2022 MLB Mock Draft 3.0: A New No. 1 Pick
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As the MLB Draft continues to approach, the possible scenarios remain endless. The domino effect of just one unexpected selection could shake the whole draft. In our final mock, we give you our most expected scenario with plenty of expected chaos at the top!
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1. Baltimore Orioles – SS Jackson Holliday, Stillwater (OK)
Height: 5-11 | Weight: 176 lbs. | B-T: L-R | Age: 18 | Commitment: Oklahoma State
Scouting Report: No one has more helium in this draft than Matt Holliday’s son Jackson. Now viewed as the best prep shortstop, Holliday has good tools across the board. Maybe his best is the feel to hit, along with growing power that he has only tapped into recently. In the field, Holliday has a strong arm and actions that have many thinking he will stick at shortstop long-term.
2. Arizona Diamondbacks – OF Druw Jones, Wesleyan (GA)
Height: 6-4 | Weight: 180 lbs. | B-T: R-R | Age: 18 | Commitment: Vanderbilt
Scouting Report: The son of Andruw Jones, Druw features an exciting combination of speed, athleticism, and bat-to-ball skills. Like his father, Jones is a premium defender in the outfield, profiling as a center fielder long-term. After some swing adjustments, Jones looks to be driving the ball further than before, making him a premium talent in this draft.
3. Texas Rangers – SS Brooks Lee, Cal Poly SLO
Height: 6-2 | Weight: 205 lbs. | B-T: S-R | Age: 21 | Class: Sophomore
Scouting Report: The son of Cal Poly head coach Larry Lee, Brooks features an exciting set of tools across the board. An athletic switch-hitter, Lee slashed .357/.462/.664 with 15 homers last spring. Along with his impressive track record of hitting, Lee has the skillset to stick at shortstop but could move to third base in the future.
4. Pittsburgh Pirates – 3B Cam Collier, Chipola JC
Height: 6-1 | Weight: 219 lbs. | B-T: L-R | Age: 17 | Commitment: Louisville
Scouting Report: Despite his age, Collier has dominated the JuCo level, and faced top-end talent this summer in the Cape Cod League. A lefty-swinging third-baseman, Collier showcases a line drive approach to all fields and power that is only beginning to develop. Many evaluators believe that Collier can stick at third base due to his arm strength but could move to first later down the road.
5. Washington Nationals – C Kevin Parada, Georgia Tech
Height: 6-1 | Weight: 210 lbs. | B-T: R-R | Age: 20 | Class: Sophomore
Scouting Report: Parada is the hottest hitter in college baseball, propelling him up draft boards industry-wide. He slashed .360/.453/.715 with 26 home runs and more walks than strikeouts this spring. While there may be questions about his ability to stick behind the plate, Parada’s bat makes a possible move to a corner spot less detrimental.
6. Miami Marlins – 2B Jace Jung, Texas Tech
Height: 6-0 | Weight: 215 lbs. | B-T: L-R | Age: 21 | Class: Sophomore
Scouting Report: Regarded as one of the best college power bats in the nation, Jung’s pop doesn’t come with a ton of swing-and-miss. Jung had way more walks than strikeouts, along with 14 homers and 18 doubles, this spring. Due to an average arm and defensive ability, he profiles as a second baseman long-term.
7. Chicago Cubs – OF Elijah Green, IMG Academy (FL)
Height: 6-3 | Weight: 214 lbs. | B-T: R-R | Age: 18 | Commitment: Miami
Scouting Report: The son of a former NFL tight end, Green arguably has the most power in this draft. Despite his size, Green has shown his running ability, posting impressive 60-yard dash times in the past. At one time, Green was projected as the first overall pick industry-wide, but his swing-and-miss cause some concern. He projects as an above-average defender in a corner outfield spot.
8. Minnesota Twins – 2B Termarr Johnson, Mays (GA)
Height: 5-8 | Weight: 194 lbs. | B-T: L-R | Age: 18 | Commitment: Arizona State
Scouting Report: Possibly the best pure hitter in years, Johnson’s hit tool carries his game, and rightfully so. The ball jumps off of his bat, supported by unreal bat speed and a smooth swing from the left side. While he plays shortstop now, Termarr profiles as a second baseman long-term. Johnson already possesses power at the dish, with more to come as he progresses.
