Draft Thoughts: Drew Gilbert, Blade Tidwell, Jack Brannigan, Gavin Kilen

12-30-21 - https://www.prospectslive.com/prospects-live/2021/12/29/2022-mlb-draft-top-300-prospects -

92 Drew Gilbert OF Tennessee 

Stillwater, MN 

Gilbert is the ultimate spark plug at the top of the lineup. He's a good, slappy hitter who isn't afraid to turn and burn on a fastball when he's ahead, tapping into his fringy raw power. Gilbert plays a solid centerfield and has a plus arm to keep baserunners honest. His best trait is without question his sublime approach and discipline at the plate. He draws a decent amount of walks, but really keeps his strikeouts down and never surrenders an at-bat.

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12-30-21 - https://www.prospectslive.com/prospects-live/2021/12/29/2022-mlb-draft-top-300-prospects - 

13. Blade Tidwell

Right-Handed Pitcher, Tennessee 

When it comes to Tidwell, the conversation starts and ends with the fastball. Tidwell has consistently been up into the upper-90s and has touched 99. If the command ticks up in 2022 and he learns to shape and spot his fastball at the top of the zone, watch out. Tidwell is working to develop a heater with more hop, focusing on subtle changes with Team USA this past summer. By winter, he was getting 17-21 inches of IVB on the fastball consistently. 

Tidwell features a sweeping slider in the mid-to-upper 80s as well as a fringier mid-70s curveball that he's working to refine. It’s a super-athletic body and a quick arm. There’s definitive starter upside here. If Tidwell throws more strikes in 2022, he could be the first college arm off the board.

                            1-5-21 - https://www.prospectslive.com/prospects-live/2022-mlb-mock-draft - Prospect Live Mock Draft 1.0 

14. New York Mets

Blade Tidwell, Right-Handed Pitcher, Tennessee 

Awarded the 11th overall pick after failing to sign Kumar Rocker, the Mets still have their organic 14th overall pick to play with as well. Tidwell represents one of the best pitching prospects in the country with prototype size, athleticism and stuff that should entice New York brass. The Mets pick twice in the first round, so it’s a shot to land two impact players. 

Peyton Pallette makes some sense here so long as he stays healthy, as does Mississippi State hurler Landon Sims if he’s on the board. Gabriel Hughes may be a dark horse here as well. If the Mets choose to go the bat route, Jacob Berry is still on the board and may represent the best pure college bat in the class.

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12-30-21 - https://www.prospectslive.com/prospects-live/2021/12/29/2022-mlb-draft-top-300-prospects - 

198 Jack Brannigan 3B Notre Dame 

Orland Park, IL 

Brannigan is a physical stalwart at the hot corner with a very good arm. He's begun tapping into the power his frame would suggest and that has scouts intrigued. He's also a good enough runner, probably average, to steal a handful of bases. Strikeouts have been an issue for Brannigan in the past and should he hope to jump into that next tier of prospect, he'll need to limit the swing-and-miss and put the ball in play more.

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12-30-21 - https://www.prospectslive.com/prospects-live/2021/12/29/2022-mlb-draft-top-300-prospects - 

94 Gavin Kilen SS Milton Milton, WI 

The midwest has become a hotbed for baseball the last five years or so and Kilen continues that trend. Kilen's brand is that of a sound, mature hitter with impact still coming. Very real feel for hit with the willingness to use all fields. Upright approach and inside-out swing allows Kilen to cover the entire zone. One of the more polished sticks in the class. He's shown advanced feel on the dirt and a good throwing arm.