs, 69 RBI, 32/36 BB/K
The Kansas City Royals are making plans for a future without Salvador Perez but there isn’t a catching prospect in the system who could reasonably be bet on to become the franchise guy. All of that changes with Kyle Teel. The 6-foot-1 backstop has the eye, bat speed and hit tool to be one of the best hitting catchers in MLB and he’ll be a high-end option defensively if he hits his ceiling. Catchers can have a longer path to reaching the majors, but the Royals can be patient.
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9. Colorado Rockies: Chase Dollander, RHP, Tennessee
- Chase Dollander stats (career): 3.73 ERA, 292 Ks in 217 innings, 1.16 WHIP, 12.1 K/9
Chase Dollander was viewed as one of the top prospects in the 2023 MLB Draft before the season. Unfortunately, the 6-foot-2 righty struggled this year with the Tennessee Volunteers. He posted a 4.96 ERA and 1.27 WHIP across 89 innings, with his ability to miss bats and command the strike zone disappearing. The upside for the Colorado Rockies is a No. 1 starter, but refining his command and figuring out what caused the disastrous 2023 campaign will be crucial for a pitcher who would eventually call Coors Field home.
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10. Miami Marlins: Jacob Wilson, SS, Grand Canyon
- Jacob Wilson stats (2023): .412/.461/.635, 1.096 OPS, 61 RBI, 19/5 BB/K
Luis Arraez is one of the biggest reasons for the Miami Marlins’ success in 2023 and there are some similarities to Jacob Wilson. While he played at a small school, Wilson struck out in just 2.4 percent of his plate appearances across his final 492 plate appearances from 2022-’23 with Grand Canyon. He’ll consistently hit for contact, with intangibles and fielding ability to potentially stick at shortstop. Wilson has one of the highest floors in the 2023 MLB Draft.
2023 MLB mock draft: Red Sox snag C, Rays get prep arm
11. Los Angeles Angels: Brayden Taylor, 3B, TCU
- Brayden Taylor stats (2023: .308/.430/.631, 1.061, 23 home runs, 70 RBI, 14 steals
The Los Angeles Angels could go in a wide array of directions here, potentially taking one of the sliding high school talents. However, Brayden Taylor’s left-handed swing and his ability to consistently drive the ball with high average exit velos is extremely enticing. The 21-year-old projects to be average defensively at the hot corner, but his work with the bat can make him an above-average everyday player for the majority of his MLB career.
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12. Arizona Diamondbacks: Aidan Miller, 3B, Mitchell HS (Florida)
Aidan Miller missed out on an opportunity to push for top-10 pick status this year because of a broken hamate bone. Typically, it would wipe out his senior season and even limit his power in showcases leading up to the 2023 MLB Draft. However, the positive reporters on Miller’s power during workouts (The Athletic) bodes well for his draft stock. Profiling as an above-average third baseman with a ton of pop, Miller’s a nice long-term gamble for the Arizona Diamondbacks.
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13. Chicago Cubs: Arjun Nimmala, SS, Strawberry Crest HS (Florida)
Arjun Nimmala won’t turn 18 years old until October, but he offers one of the highest ceilings in the 2023 MLB Draft. The 6-foot-1 infielder offers above-average raw tools across the board, but his baseball skills are unrefined and undisciplined. The Chicago Cubs would need to give him significant time to develop, but the long-term upside is worth the risk at this point in the draft.
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14. Boston Red Sox: Blake Mitchell, C, Sinton HS (Texas)
On talent alone, Blake Mitchell might be worth a top-10 selection in the 2023 MLB Draft. However, teams can cite plenty of examples that explain their caution with high school catchers. The Boston Red Sox will like the bat speed and elite arm strength behind the plate all with a left-handed swing is a combo that can’t be passed up here. Of course, it also means the fans will be waiting years before he has any shot at making his MLB debut.
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15. Chicago White Sox: Hurston Waldrep, RHP, Florida
- Hurston Waldrep stats (2023): 4.16 ERA, 1.4 WHIP, 156 Ks in 101.1 innings, 13.8 K/9
The Chicago White Sox are in desperate need of pitching at every level of the organization. Hurston Waldrep didn’t meet expectations in 2023, allowing 7.5 hits and 1.1 home runs per 9 innings. However, the stuff is legitimate and college pitchers with three plus-pitches merit a top-15 pick, especially if the White Sox are confident they can iron out Waldrep’s command.
