2022 MLB Mock Draft 2.0
Projecting the first two rounds of July's MLB Amateur Draft
With the 2022 MLB Draft just 10 days away, here is my final mock draft, equipped with analysis and players comparisons.
This draft is headlined by a group of prep bats, while the back half of the first round could see a huge run on college pitchers.
While everything is still up in the air, there seems to be a consensus top seven – all position players — with no pitchers expected to go in the top 10.
Round 1
1. Baltimore Orioles- Druw Jones, OF, Wesleyan HS (GA)
The Orioles could decide to go the money-saving route once again, but they’d be wise to change direction this year. Jones is already a polished, complete player with the highest ceiling in the class. With loud tools and strong bloodlines, Jones might be the most exciting prep bat of the last decade. Legitimate five-tool talents don’t come around every day.
Player comparison- George Springer
2. Arizona Diamondbacks- Elijah Green, OF, IMG Academy (FL)
With Jones off the board, the D-backs have to choose between three up-the-middle prep bats— Jackson Holliday, Termarr Johnson and Elijah Green. The IMG Academy product is the draft’s most impressive physical specimen— at 6-foot-3 and 225 pounds, he can still fly around the bases and the outfield. Green has a decent-enough bat to supplement his elite power/speed combination and defensive abilities. Arizona could go under slot here to save money for its selection at 34, but Green’s upside is too great to pass on with the second pick.
Player comparison- Luis Robert
3. Texas Rangers- Jackson Holliday, SS, Stillwater HS (OK)
The biggest riser over the last couple of months, Holliday appears likely to fit somewhere in the top five. Texas invested heavily in the middle infield this offseason, but by the time Holliday is big league-ready, Corey Seager may need to move off of shortstop, anyway. The son of seven-time all-star Matt Holliday shows some of the same traits that made Marcelo Mayer appealing at the top of last year’s draft— an advanced bat with more fluidity and polish than raw athleticism.
Player comparison- Gavin Lux
4. Pittsburgh Pirates- Brooks Lee, SS, Cal Poly
Pittsburgh has targeted high-floor college bats early in the last two drafts, and there’s a great opportunity to continue that trend here. Lee’s hit tool has a case as the best in the class among college bats. He posted an OPS north of 1.000 this season, with nearly double as many walks as strikeouts. He even found his power stroke late in the regular season, with six homers in his final eight games. Lee may have to eventually move off shortstop at the next level, but he should be able to handle second or third base.
Player comparison- Ben Zobrist
5. Washington Nationals- Kevin Parada, C, Georgia Tech
Even with Keibert Ruiz looking like a mainstay behind the dish, Washington should go with the best player available. Parada compares favorably to former Georgia Tech catcher and 2018 second overall pick Joey Bart. Bart had the stronger arm, but Parada’s offensive profile is far superior. He has the potential for double-plus hit and power, and is coming off a 26-homer, 1.162-OPS sophomore campaign.
Player comparison- Jonathan Lucroy
6. Miami Marlins- Termarr Johnson, 2B, Mays HS (GA)
Miami sat back and let Khalil Watson fall into its lap at the 16th pick last year, and would be wise to simply go best player available once again– even with Watson struggling this season. Johnson has good power for his size, but his plate discipline and bat-to-ball skills are what really stand out. His speed and athleticism are limited, but he has soft hands and good defensive actions. Johnson is the last of the top-tier prep bats, and has a decent chance to be off the board before this pick.
Player comparison- Lou Whitaker
7. Chicago Cubs- Cam Collier, 3B, Chipola JC (FL)
Collier has the talent – and buzz – to go in the top five, and he might just land there with a strong showing on the Cape, but we haven’t seen a JuCo player go even top 10 in over a decade. The youngest position player in the draft has a very strong hit/power combination with elite bat speed, giving him some of the highest upside available. He has the arm strength to remain at third base, despite possessing just average range.
Player comparison- Rafael Devers
8. Minnesota Twins- Jace Jung, 2B, Texas Tech
Minnesota is once again expected to target a college power bat in the first round, and Jung is arguably the most productive college hitter in the class, with 39 HR, 147 RBI and an OPS north of 1.100 over his 136-game career. He offers double-plus hit and power with elite plate discipline. Average defensive actions will likely limit him to second base, but he could be capable of filling in at other infield positions in a pinch.