9. Kansas City Royals – 1B Jacob Berry, LSU
Height: 6-0 | Weight: 212 lbs. | B-T: S-R | Age: 20 | Class: Sophomore
Scouting Report: After a freshman All-American season at Arizona, Berry transferred to LSU, following head coach Jay Johnson. Berry’s calling card is the offense, spraying hits to all fields along with an advanced approach, walking more than he strikes out. Defensively, he doesn’t really have a position, bouncing from the corner infield to the outfield on occasion. Berry slugged 15 homers this spring, all while hitting .370. He is a below-average runner.
10. Colorado Rockies – RHP Dylan Lesko, Buford (GA)
Height: 6-3 | Weight: 195 lbs. | B-T: R-R | Age: 18 | Commitment: Vanderbilt
Scouting Report: Easily the best pitcher in the class, Lesko’s pitch mix includes a mid-90s fastball, high-spin curveball, and a changeup that has been regarded as his best offering. While his curveball is still developing, the fastball/changeup combo will generate a ton of swings-and-misses at the next level. Lesko’s best tool may be his command throughout his repertoire, surely making him a starter long-term. Lesko’s recent Tommy John surgery won’t affect his draft stock much, as he is still viewed as the best arm in the draft.
11. New York Mets – RHP Brock Porter, St. Mary’s Prep (MI)
Height: 6-3 | Weight: 188 lbs. | B-T: R-R | Age: 18 | Commitment: Clemson
Scouting Report: Some scouts compare Porter to the class’s top arm, Dylan Lesko. The Clemson commit’s changeup is his best pitch, also featuring a mid-90s fastball and two breaking balls. Porter is still very projectable and could add velocity with added strength. He has been praised for his command of all four pitches.
12. Detroit Tigers – OF Gavin Cross, Virginia Tech
Height: 6-3 | Weight: 210 lbs. | B-T: L-L | Age: 21 | Class: Sophomore
Scouting Report: Gavin Cross broke out for the Hokies in 2021 and followed that up with a huge summer for Team USA. He is a power over contact type of bat, along with defensive skills that will likely land him in a corner long term. Cross is an average runner with some swing-and-miss in his game. Last spring, Cross slugged 17 homers and had a 1.071 OPS.
13. Los Angeles Angels – C Daniel Susac, Arizona
Height: 6-4 | Weight: 218 lbs. | B-T: R-R | Age: 20 | Class: Sophomore
Scouting Report: Susac ditched switch-hitting this spring, opting to use his right-handed stroke full time. It’s safe to say he hasn’t disappointed, putting up video game numbers last season. Coming out of high school, Susac was a power-over-contact hitter but has since proved that he has the bat-to-ball skills to do both at a high level. Behind the plate, despite his big frame, Susac is athletic and has a strong arm.
14. New York Mets – SS Cole Young, North Allegheny (PA)
Height: 5-11 | Weight: 179 lbs. | B-T: L-R | Age: 18 | Commitment: Duke
Scouting Report: Young was once discussed as a top-10 selection, but due to some early risers, it looks like he will go in the middle of round one. The Pennsylvania product has an advanced approach at the dish and top-end bat-to-ball skills. Young is almost a sure bet to stick at shortstop, with above-average speed and a good arm. Due to Duke’s track record of getting prospects to campus, Young is a very real candidate to go to school and probably comes with a heavy price tag.
15. San Diego Padres – SS Jett Williams, Rockwall-Heath (TX)
Height: 5-7 | Weight: 160 lbs. | B-T: S-R | Age: 18 | Commitment: Mississippi State
Scouting Report: Jett Williams is in the conversation for the best overall prep hit tool in this class. Despite his size, many scouts are impressed with his batting practice, and more importantly how that swing translates to games. Williams has always performed well versus high-end velocity with surprising power. The Mississippi State commit is very athletic and quick, making both shortstop and center field end-goal possibilities.
