On Sunday, the Baltimore Orioles are set to make the first overall pick in the 2022 MLB Draft in what’s set to be an intriguing class. This group of players has caught everyone’s eye with it being a strong and deep class of hitters. Set the follow the Orioles pick will be the Arizona Diamondbacks, Texas Rangers, Pittsburgh Pirates, and Washington Nationals. With the first and second rounds beginning tomorrow night at 7ET and the rest continuing on Monday and Tuesday, here’s a closer look at what to expect heading into the mid-season event.
Top 2022 MLB Draft Prospects
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Druw Jones (Outfield; Wesleyan High School, Georgia)
Many view Druw Jones, the son of 10-time Gold Glover Andruw Jones, as the best overall prospect in the 2022 MLB Draft. He has a lot of potential in his game, which includes a rare five-tool skill set of offense, defense, and speed. The 6-foot-3 outfielder has impressive power to go along with being able to hit for average. His speed and throwing ability make him one of the best if not the best defender in the draft. All of this to go along with his high baseball IQ and athletic ability is a great combination to be the number one overall pick.
The O’s pick No. 1 on Sunday night and Druw Jones is considered the top prospect in the MLB Draft class.@Tim_Leonard4 breaks down what makes @jones_druw such a special talent. pic.twitter.com/fSsh0fzXo3
— Orioles on MASN (@masnOrioles) July 15, 2022
2. Jackson Holliday (Shortstop; Stillwater High School, Oklahoma)
Jackson Holliday projects as a top three pick, possibly even number one overall. The most impressive thing about him is his bat. Holliday can do a lot of harm to the opponent with his raw power but he has also learned to stay back on pitches, allowing him to spray the ball to all fields. While he is known as an offensive juggernaut, like his father Matt Holliday, he has upside on the defensive side as well. Holliday’s arm strength is one of the best in the 2022 MLB Draft. Combine that with his instincts and overall sense at the shortstop position, you have a desirable pick that’s just going to keep improving on his road to the show.
3. Elijah Green (Outfield; IMG Academy, Florida)
Although Elijah Green isn’t the son of a former baseball player, he has the athletic genes in him as his Dad, Eric Green, was a former tight end in the NFL. Elijah is one of the fastest players in the 2022 MLB Draft, making him a threat on defense and on the base paths. His ability to cover ground in the outfield is what teams love about him. If this excites you, just wait until you see what he can do on offense. Green might need to improve his plate discipline but like others in the draft, displays raw power in his swing. The explosive outfielder has great potential and one of the highest ceilings of any prospect.
4. Termarr Johnson (Second Base; Mays High School, Georgia)
When talking about offense in this class, look no further than Termarr Johnson. His power, bat speed, and ability to use all fields make him the best pure hitter in the draft. Johnson has great plate discipline and his approach is just what teams are looking for in a player. Due to average arm strength, he could move from shortstop to second base or outfield, either being a perfect spot for him to help make the jump quickly through the ranks. He’s quite young, sitting at the age of 18, so more experience against higher-level pitching might be needed but there’s no doubt he has the potential to take the next step.
5. Brooks Lee (Shortstop; Cal Poly)
After coming out of high school as one of the best prospects in the country, Brooks Lee decided to forego the draft in 2019 and attend college at Cal Poly. This turned out to be the right move as in his first year in 2021, he hit .342 with 57 RBI and 10 home runs. Lee followed that up in 2022 by hitting .368 with 40 RBI and nine home runs.
His baseball IQ is one of the best in the draft and it shows in his approach on both sides of the plate as a switch-hitter. The highly touted infielder also has above-average arm strength and great glove instincts. With more experience at the next level, Lee has a very promising future in the MLB.
Keith Law has the Orioles taking Brooks Lee No. 1 in his latest MLB Mock Draft this morning on @TheAthletic. https://t.co/zbTwXpq057
— Tim Leonard (@Tim_Leonard4) July 11, 2022
Other MLB Draft Prospects
Kevin Parada (Catcher; Georgia Tech)
Jacob Berry (Third Base/Outfield; Louisiana State)
Cam Collier (Third Base; Chipola College, Florida)
Jace Jung (Second Base; Texas Tech)
Gavin Cross (Outfield; Virginia Tech)
Brock Porter (Right-Handed Pitcher)
