Looking into Mississippi State Baseball's Top 2022 Draft Picks
Chris Lemonis has created an amazing baseball program at Mississippi State, but with a program that creates such elite talent there comes a problem, roster turnover. A lot of players gain attention of Major League teams, causing them to leave and declare for the draft.
This offseason will be no different. Even after what was a rather underwhelming season for the Bulldogs, Mississippi State has a lot of talent to offer to professional scouts around the league.
Here are the top 10 Bulldogs prospects that may declare for the 2022 MLB draft.
1. Catcher Logan Tanner
There had been a lot of hype around Tanner this past season with many, including himself, expecting the catcher to make a big offensive jump. That wasn’t quite the case.
But even without that, Tanner's draft stock didn't take a huge dip and is projected to be taken in the first round. He was of course an All-SEC defensive selection this year. Whoever decides to take the catcher will be a very lucky team with a study backstop behind the plate.
2. Pitcher Landon Sims
A torn elbow ligament hit both Sims’ final season with the Bulldogs and his draft stock. After having Tommy John surgery to repair his pitching elbow, it seems like Sims could easily fall to the second round. The thing is though, most pitchers nowadays have the surgery at some point in their careers so many teams could see it as an obstacle that they no longer have to worry about once recovery is over.
3. Pitcher Bradley Loftin
Another player who has committed to Mississippi State but may never step foot on campus. He’s a solid left-handed pitcher throwing in the mid-90s, obviously he will catch the attention of MLB teams and will be quite sought after.
4. Shortstop Jett Williams
Although Williams has committed to play for Mississippi State next season, he may never actually play on the field. He’s listed as the No. 26 prospect by MLB.com, just three spots above possible future teammate Logan Tanner. Although he may be the smallest in his draft class, at just 5-foot-8, he makes up for it in speed and agility.
5. Pitcher Colby Holcombe
Another pitcher to add to the list. Holcombe is a right-handed signee out of Northeast Mississippi Community College. He’s got an effective fastball and an even more effective slider, because of this MLB.com ranks him No. 132 on their prospect list, putting him around the fifth round in the projections.
6. Outfielder Brad Cumbest
Cumbest came into Mississippi State as a two-sport athlete, playing as a member of both Mike Leach’s Air Raid offense and Chris Lemonis’ outfield. No longer a member of the football team, Cumbest has switched full-time to baseball and elevated his draft stock while he was at it, projected to go within the first five rounds.
7. Outfielder Dakota Jordan
Another incoming signee, but one that the Bulldogs could actually get to campus. Jordan could be selected around the fifth round, hopefully making it easier to entice him to come and play, compete in the SEC and boost his stock even more once he turns 21 or finishes his junior season -- it's just a matter of which one comes first.
8. Pitcher Jackson Fristoe
Although he still maintains one of the top fastballs in college baseball, Fristoe displayed a large amount of inconsistency. Expect him to be potential late-round option.
9. Utility Player Kamren James
Jones has shown his potential for the Bulldogs on occasion, though it's not always consistent. He hit a .303 this past season but left a lot up to imagination in terms of power, hitting only nine home runs. This is a player who could potential be a huge steal if he hits his ceiling.
10. Pitcher Preston Johnson
Johnson became a starter for the Bulldogs this past season and although was reliable, could also be inconsistent at times. He allowed 18 home runs, which isn't a major concern in its own right, but he had too many walks to accompany it.
Projections have Johnson going at several points in the draft so it will be interesting to see where he ultimately lands.