2023 Top 110 Dynasty Baseball First Year Player Draft Rankings

Opening Day is just around the corner, and that means it’s time to start releasing some of my rankings on the Brick Wall. We start with the Top 110 FYPD Rankings, which has been on the Patreon since January 4th (there is an accompanying FYPD Target and Strategy Guide up on the Patreon as well). Without further ado, here is the 2023 Top 110 Dynasty Baseball First Year Player Draft Rankings:

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Tier 1

1) Druw Jones ARI, OF, 19.4 – Selected 2nd overall in the 2022 MLB Draft, Jones has that classic tall and projectable build that screams upside, and he has elite bloodlines with Andruw Jones being his father. He has near elite speed (6.31 60 yard dash) and truly elite bat speed (99.42 percentile-besting some marks put up by bat speed monster Harry Ford last year). His power has also exploded this year, with him launching some homers that blew up on Twitter (Will Hoefer). He hurt his shoulder during BP before he was able to debut and underwent surgery to repair it, but I dropped Lawlar from the #1 slot in my first year player draft rankings last year after his shoulder injury, and I’m not making the same mistake with Jones ETA: 2025 Prime Projection: 93/30/104/.274/.355/.515/20

2) Jackson Holliday BAL, SS, 19.4 – Baseball is starting to feel like it is a hereditary monarchy, where all star games are passed down based on bloodlines like it’s the 1300’s. Jackson is the son of Matt, commander of the Armies of the North, General of the Felix Legions and loyal servant to the true emperor, Marcus Aurelius. Father to a murdered son. Husband to a murdered wife. And I will have my vengeance, in this life or the ne … my bad, lost myself there 🙂 … Like many plus bloodline kids, Jackson is an advanced hitter, and he combines that with plus athleticism and a plus power/speed combo. He truly wields the bat like it’s a samurai sword, gracefully killing the ball with a smooth and powerful lefty swing. He stepped right into pro ball and was far too advanced for rookie ball (220 wRC+ with a 6.1%/30.3% K%/BB% in 8 rookie ball games) before performing well in 12 games at Single-A (130 wRC+ with a 17.5%/26.3% K%/BB%). Druw Jones and Holliday are in a tier of their own. ETA: 2025 Prime Projection: 96/25/88/.283/.362/.491/14

Tier 2

3) Zach Neto LAA, SS, 22.2 – Selected 12th overall in the 2022 MLB Draft, LA put any concerns to rest real early about Neto not playing in the toughest college conference (Big South), quickly moving him to Double-A where he thrived, slashing .320/.382/.492 with 4 homers, 4 steals, and a 21.3%/5.9% K%/BB% in 30 games. I loved him even before the big pro debut, writing around draft time, “Maybe I’ve been watching so much Spencer Steer lately that I’m just seeing him in everywhere, but I’m seeing a lot of Steer in Neto’s game. I think they are both taking a page out of Alex Bregman’s book.” He did what he was supposed to do against the inferior college competition with total across the board destruction, and he also proved it in the Cape League with a 1.026 OPS and an 8/8 K/BB in 16 games. He might not win you any one category, but he can make an impact in all of them. ETA: 2024 Prime Projection: 87/23/81/.276/.342/.458/13

4) Elijah Green WAS, OF, 19.4 – Selected 5th overall in the 2022 MLB Draft, Green is the ultimate high risk, high reward prospect. He is a fully grown man at 6’3”, 225 pounds and his father, Eric Green, is a former 1st round pick, Pro Bowl NFL Tight End. He has truly elite speed (6.16 60 yard dash) and exit velocity numbers, but it comes with major hit tool risk. He showed the upside and risk in all it’s glory in his MLB debut with a 156 wRC+ and 40.4% K% in 12 games in rookie ball. If you want to shoot for the moon in off-season first year player drafts, Green is your guy. ETA: 2025 Prime Projection: 81/32/92/.248/.330/.509/17

5) Spencer Jones NYY, OF, 21.11 – Selected 25th overall in the 2022 MLB Draft, the 6’7”, 225 pound Jones is the lefty version of Aaron Judge, even down to the fact they each hit “only” 12 homers in their draft year. It’s the hacky comp, but it’s also one that cuts through all the BS. He had some K issues in college with 64 K’s in 61 SEC games, and a high GB% kept the homers in check. His pro debut tamped down some of those concerns though as he played like a man amongst boys, slashing .344/.425/.538 with 4 homers, 12 steals, and a 18.9%/10.4% K%/BB% in 25 games at mostly Single-A. His power is huge enough to overcome a high GB% and he’s a good athlete with stolen base skills. He’ll get plenty of love in first year player drafts, but I suspect it won’t be enough. Go after him. ETA: 2025 Prime Projection: 79/27/86/.248/.333/.480/10

6) Termarr Johnson PIT, 2B/SS, 18.10 – Selected 4th overall in the 2022 MLB Draft, Johnson looks like a seasoned MLB vet at the dish, spitting at pitches out of the zone and making excellent contact when he does swing. His swing looks geared more for contact than power at the moment, but he clearly showed his power potential in the 2021 Home Run Derby at Coors where he crushed 24 homers, one of which went 501 feet. He’s currently in the 98.22 percentile in his class for bat speed too. He’s not a burner, but a 6.65 60 yard dash (Perfect Game) is pretty damn good and he stole 9 bags in 8 Team USA games (he slashed .375/.483/.542 in those games), so his speed might be getting undersold. The only hiccup is his pro debut. He had a 27.6% K% in 9 games at rookie ball and a 24.5% K% in 14 games at Single-A. Both marks are far off from elite contact, but he walked a lot at each level and stole 6 bags total. He also put up a 139 wRC+ at Single-A. The guy can play. ETA: 2025 Prime Projection: 91/23/86/.277/.355/.478/12

7) Cam Collier CIN, 3B, 18.4 – Selected 18th overall in the 2022 MLB Draft, Collier is one of the youngest players in the class and is already pretty built up, although it looks like there is room for more. He also has the bloodlines with his father, Lou Collier, playing in the majors for 8 years. He played JUCO ball this year as a 17 year old and was hitting bombs with an extremely fast and powerful lefty swing, slashing .333/.419/.537. He then destroyed rookie ball with a 203 wRC+ in 9 games. His plus hit/power combo was made for Great American Ballpark. ETA: 2026 Prime Projection: 86/28/94/.271/.346/.496/4

8) Kodai Senga NYM, RHP, 30.2 – It’s never easy valuing veteran players from overseas in relation to teenagers in the minors, which is why I don’t think Senga (and Yoshida) should be included in First Year Player Drafts. He should be included in the MLB portion of your off-season festivities with the rest of the 30 year olds. Including him in a prospect draft completely defeats the purpose of having a separate prospect draft, but I know these guys will be included in prospect drafts in most leagues, so let’s get down to business. In general, my strategy at the top of First Year Player Drafts and off-season prospects drafts is to strike gold on the next Julio/Acuna/Soto etc … This is your chance to hit on future superstars or future top 5 prospects who you can trade for current superstars. It’s not really the place to go after a mid rotation starter like Senga. He signed for 5 years, $75 million, which tells you the type of production MLB executives expect him out of him. Good, but not great. His control is solid, but not standout, and his 8.6% BB% was actually below average. He’s not an innings eater type at 6’0, 178 pounds, and he’s only eclipsed 148 IP once since 2017. I say that to show he isn’t a slam dunk, but there are definitely skills here to get excited about. He throws in the mid to upper 90’s and his splitter is a devastating pitch. He also throws an above average slider and average curve. It’s a #2 starter at best, but it wouldn’t be shocking to see him struggle a bit. 2023 Projection: 11/3.82/1.26/164 in 160 IP