Player comparison- Nolan Gorman
9. Kansas City Royals- Justin Crawford, OF, Bishop Gorman HS (NV)
Kansas City could go the same route it went last year, grabbing an under-slot prep player in the top 10 to save some money for later picks. Crawford, the fourth son of a former big leaguer to come off the board, has elite speed and above-average contact skills with the ability to track down almost anything in center field. While the power has yet to show up, his projectable, 6-foot-3 frame points to average power with some added strength.
Player comparison- Raimel Tapia
10. Colorado Rockies- Jacob Berry, 1B/OF, LSU
Berry possesses some of the best raw power in the class to go along with strong bat-to-ball skills and good plate discipline. The draft-eligible sophomore has performed at a high level in both the Pac-12 and SEC, with an OPS around 1.100 in each of his two seasons. Defensively, his options at the next level are first base, corner outfield and designated hitter, but his bat is potent enough to warrant a top-10 pick, regardless.
Player comparison- Nick Swisher
11. New York Mets- Gavin Cross, OF, Virginia Tech
Cross is athletic and toolsy, with a proven ability to hit for average and power. His plus speed makes him a threat on the bases and gives him a chance to stick at center field– although right field may be more likely. The Mets are rumored to be targeting a prep bat here, but Cross would be tough to pass on should he fall. If one of Minnesota, Kansas City or Colorado is convinced Cross can play center at the next level, he may not make it to the Mets.
Player comparison- Max Kepler
12. Detroit Tigers- Zach Neto, SS, Campbell
Neto has been considered a first rounder all season, but a huge final month and a 7-for-13 showing in the NCAA tournament have catapulted him into the top-15 conversation. He is a well-rounded hitter with good contact skills, decent power and outstanding plate discipline. There is a chance he will have to shift over to second base due to average range, but his soft hands, smooth actions and strong arm should allow him success wherever he ends up defensively.
Player comparison- Mark Loretta
13. Los Angeles Angels- Cooper Hjerpe, LHP, Oregon State
After drafting all pitchers last year, Los Angeles has a good chance to be the first team to grab a pitcher in 2022. With their second pick coming all the way down at 89, it is imperative for the Angels to hit on this selection. Hjerpe employs a funky, deceptive delivery with a low arm slot from the left side, with plus command and control and a deep, polished arsenal. The D1 strikeout leader has a chance to be the first college arm off the board, whether it’s here or to Philadelphia or Atlanta.
Player comparison- Andrew Heaney
14. New York Mets- Brock Porter, RHP, St. Mary’s Prep (MI)
Porter emerged as the consensus top prep arm in the class following Dylan Lesko’s elbow surgery. The Clemson commit has the whole package– a projectable frame, an electric four-pitch mix, plus command and repeatable mechanics. His secondary stuff doesn’t quite compare to that of Lesko or last year’s third overall pick Jackson Jobe, but Porter has all the makings of a No. 2 starter. He won’t be cheap to sign, but Steve Cohen will certainly open the checkbook later this month.
Player comparison- Zack Wheeler
15. San Diego Padres- Jett Williams, SS, Rockwall-Heath HS (TX)
Williams has surprising power despite a very small frame, but it’s his speed and bat-to-ball skills that will intrigue teams on draft day. An organization convinced he can stick at short may even grab him earlier than this, but Williams should be able to handle second base or center field at the next level without a problem.
Player comparison- Jon Berti
16. Cleveland Guardians- Cole Young, SS, North Allegheny HS (PA)
Young is similar to Cleveland’s 2020 first-round pick, Carson Tucker– both are slightly older prep shortstops with good contact skills and speed who could be signed for less than slot value. Young doesn’t have much power, but four average-or-better tools – including an incredibly polished hit tool – is appealing enough to warrant a top-20 selection.