16. Cleveland Guardians – LHP Brandon Barriera, American Heritage (FL)
Height: 5-11 | Weight: 171 lbs. | B-T: L-L | Age: 17 | Commitment: Vanderbilt
Scouting Report: Despite his stature, Brandon Barriera has some electric stuff, including his fastball that reaches the mid-90s. Barriera’s slider may be his best pitch, showcasing depth and two-plane break. The Vanderbilt commit hasn’t needed a changeup to this point, so it’s development is lacking behind his first two offerings.
17. Philadelphia Phillies – OF Chase DeLauter, James Madison
Height: 6-5 | Weight: 235 lbs. | B-T: L-L | Age: 20 | Class: Redshirt Sophomore
Scouting Report: DeLauter was thrown into the first-round discussion after a breakout summer in the Cape Cod League. Before that, the redshirt sophomore put up a huge season at James Madison, producing a 1.231 OPS in 26 games. DeLauter had an unreal start to this season, hitting .437 with eight homers, but broke his foot in early April. Best said this could be one of the best picks in the draft if all goes as planned. DeLauter has shown his pure hitting ability against high-end talent, silencing the concerns over James Madison’s competition. He is a good runner and should end up at a corner spot due to his arm strength and build.
18. Cincinatti Reds – SS Zach Neto, Campbell
Height: 6-0 | Weight: 185 lbs. | B-T: R-R | Age: 21 | Class: Redshirt Sophomore
Scouting Report: Zach Neto may have the craziest career stat line among hitters this year. Through 78 career games, Neto is hitting .389/.487/.712 with 18 homers and just 43 strikeouts. He runs well and has a strong arm, upping the chances of him sticking at shortstop long-term. While he isn’t seen as much of a prospect on the mound, Neto has logged 26 innings as a pitcher for the Fighting Camels. If a team believes in his hit tool, watch for someone to take Neto relatively early.
19. Oakland Athletics – LHP Robby Snelling, McQueen (NV)
Height: 6-3 | Weight: 220 lbs. | B-T: R-L | Age: 18 | Commitment: Louisiana State
Scouting Report: In a draft with not a whole lot of pitching depth, Snelling has shot up draft boards industry-wide. He has gotten up to 96 on the fastball, with his projectable frame pointing to more velocity down the road. Snelling’s best pitch is his curveball, which has gotten plus grades from many. He also throws a changeup that is regarded as below average but could turn into an average pitch with some more development. Snelling has above-average command.
20. Atlanta Braves – RHP Cade Horton, Oklahoma
Height: 6-1 | Weight: 211 lbs. | B-T: R-R | Age: 20 | Class: Redshirt Freshman
Scouting Report: A ridiculously strong finish to Horton’s season that saw him dominate to a 2.61 ERA with 49 K’s over his final five starts gave Horton a huge boost in regards to his draft stock. A mid 90s fastball and plus breaking ball give him the floor of a reliever, but as a two-way player who missed time due to Tommy John surgery, there’s belief among teams that he can develop into a legitimate starter with more innings under his belt.
21. Seattle Mariners – OF Justin Crawford, Bishop Gorman (NV)
Height: 6-3 | Weight: 175 lbs. | B-T: L-R | Age: 18 | Commitment: Louisiana State
Scouting Report: The son of long-time outfielder Carl Crawford, Justin possesses a strong mix of speed, contact skills, and athleticism that will likely land him in center field long term. A 6-3 lefty-swinger, Crawford’s improving frame could allow him to grow into more power. In term of pure speed, Crawford may be the fastest runner in this class.
22. St. Louis Cardinals – LHP Cooper Hjerpe, Oregon State
Height: 6-3 | Weight: 200 lbs. | B-T: L-L | Age: 21 | Class: Sophomore
Scouting Report: Hjerpe won’t blow up the radar gun, despite reaching 95 at times, but his deception makes the fastball one of the hardest to hit among college pitchers. Hjerpe’s recent performance has seen him shoot up draft boards. His changeup works well off of the fastball, along with a mid-80s wipeout slider that may be his best offering.
23. Toronto Blue Jays – RHP Gabriel Hughes, Gonzaga
Height: 6-4 | Weight: 220 lbs. | B-T: R-R | Age: 20 | Class: Junior
Scouting Report: An early riser in this class, Hughes features an electric fastball and and good curveball that should produce whiffs at the next level. His pitch mix is rounded out with an average changeup, but some believe it has room for development. Hughes is pretty much filled out, being pretty physically imposing at 6’4″, 220 pounds. His control needs improvement.
