ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS

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

Jul 16, 2022, 10:00 AM | Updated: 11:10 am
Mike Hazen introduced as the Arizona Diamondbacks new executive vice president and general manager....
Mike Hazen introduced as the Arizona Diamondbacks new executive vice president and general manager. (Photo by Alexis Ramanjulu/Cronkite News)
(Photo by Alexis Ramanjulu/Cronkite News)

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