Player comparison- Nicky Lopez
17. Philadelphia Phillies- Gabriel Hughes, RHP, Gonzaga
Hughes has frontline-starter stuff – led by an upper-90s fastball – with plus command and solid control. The Bulldogs’ Friday night pitcher faltered a bit down the stretch, likely due to surpassing his career high in innings all the way back in April, yet he still managed to pitch at least six innings in all 15 of his starts this season. Prep arms – for a third straight year – and college outfielders are in play here, but Dombroswki tends to favor big, powerful arms, and Hughes fits that bill.
Player comparison- Jameson Taillon
18. Cincinnati Reds- Peyton Graham, SS, Oklahoma
Graham is an aggressive hitter with plus speed and above-average power, and improved plate discipline could turn him into one of the top bats in the class. He’s a smooth defender, especially moving to his left, and even if he bulks up and outgrows shortstop, his arm would play well at the hot corner. A fringe first-rounder a month ago, he may have pushed himself firmly into that range with an incredibly strong NCAA tournament. Cincinnati could probably pay him under slot value in order to free up money for pick 32.
Player comparison- Brian Anderson
19. Oakland Athletics- Drew Gilbert, OF, Tennessee
A late-season surge has potentially pushed Gilbert ahead of teammate Jordan Beck, but both should be first-round picks, regardless. Gilbert has excellent plate discipline – he walked more than he struck out this season – is aggressive on the basepaths, covers ground in the outfield and has surprising power for his small frame. He can be a fast mover who can man center field and hit atop the Athletics’ lineup within a couple of years.
Player comparison- Adam Eaton
20. Atlanta Braves- Connor Prielipp, LHP, Alabama
Prielipp was in the discussion for the top pick in this draft after tossing four scoreless outings in the Covid-shortened 2020 season, striking out 35 and allowing just five hits over 21 innings. He suffered a UCL injury after his first start in 2021, however, and he’s only thrown two innings since then– none in 2022. With a devastating fastball/slider combination and plus command, Prielipp has ace potential and could even wind up falling within the top 10, but his lack of track record could also keep him outside the top 30 altogether.
Player comparison- Patrick Sandoval
21. Seattle Mariners- Justin Campbell, RHP, Oklahoma State
Despite a large, six-foot-seven frame and a fastball that touches the upper 90s, Campbell is a high-floor arm with a polished, four-pitch arsenal and plus command and control. While he racked up 141 strikeouts this past season, none of his offerings look like a true out pitch at the next level, and that is likely all that’s keeping him from being the top college arm in the class. After pivoting to a prep bat in the first round last season, Seattle could go back to the college pitcher well this year.
Player comparison- Josh Beckett
22. St. Louis Cardinals- Tucker Toman, 3B, Hammond HS (SC)
Toman projects to hit for average and power from both sides of the plate, with a slightly smoother swing from the left side. His below-average speed limits him to a corner, but he should have enough arm strength for third. St. Louis has focused heavily on prep bats over the last few years, and Toman fits right into the second tier with Crawford, Williams and Young.
Player comparison- Chase Headley
23. Toronto Blue Jays- Chase DeLauter, OF, James Madison
DeLauter came into the season with as much helium as anyone, but a rough opening weekend against Florida State followed and a subsequent broken foot have hampered his draft stock, especially considering he has just 323 plate appearances across three seasons in Harrisonburg. He’s still a good bet to go in the first round, though, thanks to his athleticism, raw power and plate approach– 62 BB, 45 K. Toronto should have its choice of many talented college outfielders.
Player comparison- Jay Bruce
24. Boston Red Sox- Jordan Beck, OF, Tennessee
Beck jumped into potential-top-10 talk midseason, but cooled off a bit down the stretch. He is a great athlete with huge power and a strong arm, and his plate discipline — while still below average — has shown improvements. His hit tool will likely be average at best, but that is more than enough to supplement his other tools. The Red Sox drafted Beck out of high school, and could still have interest in him after a successful career in Knoxville.
Player comparison- Hunter Renfroe
25. New York Yankees- Daniel Susac, C, Arizona
Susac is a big, physical catcher with plus power and a very strong arm. He has produced at a high level since he stepped foot on campus at Arizona, and the draft-eligible sophomore has a chance to land into the top 10 as the second-ranked catcher in the class. Instead, the Yankees, who spent a first-round pick on fellow Arizona catcher Austin Wells just two years ago, get a potential steal here at 25 as a result of questions regarding Susac’s hit tool and the possibility of robo-umps negating the value of pitch-framing.
