2022 MLB Draft: Draft Order, Top Prospects, How To Watch originally appeared on NBC Sports Washington
The Orioles control the 2022 MLB Draft and are the league’s first overall pick for the second time in five years.
Last time they used their top pick on Consensus No. 1 prospect Adley Rutschman. This year the top of the draft is a bit more muddy with several hitters in play for the first pick. Regardless of who ends up in Baltimore, the first round is expected to be tough for positional players, especially at the top.
Here’s everything you need to know for the concept.
When is the 2022 MLB Draft?
The 2022 MLB First-Year Player Draft takes place over three days from July 17-19, broadcast on MLB Network. For the second year in a row, it will be held during the week of MLB’s All-Star Game festivities.
What is the 2022 MLB Draft Order?
The first round order of the 2022 MLB Draft was determined by reversing the 2021 regular season standings. The lottery system introduced by MLB’s new collective bargaining agreement will not come into effect until the 2023 draft.
This is the order for the first round:
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Baltimore Orioles
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Arizona Diamondbacks
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Texas Rangers
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Pittsburgh Pirates
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Miami Marlins
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Chicago Cubs
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Minnesota Twins
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Kansas City Royals
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Colorado Rockies
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New York Mets*
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Detroit Tigers
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Los Angeles Angels
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New York Mets
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San Diego Padres
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Cleveland Guardians
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Philadelphia Phillies
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Oakland Athletics
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Atlanta Braves
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Seattle Mariners
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St. Louis Cardinals
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Toronto Blue Jays
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Boston Red Sox
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New York Yankees
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Chicago White Sox
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Milwaukee Brewers
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Houston Astros
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Tampa Bay Rays
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San Francisco Giants
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Colorado Rockies (comp pick for losing Trevor Story)
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Cincinnati Reds (comp pick for losing to Nick Castellanos)
*The Mets received the number 11 overall pick as compensation for not signing Vanderbilt RHP Kumar Rocker at number 10 last year.
**The Los Angeles Dodgers have no choice in the first round as a penalty for exceeding the competitive balance load. Their first pick was moved back 10 places from No. 30 to 40th overall, the first pick of the second round.
The full draft order of 20 rounds can be found here†
Who are the best prospects in the 2022 MLB Draft?
Druw Jones, OR, Wesleyan School (Ga.)
If that name sounds familiar, it’s because Druw Jones is the son of five-time All-Star Andruw Jones. The 18-year-old carries all five tools like his father and plays a great defense in midfield just like his father. While it’s not a slam dunk to go to the budget-conscious No. 1 Orioles overall, it would be a shock to see Jones still on the board after the top three.
Jackson Holliday, SS/2B, Stillwater HS (Okla.)
Jackson Holliday, another son of a former big leaguer, will try to outdo his father Matt Holliday by going into the first round this summer after his father had to wait until seventh to hear his name called in 1998. The younger Holliday has strong left-hand contact skills and an advanced approach for his age. Like Jones, Holliday is expected to be taken in the first few picks.
Brooks Lee, SS/3B, Cal Poly
The best college player available in this year’s draft is not from the SEC or ACC, but rather from the Big Sky where Brooks Lee made his name at Cal Poly. With his father as head coach, Lee dominated his conference with 25 home runs and a 1,073 OPS as he ran as much as he hit. He also showed that his skills could play on
Elijah Green, OF, IMG Academy (Fla.)
The theme of the sons of former high-draft athletes does not stop here. Elijah Green’s dad is former NFL tight end Eric Green, and the outfielder’s 6-foot-3, 225-pound build certainly looks like he belongs on the roster. However, he has the speed and strength to be an impact player on the diamond and should finish somewhere in the top 10.
Termarr Johnson, 2B/SS, Mays HS (Ga.)
For the most exciting hit tool in this draft class, look no further than Termarr Johnson. MLB pipeline gives him a stroke figure of 70 on the scale of 20-80, the highest of all players. He is listed at a generous 5 foot-10, but scouts don’t expect this to hinder his power potential. While Johnson had some early momentum to become No. 1 overall, he will likely finish in the top 10 a little later.
Cam Collier, 3B, Chipola College
Cam Collier, son of former top player Lou Collier, took the Bryce Harper route to attend junior college to qualify for conscription at age 17. The move seems to be paying off as Collier has rocketed the draft boards thanks to his consistent left-handed swing and arm strength that should allow him to stay in third place.
Kevin Parada, C, Georgia Tech
The consensus top catcher in this draft class is Kevin Parada, whose prospect status is determined by his offensive potential. Some scouts are even suggesting that a move to first base could be in his future after going through some hiccups behind the saucer at George Tech. Parada has been most often mocked at the Nationals at number 5 overall.
Jacob Berry, 3B/1B/OF, LSU
While his first bat skills have left him a little out of position, Jacob Berry has the offensive advantage of a power hitter hitting a switch that hits medium to let teams see past his defense. He split his college career between Arkansas and LSU, raking in both schools. Berry has top-10 potential and could be a steal for mid-round teams if his defense causes him to slip.
Gavin Cross, OF, Virginia Tech
Along with JMU’s Chase DeLauter, Gavin Cross is one of two Virginia Colleges outfielders expected to play in the first round this year. Cross has been a force for the Hokies for the past two years, earning a couple of First Team All-ACC rosters with strong home runs and stolen base totals. He is a candidate to finish in the top 10.
Dylan Lesko, RHP, Buford HS (Ga.)
In case you hadn’t noticed, the previous nine players were all batters. This class was already light on top pitching talent, and then highly regarded righthander Dylan Lesko was forced to undergo Tommy John surgery. He could still be the best pitcher on the board anyway, although RHP Brock Porter (St. Mary’s Prep) and LHP Connor Prielipp (Alabama) also have a chance.