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16. San Francisco Giants: Enrique Bradfield, OF, Vanderbilt
- Enrique Bradfield stats (2023): .279/.410/.429, .839 OPS, 13 doubles, 37 steals
After hitting over .300 in his first two seasons at Vanderbilt, Enrique Bradfield took a step back in 2023. However, Bradfield has displayed more power in the last two seasons despite his small frame (170 pounds). While Bradfield doesn’t offer the San Francisco Giants a ton of upside, he brings elite speed and could be a Gold Glove candidate in the outfield at his peak. As long as you put power hitters around him, Bradfield can be a productive player in the lineup and he’s lightning on the bases.
17. Baltimore Orioles: Colin Houck, SS, Parkview HS (Georgia)
The slide for one of the top high school talents in the 2023 MLB Draft ends here. Houck, who was also a three-star football recruit at quarterback, definitely has the arm strength to stick at shortstop, but he might be better suited to play third base in the majors. At the plate, the 18-year-old has average to above-average tools that could make him a tier below an All-Star hitter, but he’ll bring excellent defense if he transitions to third.
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18. Milwaukee Brewers: Matt Shaw, IF, Maryland
- Matt Shaw stats (2023): .341/.445/.697, 1.142 OPS, 24 home runs, 18 steals
The Milwaukee Brewers love college hitters and Matt Shaw is one of the best in the class. While he’s not a shortstop long-term, potentially decreasing his value slightly, he posted a stellar 95/124 BB/K ratio across 822 plate appearances in three seasons at Maryland. A disciplined hitter with above-average power for his position and plus speed, he could be an excellent second baseman in Milwaukee.
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19. Tampa Bay Rays: Noble Meyer, RHP, Jesuit HS (Oregon)
Standing at 6-foot-5, Noble Meyer has all the tools to become a front-line starter in a playoff rotation if he develops. The 18-year-old can hit triple digits and sits in the mid-90s and that could tick up as he works with pro coaches. Throw in a slider that could become a top-end strikeout pitch with an intriguing changeup, everything is here for an MLB club to work with. However, high school pitchers are a massive risk with low returns but the Tampa Bay Rays are one of the teams we’d absolutely trust with Meyer.
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20. Toronto Blue Jays: Tommy Troy, IF, Stanford
- Tommy Troy stats (2023): .394/.478/.699, 1.177 OPS, 17 home runs, 17 steals
Tommy Troy was one of the best hitters in the nation this past season, improving upon the .339 batting average he posted a year ago. The 5-foot-10 infielder doesn’t protect to be much of a power hitter if he reaches the majors, but few are better than the 21-year-old at putting the ball in play and Troy’s plus speed helps complement that skill beautifully. Plus, he could eventually play multiple positions for the Toronto Blue Jays.
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2023 MLB mock draft 2023: Projections for Yankees, Padres
21. St. Louis Cardinals: Nolan Schanuel, 1B, FAU
- Nolan Schanuel stats (2023): .447/.615/.868, 1.483 OPS, 19 home runs, 71/14 BB/K, 64 RBI
Nolan Schanuel is coming off a 2023 season that is only rivaled by Dylan Crews, the No. 1 prospect in the 2023 MLB Draft. Schanuel, a 6-foot-4 slugger, has always been a patient hitter at the plate with more walks than strikeouts in each of his three seasons at FAU. Profiling defensively to the corner outfield or first base, Schanuel’s left-handed swing generates more than enough pop and his plate discipline helps make him an above-average hitter as a prospect. Long-term, he could be the St. Louis Cardinals’ first baseman of the future.
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22. Seattle Mariners: Yohandy Morales, 3B, Miami
- Yohandy Morales stats (2023): .408/.475/.713, 1.187 OPS, 20 home runs, 70 RBI
If the Seattle Mariners are focused on college hitters, Yohandy Morales is easily the best available at this point. Miami’s 6-foot-4 third baseman packs immense power in his frame and it could allow him to be a 30-homer guy in the majors. However, there’s also a lot of swing-and-miss, which even some typical college starters were able to exploit. He’ll be a corner infielder who is largely carried by his bat and the Seattle Mariners will just hope they can fix the holes in his swing.