24. Boston Red Sox – LHP Jackson Ferris, IMG Academy (FL)
Height: 6-3 | Weight: 199 lbs. | B-T: L-L | Age: 18 | Commitment: Mississippi
Scouting Report: Ferris is the top pitcher out of IMG Academy, who consistently produces top-end draft talent every year. He is the definition of projectability in his 6’3″ frame and has already reached 97 on his fastball. Both of Ferris’ secondary offerings could become above-average pitches, with a mid-70s curveball and changeup that both produce whiffs. Many scouts compare Ferris to a young (lefty) Tim Lincecum due to his abnormal delivery and repertoire.
25. New York Yankees – SS Peyton Graham, Oklahoma
Height: 6-4 | Weight: 171 lbs. | B-T: R-R | Age: 21 | Class: Redshirt Sophomore
Scouting Report: Graham has immense offensive upside and many scouts believe the athletic infielder will be able to stick at short. Launching 20 homers in 67 games, Graham has already shown to be able to tap into his impressive raw power, but there is plenty of room to fill out for the 21-year-old.
26. Chicago White Sox – RHP Kumar Rocker, Frontier League
Height: 6-5 | Weight: 245 lbs. | B-T: R-R | Age: 21 | Class: Graduated
Scouting Report: One of the most polarizing prospects of the past decade, Rocker was drafted 10th overall by the Mets last year but did not sign. Many questions surround him, including some shaky medical reports received after the draft. There is no doubt, however, that when Rocker is on the mound, it is hard to find anyone better. The Vanderbilt product’s fastball can reach the high-90s and he compliments it with one of the best sliders in the country. Rocker’s cutter and changeup are average offerings.
27. Milwaukee Brewers – OF Drew Gilbert, Tennessee
Height: 5-9 | Weight: 185 lbs. | B-T: L-L | Age: 21 | Class: Junior
Scouting Report: Gilbert is likely maxed out physically, but above average tools across the board with a track record of hitting in the SEC could make him a safe late first round selection. Earning high marks for his makeup and work ethic, Gilbert should climb through the minors quickly.
28. Houston Astros – OF Dylan Beavers, California
Height: 6-4 | Weight: 206 lbs. | B-T: L-R | Age: 20 | Class: Junior
Scouting Report: Despite concerns over his production versus high-end talent, Beavers came out slugging this spring at Cal. The junior outfielder accumulated 17 homers, with an average of .291. His advanced approach is showcased by a .426 on-base percentage and an improving strikeout rate. Many evaluators believe he will be an above-average defender in a corner outfield spot.
29. Tampa Bay Rays – LHP Connor Prielipp, Alabama
Height: 6-2 | Weight: 205 lbs. | B-T: L-L | Age: 21 | Class: Junior
Scouting Report: Prielipp is yet another top college pitcher that spent 2022 injured. The junior southpaw rarely allows walks and strikes out a ton of hitters. Prielipp’s sweeping slider is regarded as his best pitch, but his fastball can get into the mid-90s and be used as a weapon. He also throws a changeup.
30. San Francisco Giants – OF Brock Jones, Stanford
Height: 6-3 | Weight: 209 lbs. | B-T: L-L | Age: 21 | Class: Junior
Scouting Report: In 2019, signability concerns landed Brock Jones on campus, and now he’s looking at being a first-round selection. Jones played football for the Cardinals his freshman year, then decided to focus on baseball, and it paid off. In 65 games last spring, Jones hit .324 with 21 homers and 13 doubles. Jones knows the strike zone, with walks being a big part of his game. The Fresno area native closely resembles a linebacker, with most evaluators believing he can handle center field.
Compensation Picks
31. Colorado Rockies – RHP Peyton Pallette, Arkansas
Height: 6-1 | Weight: 180 lbs. | B-T: R-R | Age: 20 | Class: Junior
Scouting Report: Coming into the season, many thought that Pallette could be the first pitcher off of the board. He required Tommy John surgery, being yet another top college arm being shutdown. When on the mound, Pallette is dominant, showcasing eye-popping spin rates and velocity. His fastball consistently sits in the high 90s and the curveball averages over 3,000 rpm. Pallette also throws a good changeup, paving the path as a starter in the future.
