2022 MLB Draft Report: Mock Draft 1.0

There are still three months away when teams begin selecting their first-round picks in this year’s MLB Draft, but it’s a good time to readjust by conducting a Mock Draft. This exercise helps hone in on prospects that weren’t considered preseason first-round grade but have played well enough to get consideration now. Vice versa, this Mock Draft exercise will highlight which preseason Top 10 prospects are beginning to drop because they are not living up to expectations. 

Here’s where we stand on the 2022 MLB Draft class with College Baseball season past the midway point and prep seasons are in full swing. 

How are we feeling about this MLB Draft Class? 

James Fox: Lots of exciting hitters in prep and college class. Some college pitchers have improved but the overall class has been rough. 

Josh Nelson:  Injuries and poor performance have significantly shifted where players are ranked. I imagine scouting departments, such as the Chicago White Sox, are having difficulty zeroing on particular players. This draft could see a preseason Top 10 draft prospect falls to the White Sox at Pick 26. 

Do you think the White Sox should continue recent trends and focus on prep players early (Rounds 1 through 3)? 

James Fox: They could take a college starter in the first round because there might be value on the board, but my hope is they go prep in the first two rounds. 

Josh Nelson: For a team trying to win a World Series in 2022, we are learning that having the worst farm system in MLB hinders making significant improvements via trade. Teams on the rebuilding path want to go younger. The only way to get your farm system younger is to draft prep players and sign teenagers out of the international market. Of course, this year’s first-round pick is not eligible to be traded until after the season. Still, age is something to be mindful of for the White Sox as they look to restock their farm system. 

Mock Draft 1.0 

1. Baltimore OriolesJames Fox: Druw Jones, OF, Wesleyan HS (GA)
2. Arizona DiamondbacksJosh Nelson: Brooks Lee, SS, Cal Poly
3. Texas RangersJames: Dylan Lesko, RHP, Buford HS (GA)
4. Pittsburgh PiratesJosh: Termarr Johnson, SS, Mays HS (GA)
5. Washington NationalsJames: Elijah Green, OF, IMG Academy
6. Miami MarlinsJosh: Jacob Berry, 3B, LSU
7. Chicago CubsJames: Kevin Parada, C, Georgia Tech
8. Minnesota TwinsJosh: Jace Jung, 2B, Texas Tech
9. Kansas City RoyalsJames: Jackson Ferris, LHP, IMG Academy
10. Colorado RockiesJosh: Brandon Barriera, LHP, American Heritage Plantation HS (FL)
11. New York MetsJames: Jackson Holliday, SS, Stillwater HS (OK)
12. Detroit TigersJosh: Daniel Susac, C, Arizona
13. Los Angeles AngelsJames: Hunter Barco, LHP, Florida
14. New York MetsJosh: Chase DeLauter, OF, James MadisonNote: DeLauter is now out for at least three weeks due to injury.
15. San Diego PadresJames: Cam Collier, 3B, Chipola JC
16. Cleveland GuardiansJosh: Cole Young, SS, North Allegheny HS (PA)
17. Philadelphia PhilliesJames: Noah Schultz, LHP, Oswego East HS (IL)
18. Cincinnati RedsJosh: Gavin Cross, OF, Virginia Tech
19. Oakland AthleticsJames: Justin Campbell, RHP, Oklahoma State
20. Atlanta BravesJosh: Kumar Rocker, RHP, Vanderbilt
21. Seattle MarinersJames: Robert Moore, 2B, Arkansas
22. St. Louis CardinalsJosh: Logan Tanner, C, Mississippi State
23. Toronto Blue JaysJames: Connor Prielipp, LHP, Alabama
24. Boston Red SoxJosh: Mikey Romero, SS, Orange Lutheran HS (CA)
25. New York YankeesJames: Jordan Beck, OF, Tennessee
26. Chicago White SoxJames: Justin Crawford, OF, Bishop Gorman HS (NV)The 6-2 175 pounder has been gaining helium as a draft prospect and maybe a difficult signing to forgo his commitment at LSU next year. The White Sox took prep bats with their first two selections in the 2021 class, and they go back to the well here in the first round. Crawford, the son of former big leaguer Carl Crawford, is 18-years-old and hits left-handed. He’s one of the best athletes in the class and regularly displays plus-plus run times. He’s always had solid bat-to-ball skills, but the power potential has shown more often this spring. Adding a premium teenage prospect that can play in center field long-term would be an excellent outcome for the White Sox with the 26th overall pick in the first round.Josh: Gabriel Hughes, RHP, GonzagaAfter allowing just seven runs in his first five starts, Hughes appears to be slowing down as he’s allowed 12 runs in his last three outings over 19.1 innings. Even hitting a midseason bump in the road, Hughes has 74 strikeouts to just 17 walks in 50.1 innings this season. His ERA is now at 3.04, and Hughes has only allowed two home runs. I think there’s the ability to gain velocity on his fastball once he becomes a pro, and the slider is an above-average pitch. In some ways, Hughes reminds me of Michael Kopech with that combination and the need to learn a third pitch. Selecting Hughes, the White Sox will add some needed starting pitching depth to their organization. Not just to prepare for future injuries but also to protect themselves if a long-term contract cannot be agreed upon with Lucas Giolito.
27. Milwaukee BrewersJames: Jud Fabian, OF, Florida
28. Houston AstrosJosh: Brock Jones, OF, Stanford
29. Tampa Bay RaysJames: Carson Whisenhunt, LHP, ECU
30. Los Angeles DodgersJosh: Brock Porter, RHP, Orchard Lake St. Mary’s Prep (MI)
31. San Francisco GiantsJames: Cade Doughty, 2B, LSU
32. Colorado RockiesJosh: Blade Tidwell, RHP, Tennessee
33. Cincinnati RedsJames: Jordan Sprinkle, SS, UC-Santa Barbara