2023 MLB Position Rankings

Below are my lists of the top 10 players at each position heading into the 2023 MLB Season. The important thing to note is that these rankings are what I am projecting each player to produce in 2023, and not based solely on how well each player performed in 2022.

Starting Pitcher

1. Jacob deGrom, RHP, Texas Rangers

2. Sandy Alcantara, RHP, Miami Marlins

3. Corbin Burnes, RHP, Milwaukee Brewers

4. Shohei Ohtani, RHP, Los Angeles Angels

5. Max Scherzer, RHP, New York Mets

6. Gerrit Cole, RHP, New York Yankees

7. Brandon Woodruff, RHP, Milwaukee Brewers

8. Zack Wheeler, RHP, Philadelphia Phillies

9 Justin Verlander, RHP, New York Mets

10 Shane Bieber, RHP, Cleveland Guardians

Relief Pitcher

1. Emmanuel Clase, RHP, Cleveland Guardians

2. Jhoan Duran, RHP, Minnesota Twins

3. Ryan Pressly, RHP, Houston Astros

4. Camilo Doval, RHP, San Francisco Giants

5. Andres Muñoz, RHP, Seattle Mariners

6. Evan Phillips, RHP, Los Angeles Dodgers

7. Josh Hader, LHP, San Diego Padres

8. Clay Holmes, RHP, New York Yankees

9. Ryan Helsley, RHP, St. Louis Cardinals

10. David Bednar, RHP, Pittsburgh Pirates

Catcher

1. J.T. Realmuto, Philadelphia Phillies

2. Adley Rutschman, Baltimore Orioles

3. Will Smith, Los Angeles Dodgers

4. Salvador Perez, Kansas City Royals

5. Wilson Contreras, St. Louis Cardinals

6. Travis d'Arnaud, Atlanta Braves

7. Sean Murphy, Atlanta Braves

8. Cal Raleigh, Seattle Mariners

9. William Contreras, Milwaukee Brewers

10. Alejandro Kirk, Toronto Blue Jays

First Base

1. Freddie Freeman, Los Angeles Dodgers

2. Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Toronto Blue Jays

3. Paul Goldschmidt, St. Louis Cardinals

4. Pete Alonso, New York Mets

5. Jose Abreu, Houston Astros

6. Matt Olson, Atlanta Braves

7. Luis Arraez, Miami Marlins

8. Andrew Vaughn, Chicago White Sox

9. Anthony Rizzo, New York Yankees

10. CJ Cron, Colorado Rockies

Second Base

1. Ozzie Albies, Atlanta Braves

2. Marcus Semien, Texas Rangers

3, Jose Altuve, Houston Astros

4. Andres Gimenez, Cleveland Guardians

5. Gleyber Torres, New York Yankees

6. Jeff McNeil, New York Mets

7. Jonathan India, Cincinnati Reds

8. Ketel Marte, Arizona Diamondbacks

9. Brandon Lowe, Tampa Bay Rays

10. Nico Hoerner, Chicago Cubs

Third Base

1. Nolan Arenado, St. Louis Cardinals

2. Jose Ramirez, Cleveland Guardians

3. Manny Machado, San Diego Padres

4. Rafael Devers, Boston Red Sox

5. Austin Riley, Atlanta Braves

6. Alex Bregman, Houston Astros

7. Ke'Bryan Hayes, Pittsburgh Pirates

8. Justin Turner, Boston Red Sox

9. Anthony Rendon, Los Angeles Angels

10. Matt Chapman, Toronto Blue Jays

Shortstop

1. Trea Turner, Philadelphia Phillies

2. Corey Seager, Texas Rangers

3. Carlos Correa, Minnesota Twins

4. Francisco Lindor, New York Mets

5. Fernando Tatis, Jr., San Diego Padres

6. Xander Bogaerts, San Diego Padres

7. Bobby Witt Jr., Kansas City Royals

8. Tim Anderson, Chicago White Sox

9. Dansby Swanson, Chicago Cubs

10. Anthony Volpe, New York Yankees

Outfield

1. Mike Trout, Los Angeles Angels

2. Ronald Acuña Jr., Atlanta Braves

3. Julio Rodriguez, Seattle Mariners

4. Juan Soto, San Diego Padres

5. Mookie Betts, Los Angeles Dodgers

6. Aaron Judge, New York Yankees

7. Bryce Harper, Philadelphia Philllies

8. Yordan Alvarez, Houston Astros

9. Kyle Tucker, Houston Astros

10. George Springer, Toronto Blue Jays

2023 WBC Predictions

 