Tier 3

9) Brooks Lee MIN, SS, 22.1 – Selected 8th overall in the 2022 MLB Draft, Lee is a switch hitter with a very simple and easy swing from both sides of the plate. He’s an advanced hitter who has hit for high averages everywhere he’s been in his amateur career (.354 BA with 117/98 K/BB in 209 games, including the Cape), and he took his power to the next level this year with 15 homers in 58 games. He didn’t miss a beat in pro ball with a 15.8%/14% K%/BB% and 4 homers in 25 games at High-A, although it came with a 57% GB%. He got a small taste of Triple-A and went 3 for 8 in 2 games. Lee could be the safest bat in this year’s First Year Player Draft. ETA: 2024 Prime Projection: 89/22/77/.278/.346/.464/5

10) Gavin Cross KC, OF, 22.2 – Selected 9th overall in the 2022 MLB Draft, Cross is a big hulking slugger at 6’3”, 215 pounds, and he lived up to his stature with 17 homers and a .660 SLG in 57 ACC games before hitting pro ball and jacking 8 homers in 29 games at mostly Single-A. He’s also a pretty good athlete with the ability to play CF and nab a few bags. There is a little swing and miss in his game evidenced by a 25.2% K% in 26 games at Single-A, but he’s the type who could maintain a good BA regardless. His very strong pro debut (174 wRC+) makes it easy to buy in. ETA: 2024 Prime Projection: 79/26/83/.260/.337/.469/7

11) Masataka Yoshida BOS, OF, 29.9 – If you’re in a 30 teamer or super deep roster 20+ team league, I can see taking Yoshida as high as 3rd overall. In those leagues there are sometimes (or almost always) zero players who get more than like 300 PA on the waiver wire. It makes securing a player like Yoshida valuable. Yoshida’s game is elite contact rates (8.1% K%) with an elite plate approach (15.7% BB%) and some power (21 homers in 121 games). He’s only 5’8”, 176 pounds, and Fenway Park is below average for lefty homers, so I would hesitate to expect big homer totals. He also isn’t a big base stealer. The upside isn’t huge, he’s already pushing 30, and there is risk with that inherent unknown of moving to a new league in a new country, but I’m definitely betting on Yoshida being a legit MLB hitter. 2023 Projection: 83/16/65/.281/.342/.428/5

12) Kevin Parada NYM, C, 21.8 – If you liked Henry Davis, you are going to love Keven Parada. Selected 11th overall in the 2022 MLB Draft, Parada looks the part of a catcher with two tree trunks for legs. He used that power base to have an insane power explosion this season, going from 9 homers in 2021, to 26 homers in 2022 over 60 ACC games. He also has a strong hit tool with a .361 BA and 32/30 K/BB. His value held serve in his pro debut, hitting the ball hard and putting up a .880 OPS in 13 games at mostly Single-A. I wouldn’t be too worried about New York already having Francisco Alvarez as they can both catch a ton of games and then DH on the other days. It will also preserve their careers in the long run. ETA: 2024 Prime Projection: 78/25/81/.268/.339/.475/3

13) Chase DeLauter CLE, OF, 20.9 – Selected 16th overall in the 2022 MLB Draft, DeLauter is a big, slugging lefty who destroyed the lesser Colonial Conference, and then really exploded on the scene when he wrecked the wood bat Cape League, slashing .298/.397/.589 with 9 homers, 5 steals, and a 18/21 K/BB in 34 games. He was in the midst of going absolutely bonkos this year (1.404 OPS in 24 games) before breaking his foot. Assuming full health, he has the potential for at least plus power with plus speed and an advanced plate approach. ETA: 2025 Prime Projection: 80/26/84/.252/.333/.470/13 Update: Delauter underwent surgery for his broken foot on January 10th and is expected to miss 4-5 months. This doesn’t tank his value, but it does drop him down a bit

14) Justin Crawford PHI, OF, 18.6 – Son of Carl Crawford. I could honestly end the blurb right there and you will know exactly the type of player Justin is. 6.11 second 60 yard dash is in the elite of the elite, and he has shown a good feel to hit. The power hasn’t fully developed yet, and he hit 0 homers with very, very high groundball rates in his 16 game pro debut, so he’s not only going to have to get stronger, he’s also going to have to make a swing adjustment to tap into more power. His upside is as high as anyone’s in a 5×5 BA, but he’s not as refined as the high school hitters ranked above him. He was selected 17th overall. ETA: 2026 Prime Projection: 86/16/69/.270/.337/.426/31

15) Jett Williams NYM, SS, 19.5 – Selected 14th overall in the 2022 MLB Draft, Williams is a small but explosive player with strong EV numbers and plus speed. The hit tool is his calling card, which makes him relatively safe, and it’s possible his upside isn’t being respected enough because the discrimination against small guys (5’8”, 175 pounds). He’s definitely not a slap hitter. He displayed all of those skills in his pro debut, slashing .250/.366/.437 with 1 homer, 6 steals, and a 14.6%/9.8% K%/BB% in 10 games. ETA: 2026 Prime Projection: 87/15/71/.278/.343/.438/26

16) Dalton Rushing LAD, C/1B, 22.1 – Selected 40th overall in the 2022 MLB Draft, Rushing gets the biggest post draft bump after the destruction he left in his wake in pro ball. He slashed .404/.522/.740 with 8 homers and a 16.4%/16.4% K%/BB% in 28 games at Single-A. It’s not like this came out of nowhere either as he jacked 23 homers with a 1.156 OPS in 64 games in the ACC. Tack on the fact he got drafted by one of the best organizations in baseball who have recently developed 2 prospects with a very similar profile (Andy Pages and Michael Busch), and it makes Rushing a no brainer FYPD target. He’s not a lock to stick behind the plate, but the bat will play anywhere, and LA values versatility. He’ll get plenty of hype this off-season, but I suspect he will still go for a great value in the majority of leagues. ETA: 2024 Prime Projection: 78/26/81/.253/.337/.461/2