Player comparison- Tyler Stephenson
26. Chicago White Sox- Blade Tidwell, RHP, Tennessee
Two years after jumping on Tennessee lefty Garrett Crochet, the White Sox turn back to Knoxville. Tidwell flashed his electric stuff – including a fastball that sniffs triple digits and two plus secondaries – after returning late in the season from a shoulder injury. He doesn’t miss as many bats as expected, but his control and command improved from his freshman to his sophomore year. There are reliever concerns, but a full arsenal should provide him a chance to start in pro ball.
Player comparison- Jon Gray
27. Milwaukee Brewers- Thomas Harrington, RHP, Campbell
Milwaukee has gone offense-heavy over the last two years, and its organization has become a bit thin on arms as a result. Harrington has a full, four-pitch repertoire and plus command and control to go along with an athletic, projectable frame and repeatable mechanics. The former walk-on is coming off a fantastic sophomore season that included a dominant showing against Maryland back in February. Even though his conference isn’t the strongest and he stumbled a bit down the stretch, teams in the first round could be willing to take a chance on Harrington’s overall pedigree.
Player comparison- Cal Quantrill
28. Houston Astros- Carson Whisenhunt, LHP, East Carolina
Houston hasn’t selected in the first round since 2019, and its farm system has become depleted as a result. Whisenhunt was one of the favorites to be the first college arm off the board before testing positive for a banned substance and missing the entire 2022 season. Despite struggling in his first three starts on the Cape this summer, Whisenhunt’s athleticism, stuff - including a double-plus changeup – and command could still intrigue teams at the back end of the first round.
Player comparison- Mike Minor
29. Tampa Bay Rays- Eric Brown, SS, Coastal Carolina
Brown has been flying up draft boards and appears to be a good bet to go in the first round. The Coastal Carolina product is a quick-twitch athlete with an unorthodox stance but a fast bat and elite contact skills. He is more well-rounded than toolsy, but he does have some power and speed to offer. He may be able to stick at shortstop, but profiles best at the keystone. Brown is a perfect fit for a Tampa Bay team that is consistently targeting athletic and versatile middle infielders.
Player comparison- Aaron Hill
30. San Francisco Giants- Dylan Beavers, OF, California
Beavers has the potential to come off the board in the top 20 – Oakland is rumored to be very interested in the local kid – but could also fall due to the depth of college outfielders and questions about his hit tool. He has loud offensive tools and a plus arm in the outfield, but his long swing does have plenty of holes. Beavers’ profile is similar to that of Hunter Bishop, whom the Giants drafted early in 2019.
Player comparison- Michael Saunders
Compensatory Round
31. Colorado Rockies- Brandon Barriera, LHP, American Heritage HS (FL)
Barriera’s athleticism, arm speed and effortless delivery stand out in this class. The 6-foot-2 southpaw has excellent command of three above-average offerings, controls the strike zone well and is unafraid to attack hitters. Barriera certainly has a chance to be a top-20 pick, but the way the board shook out here, only one prep arm went in the top 30.
Player comparison- Scott Kazmir
32. Cincinnati Reds- Dylan Lesko, RHP, Buford HS (GA)
Lesko, the consensus top arm in the class before undergoing Tommy John surgery in April, boasts a uniquely advanced feel for pitching. He possesses electric stuff – mid-90s fastball, sharp breaking ball, double-plus fading changeup – and plus command and control, not to mention some of the easiest mechanics you’ll ever see. Cincinnati has a large bonus pool and could sign Lesko away from his Vanderbilt commitment after saving some money with the 18th pick.
Player comparison- Aaron Nola
Competitive Balance Round A
33. Baltimore Orioles- Jud Fabian, OF, Florida
A year after spurning the Red Sox to go back to Florida, Fabian remains the same tooled-up player with flaws. The swing-and-miss issue isn’t going away, but while he struck out 69 times this season, he also drew 62 walks. Fabian is the only player in the country to hit 20 homers in each of the last two seasons, and he also happens to be the best defensive center fielder in the college class. Baltimore was reportedly very interested in Fabian last year, and could get another chance to draft him this month.