2023 World Baseball Classic Prediction

Pool A Final Standings

1. Cuba 4-0

2. Netherlands 2-2

3. Chinese Taipei 2-2

4. Italy 1-3

5. Panama 1-3

Pool B Final Standings

1. Japan 4-0

2. Korea 3-1

3. China- 2-2

4. Australia 1-3

5. Czech Republic 0-4

Pool C Final Standings

1. USA 4-0

2. Mexico 3-1

3. Columbia 2-2

4. Canada 1-3

5. Great Britain 0-4

Pool D Final Standings

1. Dominican Republic 4-0

2. Puerto Rico 3-1

3. Venezuela 2-2

4. Israel 1-3

5. Nicaragua 0-4

Quarterfinals

Game 1: Cuba defeats Korea

Game 2: Japan defeats Netherlands

Game 3: Dominican Republic defeats Mexico

Game 4: USA defeats Puerto Rico

Semifinals

Semifinal 1: Dominican Republic defeats Cuba

Semifinal 2: USA defeats Japan

Championship

Dominican Republic defeats USA

2022 MLB Free Agency Predictions

What a loaded Free Agent class this will be! I will be making predictions of where the following players will sign and the contract length and amount. No need to delay the predictions, lets get to it!

UPDATE AS OFFSEASON GOES ON:

• Correct Team prediction will be highlighted in Green, Incorrect Team prediction will be highlighted in Red.
• +/- 1 year of actual length of contract will be highlighted in Green. +/- of 2 or more years of actual length will be highlighted in Red.
• Club/Player Options will not be included in my predicted contract length.
• +/- $5M or less in Average Annual Value will be highlighted in Green. +/- $5.01M or more will be highlighted in Red.
• The Buyout amount for Team Options will be included in the Average Annual Value. I will be using the Luxury Tax salary.

Projected Available Free Agents (after Club Options/Player Options/Mutual Options)