17) Jace Jung DET, 2B, 22.6 – Selected 12th overall in the 2022 MLB Draft, Jung has a weird, almost Mickey Tettleton like batting stance where his bat starts near horizontal rather than vertical. It clearly works for him as he’s put up over a 1.000 OPS in all 3 years of college. He has the potential for plus hit and plus power from the left side, and he is an absolute walk machine with a 42/59 K/BB in 61 games this year. His older brother, Josh Jung, has already ran roughshod over the minor leagues. Detroit aggressively assigned him to High-A for his pro debut, and while he didn’t dominate, he hit well with a 106 wRC+, 20.9%/18.7%, and a 35.4% GB%. A lefty bat in Detroit isn’t my favorite target, but Jung is one of the safest bats in First Year Player Drafts, and add a star in OBP leagues. ETA: 2024 Prime Projection: 84/25/85/.264/.349/.471/4

18) Drew Gilbert HOU, OF, 22.6 – Selected 28th overall in the 2022 MLB Draft, Gilbert is only 5’9”, 185 pounds, but he has a physicality at the dish that makes him look 6’1”, 215. He has a vicious lefty swing that is hard not to love, and while his fantasy numbers aren’t huge, being one of the best hitters in the best conference is nothing to sneeze at, slashing .362/.455/.673 with 11 homers, 4 steals, and a 32/33 K/BB in 58 games in the SEC. He played only 10 games in his pro debut split between rookie and Single-A, and he quickly proved his elite contact rates will transfer with a 2/4 K/BB. He also knocked out 2 dingers with 6 steals, although most of the damage came in rookie (79 wRC+ in 6 games at Single-A). He’s a safe prospect who will contribute in every category, and it’s not like he’s devoid of upside. ETA: 2024 Prime Projection: 84/20/76/.275/.340/.448/11

19) Jacob Berry MIA, OF/3B/1B, 21.11 – Selected 6th overall in the 2022 MLB Draft, Berry’s power wasn’t exactly what you would want to see in his wood bat pro debut with only 3 homers in 37 games at mostly Single-A. He hit for a lot of power with metal bats in college (32 homers in 116 games), so I’m too concerned, but he may not end up a power hitting beast. His strong hit tool can easily make up for it though with a 15.5%/8.8% K%/BB% at Single-A and a 8.9%/10.9% K%/BB% in 53 games in the SEC. I think it all adds up to a strong MLB hitter, but maybe not a fantasy difference maker, especially in Miami’s ballpark which is not great for homers. He’s also not great on defense, but I don’t think you draft someone 6th overall if you don’t have every intention to give him a real shot. ETA: 2024 Prime Projection: 79/24/81/.275/.338/.457/3

20) Xavier Isaac TBR, 1B, 19.3 – Selected 29th overall in the 2022 MLB Draft, Isaac is a first base only prospect, so that tells you how much the smart Tampa organization believes in his bat to take him this high. He has huge raw power and it also comes with a plus plate approach and good feel to hit to all fields. He has the foundation to be one of those do everything big lefty power hitting 1B in the mold of Yordan or Freeman if you are looking for absolute ceiling comps. ETA: 2026 Prime Projection: 76/28/84/.263/.345/.492/2

21) Cade Horton CHC, RHP, 21.7 – Selected 7th overall in the 2022 MLB Draft, Horton underwent Tommy John surgery in February 2021, so he was just rounding into form during the 2nd half of 2022, resulting in him peaking during the College World Series with dominant outing after dominant outing. Plus mid 90’s heat with an at least plus slider is his game, and that combo gives him high upside with the floor of a high leverage reliever. He also throws a curve and change, and he hasn’t shown any major control issues in the short time he’s pitched in college (53.2 IP in his college career all coming this year). Chicago is clearly taking advantage of the lack of track record and betting on the upside. It’s your call if you want to do the same. ETA: 2025 Prime Projection: 10/3.82/1.27/180 in 163 IP

22) Cooper Hjerpe STL, LHP, 21.7 – Selected 22nd overall in the 2022 MLB Draft, Hjerpe is a classic Cardinals pick of a rock solid, safe starter who might be better in real life than fantasy. I say “might be,” because he has that funky lefty delivery that I am an absolute sucker for, but I’m also staying conservative on his ranking because the stuff says more 3/4 type starter with a low 90’s fastball, and I’m concerned more advanced hitters won’t be quite as thrown off by the delivery. Regardless, he dominated the Pac12 with a 2.53 ERA and 161/23 K/BB in 103.1 IP, and he’s in a great developmental organization. If you play in a deep league or league where good real life pitchers get bumps, I can definitely see targeting Hjerpe and drafting him much higher than this. ETA: 2024 Prime Projection: 12/3.87/1.24/ 172 in 172 IP

23) Dylan Lesko SD, LHP, 19.7 – Selected 15th overall in the 2022 MLB Draft, Lesko underwent Tommy John surgery in late April. Here’s what I wrote about Lesko before the injury: “Lesko is the best pitcher in the draft with plus control of a mid 90’s fastball, a filthy changeup that has over 10 MPH of separation, and a still developing but potentially plus breaking ball. High school pitchers aren’t necessarily the best investment, especially in dynasty, but this guy already looks relatively polished on the mound and advanced beyond his years.” And that is one of the main reasons why high school pitchers are generally not good investments. You need to prepare for a solid 1-2 years where they are out with Tommy John. ETA: 2026 Prime Projection: 13/3.62/1.18/192 in 175 IP

24) Cole Young SEA, SS, 19.8 – Selected 21st overall in the 2022 MLB Draft, Young is kinda similar to Edwin Arroyo (selected 48th by Seattle in 2021) in the sense he doesn’t necessarily jump off the screen, but there is still an exciting set of tools led by the plus hit. He did damage in his pro debut, slashing .367/.423/.517 with 2 homers, 4 steals, and a 8/8 K/BB in 17 games split between rookie ball and Single-A (he actually performed better at Single-A than rookie). He’s a very solid 6’0”, 180 pounds with above average speed and the ability to put a sting into the ball, although his well over 50% GB% will limit his power. It’s not the highest upside profile, but it’s a safe one with the potential to contribute in every category ETA: 2026 Prime Projection: 87/17/62/.274/.340/.428/15

Tier 4

25) Felnin Celesten SEA, SS, 17.6 – Expected to sign for over $4 million, Celesten has that super smooth lefty swing (he also hits righty) in the mold of a Marcelo Mayer, George Valera, and Zac Veen. It just screams offensive potential. He’s also an excellent athlete with plus speed. We’ve seen plenty of international prospects with smooth swings just not hit enough against more advanced competition, but it’s hard not to fall in love with the swing and tools. Considering the last couple international classes haven’t really popped, Celesten could come at a very reasonable price in 2023 First Year Player Drafts. This could be the year to dive back into this market. ETA: 2028 Prime Projection: 83/26/87/.268/.336/.470/18

26) Kumar Rocker TEX, RHP, 23.4 – After the Mets gave Rocker the hatchet job, he re-entered the draft this year and shoved it in the Mets face after he got drafted 3rd overall. High heat and then burying the low slider is his game, and his game racks up strikeouts with a 179/39 K/BB in 122 IP (2.73 ERA) in the SEC in 2021. He had shoulder surgery in September but returned in time to pitch 30 innings in Indy Ball where he looked back to full health. Now he’s in the AFL and looking a little rusty with a 4.50 ERA and 18/12 K/BB in 14 IP. The delivery isn’t super athletic, his control has never been pinpoint, and his changeup could use some improvement. Objectively there seems to be some bullpen risk, but his track record as a starter is long, and we gotta cut him some slack with everything that happened with him over the last year. ETA: 2024 Prime Projection: 11/3.93/1.29/179 in 168 IP