23. Cleveland Guardians: Colt Emerson, IF, Glenn HS (Ohio)
As we get into the later picks in Round 1 of our MLB mock draft, more high school bats are coming off the board. Colt Emerson had a pre-draft workout with the Cleveland Guardians and he checks a lot of the boxes (advanced hitter, great bat speed) that the Guardians’ front office likes. Turning 18 in July, the 6-foot-1 shortstop will need several years in the minors, but he could develop at a faster rate than some of his peers.
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24. Atlanta Braves: Bryce Eldridge, RHP/OF, James Madison HS (Virginia)
Standing at 6-foot-7, Bryce Eldridge is one of the tallest players in the 2023 MLB Draft and his profile becomes even more intriguing as a two-way player. There’s not as much to love when he’s on the mound, sitting in the low-90s with three pitches that don’t project to be ‘plus’. However, there’s a lot of projectable power at the plate and his arm strength makes him a perfect fit for the corner outfield.
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25. San Diego Padres: Dillon Head, OF, Homewood-Flossmoor HS (Illinois)
The San Diego Padres would certainly love someone like Enrique Bradfield Jr. to fall, but that seems a bit unlikely. So, San Diego settles on the outfielder who could be just as intriguing long-term. Coming out of high school, Dillon Head tops the scales with 80-grade speed and its used efficiently on the base paths and in center field. He might not be as good of a hitter as Bradfield Jr, but there’s a bit more power upside.
26. New York Yankees: Tai Peete, SS, Trinity Christian HS (Georgia)
Reports from both MLB.com and The Athletic have connected the New York Yankees to a lot of the shortstops in the 2023 MLB Draft. In this spot, New York snags Tai Peete. A 6-foot-2, left-handed hitter, Peete (age 17) is one of the youngest players in the 2023 MLB Draft. Unsurprisingly, he’s far from refined at the plate with his best traits being his outstanding athleticism and even better bat speed. While Peete might be better off following through on his commitment to Georgia Tech, this is a worthy gamble for New York because of Pete’s high ceiling.
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27. Philadelphia Phillies: Ty Floyd, RHP, LSU
Ty Floyd went on a tear in the College World Series, doing more than enough to put himself in the Round 1 conversation. The Philadelphia Phillies have leaned on high school arms heavily with their top picks in recent draft classes, but Floyd could have an accelerated path to the majors as a hard-throwing reliever or Philadelphia could take it slow and help him develop secondary pitches.
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28. Houston Astros: Chase Davis, OF, Arizona
The Houston Astros need left-handed hitters now and in the future. Chase Davis won’t be able to help immediately, but the 6-foot-1 outfielder has immense pop in his bat for a center fielder and it’s still above-average if he has to transition to left field.
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2023 MLB mock draft — Supplemental Round
- 29. Seattle Mariners: Jonny Farmelo, OF, Westfield HS (Virginia)
- 30. Seattle Mariners: Sammy Stafura, SS, Panas HS (New York)
- 31. Tampa Bay Rays: Charles Soto, RHP, Reborn Christian Academy HS (Florida)
- 32. New York Mets: Brock Wilken, 3B, Wake Forest
- 33. Milwaukee Brewers: Thomas White, LHP, Phillips Academy HS (Massachusetts)
- 34. Minnesota Twins: George Lombardi Jr, SS, Gulliver Prep HS (Florida)
- 35. Miami Marlins: Jack Hurley, OF, Virginia Tech
- 36. Los Angeles Dodgers: Cameron Johnson, LHP, IMG Academy (Florida)
- 37. Detroit Tigers: Walker Martin, SS, Eaton HS (Colorado)
- 38. Cincinnati Reds: Cole Schoenwetter, RHP, San Marcos HS (California)
- 39. Oakland Athletics: Jake Gelof, 3B, Virginia