Jose Abreu, 1B, Chicago White Sox

Prediction: Chicago White Sox, 2 years/$30M

Actual: Houston Astros, 3 years/$58.5M

Elvis Andrus, SS, Chicago White Sox

Prediction: Boston Red Sox, 1 year/$4M

Actual: Chicago White Sox, 1 year/$3M

Tyler Anderson, SP, Los Angeles Dodgers

Prediction: Minnesota Twins, 2 years/$14M

Actual: Los Angeles Angels, 3 years/$39M

Chris Bassitt, SP, New York Mets

Prediction: Toronto Blue Jays, 4 years/$48M

Actual: Toronto Blue Jays, 3 years/$63M

Josh Bell, 1B/DH, San Diego Padres

Prediction: New York Yankees, 2 years/$32M

Actual: Cleveland Guardians, 1 year/$16.5M with player option

Andrew Beninetendi, LF, New York Yankees

Prediction: Texas Rangers: 4 years/$64M

Actual: Chicago White Sox, 5 years/$75M

Brandon Belt, 1B, San Francisco Giants

Prediction: San Francisco Giants, 1 year/$8M

Actual: Toronto Blue Jays, 1 year/$9.3M

Xander Bogaerts, SS, Boston Red Sox

Prediction: Philadelphia Phillies, 8 years/$260M

Actual: San Diego Padres, 11 years/$280M

Michael Brantley, LF/DH, Houston Astros

Prediction: Houston Astros, 1 year/$10M

Actual: Houston Astros, 1 year/$12M

Matt Carpenter, UTL, New York Yankees

Prediction: St. Louis Cardinals, 1 year/$2M

Actual: San Diego Padres, 1 year/$6M with player option

Carlos Carrasco, SP, New York Mets

Prediction: Philadelphia Phillies, 2 years/$16M

Actual: Mets picked up 2023 option

Aroldis Chapman, RP, New York Yankees

Prediction: Toronto Blue Jays, 1 year/$12M

Actual: Kansas City Royals, 1 year/$3.75M

Mike Clevinger, SP, San Diego Padres

Prediction: Tampa Bay Rays, 1 year/$8M

Actual: Chicago White Sox, 1 year/$12M with mutual option

Wilson Contreras, C, Chicago Cubs

Prediction: Boston Red Sox, 6 years/$150M

Actual: St. Louis Cardinals, 5 years/$87.5M with club option

Carlos Correa, SS, Minnesota Twins

Prediction: Miami Marlins, 8 years/$268M

Actual: Minnesota Twins, 6 years/$200M with 4 vesting options

Jacob deGrom, SP, New York Mets

Prediction: New York Mets, 4 years/$174M

Actual: Texas Rangers, 5 years, $185M with club option

Edwin Diaz, RP, New York Mets

Prediction: New York Mets, 6 years/$106.5M

Actual: New York Mets, 5 years/$102M

Brandon Drury, 3B, San Diego Padres

Prediction: San Francisco Giants, 2 years/$14M

Actual: Los Angeles Angels, 2 years/$17M

Zach Eflin, RP, Philadelphia Phillies

Prediction: Philadelphia Phillies, 2 years/$12M

Actual: Tampa Bay Rays, 3 years/$40M

Nathan Eovaldi, SP, Boston Red Sox

Prediction: Minnesota Twins, 2 years/$20M

Actual: Texas Rangers, 2 years/$34M with vested option

Adam Frazier, 2B, Seattle Mariners

Prediction: Baltimore Orioles, 1 year/$8M

Actual: Baltimore Orioles, 1 year/$8M

Yuli Gurriel, 1B, Houston Astros

Prediction: Houston Astros, 1 year/$7M

Actual: Miami Marlins, Minor League Deal

Mitch Haniger, RF, Seattle Mariners

Prediction: Milwaukee Brewers, 3 years/$42M

Actual: San Francisco Giants, 2 years/$29M with player option

Andrew Heaney, SP, Los Angeles Dodgers

Prediction: St. Louis Cardinals, 1 year/$15M

Actual: Texas Rangers,1 year/$12.5M with player option

Kenley Jansen, RP, Atlanta Braves

Prediction: Philadelphia Phillies, 2 years/$22M

Actual: Boston Red Sox, 2 years/$32M

Aaron Judge, RF, New York Yankees

Prediction: Seattle Mariners, 8 years/$300M

Actual: New York Yankees, 9 years/$360M

Clayton Kershaw, SP, Los Angeles Dodgers

Prediction: Los Angeles Dodgers, 1 year/$15M

Actual: Los Angeles Dodgers, 1 year/$20M

Kevin Kiermaier, CF, Tampa Bay Rays

Prediction: Miami Marlins, 1 year/$7.5M

Actual: Toronto Blue Jays, 1 year/$9M

Craig Kimbrel, RP, Los Angeles Dodgers

Prediction: Los Angeles Angels, 1 year/$10M

Actual: Philadelphia Phillies, 1 year/$10M

Seth Lugo, RP, New York Mets

