MLB has yet to announce an official draft date, but with more important things for them to deal with currently, let’s just assume it will in July. This is my first attempt at the 2022 MLB Draft and will be doing more updated ones in the lead up to the actual draft.

Remember, unlike the NFL or NBA draft, the MLB draft doesn’t necessarily pick based on current MLB team need, but typically they take best player available. The trick to an MLB mock draft is making educated guesses on which player available is the best for each team. I’ve spent weeks researching players and watching video in preparation for this mock draft. Next week, I’ll publish my MLB Draft Big Board, which features my current Top 50 draft prospects 2022.

1. Baltimore Orioles

OF Druw Jones (Wesleyan HS, Norcross, GA)

Height: 6-4 / Weight: 180 / B-T: R-R / Draft Age: 18.6

Now, we all know the Orioles are cheap and they could go under slot here, but as of now I have them taking Dru Jones, the son of Atlanta Braves legend Andruw Jones. He is arguably the best prospect in this draft and has all 5 tools. His floor is seen as being an elite defender and is ceiling is 5-tool super star. I have some minor concerns about his swing, but his power tool will rise as he grows into his lanky frame.

Baseball America Rank: 1 / MLB Rank: 1 / Monty Big Board Rank: 3

2. Arizona Diamondbacks

2B Termarr Johnson (Mays HS, Atlanta, GA)

Height: 5-8 / Weight: 194 / B-T: L-R / Draft Age: 18.1

Termarr Johnson is the best hitter available in this draft and I am enamored by his swing. He’s playing short stop right now, but doesn’t quite have the range to stick there and will likely be a second baseman if he makes it to the big leagues. What I like most about him is his knowledge of the strike zone. I’m not saying he’s Juan Soto, but as Nats fans we saw when Soto came up how that knowledge of the strike zone at a young age can be a difference maker. 

Baseball America Rank: 2 / MLB Rank: 2 / Monty Big Board Rank: 1

3. Texas Rangers 

RHP Dylan Lesko (Buford HS, Buford, GA)

Height: 6-3 / Weight: 195 / B-T: R-R / Draft Age: 18.9

This is my first somewhat controversial guess in this mock draft. Something in my gut is telling me that Texas goes pitcher and the best pitcher available is Dylan Lesko. Most mock drafts seem to have Lesko going #7 to the Cubs, but no matter where he ends up, he’ll be a dynamite prospect. He has a 65 graded changeup, which is easily the best in the class. If the Rangers don’t go pitcher here, then they’ll take Brooks Lee or Elijah Green. 

Baseball America Rank: 7 / MLB Rank: 9 / Monty Big Board Rank: 7

4. Pittsburgh Pirates

SS Brooks Lee (Cal Poly)

Height: 6-2 / Weight: 205 / B-T: B-R / Draft Age: 21.4

The Pirates go under slot but I’ve got them taking Cal Poly SS Brooks Lee. Along with Termarr Johnson, he’s the most advanced hitter of the class and has the defensive ability to stick at short stop. He’s a switch hitter that’s produced at both the college level and in the Cape with wooden bats. There’s an argument to be made that he, along with Termarr Johnson and Dru Jones, should be the #1 overall pick.

Baseball America Rank: 3 / MLB Rank: 5 / Monty Big Board Rank: 2

5. Washington Nationals 

OF Elijah Green (IMG Academy, Bradenton, FL)

Height: 6-3 / Weight: 214 / B-T: R-R / Draft Age: 18.6

The Nationals must take a position player here, especially since Dylan Lesko seems to be the only pitcher worth a Top 10 pick at this time. I’d be perfectly fine with them taking a college bat like Jacob Berry or Jace Jung here, but only if Dru Jones, Termarr Johnson, Brooks Lee, and Elijah Green is off the board. If any of those four are still available, the Nats need to pounce. Elijah Green has dropped slightly in most draft rankings, but the mix of strength, power, and athleticism is too much to resist. With that power does come some swing and miss issues, but does have a 70-grade run time.

Baseball America Rank: 5 / MLB Rank: 3 / Monty Big Board Rank: 4

6. Miami Marlins

2B Jace Jung (Texas Tech)

Height: 6-0 / Weight: 215 / B-T: L-R / Draft Age: 21.8

Miami could honestly go either Jacob Berry or Jace Jung here just depending on which one they like more. I have Jung ranked just slightly higher, so I’ll have them take him. The younger brother of Texas Rangers stud prospect Josh Jung, Jace Jung slashed .337/.462/.697 for the Texas Tech Red Raiders in 2021. Through 13 games this year, he’s slashing .404/.569/.681 with 3 home runs and 16 walks. He has big power to all fields, but his defense is questionable. There’s no guarantee he sticks at 2B at a higher level, but then where does he go?

