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. (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.
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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.