Prediction: New York Yankees, 2 years/$15M

Actual: San Diego Padres, 1 year/$7.5M with player option

Trey Mancini, 1B, Houston Astros

Prediction: Baltimore Orioles, 1 year/$10M

Actual: Chicago Cubs, 1 year/$7M with player option

JD Martinez, DH, Boston Red Sox

Prediction: St. Louis Cardinals, 1 year/$15M

Actual: Los Angeles Dodgers, 1 year/$10M

Andrew McCutchen, OF/DH, Milwaukee Brewers

Prediction: Boston Red Sox, 1 year/$6M

Actual: Pittsburgh Pirates, 1 year/$5M

Rafael Montero, RP, Houston Astros

Prediction: Atlanta Braves, 3 years/$30M

Actual: Houston Astros, 3 years/$34.5M

Brandon Nimmo, CF, New York Mets

Prediction: New York Yankees, 6 years/$132M

Actual: New York Mets, 8 years/$162M

Martin Perez, SP, Texas Rangers

Prediction: San Francisco Giants, 2 years/$30M

Actual: Accepted Texas Rangers QO

Tommy Pham, LF, Boston Red Sox

Prediction: New York Mets, 1 year, $6M

Actual: New York Mets, 1 year/$6M

Jurickson Profar, LF, San Diego Padres

Prediction: New York Yankees: 3 years/$39M

Actual: Colorado Rockies, 1 year/$7.75M

Jose Quintana, SP, St. Louis Cardinals

Prediction: Chicago White Sox, 3 years/$36M

Actual: New York Mets, 2 years/$26M

Anthony Rizzo, 1B, New York Yankees

Prediction: San Diego Padres, 2 years/$36M

Actual: New York Yankees, 2 years/$40M with club option

David Robertson, RP, Philadelphia Phillies

Prediction: San Diego Padres, 1 year/$7M

Actual: New York Mets, 1 year/$10M

Carlos Rodon, SP, San Francisco Giants

Prediction: Los Angeles Angels, 5 years/$115M

Actual: New York Yankees, 6 years/$162M

Gary Sanchez, C, Minnesota Twins

Prediction: Chicago Cubs, 1 year/$9M

Actual: San Francisco Giants, Minor League Deal

Jean Segura, 2B, Philadelphia Phillies

Prediction: Seattle Mariners, 1 year/$7M

Actual: Miami Marlins, 2 years/$17M with club option

Dansby Swanson, SS, Atlanta Braves

Prediction: Atlanta Braves, 7 years/$168M

Actual: Chicago Cubs, 7 years/$177M

Noah Syndergaard, SP, Philadelphia Phillies

Prediction: New York Yankees, 1 year/$12M

Actual: Los Angeles Dodgers, 1 year/$13M

Jameson Taillon, SP, New York Yankees

Prediction: Los Angeles Dodgers, 2 years/$28M

Actual: Chicago Cubs, 4 years/$68M

Trea Turner, SS, Los Angeles Dodgers

Prediction: Los Angeles Dodgers, 9 years/$292.5M

Actual: Philadelphia Phillies, 11 years/$300M

Christian Vazquez, C, Houston Astros

Prediction: Tampa Bay Rays, 2 years/$14M

Actual: Minnesota Twins, 3 years/$30M

Justin Verlander, SP, Houston Astros

Prediction: Houston Astros, 2 years/$62M

Actual: New York Mets, 2 years/$86.67M with vesting option

Taijuan Walker, SP, New York Mets

Prediction: Boston Red Sox, 1 year/$9M

Actual: Philadelphia Phillies, 4 years/$72M

My 2022 MLB Award Ballets

While we are in the middle of Game 5 of the World Series, it is time to get my 2022 MLB Awards Ballets out there. It is important to note this is not a prediction of what I think will happen, instead it is how I would cast my ballet if I was a voter. Playoff production has no factor into any of these awards as the ballets are cast before the postseason begins.

Rookie of the Year

National League

1st: Michael Harris II, CF, ATL

.297/.339/.514, 19 HR, 64 RBI

2nd: Spencer Strider, SP, ATL

11-5, 131.2 IP, 202 K, 2.67 ERA, 0.995 WHIP

3rd: Brendan Donovan, 2B/OF, STL

.281/.394/.379, 5 HR, 45 RBI

4th: Alex Vesia, RP, LAD

5-0, 54.1 IP, 79 K, 2.15 ERA, 1.123 WHIP

5th: Alexis Diaz, RP, CIN

7-3, 63.2 IP, 83 K, 1.84 ERA, 0.958 WHIP

American League

1st: Julio Rodriguez, CF, SEA

.284/.345/.509, 28 HR, 75 RBI

2nd: Adley Rutschman, C, BAL

.254/.362/..445, 13 HR, 42 RBI

3rd: Steven Kwan, LF, CLE

.298/.373/.400, 6 HR, 52 RBI

4th: Jeremy Pena, SS, HOU

.253/.289/.426, 22 HR, 63 RBI

5th: Bobby Witt Jr.