Player comparison- AJ Pollock
34. Arizona Diamondbacks- Jackson Ferris, LHP, IMG Academy (FL)
Ferris tops the list of prep arms in terms of projectability, with a lanky, 6-foot-4 frame and promising raw stuff. He has a funky, crossfire delivery that adds deception but also makes his command and control inconsistent. With the second-largest bonus pool, Arizona can double dip into the IMG Academy pool and grab two high-upside players.
Player comparison- Alex Wood
35. Kansas City Royals- Kumar Rocker, RHP, Tri-City
Rocker has impressed in his first five outings in Indy ball, pitching to a 1.35 ERA with 32 strikeouts and four walks over 20 IP. Last year’s 10th overall pick would once again be a top-10 lock with a clean bill of health, but since we don’t have that yet, the competitive balance round is a good spot to gamble on Rocker’s ace-caliber stuff. Kansas City will have to pay up here, but that shouldn’t be a problem after saving money on Crawford.
Player comparison- Brandon Woodruff
36. Pittsburgh Pirates- Jacob Miller, RHP, Liberty Union HS (OH)
Miller is slightly undersized with some effort in his delivery, but his quick arm and raw stuff are very appealing. He can fill up the strike zone with three potentially plus pitches. The Pirates could very likely follow their 2021 philosophy– take an under-slot college bat atop Round 1, then load up on talented prep arms, including Miller, who plays high school ball less than three hours from Pittsburgh.
Player comparison- Griffin Canning
37. Cleveland Guardians- Jonathan Cannon, RHP, Georgia
Cannon has an appealing combination of size, stuff and command, with one of the higher floors of any college pitcher. He has four intriguing pitches, and while he has yet to develop any one into a true out pitch, his changeup is very reliable and his cutter has a ton of promise. The Guardians have a history of following an up-the-middle prep bat with a high-floor college arm, and they have more than dipped their toes into the Georgia player pool over the last few years.
Player comparison- Michael Wacha
38. Colorado Rockies- Landon Sims, RHP, Mississippi State
Arguably the most dominant pitcher in college baseball since the start of the 2021 season, Sims got three chances to prove himself as a starter before undergoing Tommy John surgery in May, punching out 27 batters in 15.2 innings, allowing just two runs in the process. The powerful right-hander has two double-plus pitches – a mid-90s heater and a slider with sharp bite – and can command both while filling up the strike zone. A full season of success as a starter could’ve separated Sims from the pack of college arms, but instead he sits firmly in the middle of a deep crop of guys – many of whom have endured elbow issues – who could go anywhere from 10th overall to 50th.
Player comparison- Jake Arrieta
39. San Diego Padres- Noah Schultz, LHP, Oswego East HS (IL)
A 6-foot-9 lefty with a low arm slot is always going to turn heads, and he has the stuff to back up that deception. His fastball/slider combination is lethal, and while his command and control need work, he has a surprisingly smooth and repeatable delivery. There’s obvious reliever risk, but A.J. Preller has never shied away from upside– of which Schultz has a ton.
Player comparison- AJ Puk
40. Los Angeles Dodgers- Spencer Jones, 1B/OF, Vanderbilt
Jones, one of the biggest prep names in the 2019 draft, was solid-but-unspectacular in his only full season of college ball. The 6-foot-7 prospect offers unique athleticism and immense raw power that he has yet to tap into – he has been a doubles machine at Vanderbilt – but there is considerable swing and miss, particularly against breaking stuff. He is a decent base-stealer and could probably cover enough ground in center field, but first base and right field seem more likely. The Dodgers haven’t dipped into the Vanderbilt talent pool since Jeren Kendall disappointed following the 2017 draft, but Jones’ athleticism and exit velocities could appeal to Andrew Friedman.
Player comparison- Garrett Jones
41. Boston Red Sox- Hunter Barco, LHP, Florida
One of the most famous names coming out of high school three years ago, Barco is a big, pitchability lefty with three above-average pitches and good control of the zone. Despite undergoing Tommy John surgery in May, he should have appeal in the competitive balance round given his high floor and track record of success in the SEC.