Baseball America Rank: 4 / MLB Rank: 6 / Monty Big Board Rank: 5

7. Chicago Cubs 

3B/1B Jacob Berry (Louisiana State)

Height: 6-0 / Weight: 212 / B-T: B-R / Draft Age: 21.2

The Cubs take LSU power hitter Jacob Berry here at #7. He is similar to Jace Jung in that he has massive power to all fields, but struggles defensively. He’s getting a lot of playing time in right field, and should get more comfortable out there as he gains experience. What I like about Berry is that he’s a switch hitter that seems to be consistent from both sides of the plate. Most switch hitters have pretty different numbers depending on which side of the plate they’re hitting from- often one side hitting for more contact while the other side hits for more power. Jacob Berry’s numbers are similar regardless of which side of the plate he is hitting from.

Baseball America Rank: 8 / MLB Rank: 4 / Monty Big Board Rank: 6

8. Minnesota Twins 

OF Gavin Cross (Virginia Tech)

Height: 6-3 / Weight: 210 / B-T: L-L / Draft Age: 21.4

Minnesota could easily go with any of a trio of outfielders here- Chase DeLauter, Brock Jones, or Gavin Cross. I’ve got them going with Virginia Tech center fielder Gavin Cross, who has big power potential despite swing and miss concerns.

Baseball America Rank: 10 / MLB Rank: 10 / Monty Big Board Rank: 8

9. Kansas City Royals

OF Brock Jones (Stanford)

Height: 6-0 / Weight: 197 / B-T: L-L / Draft Age: 21.3

The Royals get a future center fielder with decent potential power and a good knowledge of the strike zone. 

Baseball America Rank: 9 / MLB Rank: 7 / Monty Big Board Rank: 9

10. Colorado Rockies 

RHP Landon Sims (Mississippi State)

Height: 6-2 / Weight: 227 / B-T: R-R / Draft Age: 21.5

The Rockies goes pitcher here and go with the top college arm available, Landon Sims. The closer turned starter has been fantastic this season so far, striking out 27 batters and walking only 2 in 15.2 innings pitched for the Mississippi State Bulldogs. He has two pitches that are graded at 65 or above- his fastball (65) and his slider (70). At the very least he should be a productive MLB reliever in the future.

Baseball America Rank: 19 / MLB Rank: 18 / Monty Big Board Rank: 10

11. New York Mets

OF Chase DeLauter (James Madison)

Height: 6-4 / Weight: 235 / B-T: L-L / Draft Age: 20.8

This is the pick that the Mets get for failing to sign Kumar Rocker last year. They’ll go with JMU center fielder Chase DeLauter, who shot up the draft boards after a torrid summer in the Cape Cod League. He’s got the potential for all 5-tools, but after watching him on Opening Weekend against Florida State’s dominant lefties in Parker Messick and Bryce Hubbart, I am not sold on him. In those two games against those elite southpaws, DeLauter went 1-9 with zero hard contact and 6 strikeouts. It was Opening Weekend and just 9 plate appearances, so take that with a grain of salt, especially after hitting lefties just fine in the Cape Cod League and walking more than he struck out.

Baseball America Rank: 6 / MLB Rank: 8 / Monty Big Board Rank: 16

12. Detroit Tigers 

SS Cole Young (North Allegheny HS, Wexford, PA)

Height: 5-11 / Weight: 179 / B-T: L-R / Draft Age: 19

The Tigers go with the best High School SS available in Cole Young. He’s not got much power, but he’s able to hit for contact to all fields. He could get some of that power as his body fills out. He is good enough defensively to stick at SS.

Baseball America Rank: 13 / MLB Rank: 14 / Monty Big Board Rank: 14

13. Los Angeles Angels 

LHP Carson Whisenhunt (East Carolina)

Height: 6-3 / Weight: 205 / B-T: L-L / Draft Age: 21.7

The Angels could go catcher here in Kevin Parada or Daniel Susac, but they’ll continue to bolster their farm system with much needed pitching. Carson Whisenhunt is the top lefty arm available, and has three above average pitches.