.254/.294/.428, 20 HR, 80 RBI

Manager of the Year

National League

1st: Brian Snitker, ATL

101-61, 1st in NL East

2nd: Buck Showalter, NYM

101-61, 2nd in NL East

3rd: Oliver Marmol, STL,

93-69, 1st in NL Central

4th: Rob Thomson, PHI

87-75, 3rd in NL East

5th: Dave Roberts, LAD

111-51, 1st in NL West

American League

1st: Terry Francona, CLE

92-70, 1st in AL Central

2nd: Scott Servais, SEA

90-72, 2nd in AL West

3rd: Brandon Hyde, BAL

83-79, 4th in AL East

4th: Kevin Cash, TBR

86-76, 3rd in AL East

5th: John Schneider, TOR

92-70, 2nd in AL East

Cy Young

National League

1st: Sandy Alcantara, SP, MIA

14-9, 228.2 IP, 207 K, 2.28 ERA, 0.98 WHIP

2nd: Julio Urias, SP, LAD

17-7, 175 IP, 166 K, 2.16 ERA, 0.96 WHIP

3rd: Zac Gallen, SP, ARI

12-4, 184 IP, 192 K, 2.54 ERA, 0.913 WHIP

4th: Max Fried, SP, ATL

14-7, 185.1 IP, 170 K, 2.48 ERA, 1.014 WHIP

5th: Corbin Burnes, SP, MIL

12-8, 202 IP, 243 K, 2.94 ERA, 0.965 WHIP

American League

1st: Justin Verlander, SP, HOU

18-4, 175 IP, 185 K, 1.75 ERA, 0.829 WHIP

2nd: Dylan Cease, SP, CHW

14-8, 184 IP, 227 K, 2.20 ERA, 1.109 WHIP

3rd: Alek Manoah, SP, TOR

16-7, 196.2 IP, 180 K, 2.24 ERA, 0.992 WHIP

4th: Shohei Ohtani, SP/DH, LAA

15-9, 166 IP, 219 K, 2.33 ERA, 1.012 WHIP

5th: Shane Bieber, SP, CLE

13-8, 200 IP, 198 K, 2.88 ERA, 1.04 WHIP

MVP

National League

1st: Paul Goldschmidt, 1B, STL

.317/.404/.578, 35 HR, 115 RBI

2nd: Nolan Arenado, 3B, STL

.293/.358/.533, 30 HR, 103 RBI

3rd: Manny Machado, 3B, SD

.298/.366/.531, 32 HR, 102 RBI

4th: Freddie Freeman, 1B, LAD

.325/.407/.511, 21 HR, 100 RBI

5th: Austin Riley, 3B, ATL,

.273/.349/.528, 38 HR, 93 RBI

American League

1st: Aaron Judge, RF, NYY

.311/.425/.686, 62 HR, 131 RBI

2nd: Shohei Ohtani, SP/DH, LAA

.273/.356/.519, 34 HR, 95 RBI

15-9, 166 IP, 219 K, 2.33 ERA, 1.012 WHIP

3rd: Yordan Alvarez, LF/DH, HOU

.306/.406/.613, 37 HR, 97 RBI

4th: Jose Ramirez, 3B, CLE

.280/.355/.514, 29 HR, 126 RBI

5th: Jose Altuve, 2B, HOU,

.300/.387/.533, 28 HR, 57 RBI

 

2022 MLB Playoff Predictions

Wild Card

American League Wild Card

Rays over Guardians in 3 Games

Mariners over Blue Jays in 3 Games

National League Wild Card

Phillies over Cardinals in 2 Games

Mets over Padres in 2 Games

Division Series

American League Division Series

Rays over Yankees in 5 Games

Astros over Mariners in 4 Games

National League Division Series

Braves over Phillies in 4 Games

Mets over Dodgers in 5 Games

Championship Series

American League Championship Series

Astros over Rays in 5 Games

National League Championship Series

Mets over Braves in 7 Games

World Series

The Astros find themselves back in the World Series once again and the Mets are back in the Fall Classic for the first time since 2015. In a series that is dominated by starting pitching, I have the Mets taking down the Astros in 7 games. Francisco Lindor is named World Series MVP for his offensive and defensive efforts. Max Scherzer and Jacob DeGrom each start two games in the series, winning each of their starts. The Mets lose the three games not started by DeGrom and Scherzer. Edwin Diaz picks up multiple 4+ out saves in the series.