2023 MLB Draft order – Round 2
- 40. Washington Nationals: Joe Whitman, LHP, Kent State
- 41. Oakland Athletics: Ralph Velasquez, C/1B, Huntington Beach HS (California)
- 42. Pittsburgh Pirates: Adrian Santana, SS, Doral Academy HS (Florida)
- 43. Cincinnati Reds: Blake Wolters, RHP, Mahomet-Seymour HS (Illinois)
- 44. Kansas City Royals: Brandon Sproat, RHP, Florida
- 45. Detroit Tigers: Steven Echavarria, RHP, Millburn HS (New Jersey)
- 46. Colorado Rockies: Colton Ledbetter, OF, Mississippi State
- 47. Miami Marlins: Aidan Smith, OF, Lovejoy HS (Texas)
- 48. Arizona Diamondbacks: Tanner Witt, RHP, Texas
- 49. Minnesota Twins: Liam Peterson, RHP, Calvary Christian HS (Florida)
- 50. Boston Red Sox: Alonzo Tredwell, RHP, UCLA
- 51. Chicago White Sox: Zane Adams, LHP, Porter HS (Texas)
- 52. San Francisco Giants: Juaron Watts-Brown, RHP, Oklahoma State
- 53. Baltimore Orioles: Will Gasparino, OF, Harvard-Westlake HS (California)
- 54. Milwaukee Brewers: Gino Groover, 3B, N.C. State
- 55. Tampa Bay Rays: Cole Carrig, SS/C/OF, San Diego State
- 56. New York Mets: Grayson Hitt, LHP, Alabama
- 57. Seattle Mariners: Cooper Pratt, SS, Magnolia Heights HS (Mississippi)
- 58. Cleveland Guardians: Travis Sykora, RHP, Round Rock HS (Texas)
- 59. Atlanta Braves: Kevin McGonigle, IF, Monsignor Bonner HS (Pennsylvania)
- 60. Los Angeles Dodgers: Hunter Owen, LHP, Vanderbilt
- 61. Houston Astros: Maui Ahuna, SS, Tennessee
2023 MLB Draft order – Competitive Balance Round B
- 62. Cleveland Guardians: Kendall George, OF, Atascocita HS (Texas)
- 63. Baltimore Orioles: Cade Kuehler, RHP, Campbell
- 64. Arizona Diamondbacks: Quinn Mathews, LHP, Stanford
- 65. Colorado Rockies: Jake Brown, LHP, Sulphur HS (Louisiana)
- 66. Kansas City Royals: Brandon Winokur, Edison HS (California)
- 67. Pittsburgh Pirates: Joey Volchko, RHP, Redwood HS (California)
MLB Draft order 2023 -Compensation picks
- 68. Chicago Cubs: Brice Matthews, SS, Nebraska
- 69. San Francisco Giants: Nazzan Zanetello, SS, Christian Brothers HS (Missouri)
- 70. Atlanta Braves: Landen Maroudis, RHP, Calvary Christian HS (Florida)
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2023 MLB Draft FAQ
Do the Mets have a first round pick in 2023?
The New York Mets don’t have a first round pick in the 2023 MLB Draft. New York dropped 10 spots in the 2023 MLB Draft order because they surpassed the competitive balance ta threshold by more than $40 million.
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When is the 2023 MLB Draft?
The 2023 MLB Draft will be held in July 2023, but Major League Baseball hasn’t set an official date. It will be held in Seattle, Washington, which also hosts the 2023 MLB All-Star Game. Fans can watch the 2023 MLB Draft on ESPN and MLB Network
Where is the 2023 MLB Draft?
The 2023 MLB Draft is being held in Seattle, Washington, the same location as the 2023 MLB All-Star Game. It’s also the first time the top picks were determined by a draft lottery.
How many rounds in the 2023 MLB Draft?
There are 20 rounds in the 2023 MLB Draft and 614 total players will be selected. There are 39 picks in the first round, which includes the competitive balance round.
Who has the first pick in the MLB Draft 2023?
The Pittsburgh Pirates have the first pick in the 2023 MLB Draft, the second time in three years they’ve had the No. 1 overall pick in the MLB Draft. Last time, Pittsburgh took catcher Henry Davis with the first pick in the 2021 MLB Draft.
Who are the top players in the 2023 MLB Draft?
LSU Tigers outfielder Dylan Crews and starting pitcher Paul Skenes along with Florida Gators outfielder Wyatt Langford and high school outfielders Max Clark and Walker Jenkins are the top players in the 2023 MLB Draft.
What days are the 2023 MLB Draft?
The 2023 MLB Draft begins on July 11 and it ends on July 13.
- July 11: Rounds 1-2
- July 12: Rounds 3-10
- July 13: Round 11-20