The 2022 MLB draft is shaping out to be one of the better draft classes in recent memory. We still are a year away from the draft, though, so a lot could change between now and then.
The college and prep classes feature a lot of high-end prospects. Below is a look at some of the top college prospects in the 2022 MLB draft class.
Kevin Parada, C, Georgia Tech
Parada was a highly-regarded prep player but wanted to attend college instead of starting a pro career in 2020. Now, Parada is the top college position player entering the 2022 draft cycle. The 6-foot, 192-pound catcher is a right-handed hitter who consistently barrels up pitches.
He is a complete player who has the athleticism and above-average arm strength to stick behind the plate. He also has a solid track record against the high-end competition.
Brooks Lee, SS, Cal Poly
Lee is a 6-foot-2, 205-pound switch hitter who uses a short, compact swing and consistently barrels up pitches. He is an aggressive hitter, but he doesn’t strike out a lot. Defensively, he has the footwork and reliable hands to play shortstop long-term.
Carter Young, SS, Vanderbilt
Young is a 6-foot, 180-pound shortstop who has all the tools to stick at shortstop long-term. He is an advanced defensive player with arm strength and the athleticism, footwork, and hands to make all the necessary plays.
The switch hitter displayed an ability to drive the ball with power this season. He hit 16 home runs in 61 games. Young needs to refine his approach and plate discipline, as he racked up 81 strikeouts while drawing 31 walks.
Hayden Dunhurst, C, Ole Miss
Dunhurst was a highly-regarded prep catcher in 2019 due to his well-rounded skills. Over the last two years, Dunhurst has only enhanced those skills, putting himself in the conversation as one of the top college prospects in the 2021 MLB draft class.
Dunhurst is an advanced defensive player, possessing elite arm strength and quality receiving skills. He has refined his offensive skills at the plate while at Ole Miss. He will remain behind the plate long-term.
Jace Jung, 2B/3B, Texas Tech
Jung is a tremendous hitter who uses a slightly unusual setup from the left side of the plate. He hits for average and power and had a breakout 2021 campaign.
Defensively, scouts are split on Jung’s future defensive position. He is a bat-first player who profiles at second or third base long-term.
Landon Sims, RHP, Mississippi State
Sims was dominant out of the Mississippi State bullpen as a sophomore this spring. He figures to slide into the starting rotation as a junior, potentially taking over the No. 1 spot. The 6-foot-2, 216-pound righty uses a fastball, slider combination to overpower hitters. His fastball sits in the mid-90s. He also has notable command and control of his pitches.
Robert Moore, SS, Arkansas
Moore was a highly-regarded prospect as a prep player in 2020. But he enrolled a semester early at Arkansas, removing himself from the draft. Now, Moore is one of the top college-eligible prospects in the 2022 MLB draft. The switch-hitter uses a short compact swing and is more of an average over power hitter.
Defensively, Moore has the traits to handle shortstop, but second base might be his future position.
Daniel Susac, C, Arizona
Susac is a well-rounded catcher who can impact the game offensively and defensively. The 6-foot-4, 205-pound catcher is athletic and has a strong arm. Offensively, Susac hit for average and power in 2021. He has solid strike zone discipline and a feel for hitting. Susac will remain behind the plate long-term.
Peyton Pallette, RHP, Arkansas
Pallette is a 6-foot-1, 175-pound right-handed pitcher who has an electric arm. He uses a low-effort and repeatable delivery. His fastball sits in the mid-90s and tops out at 98 mph. Pallette’s late-breaking curveball serves as his outpitch.
Nate Savino, LHP, Virginia
Savino was a highly talented prep pitcher but opted to go to Virginia instead. The 6-foot-3, 195-pound lefty throws a mid-90s fastball with run and sinking action and a solid slider that serves as his outpitch. Savino needs to do a better job of dominating opposing batters to cement himself as a top 2022 MLB draft prospect as a junior.
Other to Know
Hunter Barco, LHP, Florida; Jacob Berry, 1B/3B, LSU; Cayden Wallace, OF, Arkansas; Jared McKenzie, OF, Baylor; Henry Williams, RHP, Duke.
Dan Zielinski III has covered the MLB draft for seven years. He has interviewed 356 of the top draft prospects in that period, including four No. 1 overall picks. Multiple publications, including Baseball America, USA Today, MLB.com and The Arizona Republic, have quoted his work, while he has appeared on radio stations as a “MLB draft expert.” Follow him on Twitter @DanZielinski3.
Thanks for this list, Dan. Two questions for you: as an Orioles’ fan, can you tell me who is the tenth-ranked prospect who’ll sign for less money? Then I’ll know whom Baltimore will draft. And what happened to Alabama’s LHP Connor Prielipp? I thought he was highly-regarded for 2022? Thank you!
Connor Prielipp made just three appearances this spring before undergoing Tommy John surgery. He will miss at least some of next season. He has only pitched 28 innings in college. Prielipp has a lot of potential, but unless he comes back next year and pitches well, it will be tough for a team to invest a top-10 pick in a guy with a limited track record. Reminds me of Jaden Hill this year.