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The Atlanta Braves defeat of the Houston Astros is still fresh in the memory, but that doesn’t mean that we can’t start to look ahead to a new MLB season and where better to start than with the 2022 MLB Draft?
The Baltimore Orioles suffered/enjoyed the ignominy/pleasure of securing first pick in the Draft courtesy of their wretched 2021 record. So, who should they be looking to pick in the spring of 2022 when the Draft rolls around?
Read on to find out about the top-rated players that are leaving MLB scouts up and down the country salivating.
1 Chase DeLauter
Left-handed slugger Chase DeLauter caught the attention of MLB scouts in 2021 when he posted a very impressive /386/.508/.723 with 6 home runs and 7 stolen bases in just 26 games. The 6-foot-4, 230 pound James Madison Dukes no.22 not only has physical prowess but mental discipline too.
His speed in between the bases is also impressive for a player of his size. All-in-all, he’s a terrific prospect and odds-on to be James Madison’s first first-round pick since 2007. Whether he has the talent to change the Orioles from a dud to a regular feature in MLB Picks is a different matter altogether.
(The Prospects Live guys take a look at the number one Draft prospect Chase DeLauter.)
2 Brooks Lee
Brooks Lee made waves in 2019 when instead of featuring in the Draft he decided to go and play for his Dad at Cal Poly. The six-foot-two, 205 pound shortstop appears to have benefitted from that decision, adding maturity to his game.
In that time he has also focused on his physical game, adding more pace and speed to his overall game. In addition to his admirable technical qualities, Lee is also revered as a leader in the locker room, something that will be important for his new employer.
The Orioles will have a tough decision to make between Lee and DeLauter. The former could just win that battle courtesy of his maturity and leadership qualities.
3 Druw Jones
Jones has always been one of the most spectacular hitters in his age group but a recent swing change has seen the 6-foot-3 slugger add even more power to his game. Without the bat he has the potential to be a high-level defensive player.
His terrifying speed and deadeye arm could even see him as a plus-plus centerfield. He has all the talent to go and emulate the achievements of his Dad, Andrus Jones who was a 5-Time All-Star.
(How to hit like Druw Jones)
4 Daniel Susac
Arizona catcher Daniel Susac was destined to play baseball at a high level according to his family. At the age of 6 he hit his first home run of over 200 foot and now he is dreaming of hitting homers in the MLB.
Susac was expected to be picked in last season’s draft, but this time around he is one of the frontrunners for an early pick. That’s because of his solid to good projections in almost every batting area.
He has a great arm and awesome mobility too along with that explosive physicality that is synonymous with great catchers.
5 Elijah Green
He just sounds like a great baseball player, doesn’t he? Fortunately for the IMG Academy player, he not only possesses a great name but he possesses great talent too. Green has literally everything you could wish for from an MLB player
He’s currently at the very least a 70-runner with a 70-arm to boot. The only area for concern for potential scouts is his strikeout rate which is a tad high. With good coaching though that will come down and when it does, Green could become one of the hottest properties in the MLB.
(Elijah Green hits a gargantuan home run.)
6 Dylan Lesko
The first entry from a pitcher on this list comes in the shape of Buford high school right-hander Dylan Lesko. The broad shouldered, athletic youngster uses his long limbs to good effect and gets his hips and lower body very involved in his deliveries.
Lesko also possesses a wicked fast ball that topped out at 97mph, which saw him throw 11 fastball strikes on the bounce. His curveball has also come on leaps and bounds in the past 12 months making him a great prospect in the 2022 Draft.
7 Jace Jung
Jace’s brother Josh was a first-round pick in 2018 and Jace will be hoping to emulate his elder brothers MLB success in the coming years. The second base’s talent suggests he has a good chance of doing just that.
Jung hit 4 home runs in 16 starts for Texas Tech in 2020 and another 21 more as a true sophomore the following year. He could advance to third base at MLB level and will be turning heads in the 2022 Draft.
Have any tips for the 2022 Draft? Let us know in the comments section below.
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