27) Brock Porter TEX, RHP, 19.10 – Selected 109th overall in the 2022 MLB Draft, Porter is a bit old for the class and he looks it as he’s already pretty filled out. The delivery also looks a bit unrefined and raw to me, but the stuff is undeniable with a fastball that has hit 100 MPH and a dive bombing changeup. The curve and slider look pretty damn good too and should only get better from here. The upside is considerable, but there are a few red flags that keep me from going all in on him. ETA: 2026 Prime Projection: 11/3.78/1.25/186 in 172 IP

28) Landon Sims ARI, RHP, 22.3 – Selected 34th overall in the 2022 MLB Draft, Sims underwent Tommy John surgery on March 15th, just 3 starts into his 2022 season. He has an elite fastball/slider combo which led to a 100/15 K/BB in 56.1 IP coming out of the pen in 2021, and a 27/2 K/BB in 15.2 IP in his 3 starts this year. The changeup is still a bit of a question mark, he has a very limited track record as a starter, and the surgery adds risk, but the upside is definitely exciting. ETA: 2025 Prime Projection: 9/3.78/1.25/170 in 150 IP

29) Noah Schultz CHW, LHP, 19.8 – Selected 26th overall in the 2022 MLB Draft, Schultz is the high school version of Cooper Hjerpe if you added on 6 inches. He has a very similar funky lefty delivery which he uses to throw a low to mid 90’s fastball, a potentially plus slider, and a developing change. The size and delivery is exciting, and can make you dream on his potential, but I’m not sure the current stuff is fair to really project at the top of the rotation quite yet. Maybe it ends up there though. ETA: 2026 Prime Projection: 11/3.88/1.25/185 in 174 IP

30) Brandon Barriera TOR, LHP, 19.1 – Selected 23rd overall in the 2022 MLB Draft, Barriera isn’t a physical specimen or someone with jaw dropping stuff. He does a lot of things well though with a bat sawing sinking fastball that he can consistently get into the mid 90’s, a slider that flashes plus but still needs refinement, a curve and change that both have potential, and good control. Mid rotation starter is a reasonable projection for him. ETA: 2026 Prime Projection: 11/3.83/1.21/178 in 170 IP

31) Eric Brown MIL, SS, 22.3 – Selected 27th overall in the 2022 MLB Draft, Brown is a good athlete (12 steals in 57 games) with an elite plate approach (28/39 K/BB) and some pop (7 homers), but it didn’t come against the strongest competition (Coastal Carolina). He proved he wasn’t a product of inferior competition when he got to pro ball though, slashing .268/.385/.454 with 3 homers, 19 steals, and a 21/15 K/BB in 27 games at mostly Single-A. He has that classic solid across the board profile. ETA: 2025 Prime Projection: 78/17/71/.265/.337/.418/17

32) Jacob Melton HOU, OF, 22.7 – Selected 64th overall in the 2022 MLB Draft, the 6’3”, 208 pound Melton has a slightly odd lefty swing where it looks like he’s hitting a slice shot in tennis. That backspin must be helping though because he destroyed the Big12, slashing .360/.424/.671 with 17 homers, 21 steals, and a 51/26 K/BB in 63 games. He then destroyed Single-A with a 172 wRC+ in 19 games. There is definitely hit tool risk, but the power/speed combo could be special. ETA: 2025 Prime Projection: 74/23/79/.248/.319/.444/14

33) Ryan Clifford HOU, OF, 19.9 – Clifford was selected 343rd overall in the 2022 MLB Draft, but he signed a $1,256,530 signing bonus which shows you the level of talent we are dealing with. He’s 6’3”, 200 pounds with an athletic and power lefty swing that has monster potential written all over it. He used that swing to put up a 145 wRC+ in 13 games at rookie ball and a 133 wRC+ in 12 games at Single-A in his pro debut. He had a barely over 30% GB% at each level, again foreshadowing huge potential. His 30.1% K% shows the rawness in his game, but some of that was the result of his extreme patience (21.8% BB%). There’s risk, but Clifford truly has the potential to be one of the premier power hitting prospects not too far into the future. He’s a major FYPD target. ETA: 2026 Prime Projection: 73/25/84/.244/.329/.460/6

34) Peyton Graham DET, SS, 22.2 – Selected 51st overall in the 2022 MLB Draft, Graham is still projectable at a skinny 6’3”, and he has legit power as is with 20 homers in 67 games in the Big12. The swing is athletic, and he has some speed with good stolen base skills, going 34 for 36 on the bases. He does have some swing and miss in his game, but I really like the swing, projectability, and production. His pro debut didn’t really move the needle in either direction with a 108 wRC+ in 27 games at Single-A, although a 25.7% K% is maybe a little higher than you would like to see. He’s a definite target of mine, and considering how late he got drafted, he should come at a good value. ETA: 2025 Prime Projection: 76/22/74/.253/.326/.443/16

35) Jordan Beck COL, OF, 21.11 – Selected 38th overall in the 2022 MLB Draft, Beck is a high risk, high reward college hitter with a dangerous powerhouse righty swing at 6’3”, 225 pounds. He jacked 33 homers over 133 games in his last 2 years in the SEC, but it comes with a high K rate and hit tool concerns. His pro debut was very encouraging, showing an advanced plate approach with an 18.3%/19.3% K%/BB% to go along with 3 homers and a .909 OPS in 26 games split between rookie ball and Single-A. He’s an excellent later round FYPD pick with fantasy friendly upside, especially at Coors. ETA: 2025 Prime Projection: 71/25/79/.248/.319/.451/8

36) Dylan Beavers BAL, OF, 21.8 – Selected 33rd overall in the 2022 MLB Draft, Beavers is tooled up with big power numbers in the Pac12, jacking out 35 homers in 111 games over the past 2 seasons. The lefty swing is kinda abrupt and choppy, definitely not a sweet swinging lefty, and it gives him some legitimate hit tool risk that could tank the whole profile, although he didn’t have much trouble hitting for average in his pro debug with a .322 BA in 23 split between rookie, Single-A, and High-A. ETA: 2026 Prime Projection: 73/24/79/.244/.326/.448/9

37) Blade Tidwell NYM, RHP, 21.10 – Selected 52nd overall in the 2022 MLB Draft, Tidwell throws gas with a fastball that can consistently reach the upper 90’s. He combines that with a potentially plus slider and developing changeup. He was limited to only 39 IP in the SEC due to shoulder soreness, but he pitched well in those innings with a 3.00 ERA and 51/11 K/BB. He then stepped into pro ball and proved the shoulder is just fine by dominating in the Single-A playoffs, going 9.2 IP with 5 hits, 0 ER and a 13/2 K/BB over 2 outings. He makes for a great later round FYPD target if you stack up on hitters early. ETA: 2025 Prime Projection: 11/3.85/1.28/165 in 160 IP

