MLB Mock Draft 2022: Druw Jones, Jackson Holliday make a splash
By Eric Treuden
4. Pittsburgh Pirates mock draft: OF Elijah Green
The Nationals are said to also be interested in Green, but the Pittsburgh Pirates are going to swoop in and steal him with the pick before theirs.
Green, like nearly every other player in this class, comes with some questions marks — none bigger than his swing and misses, which are something of an issue. But when you put together every other tool he has in his toolbox, the strikeouts and contact issues are almost worth it.
Green has the power, speed and defensive chops to be a multi-time All-Star as a major leaguer regardless of the holes in his game. He is the son of former NFL tight end Eric Green and is somehow even bigger and more athletic than his father. His raw power is similar in some ways to Giancarlo Stanton or Joey Gallo in the fact that if he makes solid enough contact, the ball travels a long way.
Like Parada, Green to Pittsburgh just feels right. The young stud outfielder has some shades of Andrew McCutchen in his game and if he is able to continue his McCutchen-like performance after the draft, he will be a star for a long, long time.
3. Texas Rangers mock draft: SS Brooks Lee
Brooks Lee has been climbing the draft rankings of many in the industry at a rapid pace as of late, with some scouts even saying the Orioles could take him with the first pick overall. To me, the first two picks of the draft are pretty much set in stone so the Texas Rangers are going to be the ones to land one of the more exciting middle infielders in the class.
Lee, another high-end collegiate ballplayer, was given a 65-grade hit tool by MLB.com and his most recent stats with the Cal Poly Mustangs back that up in a big way. The 21-year-old shortstop hit 15 home runs, drove in 55 runs and had a slash-line of .357/.462/.664 in 58 games this past spring. His OPS was 1.125 and he drew 46 walks against just 28 strikeouts.
Long-term, Lee is not likely to remain a shortstop as he doesn’t have the speed or agility that profiles as a shortstop down the line. He has great hands and a solid throwing arm so third base is a likely destination for him with second base also being a realistic option.