MLB Mock Draft 2022

A fun stretch of baseball has been kicked off with the Futures Game being played on Saturday, July 16. The Home Run Derby will take place on Monday the 18th, with the All Star Game being held on Tuesday, July 19th. The most impactful event taking place for each franchise will be the first-year player draft today. I will be running through a Mock Draft highlighting what I think each team should do with their selections in the First Round. It is important to note these draft picks are what I would do, and not what I project to happen. The Baltimore Orioles are on the clock...

First Round

1. Baltimore Orioles OF Druw Jones, Wesleyan (GA), 6'4"/180, (B/T: R/R)

The Orioles shouldn't do anything fancy with manipulating their bonus pool money. They should take Druw Jones with the first pick. Jones legitimately could be a 5-tool player. His defense is going to be well above average, and he should have above average power as well. The big question for me is how well he will hit for average, but even if he doesn't reach his full potential at being a good contact hitter, he has a good enough eye at the plate to carry a solid OBP. I see a high floor on Jones.

2. Arizona Diamondbacks SS Jackson Holliday, Stillwater (OK), 6'1"/175, (B/T: L/R)

The first thing to notice about Holliday is his smooth swing from the left side. He is able to hit the ball to all parts of the field and should be a hits machine at the next level. He will never be an elite defender but should be able to stick at SS for a while. A move to 2B is possible though, and a very good double play duo of Jordan Lawlar and Jackson Holliday could be formed in Arizona.

3. Texas Rangers 1B Jacob Berry, LSU, 6'0"/212, (B/T: S/R)

I listed Berry here as a 1B because that is where I think he will ultimately end up defensively. The bat is the reason the Rangers will take him here though. Berry has a good combination of contact and power and should be able to make it to the big leagues quickly.

4. Pittsburgh Pirates C Kevin Parada, Georgia Tech, 6'1"/197, (B/T: R/R)

At first this must seem like a ridiculous pick for the Pirates to grab a catcher two years in a row. I do not believe Parada will stick at catcher especially with Henry Davis moving through the Bucs minor leagues quickly. Parada will move to first base. The Pirates are in need of some power in their big league lineup and Georgia Tech standout is the best power hitter available out of the top prospects.

5. Washington Nationals 2B Termarr Johnson, Mays (GA), 5'10"/175, (B/T: L/R)

The first thing to notice about Johnson is his bat to ball skills and his potential to be a high batting average guy. He possess a compact swing that still has some potential power available. Johnson will likely stick at 2B for the duration of his career, but that could be a good thing where his bat will project to be well above average at the position.

6. Miami Marlins SS Brooks Lee, Cal Poly, 6'2"/205,  (B/T: S/R)

The Marlins can't pass up the chance at taking Lee, who is an exceptional contact hitter from both sides of the plate. He will start out as a SS but could move to 3B or 2B. I think he will hit enough to be a solid contributor at 3B. He isn't just all contact, as there is some decent power in Lee's game as well.

7. Chicago Cubs 3B Cam Collier, Chipola JC, 6'2"/210, (B/T: L/R)

It was very tempting to have the Cubs grab a pitcher since their minor league system is position player heavy at the top. Collier has a very simple left handed swing that helps him make consistent contact. The power probably won't be elite, but he has enough pop to stick at 3B long term. Defensively, he should be solid at the hot corner.

8. Minnesota Twins RHP Brock Porter, Orchard Lake St. Mary's (MI), 6'4"/208, (B/T: R/R)

There were a few bats in contention for this pick but Porter is the first pitcher off the board at #8. Porter operates mainly with a fastball in the 94-97 range and a changeup in the low 80s. He also mixes in a slider as his third offering, which is a little behind his changeup. A 12-6 curveball is a distant fourth offering.

9. Kansas City Royals OF Elijah Green, IMG Academy (FL), 6'3"/225, (B/T: R/R)

The slide for Green ends here as the Royals take the toolsy outfielder. Green has four of the five tools down already. He has above average power and plays fantastic defense with his speed and above average arm. The only concern is how well he'll be able to make consistent contact. 