Player comparison- Matthew Boyd
Round 2
42. Baltimore Orioles- Peyton Pallette, RHP, Arkansas
Pallette, who hasn’t pitched since May 2021, is one of many college pitchers who have been plagued with elbow injuries. Considered a first-round lock before the injury, the 6-foot-1 righty owns possibly the best curveball in this draft and can paint the corners with a mid-90s fastball.
Player comparison- Jeremy Hellickson
43. Arizona Diamondbacks- Cayden Wallace, 3B/OF, Arkansas
With at least average power and speed, Wallace demonstrated an improved plate approach this season, with more walks and fewer strikeouts than in his freshman campaign. He has proven capable of handling third base, but his arm strength could play better in right field.
Player comparison- Jordan Luplow
44. Pittsburgh Pirates- Jacob Melton, OF, Oregon State
Melton showed off five average-or-better tools in what was his first full season of collegiate baseball. The Pac-12 player of the year is a plus runner with solid raw power, and is capable of handling all three outfield positions.
Player comparison- Will Venable
45. Washington Nationals- Cade Horton, RHP, Oklahoma
Horton was a popular two-way player out of high school in the 2020 draft, but chose to attend Oklahoma, where he lost his freshman season to Tommy John surgery. He didn’t appear back on draft radars until lighting up the NCAA tournament this year with four dominant outings against four top-tier programs. Horton boasts one of the strongest fastball/slider mixes in the country, and could even sneak into the first round despite the limited track record.
Player comparison- Spencer Turnbull
46. Miami Marlins- Robby Snelling, LHP, McQueen HS (NV)
Snelling had some first-round helium last month, and that’s still possible if some team pulls the trigger on an under-slot deal. He’d also be a great fit in the second for a Marlins team that went prep-heavy a year ago, as well. Snelling is a physical, athletic pitcher with a plus fastball/curveball combination and a good feel for the strike zone.
Player comparison- James Paxton
47. Chicago Cubs- Adam Mazur, RHP, Iowa
Mazur offers a very strong three-pitch mix, plus command, good arm action and a projectable frame. The South Dakota State transfer pushed himself into the top two rounds with a very impressive season for the Hawkeyes, during which he tossed more innings than he had in the previous two seasons combined.
Player comparison- Ian Anderson
48. Minnesota Twins- Dalton Rushing, C, Louisville
Rushing is a power-hitting backstop with good plate discipline and excellent on-base skills– he is just the third catcher in the last six seasons with 20 HR and 50 BB in season. He has a strong arm behind the dish, and Minnesota has a good track record of developing catchers’ defensive skills.
Player comparison- Miguel Montero
49. Kansas City Royals- Walter Ford, RHP, Pace HS (FL)
One of the youngest players in this draft after reclassifying, Ford has flashed some of the best raw stuff. His delivery could use some quieting down, but he’s athletic with a quick arm and his fastball already sits in the mid 90s. Ford’s upside can match that of almost anyone in the class, but his inconsistency should keep him out of the first round.
Player comparison- Joe Ryan
50. Colorado Rockies- Cade Doughty, 3B, LSU
Doughty has been a consistent source of production for LSU over the last two seasons, with solid tools across the board to complement plus bat-to-ball skills. He has the versatility to play all over the infield, but profiles well as a third baseman.
Player comparison- Brett Lawrie
51. Detroit Tigers- Owen Murphy, RHP, Riverside Brookfield HS (IL)
Murphy has four pitches that project as better than average, as well as plus command and control. He has a simple, repeatable delivery, but at just 6-foot-1, there isn’t much projection. His floor is relatively high for a prep arm, and his profile is that of a mid-rotation starter.
Player comparison- Anthony DeSclafani
52. New York Mets- Gavin Turley, OF, Hamilton HS (AZ)
Turley has plus power and double-plus speed that plays well both on the bases and in the outfield– he also has the arm for right, if needed. The 6-foot-2 prospect has an aggressive approach that leads to plenty of whiffs, and improved plate discipline would make him one of the more exciting players in the class.