38) Shintaro Fujinami OAK, RHP, 29.0 – Oakland is an organization that has to exhaust every avenue and be very savvy to find upside on the cheap (Fuginami signed for a mere $3.25 million), and if your fantasy team is in the same position, Fujinami could be a good target for you too. He has great size at 6’6”, 180 pounds (maybe a little too skinny), and his stuff is legitimately very filthy (mid 90’s fastball, plus splitter, and solid slider). He’s been used mostly out of the pen in a bulk innings role, but he came up as a starter and has actually thrown 199 IP in a season before (2015). He threw 107.1 IP this season in 25 appearances, so it’s not like he’s a one inning guy. There is a real chance he can be a beast in Oakland’s rotation, but there is a still a lot of bullpen risk. 2023 Projection: 7/3.98/1.32/141 in 135 IP

39) Jacob Misiorowski MIL, RHP, 21.0 – If you want to bet on just pure, uncut stuff, Misiorowski is your guy. He was selected 63rd overall in the 2022 MLB Draft and was given a big $2.35 million signing bonus. He’s 6’7”, 190 pounds with a high spin upper 90’s fastball and a potentially plus low 90’s slider. He had a 3/7 K/BB with 1 ER in his 1.2 IP pro debut, which gives you an idea of where his control is at. He’s a two pitch pitcher with control issues, which leads to extreme bullpen risk, but Milwaukee also knows a thing or two about developing elite relievers. It’s the ultimate high risk, high reward profile. ETA: 2025 Prime Projection: 4/3.33/1.14/91/33 saves in 65 IP

40) Brandon Mayea NYY, OF, 17.5 – Mayea is my #2 overall international prospect behind Felnin Celesten. He might not be physically imposing at 5’11”, 170 pounds, but he’s far from weak with the ball exploding off his bat in every video I’ve seen. He has a good feel to hit with an easy and athletic righty swing to go along with plus speed. He’s expected to sign for over $4 million. ETA: 2028 Prime Projection: 82/22/76/.275/.345/.458/15

41) Ethan Salas SDP, C, 16.10 – Salas adds to the bloodline parade as the younger brother of Jose Salas who is currently having a great year in full season ball as a 19 year old. Salas has played in a bunch of Perfect Game events and has been on the radar playing against advanced competition for a long time. All of that to say he is safer than typical of international prospects because of how well he’s played against that competition. He has a quick and powerful lefty swing that has the potential for plus hit and plus power. ETA: 2029 Prime Projection: 74/24/76/.270/.340/.460/5

42) Ben Joyce LAA, RHP (Closer), 22.7 – I don’t normally like relief pitching prospects, preferring to find my relief pitchers from the never ending supply of pop up MLB guys, but LA’s bullpen is wide open at the moment, and Joyce is damn exciting. He was selected 89th overall in the 2022 MLB Draft on the back of his 100+ MPH fastball and plus slider from a funky righty arm angle. It’s basically the elite closer recipe. He debuted at Double-A and immediately dominated with a 2.08 ERA and 35.1%/7.0% K%/BB% in 13 IP. He has a chance to be LA’s closer not far into 2023, and maybe even on opening day. 2023 Projection: 3/3.72/1.23/59/15 saves in 50 IP Prime Projection: 4/3.34/1.13/80/30 saves in 60 IP

43) Robby Snelling SDP, RHP, 19.3 – Selected 39th overall in the 2022 MLB Draft, Snelling is a big boy at 6’3”, 220 pounds, and befitting his size was also a 4 star football recruit. He chose baseball where he has plus control over one of the best curveballs in his class, to go along with a fastball he can get up into the mid 90’s and a lesser used developing changeup. It’s a relatively safe mid rotation profile with upside if his fastball ticks up and/or he develops truly elite control. ETA: 2026 Prime Projection: 11/3.84/1.22/172 in 170 IP

44) Owen Murphy ATL, RHP, 19.6 – Selected 20th overall in the 2022 MLB Draft, Murphy isn’t a huge projection guy at 6’1”, 190 pounds and he doesn’t have a huge fastball with low 90’s heat. He also showed some control issues in his pro debut with 6 walks in 12 IP, although he isn’t expected to have major control issues and all of those walks came at the advanced for his age Single-A. On the flip side, he’s a good athlete who definitely has the ability to add velocity as he matures, and he produces high spin rates. His curve is potentially plus to go along with a developing slider and change. Mid rotation upside seems fair to me. ETA: 2026 Prime Projection: 11/3.89/1.26/161 in 165 IP

45) Jud Fabian BAL, OF, 22.6 – Selected 40th overall in the 2022 MLB Draft, Fabian’s hype almost completely disappeared after he decided to return to college for his senior year, even though he is still the same age as many juniors. His strong pro debut has people talking again though with a 1.070 OPS and 21/19 K/BB in 22 games at mostly Single-A. He did improve his swing and miss issues this year in college, but a .239 BA with a 22.3 K% isn’t exactly great. It’s a 3 true outcome slugger profile, except he has speed and defensive ability to go with it. ETA: 2025 Prime Projection: 76/26/74/.232/.315/.435/8

46) Sterlin Thompson COL, 2B/OF, 21.9 – Selected 31st overall in the 2022 MLB Draft, Thompson’s been a consistently strong performer in his 2 years in the SEC (.948 OPS in his 121 game college career), he has good size at 6’4”, 200 pounds, and he has a pretty sweet lefty swing that is easy to foresee another level of power coming in the future. He had a solid but unspectacular pro debut with a .787 OPS in 26 games split between rookie ball and Single-A, showing a bit more swing and miss than optimal with a 25.2% K%. It’s a solid across the board profile with power upside and hit tool downside. ETA: 2025 Prime Projection: 74/21/76/.260/.326/.430/9

47) Cade Doughty TOR, 2B/3B, 22.0 – Selected 78th overall in the 2022 MLB Draft, Doughty had a big time pro debut, jacking out 6 homers with a 147 wRC+ in 26 games at Single-A, although the 24.4%/8.4% K%/BB% is a bit mediocre. He’s raked in the SEC all 3 years he’s played there, slashing .301/.379/.541 with 30 homers, 9 steals, and an 89/56 K/BB in 133 career games. A guy who rips it up in the toughest conference in baseball and then has an excellent pro debut is a very enticing underrated FYPD pick. ETA: 2025 Prime Projection: 74/23/79/.258/.326/.441/4

48) Tyler Locklear SEA, 1B/3B, 22.4 – Selected 58th overall in the 2022 MLB Draft, Locklear put up video game numbers in the Atlantic 10, slashing .402/.542/.799 with 20 homers, 6 steals, and a 25/47 K/BB in 62 games. He smashed in pro ball too with 7 homers and a 21.8% K% in 29 games at Single-A. The power is very real at 6’3”, 210 pounds and he also has a good feel to hit with a relatively short righty swing. The swing isn’t particularly athletic, he has below average speed and he’s likely a 1B long term, so the bat will have to hit it’s absolute ceiling to hold down a full time job. ETA: 2025 Prime Projection: 64/22/77/.254/.321/.466/2

