SECAUCUS, N.J. — After all the uncertainty surrounding the No. 1 pick, the Philadelphia Phillies think they've got themselves a sure thing.

Mickey Moniak, a high school outfielder from California, was selected first overall by the Phillies in the Major League Baseball draft Thursday night.

Moniak, from La Costa Canyon High School in south Carlsbad, became the first prep outfielder chosen No. 1 since Tampa Bay drafted Delmon Young in 2003. The selection, announced by Commissioner Rob Manfred at MLB Network studios, marked the first time the Phillies led off the draft since they took Miami slugger Pat Burrell in 1998.

“I definitely wouldn't say there's pressure,” the 6-foot-2, 190-pound Moniak said in an interview on MLB Network. “I'm excited to hopefully prove the Phillies right.”

With no consensus No. 1 talent this year, there was plenty of suspense about who the Phillies would grab right up until they officially went on the clock. At least five players were considered to be in the mix for the top spot.

“Collectively, we believe Mickey was the best player available in the draft,” Phillies scouting director Johnny Almaraz said in a statement. “He's a true center fielder with incredible offensive ability and the potential to be a perennial All-Star.”

Tennessee third baseman Nick Senzel went second to Cincinnati, giving the Reds a slugger who might someday provide pop in the middle of their lineup.

“This is the guy we wanted,” Cincinnati scouting director Chris Buckley said. “He's a very polished player, one of the better hitters, if not the best hitter, in the draft.”

Senzel was the Cape Cod League MVP last summer and followed that up with a terrific season for the Volunteers, hitting .352 with eight homers, 59 RBIs and 25 stolen bases.

With the third pick, Atlanta took high school right-hander Ian Anderson, who was in attendance at the draft site.

Will Benson, the other prospect at the draft, didn't have to wait long to hear his name called. The high school outfielder from The Westminster Schools in Georgia went No. 14 overall to Cleveland and said he will “definitely” sign with the Indians rather than go to Duke.