32. Cincinnati Reds – 3B Tucker Toman, Hammond (SC)
Height: 5-11 | Weight: 183 lbs. | B-T: S-R | Age: 18 | Commitment: Louisiana State
Scouting Report: An offense-first corner infielder, Toman impressed evaluators with his raw talent at past events. His impressive bat speed and pop give teams a lot to work with, although his swing-and-miss causes some concern. Due to an average-to-above arm, Toman will probably end up at third base. He is a candidate to make it to campus.
Competitive Balance Round A
33. Baltimore Orioles – OF Jacob Melton, Oregon State
Height: 6-3 | Weight: 208 lbs. | B-T: L-L | Age: 21 | Class: Junior
Scouting Report: A big guy with exciting power potential and impressive athleticism for his size, it is hard to poke a hole in Melton’s game. Melton just started tapping into his plus raw power last year and could be a steal in the compensation round as a late bloomer on an upward trajectory. He also has a good chances to stick in center.
34. Arizona Diamondbacks – RHP Justin Campbell, Oklahoma State
Height: 6-7 | Weight: 221 lbs. | B-T: L-R | Age: 21 | Class: Sophomore
Scouting Report: Four viable pitches and above average command make Campbell a safe college arm who should climb through the minors quickly. While he sits more in the low 90s with his heater, Campbell’s low release point and life on the fastball allow it to play up. With a big frame and projection, his stuff could tick up, giving him No. 2 upside, but he is more likely a middle-to-back of the rotation starter.
35. Atlanta Braves – RHP Blade Tidwell, Tennessee
Height: 6-4 | Weight: 200 lbs. | B-T: R-R | Age: 20 | Class: Sophomore
Scouting Report: Tidwell and Landon Sims are very similar profiles, with some preferring Blade. On top of a high-90s fastball and wipeout slider, Tidwell also throws a changeup that some believe could develop into an above-average pitch. He, like many other college pitchers in the class, was shutdown with arm issues earlier this spring. Tidwell has since returned, turning in some good starts for the Volunteers.
36. Pittsburgh Pirates – C Malcolm Moore, McClatchy (CA)
Height: 6-2 | Weight: 219 lbs. | B-T: L-R | Age: 18 | Commitment: Stanford
Scouting Report: Moore is a top storyline in this class, with many expecting him to go higher than thought. A good comparison would be Athletics’ backstop Tyler Soderstrom, who is expected to move to a corner outfield spot due to his defensive questions. Both would be high school catchers drafted because of their upside at the plate. If all goes right, Moore could be one of the biggest steals of the draft.
37. Cleveland Guardians – RHP Landon Sims, Mississippi State
Height: 6-2 | Weight: 227 lbs. | B-T: R-R | Age: 21 | Class: Junior
Scouting Report: Sims was separating himself as the best pitcher in the draft before having to undergo Tommy John surgery. Despite coming out of the bullpen for his first two years at Mississippi State, Sims became a starter this spring. His fastball is electric, reaching the upper 90s consistently, with one of the best sliders in college baseball. Despite his long-term home, Sims can have success starting or relieving.
38. Colorado Rockies – LHP Carson Whisenhunt, East Carolina
Height: 6-3 | Weight: 205 lbs. | B-T: L-L | Age: 21 | Class: Sophomore
Scouting Report: Whisenhunt seemed poised to be one of the best college arms in this class before testing positive for steroids, effectively ending his season. Despite his off-the-field issues, Whisenhunt made a handful of starts in the Cape Cod League, where he looks inconsistent. His mid-90s fastball is complemented by an above-average changeup, and a good curveball. Whisenhunt is a pretty safe option for teams and has some room to fill out.
39. San Diego Padres – OF Henry Bolte, Palo Alto (CA)
Height: 6-3 | Weight: 198 lbs. | B-T: R-R | Age: 18 | Commitment: Texas
Scouting Report: Bolte has some of the more electric tools and athleticism in the entire draft, giving him huge upside. The Texas commit is very projectable and could grow into more power. His approach will need some refinement, but Bolte’s power/speed combo give him superstar potential. Look for him to possibly be one of the best picks of this draft.