49) Ivan Melendez ARI, 1B, 23.4 – Selected 43rd overall in the 2022 MLB Draft, Melendez is a big man who hits for big power, banging out 32 homers in 67 Big12 games. There are K’s present in his game, but he isn’t a homer or nothing type player, so he could keep the average respectable, and he isn’t a bad athlete either. I’m a little concerned that he is old for his draft class at 22, and then those concerns were exacerbated when he didn’t have a very good pro debut with a 94 wRC+ in 25 games at Single-A. Regardless, if you are looking for a big power bat who should move through the minors relatively quickly, Melendez should come at a reasonable price in first year player drafts. ETA: 2025 Prime Projection: 69/24/76/.245/.328/.468/1

50) Brock Jones TBR, OF, 22.0 – Selected 65th overall in the 2022 MLB Draft, Jones is an elite athlete who also played safety for Stanford’s football team his freshman year before giving football up to focus solely on baseball. It was a smart decision, because his numbers exploded after that, drilling 39 homers with 30 steals in 121 Pac12 games. It would have been nice to see the strikeout rate improve this year, but that wasn’t the case with 78 K’s in 65 games. On the bright side, he’s a walk machine with 55 walks, so add a star in OBP leagues. His pro debut went exactly as expected showing both the big tools and big risk, slashing .265/.407/.529 with 4 homers, 11 steals, and a 31.4%/19.8% K%/BB% in 19 games split between rookie and Single-A ETA: 2024 Prime Projection: 77/22/74/.243/.328/.451/10

51) Sal Stewart CIN, 3B, 19.4 – Selected 32nd overall in the 2022 MLB Draft, Stewart is 6’3”, 215 pounds with the potential to hit for both power and average. He put up a 5/4 K/BB with 4 doubles and a 135 wRC+ in 8 games in his pro debut at rookie ball, and he didn’t show any major groundball issues with a 42.1% GB%. He might end up moving to 1B, but he has the bat to profile anywhere. ETA: 2026 Prime Projection: 78/25/83/.268/.341/.476/4

Tier 5

52) Reggie Crawford SFG, LHP/1B, 22.4 – Selected 30th overall in the 2022 MLB Draft, Crawford underwent Tommy John surgery in late 2021 and missed all of the 2022 season. He’s a 2 way player whose future is likely on the mound, even though he has pitched a total of 8 IP in college. All of that to say there are a ton of unknowns. The reason he still got drafted so highly is because the skills and build are undeniable. He’s a ripped 6’4”, 235 pounds with a mid 90’s fastball and potentially plus slider. He also had a .908 OPS in his 64 game minor league career, although the plate approach is weak, and he didn’t look all that good in his pro debut in rookie ball with a .396 OPS and 9/2 K/BB in 6 games. It’s basically a complete shot in the dark, but the San Francisco brain trust are obviously believers, and the upside is high. ETA: 2025 Prime Projection: 4/3.44/1.21/85/25 saves in 65 IP or 9/4.03/1.33/160 in 150 IP

53) Jackson Ferris CHC, LHP, 19.3 – Selected 47th overall in the 2022 MLB Draft, Ferris can still be inconsistent, but all of the components are really exciting. He’s a big lefty with prototypical size and projection. He has a fairly athletic delivery that he uses to fire a fastball he can get into the mid 90’s to go along with two potentially impact secondaries in his curve and change. The control can come and go, but he’s a nice high upside pitcher to take a shot on. ETA: 2026 Prime Projection: 9/3.87/1.31/169 in 154 IP

54) Justin Campbell CLE, RHP, 22.1 – Selected 37th overall in the 2022 MLB Draft, Campbell is 6’7”, 220 pounds with an easy and athletic delivery. Sometimes guys this tall can have an awkward delivery, but not Campbell. His dive bombing changeup in his best pitch, to go along with a low to mid 90’s fastball which gets plenty of whiffs, and 2 effective breaking balls in his curve and slider. His 3.82 ERA was a little inflated, but the 141/25 K/BB in 101.1 IP is much more indicative of his talent. Cleveland knows a thing or two about pitching development, and Campbell is legitimately exciting, especially if his fastball can tick up. ETA: 2025 Prime Projection: 11/3.95/1.25/168 in 165 IP

55) Carson Whisenhunt SFG, LHP, 22.5 – Selected 66th overall in the 2022 MLB Draft, Whisenhunt was suspended for the entire 2022 season for a positive drug test he claimed stemmed from some supplements he took. He debuted in pro ball though and looked good with a 0.00 ERA and 19/1 K/BB in 9.2 IP split between rookie, Single-A, and the Fall League. His bread and butter is an absolutely filthy changeup that he goes to often. He combines that with a low to mid 90’s fastball and a potentially plus curve. If the fastball ticks up, he could be especially dangerous, and he’s a strong pitching prospect as is. ETA: 2025 Prime Projection: 9/3.92/1.28/163 in 160 IP

56) Daniel Susac OAK, C, 21.11 – Selected 19th overall in the 2022 MLB Draft, Susac certainly looks the part at an athletic 6’4”, 218 pounds with plus raw power. He tore up the Pac12 with 24 homers and a .999 OPS in his 125 game college career. The reason I don’t have him ranked higher is because his plate approach isn’t great with a 23.4%/6.5% K%/BB% in his 25 game pro debut in Single-A, and he doesn’t have a high launch angle with a 56.3% GB%. There is upside here with further refinement, but a catcher prospect who will hit in Oakland’s pitcher’s park and still needs to make adjustments is not my favorite investment. ETA: 2025 Prime Projection: 61/18/67/.267/.322/.434/1

57) Mikey Romero BOS, SS, 19.3 – Selected 24th overall in the 2022 MLB Draft, Romero is a classic better in real life than fantasy hitter. He has a plus hit tool, and he showed it off in his pro debut with a 9.3%/16.3% K%/BB% in 10 games in rookie ball. He then went to Single-A and hit .349 in 9 games. There isn’t enough power or speed to get really excited for fantasy though with a potentially average power/speed combo at best probably. It’s a safe profile that is more enticing the deeper the league is. ETA: 2026 Prime Projection: 78/16/69/.278/.341/.417/9

58) Roman Anthony BOS, OF, 18.11 – Selected 79th overall in the 2022 MLB Draft, Anthony is a projectable 6’3”, 200 pounds with a big lefty swing that generates big time power to go along with above average run times. The hit tool was a concern coming into the draft, but his pro debut eased some of those concerns with a 8/9 K/BB in 20 games split between rookie and Single-A, although it came with an about 60% GB%, 0 homers, and 1 steal. There is a lot of refinement needed, but this is a high upside bat who could explode up rankings if everything comes together. ETA: 2026 Prime Projection: 73/21/76/.258/.327/.445/8

