MLB Mock Draft 2022: Druw Jones, Jackson Holliday make a splash

2. Arizona Diamondbacks mock draft: SS Jackson Holliday

Jackson Holliday, one of many second-generation ballplayers in this year’s draft class, is a high-doubles hitter with 20-25 home run potential in his bat. He plays a strong shortstop but may even become a center fielder down the line to take advantage of his speed.

The 2022 season saw Holliday’s stock improve dramatically as he was a top-20 pick to begin the year and has made his way all the way up to the top of the draft class.

The left-handed swinging Holliday has occasionally had issues in the past with trying too hard for home runs but he turned things around down the stretch. The son of seven-time MLB All-Star Matt Holliday has acquired a lot of his father’s baseball talents and overall baseball IQ and will pair nicely with Jordan Lawlar for the Arizona Diamondbacks‘ middle infield duo of the future.

1. Baltimore Orioles mock draft:  OF Druw Jones

The Baltimore Orioles are going to go against their typical grain and grab the best available player in this year’s draft class, the son of Andruw Jones, Druw Jones. Uber-prospect Adley Rutschman signed for $8.1 million back in 2019 but Jones will likely demand even more money than that.

Fortunately for the Orioles, they have some money to play with and are said to have $16.924 million in bonus pool money for their draft selections.

Jones is already an incredible defender in center field (much like his father) and is well on his way to elite-level defense. He has unreal bat speed and pop in his bat, and has a 60-grade power tool, 70-grade run tool and 70-grade field tool under his belt heading into the draft.

Surprisingly, some scouts have even said that Jones would be a great shortstop which is interesting to consider. Wherever he ends up defensively, Jones will be an excellent addition to this Orioles club that is getting closer and closer to postseason play.