ESPN’s McDaniel advises D-backs to take 5 players in 2022 MLB Draft

The 2022 MLB Draft is set to take place from Sunday to Tuesday, with the Arizona Diamondbacks holding the No. 2 overall pick.

ESPN’s Kiley McDaniel took a look at all 30 organizations’ greatest needs, the best fits in the draft, each team’s typical approach and where each farm system ranks.

According to McDaniel, the D-backs will look to target three position players and two pitchers come draft day.

Biggest system strengths: Quality upper minors depth

Biggest system needs: Catching

How they typically draft: The Diamondbacks prefer to focus on contact-oriented up-the-middle position players and also lean toward higher-arm slot pitchers.

Best fits: Coastal Carolina SS Eric Brown, Prep C Brady Neal, Clemson 3B Max Wagner, Arkansas RHP Peyton Pallette, Oklahoma State RHP Justin Campbell

As a junior, Brown was named the 2022 D-I Baseball Preseason Sun Belt Player of the Year.

Brown finished the season slashing an astounding .330/.544/.460 while mashing seven home runs and driving in 40 runs.

As a high school senior, Neal led IMG Academy to a 23-2 record while hitting .359 in 78 at-bats to go along with three dingers.

Wagner just completed his second full season as a Clemson Tiger and slashed a remarkable .370/.496/.852, including 27 home runs and 76 RBI.

Pallette missed the entire 2022 season due to Tommy John surgery.

The Arkansas Razorback made 15 appearances (11 starts) in 2021, logging a 1-2 record with a 4.02 ERA in 56 innings of work.

In 101.1 innings pitched for Oklahoma State, Campbell pitched to a 3.82 ERA while striking out 141 batters in 2022.

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