59) Sebastian Walcott TEX, SS, 17.1 – Walcott has as much upside as anyone in the international class, including Celesten. He’s 6’3”, 170 pounds with huge bat speed that portends plus power potential, a good feel to hit, and speed. Saying he jumps off the screen doesn’t even do him justice, he explodes off the screen. Watching him reminds me of the excitement I had with Alexander Ramirez, except with Walcott it is even more obvious. Love him as a late round FYPD target. ETA: 2028 Prime Projection: 76/25/83/.256/.331/.458/12

60) Joendry Vargas LAD, SS, 17.5 – Vargas is expected to sign with the Dodgers, and when we’re dealing with the rawest of prospects, I’ll give a big lean to a guy in a great developmental organization. It’s not just the organization with Vargas though, he’s a projectable 6’3”, 170 pounds with all the requisite skills you look for in a high priced international signing. He’s a great athlete with a good fell to hit, power projection, and speed. He could be the righty version of what Josue De Paula did this year for the Dodgers. ETA: 2028 Prime Projection: 78/23/81/.263/.335/.446/8

61) Jun-seok Shim PIT, RHP, 19.0 – Shim has an innings eater build at 6’4”, 215 pounds and he has the big fastball befitting of his stature with mid to upper 90’s heat. He has good control over his entire 4 pitch arsenal, with his big curveball as his best secondary. He’ll need to improve his secondaries to really enter elite pitching prospect range. ETA: 2026 Prime Projection: 11/3.91/1.23/170 in 170 IP

62) Walter Ford SEA, RHP, 18.3 – Selected 74th overall in the 2022 MLB Draft, Ford is one of the youngest players in the draft, which contributes to making him one of the most projectable as well. He’s 6’3”, 198 pounds with a low to mid 90’s fastball, potentially plus slider, and developing change. If you can project anybody to gain a tick or two on their fastball, it’s the 18 year old Ford. He has a quick twitch, athletic and explosive delivery that jumps off the screen and underlies his upside. He could have been one of the top pitchers off the board if he stuck with his original 2023 class. ETA: 2026 Prime Projection: 12/3.78/1.23/173 in 160 IP

63) Connor Prielipp MIN, LHP, 22.3 – Selected 43rd overall in the 2022 MLB Draft, Prielipp pitched just 7 innings in 2021 before tearing his UCL and requiring Tommy John surgery. He missed all of 2022. When healthy, he throws a low 90’s fastball with an at least plus slider and above average changeup. The surgery adds risk and he’s pitched just 28 innings in his college career, but the ingredients are there for him to be a mid rotation starter. ETA: 2025 Prime Projection: 10/3.98/1.25/165 in 160 IP

64) Cayden Wallace KC, 3B, 21.8 – Selected 49th overall in the 2022 MLB Draft, Wallace impressed with a strong MLB debut, slashing .293/.379/.466 with 2 homers, 8 steals, and a 23/15 K/BB in 30 games at mostly Single-A. He’s one of the youngest players in his college class and he ripped up the SEC in his 2 years playing there with 30 homers and a .907 OPS in 127 games. The dude has done nothing but hit well everywhere he’s played, including the wood bat Cape Cod league (.820 OPS), although his over the fence power hasn’t been as big with a wood bat (2 homers in 18 Cape games). He’s a safe bet to be an MLB bat, but it doesn’t look like he has the highest upside at the moment. ETA: 2025 Prime Projection: 67/19/75/.252/.320/.419/7

65) Tucker Toman TOR, 3B, 19.4 – Selected 77th overall in the 2022 MLB Draft, Toman is a switch hitter with big power potential. He hit well in his pro debut with a 119 wRC+ in 11 games at rookie ball, but his 26.1% K% and 53.8% GB% is not the best combo, albeit in a small sample. ETA: 2026 Prime Projection: 73/22/77/.242/.326/.446/5

66) Emmanuel Bonilla TOR, OF, 16.6, 6’3”, 200 – Bonilla is already a big dude with major power, but he also has a good feel to hit which should allow him to get to all of his power. He’s the Lazaro Montes of this year’s draft, but I liked Montas a bit more last year than I do Bonilla this year. ETA: 2028 Prime Projection: 77/30/91/.260/.330/.500/6

67) Alfredo Duno CIN, C, 17.3 – The 2nd best catcher in the international class, Duno is a power hitting beast in the mold of Diego Cartaya. He’s already built like a man with a strong base (3:25 mark of the video). He’s a good athlete and swings a quick bat. He’s not far off from Ethan Salas, and might have more fantasy upside especially if he stays in Cincy. ETA: 2029 Prime Projection: 68/27/81/.251/.326/.472/3

68) JR Ritchie ATL, RHP, 19.9 – Selected 35th overall in the 2022 MLB Draft, Ritchie is a relatively safe high school arm with good control of a solid 3 pitch mix (low to mid 90’s heat, slider, change). He showed his advanced pitchability with a strong pro debut, putting up a pitching line of 1.88/0.97/14/5 in 14.1 IP at rookie and High-A. It’s likely a back end profile with mid rotation upside. ETA: 2026 Prime Projection: 10/4.03/1.27/150 in 160 IP

69) Tom Harrington PIT, RHP, 21.9 – Selected 36th overall in the 2022 MLB Draft, Harrington put up a sterling 30%/4.9% BB% with a 2.53 ERA in 92.2 IP in the Big South on the back of excellent control of starter’s pitch mix (low 90’s heat, slider, change, curve). He didn’t come from a major conference, so it’s easier to pound the strike zone against inferior competition, and he doesn’t have the huge fastball, which is why I’m a little hesitant of buying too hard into the K/BB numbers. Back end starter is a safe projection, but there is certainly room for more. ETA: 2025 Prime Projection: 10/4.11/1.25/152 in 160 IP

70) Drew Thorpe NYY, RHP, 22.6 – Selected 61st in the 2022 MLB Draft, Thorpe is a bit of a junk baller type, going to his at least plus changeup and above average slider as much as possible. His low 90’s fastball induces grounders, and he has plus control of his entire arsenal. He looks the part at a rock solid 6’4”, 190 pounds, and he handled his business in the Big West with a 2.32 ERA and 149/25 K/BB in 104.2 IP. The only thing missing is the big fastball. ETA: 2025 Prime Projection: 10/4.06/1.26/154 in 160 IP

71) Adam Mazur SDP, RHP, 21.11 – Selected 53rd overall in the 2022 MLB Draft, Mazur is a pretty skinny 6’2”, 180 pounds with a very athletic and repeatable righty delivery. He commands the mound with a 5 pitch mix led by a plus slider, to go along with a low to mid 90’s 4 seamer, a low 90’s 2 seamer, curve, and changeup. His control/command took a big step forward this year and it led to a breakout season in the Big 12 with a pitching line of 3.07/0.96/98/30 in 93.2 IP. Back end starter might be his most likely outcome, but there is certainly projection and upside for more. ETA: 2025 Prime Projection: 9/4.10/1.29/152 in 160 IP

