Mack - 2022 Mock Draft v2.0

There has been some changes since I posted my first mock this year. Some players that were drafted have chosen not to sign with the teams that drafted them in 2021 while a couple of prime 2023 prospects have re-qualified for the 2022 draft.

 

All these decisions will affect who the Mets draft.

 

By the way… if the season would have ended post Sunday’s games, the Mets would receive the 14^th pick in the draft, as well as the 11^th they have already been awarded due to the Kumar Rocker un-signing.

 

I am going to estimate that the Mets get the 17^th pick instead of the 14^th.

 

With that, here is my updated mock right now.

 

1.1  OF Elijah Greene

 

Nothing changes here. I had Greene 1.1 the last time and I expect him to stay in this position until draft day. Greene is one of those once in a decade players in the mold of Willie Mays or Hank Aaron. Does it all top notch.

 

1.2  SS Termarr Johnson

 

Johnson is the premier shortstop in the 2022 draft, which says a lot for his talent since this draft is projected as being the top shortstop talent in years (especially college shortstops). A 60/60 hit/power ceiling.

 

1.3  LHP Hunter Barco

 

It’s not often you see a southpaw as the first pitcher picked in the draft, but Barco warrants this pick. Went 10-4 last season for powerhouse Florida. Winning 10 games in the SEC is close to impossible. Fastball topping off around 94 but projected to increase this season.

 

1.4  3B Cam Collier

 

It was huge news when Collier reclassified this month from being a 2023 pick to this year’s draft. He was already ranked #3 in the 2013 draft. Only 16 years old. 4-tool player (can’t run).

 

1.5  RHP Kumar Rocker

 

Remember this dude? I have been a huge Rocker fan throughout his Vanderbilt career. Loved the fact the Mets drafted him and I still have him as my top righty in this draft. In fact, since he’s not going back to that manager that made him pitch until his arm fell off, he may wind up even better with a year going private.

 

1.6  2B Jace Jung

 

2021 Texas Tech stat line - 56-G, 208-AB, 45-K, 49-BB, .337, 1.159-OPS, .462-OBP, .697-slug, 21-HR, 67-RBI. Bat-first prospect that hits for both average and power. Projected to play second due to limited defensive skills. 

 

1.7  OF Andruw Jones

 

5-tool prep star… superior defensive outfielder with projection still… an opposite field hitter that is making the conversion to a pull power hitter. A definite future star in this game.

 

1.8  RHP Bryce Osmond

 

2021 Oklahoma State stats - 13-G, 10-starts, 2-5, 7.42, 57-IP, 67-K, 33-BB. 96 fastball with 83-86 slider. Yeah, I know, the stat line insn’t that impressive but this is bat miss future Friday night starter that I predict will star in his junior year. 

 

1.9  LHP Connor Prelipp

 

2021 Alabama Stat Line - 3-starts, 1-1, 3.86, 7-IP, 12-K. Developing into a top college arm. Fastball up to 97, slider 88-92. Projected to be the Crimson Tide Friday night starter in 2022.

  

1.10  OF Jud Fabian

 

Fabian is back in the mix. Yes, he did not produce a good overall stat line last season (2021 Florida stat line - 59-G, 225-AB, .249/.364/.560/.924, 20-HR), but the 20 dingers prove his ability to hit. Fabian has huge talent and I expect him to have a banner senior season for Florida, 

 

1.11 (Mets) RHP Dylan Lesko

 

The addition of Rocker, Collier, and Fabian has caused Lesko to fall into the lap of the Mets. Prep speed-baller that throws a 97 (T-99) fastball, a sweeping slider, and a quality 12-6 curve. Projected to even get better than producing the dominating numbers he had as a prep pitcher. 174 games, 192 2/3 innings pitched, 313 strikeouts, 0.93 WHIP

  

1.12  SS Brooks Lee

 

2021 Cal Poly stat line - 55-G, 222-AB, 34-K, team leading .342-BA, 10-HR, 57-RBI… Aggressive hitter that doesn’t strike out a lot. Plays short well and is expected to stick there. 

 

1.13  C Kevin Parada

 

Easily the top catcher in the draft. 2021 GT stat line - 52-G, 220-AB, team leading .318, 9-HR, 42-RBI, 41-K (17%). Decent arm with fast release. A right-handed hitter who consistently barrels up pitches. 

 

1.14  OF Brock Jones

 

2021 Stanford stat line - 56-G, 206-AB, 59-K, .311, .646-slug, 18-HR, 62-RBI. An ultra-physical, muscled-up outfielder. Draws bunches of walks. Would love to see him stick around for out second pick in this round, but I don’t see it happening right now.

  

1.15  LHP Nate Savino

 

Another on I wished was still on the board when we picked at 1.17. 2021 Virginia stat line - 16-G, 10-starts, 3-3, 3.79, 54.2-IP, 34-K, 16-BB. Not a strikeout pitcher but still a mid-90s fastball with run and sinking action and a solid slider that serves as his outpitch. I really like this guy. 

 

1.16  RHP Ian Richie Jr.

 

Mixed control of his 93-95, low-90s 2-seam FB, T95 fastball, mid-80s two-plane break slider, and high 70s curve. 43 games, 58 1/3 innings pitched, 58 strikeouts. Needs to work on the 1.54-WHIP.

 

1.17 (Mets) RHP Landon Sims

 

2021 Miss. State stat line - 25-appearances, 5-0, 1.44, 56.1-IP, 100-K, 15-BB. Absolutely wowed them in the College World Series, especially when he moved down one Vandy batter after another in the finals that his team won. Powerful 97-FB that made him to be the top closer in college last year; however I expect Miss State will convert him to a starter this season.