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.
The son of seven-time MLB All-Star Matt Holliday, Jackson moved to the top of list of infield draft prospects thanks to a dominating senior season. His 89 base hits set a national record while he also racked up 28 doubles and 17 home runs and finished with 79 RBI and 74 runs scored. All five totals ranked in the top five in the nation this year. He has enough skill on defense to stay in the middle of the infield for now, but he could eventually move to third.
2. Termarr Johnson, Mays (Atlanta)
Considered to have one of the quickest bats in the Class of 2022, Johnson is valued for his offensive skills, particularly as a power hitter. At one time, Johnson was considered the top prospect in his class. While those projections have tempered some, he still could be the top infielder selected. Don't expect him to last outside of the top 10.
3. Jett Williams, Rockwall-Heath (Rockwall, Texas)
At 5-foot-8, Williams doesn't have the traditional size needed to stick at shortstop, his current position, but he has an outstanding arm and good speed on the base paths, making him a perfect second base/lead-off piece for any team. While he could surprise and land somewhere in the end of the first round, Williams likely comes off the board early in the second.
4. Cole Young, North Allegheny (Wexford, Pa.)
While not a power hitter, Young figures to be the type of shortstop who can field the position well and hit for average. Scouting reports say he should be able to stay at shortstop. Look for him to go near the middle of the second round.
5. Mikey Romero, Orange Lutheran (Orange, Calif.)
Playing on one of the top programs in the nation, Romero has been a valuable asset in the field and at the plate. His athleticism will help him stay at shortstop and his hitting ability only makes him more valuable. Like Young, Romero won't be valued for his power hitting, but he still figures to be chosen somewhere in the middle or early part of the second round.
6. Sal Stewart Jr., Westminster Christian (Miami)
One of the national leaders in home runs as a junior, Stewart's power numbers dropped a bit his senior year. However, Stewart still figures to be one of the top prep power hitters available in the draft. A possible third-round pick.
7. Tucker Toman, Hammond (Columbia, S.C.)
A switch hitter, Toman gets high marks for his bat speed. His power-hitting ability and strong arm also make him one of the top third base candidates in the draft. He hit seven home runs and batted nearly .500 as a senior. Look for him to go late second or early third round.
8. Max Martin, Moorestown (N.J.)
An all-state shortstop, Martin might not have the arm to stay there and will likely move over to second base at the next level. He has shown that he can hit the fastball, but Keith Law of The Athletic notes that off-speed pitches can be more of a challenge. A likely third-round selection.
9. Christopher Paciolla, Temecula Valley (Temecula, Calif.)
One of the bigger shortstop prospects at 6-foot-2, Paciolla has power in his swing with four home runs this year and five as a junior. Might not be quick enough to stay at shortstop and could move to third base at the next level. An early fourth-round choice is a possibility.
10. Gavin Guidry, Barbe (Lake Charles, La.)
A pitcher who won eight games each of the past two seasons for the Bucs, Guidry projects as an infielder at the next level due to his offensive skills. Scouts see Guidry as a work in progress with plenty of tools capable of becoming a major league player. Likely a fourth-round choice.