Baseball America Rank: 21 / MLB Rank: 26 / Monty Big Board Rank: 15

14. New York Mets 

RHP Brock Porter (St. Mary’s Prep, Orchard Lake, MI)

Height: 6-3 / Weight: 188 / B-T: R-R / Draft Age: 19.1

The Mets go pitcher here after going position player at #11 and they’ll go with the high-velocity Brock Porter, whose upper 90s fastball speeds could still go higher. We know how much the Mets love velocity and despite some command struggles, they’ll be happy to grab Porter at #14.

Baseball America Rank: 16 / MLB Rank: 15 / Monty Big Board Rank: 13

15. San Diego Padres

3B Cam Collier (Chipola JC, Chipola, FL)

Height: 6-1 / Weight: 219 / B-T: L-R / Draft Age: 17.6

The Padres take the top JUCO prospect in Cam Collier, who went the Bryce Harper route by going to Chipola Junior College in order to be reclassed to this draft year. He is the son of former MLB player Lou Collier. He’s got a good hit grade and has a strong arm that could keep him at 3B.

Baseball America Rank: 24 / MLB Rank: 20 / Monty Big Board Rank: 20

16. Cleveland Guardians

C Kevin Parada (Georgia Tech)

Height: 6-1 / Weight: 197 / B-T: R-R / Draft Age: 21

The Guardians go with the top catching prospect of the class in Georgia Tech’s Kevin Parada. He’s an offense first catcher and is having a fantastic start to the 2022 season, hitting .472 with 7 home runs already through just 13 games. There are questions regarding his defense and whether he can remain a catcher long-term.

Baseball America Rank: 14 / MLB Rank: 12 / Monty Big Board Rank: 11

17. Philadelphia Phillies 

LHP Jackson Ferris (IMG Academy, Bradenton, FL)

Height: 6-3 / Weight: 199 / B-T: L-L / Draft Age: 18.5

The Phillies take the top lefty high school arm in Jackson Ferris. He has three pitches in his arsenal, including a plus fastball that can reach the upper 90s.

Baseball America Rank: 18 / MLB Rank: 16 / Monty Big Board Rank: 12

18. Cincinnati Reds

C Daniel Susac (Arizona)

Height: 6-4 / Weight: 218 / B-T: B-R / Draft Age: 21.2

Daniel Susac, who with Kevin Parada, is arguably the best catcher in the class. The younger brother of MLB catcher Andrew Susac is a switch hitting catcher who has some above average potential at the plate and a great arm. He’s more than likely athletic enough to be a catcher long-term.

Baseball America Rank: 15 / MLB Rank: 23 / Monty Big Board Rank: 19

19. Oakland Athletics 

2B Robert Moore (Arkansas)

Height: 5-9 / Weight: 170 / B-T: B-R / Draft Age: 20.3

Robert Moore, based on his power despite his size, is giving me Dustin Pedroia and Jose Altuve vibes. He’s most likely a 2B long-term, but has some outstanding defensive ability. The Athletics won’t be able to resist picking him here if he’s still available.

Baseball America Rank: 11 / MLB Rank: 11 / Monty Big Board Rank: 18

20. Atlanta Braves 

LHP Hunter Barco (Florida)

Height: 6-4 / Weight: 210 / B-T: L-L / Draft Age: 21.6

Hunter Barco isn’t getting a lot of love despite being Florida’s ace. He’s got an average fastball but an above average slider and changeup. I think he has a monster season and the Braves take him at #20.

Baseball America Rank: 28 / MLB Rank: 53 / Monty Big Board Rank: 23

21. Seattle Mariners 

LHP Tristan Smith (Boiling Springs HS, Spartanburg, SC)

Height: 6-1 / Weight: 202 / B-T: R-L / Draft Age: 19.1

Tristan Smith has two good pitches, but struggles with command and control, which is why he’s not ranked higher. Developing this pitcher could see him potentially become the gem of this draft.

Baseball America Rank: 22 / MLB Rank: 38 / Monty Big Board Rank: 30

22. St. Louis Cardinals

OF Dylan Beavers (California)

Height: 6-4 / Weight: 206 / B-T: L-R / Draft Age: 20.9

The Cardinals go with a big college outfielder in Cal’s Dylan Beavers. He’s got an above average power and arm tool, but there are some concerns with his hitting ability when talking about his MLB future.

Baseball America Rank: 34 / MLB Rank: 24 / Monty Big Board Rank: 26

23. Toronto Blue Jays

RHP Kumar Rocker (N/A)

Height: 6-5 / Weight: 245 / B-T: R-R / Draft Age: 22.6

So there are three pitchers that due to injury are hard to figure out- Kumar Rocker and then Peyton Pallette and Connor Prielipp. The latter two are most likely out for the season due to Tommy John Surgery, while Rocker supposedly failed his medical with the Mets after being drafted last year. I’m not going to speculate on his medical issues, but they could cause him to drop out of the first round. But I think someone takes a chance on him in the first given his potential when healthy. There were some concerns with command, but he’s a Top 10 talent. The Blue Jays take a risk and draft him here at #23.

