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 a 2022 MLB draft mock draft for the top 10 picks. The order for the mock draft is based off the MLB records on July 27.
1. Arizona Diamondbacks: Elijah Green, OF, IMG Academy (Fla.)
Green is an elite prep prospect who has an exciting toolset. The five-tool prep player is the early favorite to go first overall next year due to his athleticism and power potential. There aren’t many holes in Green’s game. The 6-foot-3, 225-pound outfielder has elite speed and exceptional arm strength. He is a refined prep talent who might be the best draft-eligible prep player in the last five years.
2. Baltimore Orioles: 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.
3. Texas Rangers: 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.
4. Pittsburgh Pirates: Andruw (Druw) Jones Jr., OF, Wesleyan (Ga.) HS
Jones is the son of former MLB outfielder Andruw Jones. The 6-foot-3, 195-pound prep star is a similar player to his father, possessing five-tool ability. He is a quality defensive outfielder who has above-average speed and plenty of potential remaining in his game. The right-handed hitter consistently barrels up pitches and has displayed an improved power potential over the last year.
5. Minnesota Twins: 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.
6. Colorado Rockies: Jayson Jones, 3B, Braswell (Texas) HS
Jones is a power-hitting third baseman, as he displays a loose swing with a natural ability to square up the baseball from the right side of the plate. The 6-foot-2, 190-pound third baseman moves well defensively and has the skills and arm strength to handle third base long-term.
7. Miami Marlins: 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.
8. Kansas City Royals: Dylan Lesko, RHP, Buford (Ga.) HS
Right now, Lesko is the best prep arm in the 2022 MLB draft class. He is 6-foot-3, 195 pounds who throws a mid-90s fastball from an athletic and repeatable delivery. The righty has consistently performed well on the showcase circuit and has all the tools to be a high-end starter in pro ball.
9. Washington Nationals: Brock Porter, RHP, Orchard Lake St. Mary’s (Mich.) HS
Porter dominated opposing hitters this spring to move him in the conversation as one of the top prep arms in the 2022 MLB draft. The 6-foot-4, 205-pound righty throws a mid-90s fastball that has touched 99 mph and features movement. His slider and curveball are quality-breaking pitches. He also shows a tremendous feel for his above-average changeup.
10. Detroit Tigers: 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.
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.