10. Colorado Rockies 2B Jace Jung, Texas Tech, 6'0"/205, (B/T: L/R)

Jung has a chance to get to the Majors quickly. He profiles defensively as a second baseman with his below average arm. His hit tool is what is going to make him successful. Even with an unorthodox stance, Jung still shows the ability to hit for power without sacrificing contact.

11. *New York Mets RHP Dylan Lesko, Buford (GA), 6'2"/195, (B/T: R/R)

The Mets take Lesko who is the second pitcher taken in the draft. Lesko is recovering from Tommy John Surgery, but when healthy his ceiling could be the highest of any pitcher in the draft. His changeup pairs nicely with his 92-95 mph fastball. He also mixes in a curveball as an above average third offering.

12. Detroit Tigers RHP Kumar Rocker, Tri-City ValleyCats(Frontier), 6'5"/245, (B/T: R/R)

One year later I have Kumar Rocker back as a top draft pick. Rocker's fastball tops out at 99 but he has been inconsistent with velocity. His best pitch is his mid-80s slider, which might be the best pitch in the draft. He also mizes in a curveball and occasional changeup. 

13. Los Angeles Angels LHP Brandon Barriera, American Heritage (FL), 6'2"/180 (B/T: L/L)

Barriera is the first lefty pitcher selected in this years draft and he is a solid pick. There is not one exceptional thing he does well but he possesses an above average fastball, changeup, and slider. He reminds me a little of how Matthew Liberatore operates. 

14. New York Mets OF Gavin Cross, Virginia Tech, 6'3"/210, (B/T: L/L)

We have been in the second tier of players for a few picks now, and Gavin Cross is a guy that does everything well it seems. He is above average as a contact and power threat, but defensively he has an average arm. He is big enough to play first base or he could be more of a corner outfielder.

15. San Diego Padres RHP Cade Horton, Oklahoma, 6'1"/211 (B/T: R/R)

Horton mainly works with a mid 90s fastball and pairs it with a mid 80s slider with life. He has a solid floor of a multi inning reliever but his ability to work on his curveball or slider as a third pitch will determine if he makes it as starter.

16. Cleveland Guardians C Daniel Susac, Arizona, 6'4"/218, (B/T: R/R)

Susac is a catcher who does everything well on the ball field. He will hit for average and power and has an above average arm behind the plate. He will be able to stick behind the plate for the duration of his career.

17. Philadelphia Phillies SS Cole Young, North Allegheny (PA), 6'0"/180, (B/T: L/R)

The Phillies are able to add a solid shortstop prospect with an excellent hit tool. Young will be able to make plenty of contact. He has the chance to add some size and because of that add some power to his game Defensively he should be able to stick at shortstop long term.

18. Cincinnati Reds OF Justin Crawford, Bishop Gorman (NY), 6'3"/175, (B/T: L/R)

Crawford's slide ends here with the Reds taking him. Speed is the elite tool Crawford possess. He should be an above average contact hitter and the defense will be great with his speed. But there is limited power in Crawford's game now. With his size he should be able to improve in that category without sacrificing batting average.

19. Oakland Athletics OF Chase DeLauter, James Madison, 6'4"/235, (B/T: L/L)

Another left handed outfielder is taken and the offensive tools are impressive for DeLauter. He has impressive power while still being able to make consistent contact. Defensively, he profiles well as a corner outfielder.

20. Atlanta Braves SS Jett Williams, Rockwall-Heath (TX), 5'8"/175, (B/T: R/R)

Williams is just 5'8" but still has some decent pop. It will be below average and he also carries an average arm from shortstop. A move to second base would make sense and his high contact rates from the plate would profile well there.

21. Seattle Mariners LHP Connor Prielipp, Alabama, 6'2"/210, (B/T: L/L)

Priellip could easily go higher than this. I compare his path to Garret Crochet of the White Sox. He will get a shot to start but it will all depend on the development of his third offering, the changeup. His fastball and slider will give him a solid floor as a late inning reliever.