Player comparison- Desmond Jennings
53. San Diego Padres- Brock Jones, OF, Stanford
Jones was a hot name before the season started, but his raw tools remained just that. His athleticism and power potential point to a high ceiling at the plate, and he has the speed and instincts to handle center field. Still, his bat being so far behind that of other college hitters will keep him out of the first round.
Player comparison- Gerardo Parra
54. Cleveland Guardians- Parker Messick, LHP, Florida State
Messick carved up all of Division 1 over the last two years, striking out 270 batters while walking just 41 over that span. His success has come mostly from a deceptive delivery and a willingness to attack hitters in the zone rather than elite raw stuff. Inconsistent fastball command led to plenty of home runs this year, and could prove costly against professional hitters. Still, he fits Cleveland’s mold of accomplished college arms.
Player comparison- Tyler Anderson
55. Cincinnati Reds- Sterlin Thompson, OF, Florida
Thompson’s large frame and propensity for hard contact point to the potential for more over-the-fence power down the road, but his approach is currently more gap-to-gap. He’s played plenty of third base at Florida, but his below-average speed profiles best in right field, where his arm will work well.
Player comparison- Lars Nootbaar
56. Oakland Athletics- Henry Bolte, OF, Palo Alto HS (CA)
Bolte checks two boxes for Oakland– toolsy, young position player from Northern California. His hit tool lags behind his power and speed, but he’s also among the best defensive center fielders in the draft. Even if his bat doesn’t fully come around, Bolte still has a future in the big leagues.
Player comparison- Michael A Taylor
57. Atlanta Braves- Max Wagner, 3B, Clemson
Wagner is coming off a breakout sophomore season in which he crushed 27 homers with an OPS just shy of 1.350– the third-highest mark in Division 1. He offers good plate discipline and plus power, and while his arm strength could play at the hot corner, his limited athleticism may push him across the diamond to first base.
Player comparison- Christian Walker
58. Seattle Mariners- Mikey Romero, SS, Orange Lutheran HS (CA)
Romero is a more polished hitter than most high schoolers, with a good approach and above-average bat-to-ball skills. His tools are relatively quiet, but he has plenty of room for added strength. He has smooth defensive actions and should be capable of handling either middle infield spot despite average range.
Player comparison- Joey Wendle
59. St. Louis Cardinals- Jake Bennett, LHP, Oklahoma
Bennett emerged as one of the best arms in college baseball this season, limiting the longballs that plagued him in 2021 while maintaining an exceptional strikeout-to-walk ratio. He has an extra-large, 6-foot-6 frame with easy mechanics, an established, four-pitch mix and plus command and control. Bennett’s high floor will help get his name called early on Day 2.
Player comparison- Jordan Montgomery
60. Toronto Blue Jays- Cole Phillips, RHP, Boerne HS (TX)
A power pitcher with a fastball that can reach the upper 90s, Phillips may be difficult to pry away from his Arkansas commitment. There’s some reliever risk due to the lack of a third pitch, but his command is good enough to warrant the chance to be a starter.
Player comparison- Nathan Eovaldi
61. New York Yankees- JT Ritchie, RHP, Bainbridge HS (WA)
Ritchie pairs a polished arsenal with impressive control and command. He has a quick arm and an athletic delivery, and there is still some physical projection left. Ritchie is one of the older prep players in the class, and could choose to go to UCLA and be eligible again in two years.
Player comparison- Luke Weaver
62. Chicago White Sox- Ryan Clifford, OF, Pro5 Academy (NC)
Chicago invested heavily in prep hitters early in 2021, and it has a chance to add another talented left-handed bat in Round 2 this year. Clifford is built for power with a smooth swing and good plate discipline. He’s best suited for a corner outfield spot.
Player comparison- Austin Meadows
63. Milwaukee Brewers- Logan Tanner, C, Mississippi State
After a strong sophomore season at the plate, Tanner struggled to find his power stroke in 2022, but still maintained an advanced approach. Defensively, he’s an athletic receiver with a cannon of an arm and a proven ability to handle a pitching staff. Tanner could move quickly and be Milwaukee’s starting backstop within a couple of years.
