The first round of the 2022 Major League Baseball Draft gets
underway Sunday in Los Angeles and runs through Tuesday. In the days
leading up to the draft, MaxPreps will look at high school players who
could be selected in the first few rounds at each position.
Walter Ford, Pace
Photo: Mike Janes
Just a month removed from leading his team to a 44-0 record, a MaxPreps National Championship and National Player of the Year honors, Porter stands to be the first high school pitcher selected in the 2022 draft. Porter's fastball has been clocked at 99 mph generally resides around 95 mph. He also has a devastating change-up, along with a slider and curve ball, although the latter two pitches are not as commanding as the former two. Look for Porter to go among the top 10 picks.
2. Dylan Lesko, Buford (Ga.)
At the beginning of the season, Lesko was seen as a generational-type pitcher and was easily the top-ranked pitcher in the class. Tommy John surgery in April, however, has dropped Lesko down the draft order, but the fall won't be too great. With a pre-surgery fastball that hit 99 mph and command of four pitches, Lesko will likely find a team in the middle of the first round willing to gamble on his potential even though he won't be available until 2023.
3. Ian Ritchie Jr., Bainbridge (Bainbridge Island, Wash.)
Control is Ritchie's best attribute as a pitcher and makes him a potential late first round, early second round pick. While Ritchie can bring it with the best of them, hitting up to 97 mph on his fastball, he also has better control of his pitches than some of the others on the list. An outstanding curve and an effective change-up give Ritchie three-plus pitches to work with.
4. Owen Murphy, Riverside-Brookfield (Riverside, Ill.)
Where Murphy will play is the biggest issue concerning the Illinois standout. He showed improved power at the plate this spring and he has always been a talented fielder capable of playing there at the next level. However he's also shown promise on the mound. Owner of four no-hitters last year with two perfect games, Murphy has a mid-90s fastball and a developing curve. Murphy's overall athletic ability makes him an intriguing prospect who could go early in the second round.
5. Walter Ford, Pace (Fla.)
Like Murphy, Ford could be drafted as a pitcher or every-day third baseman. Reclassified from the Class of 2023, Ford earned Pitcher of the Year honors from the Pensacola News Journal, but he also is a potential power hitter at the next level. Some scouts suggest that Ford, who already hits 97 mph on his fastball, could break 100 mph at the next level. Ford likely won't last past the early part of the second round.