22. St. Louis Cardinals SS Zach Neto, Campbell, 6'0"/185, (B/T: R/R)

Neto should be able to stick at shortstop for a long time with his arm strength. The reason he will be picked is because of his hit tool. He has a big leg kick that concerns me slightly with his ability to make contact at the next level, but he does stay balanced with it.

23. Toronto Blue Jays LHP Jackson Ferris, IMG Academy (FL), 6'4"/195, (B/T: L/L)

Ferris has the chance to be a very impressive rotation piece but it will come down to his command. He has a solid three pitch mix led by his mid 90s fastball. His secondary pitches are a curveball and changeup that will be above average offerings.

24. Boston Red Sox Gabriel Hughes, Gonzaga, 6'4"/220, (B/T: R/R)

Hughes' repertoire starts with his fastball slider combo. The fastball sits at 94-97 and his slider comes at at high 80s. He mixes in an occasional changeup. That changeup and his command will be the difference between him coming a bullpen arm or a quality starting pitcher.

25. New York Yankees LHP Robby Snelling, McQueen (NV), 6'3"/210, (B/T: R/L)

There is a solid two pitch mix in place for Snelling as he has a fastball that reaches 94 along with an upper 70s curveball. The changeup is far behind the others and the command needs to be improved. 

26. Chicago White Sox RHP Blake Tidwell, Tennessee, 6'4"/207, (B/T: R/R)

Tidwell already has the 3 pitch mix in place with his fastball, slider, and changeup. A distant fourth offering is his changeup. What it comes down to is his command with all his pitches.

27. Milwaukee Brewers RHP Jacob Miller, Liberty Union (OH), 6'2"/180, (B:T: R/R)

Similar to the last few pitchers selected, the command is what it will come down to for Miller. He already has a 4 pitch mix. His changeup takes the backseat to the other three offerings, but his fastball, curveball, and slider mix will all be above average.

28. Houston Astros OF Sterlin Thompson, Florida, 6'4"/200, (B/T: L/R)

The hit tool is what is going to have to carry Thompson to the big leagues because his defense and power will profile as average at best. LF in Houston seems like it could be a good fit.

29. Tampa Bay Rays RHP Peyton Pallette, Arkansas, 6'1"/180, (B/T: R/R)

This seems like a great fit for Pallette as the Rays have been able to work with hard throwing rightioes and improve their command. Pallette has two primary offerings; a mid 90s fastball and a low 80s curveball. He mixes in an occasionalk changeup. He will at worst be a solid late inning reliever.

30. San Francisco Giants RHP Justin Campbell, Oklahoma State, 6'7"/219, (B/T: L/R)

The size is the first thing to notice about Campbell. He is able to get great downward movement on his fastball and mixes in a curveball and changeup as his main secondary offerings. There is a distant slider. The command is above average for Campbell so he has a solid floor of a decent starting pitcher.

*Compensation for unsigned 2021 first-rounder Kumar Rocker

What should the 2022 MLB All-Star Game Starting Lineups Look Like?

The MLB regular season is officially past the halfway point for all teams, as everyone has played at least 81 games. There are going to be some interesting division races to keep an eye on but a few divisions feel like they will come down to the last few days of the regular season. We will get a little break from the meaningful games for a few days as the All Star Game is scheduled for Tuesday, July 19, 2022. I have been highly critical of the All Star selection process because the voting seems to represent who the most popular players are instead of the most deserving. I will highlight my starting lineups for the American and National League based on who I think is the most deserving.

American League

1 CF Mike Trout R

2 3B Rafael Devers L

3 RF Aaron Judge R

4 DH Yordan Alvarez L

5 1B Vladimir Guerrero Jr. R

6 SS Xander Bogaerts R

7 2B Jose Altuve R

8 LF Andrew Benintendi L

9 C Alejandro Kirk R

SP Shane McClanahan L

National League

1 SS Trea Turner R

2 RF Mookie Betts R

3 1B Paul Goldschmidt R

4 DH Austin Riley R

5 RF Bryce Harper L

6 3B Nolan Arenado R

7 C Wilson Contreras R

8 CF Starling Marte CF

9 2B Tommy Edman

SP Sandy Alcantara