Baseball America Rank: 25 / MLB Rank: 30 / Monty Big Board Rank: 21

24. Boston Red Sox 

SS Carter Young (Vanderbilt)

Height: 6-0 / Weight: 180 / B-T: B-R / Draft Age: 21.5

Carter Young is a defense first short stop and probably the best defensive short stop at the upper part of this class. But can he hit? If he continues to struggle this spring with Vandy, he could slip out of the first round.

Baseball America Rank: 33 / MLB Rank: 25 / Monty Big Board Rank: 28

25. New York Yankees 

RHP Andrew Dutkanych (Brebeuf Jesuit Prep, Indianapolis, IN)

Height: 6-2 / Weight: 212 / B-T: R-R / Draft Age: 19

Another high school arm that could be a gem if developed properly. He features four pitches- a fastball, slider, curveball, and changeup. 

Baseball America Rank: 37 / MLB Rank: 22 / Monty Big Board Rank: 35

26. Chicago White Sox

OF Jordan Beck (Tennessee)

Height: 6-3 / Weight: 213 / B-T: R-R / Draft Age: 21.2

This might be a controversial choice, as not many mock drafts have Jordan Beck going in the first round as of yet. But I love his athleticism and power tools, if not his hit tool, which is still developing. A big year at Tennessee should see him continue to rise on the draft boards.

Baseball America Rank: 50 / MLB Rank: 28 / Monty Big Board Rank: 24

27. Milwaukee Brewers 

C Logan Tanner (Mississippi State)

Height: 6-0 / Weight: 215 / B-T: R-R / Draft Age: 21.7

Unlike Susac and Pareda, Logan Tanner is a defense first catcher and is the most likely of the three to stay at the position long-term. He’s not a great hitter, but he’s got a lot of pop in his bat when he does make contact. 

Baseball America Rank: 17 / MLB Rank: 19 / Monty Big Board Rank: 31

28. Houston Astros 

LHP Connor Prielipp (Alabama)

Height: 6-2 / Weight: 205 / B-T: L-L / Draft Age: 21.5

Another injured college arm, Houston could just as easily go Peyton Pallette here. But I think they go Connor Prielipp here, who would’ve been the top college pitcher available had he not gotten injured. A team could take a risk with him and draft him even higher, but I think the Astros take the risk here on the lefty with the good fastball and the wipeout slider.

Baseball America Rank: 23 / MLB Rank: 17 / Monty Big Board Rank: 17

29. Tampa Bay Rays 

2B/3B Cade Doughty (Louisiana State)

Height: 6-1 / Weight: 195 / B-T: R-R / Draft Age: 21.3

Another guy who isn’t getting a lot of love in other mock drafts, but the kid is a stud in the vaunted LSU lineup. The Rays aren’t afraid to take a risk and go with a guy who might not be getting the love he should be. Doughty is currently slashing .388/.448/.796 for the Tigers this year and perhaps is being overlooked due to Jacob Berry and 2023 potential #1 pick Dylan Crews being in the lineup with him. But he’s got plus defense and can drive the ball to all fields. In fact, he hit an opposite field bomb this past weekend at Minute Maid Park versus the Oklahoma Sooners.

Baseball America Rank: 42 / MLB Rank: 35 / Monty Big Board Rank: 25

30. Los Angeles Dodgers

LHP Brandon Barreria (American Heritage HS, Plantation, FL)

Height: 5-11 / Weight: 171 / B-T: L-L / Draft Age: 18.4

The Dodgers will resist taking Arkansas pitcher Peyton Pallette here given his TJ concerns, so they’ll go with under-sized southpaw Brandon Barreria who has three good pitches.

Baseball America Rank: 20 / MLB Rank: 21 / Monty Big Board Rank: 29

31. San Francisco Giants

3B Peyton Graham (Oklahoma)

Height: 6-4 / Weight: 171 / B-T: R-R / Draft Age: 21.5

As Peyton Graham fills into his 6-4 frame, his power will continue to develop, which is saying something considering he hit 11 home runs for the Sooners last year. He’s got plus power and a plus arm, which makes him an ideal third baseman long term.

Baseball America Rank: 26 / MLB Rank: 34 / Monty Big Board Rank: 33