Player comparison- Devin Mesoraco
64. Houston Astros- Tanner Schobel, SS, Virginia Tech
Schobel led a loaded Virginia Tech offense in HR, RBI and OPS this past season, showing off his ability to hit for both average and power. None of his tools project to be greater than average, but he is a well-rounded player with the hands and athleticism to handle either middle infield spot.
Player comparison- Marco Scutaro
65. Tampa Bay Rays- Tristan Smith, LHP, Boiling Springs HS (SC)
Smith has a sturdy frame with good velocity from the left side and a high-spin curve. He’s command-over-control at the moment, but with a fairly simple crossfire delivery, that control should improve. Smith fits the Rays’ mold of power arms with plus breaking balls.
Player comparison- Danny Duffy
66. San Francisco Giants- Reggie Crawford, LHP, Connecticut
Crawford has just eight innings of college ball under his belt – none in 2022 – but his upside is immeasurable. He has a large, athletic frame with an upper-90s fastball and a slider that has flashed plus. Given his injury history and the lack of a third pitch, Crawford comes with considerable risk, but his ceiling is greater than that of any college arm left on the board. San Francisco has not shied away from northeast college pitchers in the last few years.
Player comparison- Josh Taylor
Competitive Balance Round B
67. Baltimore Orioles- Jackson Cox, RHP, Toutle Lake HS (WA)
Druw Jones will likely set the record for largest signing bonus, but because Baltimore’s bonus pool is so large, it shouldn’t be hamstrung on its later picks. Cox is an athletic righty with a mid-90s fastball and a high-spin curve, and his upside could be appealing to many teams in this range.
Player comparison- Jarrod Parker
68. Minnesota Twins- Jacob Zibin, RHP, TNXL Academy (FL)
The youngest player in this draft, Zibin has a large, projectable frame with a mid-90s fastball. The Canadian-born right-hander needs to refine his command and control, but there is plenty of upside. Minnesota has not been hesitant to draft younger prep players in the past.
Player comparison- Trevor Williams
69. Oakland Athletics- Drew Thorpe, RHP, Cal Poly
Thorpe is a big, projectable right-hander with promising secondary stuff, including one of the best changeups in the class. His fastball command is shaky and he needs to add some more velocity, but those areas can be addressed with a professional development team.
Player comparison- Nick Tropeano
70. Tampa Bay Rays- Trystan Vrieling, RHP, Gonzaga
With a big frame, a clean delivery and four established pitches, Vrieling has all the pieces to become a big-league starter– just not the track record. Walks were his downfall in 2022, but with only one season of starting experience, he offers a lot of untapped talent.
Player comparison- James Kaprielian
71. Tampa Bay Rays- William Kempner, RHP, Gonzaga
Let’s double dip into the Gonzaga pitching pool. Kempner is a power pitcher who can hit triple digits from a low arm slot and adds in a plus changeup. He’s a definite reliever whose command and control need work, but there’s plenty of appeal late in Round 2.
Player comparison- Cam Bedrosian
72. Milwaukee Brewers- Ivan Melendez, 1B, Texas
Not only did Melendez lead all of Division 1 in HR, RBI and SLG, but his 32 homers are the most in a single season in the BBCOR era (since 2011). His double-plus power is accompanied by good plate discipline, although he could struggle to catch up to higher velocity at the next level. He’s a below-average athlete who is limited to first base, and could even be forced into a full-time DH role. Melendez’s bat is appealing enough for the top three rounds.
Player comparison- Darin Ruf
73. Cincinnati Reds- Brandon Sproat, RHP, Florida
Sproat impressed in his first season as a starter for the Gators, posting a 3.41 ERA with improved strikeout and walk rates. He does come with reliever risk due to shaky command, but his raw stuff provides enough upside to generate interest late in the second round.
Player comparison- Matt Garza
74. Seattle Mariners- Robert Moore, 2B, Arkansas
Like fellow Arkansas infielder Casey Martin, Moore had trouble replicating his early-career success in his draft-eligible season. Still, the son of Kansas City GM Dayton Moore has a lot to offer, with excellent bat speed, baserunning skills, soft hands, smooth defensive actions and elite intangibles. If he can become a bit less aggressive at the plate, Moore could still become the player many expected a year ago.
Player comparison- Tommy Edman