72) Luis Morales OAK, RHP, 20.6 – Morales has a lot of traits you look for in a potential top of the rotation starter. He’s 6’3”, 176 pounds with an athletic delivery, mid to upper 90’s fastball, and 4 pitch mix. The secondaries still need plenty of refinement, and while he dominated the U18 Cuba League, he put up a 5.95 ERA with a 58/30 K/BB in the CNS (Cuba) in 2021, so there is a lot of risk here. ETA: 2025 Prime Projection: 9/4.09/1.34/158 in 150 IP

73) Luis Guanipa ATL, OF, 17.4 – Guanipa is not a big guy at 5’10”, but he has a viciously quick and explosive righty swing that looks like it belongs at the top of an MLB order. He combines that with plus speed and a good feel to hit, making him a very enticing 5×5 BA fantasy player in particular. Not every player who hits for a lot of power is 6’3”, so if he can prove his power will play in pro ball, his value could quickly soar. ETA: 2028 Prime Projection: 82/18/68/.268/.335/.424/24

74) Brailer Guerrero TBR, OF, 16.9 – Power is Guerrero’s game as he’s already very powerfully built at 6’2”, 190 pounds, giving him the chance for at least plus power at peak. He’s a corner outfielder who doesn’t project for big speed, so his bat will have to hit close to it’s ceiling to lock in a full time job, but the power upside is worth the shot. ETA: 2028 Prime Projection: 74/28/85/.253/.325/.488/4

75) Jake Bennett WAS, LHP, 22.4 – Selected 45th overall in the 2022 MLB Draft, Bennett is a 6’6”, 234 pound lefty who pounds the zone with a solid 3 pitch mix (low 90’s fastball, slider, change). His numbers don’t jump out at your in the Big 12 with a 3.69 ERA, but his 133/22 K/BB in 117 IP looks much better. There are some things about him that remind me of David Peterson, but that isn’t a comp, and Peterson was much more dominant in college. It’s a back end starter profile. ETA: 2025 Prime Projection: 10/4.14/1.31/153 in 170 IP

76) Henry Bolte OAK, OF, 18.11, 6’3”, 195 – Here’s what I wrote about Bolte right after the draft, “Selected 56th overall in the 2022 MLB Draft, Bolte is the type of prospect whose value is going to swing wildly in either direction based on how much contact he makes in his pro debut. He has a plus power/speed combo with a swing that definitely looks the part when he makes contact, but he has plenty of swing and miss in his game. Sometimes these types of high school prospects come into pro ball and show the hit tool question were overstated, and other times they strikeout 40% of the time. We’ll see what Bolte can do when he gets the chance.” … Bolte got his chance and he was one of the the types to strikeout 40% of the time. Actually, 48.7% of the time to be exact. He put up a 70 wRC+ with 0 homers and 0 steals in 11 games in rookie ball. It’s a very small sample, and the upside is still big, but so is the risk. ETA: 2026 Prime Projection: 62/18/69/.228/.304/.431/10

77) Max Wagner BAL, 3B, 21.8 – Selected 42nd overall in the 2022 MLB Draft, Wagner went insane in the ACC with 27 homers in 58 games, and he did it with a strong 19.7%/17.4% K%/BB%. It was good for a 1.348 OPS. His MLB debut didn’t go quite as well with only 1 homer and a .739 OPS in 19 games at mostly Single-A, and he doesn’t jump off the screen at 6’0”, 215 pounds, so I would be careful to expect those kind of homer totals in pro ball. ETA: 2025 Prime Projection: 65/18/71/.245/.316/.437/2

78) Hunter Barco PIT, LHP, 22.4 – Selected 44th overall in the 2022 MLB Draft, Barco was in the midst of an excellent season in the SEC with a 2.50 ERA and 69/11 K/BB in 50.1 IP before going down with Tommy John surgery in May. It will likely keep him out until the 2nd half of 2023 at the least. He was hyped coming out of high school because of his projectable 6’4” frame with an almost sidearm lefty delivery, but he’s yet to add any big velocity, sitting in the low 90’s. His slider and change are both good, but not necessarily elite pitches. If the fastball ticks up in pro ball he will be a major problem, but the low velocity and surgery keeps me from going higher on him. ETA: 2026 Prime Projection: 10/4.13/1.30/158 in 160 IP

79) Parker Messick CLE, LHP, 22.6 – Selected 54th overall in the 2022 MLB Draft, Messick’s stuff doesn’t really standout, but his K/BB numbers do with a 144/18 K/BB in 98.2 IP in the ACC. He has a fan favorite build, delivery, and demeaner on the mound at a thick 6’0”, 225 pounds with a funky lefty delivery and excitable attitude. His changeup is his best pitch which he combines with a low 90’s fastball and an effective slider. It’s a back end profile, but there’s something about him you have to love, and Cleveland is a great organization to bet on. ETA: 2025 Prime Projection: 9/4.10/1.22/153 in 150 IP

80) Peyton Pallette CHW, RHP, 21.11 – Selected 62nd overall in the 2022 MLB Draft, Pallette had his presumed Junior year breakout wiped out with Tommy John surgery, but he should be good to go for 2023. When healthy, he throws a curveball that he has on a string. That’s his money maker. He combines that with a fastball that consistently gets in the mid 90’s and a developing changeup. He has a very short track record in college with only 61.2 IP (3.79 ERA with a 70/23 K/BB), and there is obviously injury risk as well, but those conditions also create a buying opportunity if you want to take a risk on some unknown upside. ETA: 2025 Prime Projection: 8/3.95/1.27/142 in 145 IP

81) Gabriel Rincones PHI, OF, 22.1 – Selected 93rd overall in the 2022 MLB Draft, Rincones is 6’4″, 225 pounds with a quick lefty swing that produces all fields power. He destroyed Conference USA, slashing .346/.451/.658 with 19 homers, 2 steals, and a 51/42 K/BB in 58 games. He hasn’t faced the best competition and there is some swing and miss in his game, but the power is for real. ETA: 2025 Prime Projection: 58/18/63/.244/.322/.448/2

82) Nick Biddison LAD, OF, 22.8 – Selected 135th overall in the 2022 MLB Draft, leave it to the Dodgers to draft another guy who had a strong pro debut. Biddison slashed .276/.371/.455 with 4 homers, 6 steals, and a 22.4%/11.2% K%/BB% in 31 games at Single-A. Granted, Rancho Cucamonga juices up offense, but he ripped up the ACC too, slashing .351/.434/.598 with 14 homers, 21 steals, and a 48/33 K/BB in 59 games. He played literally all over the field as a true super utility player, which will likely be his ultimate role on the MLB level. ETA: 2025 Prime Projection: 44/10/44/.246/.318/.418/7

83) Jacob Reimer NYM, 3B, 19.1 – Selected 119th overall in the 2022 MLB Draft, Reimer is already physically mature at 6’2”, 205 pounds, and he has the requisite plus raw power to go with the frame. But he’s not just a slugger, he’s also a good athlete with a good feel to hit. He had a strong 7 game pro debut at rookie ball, slashing .261/.414/.478 with 1 homer and a 10.3%/20.7% K%/BB%. He’s an intriguing late round pick in deep leagues. ETA: 2026 Prime Projection: 67/20/73/.263/.327/.431/5

84) Hendry Chivilli MIN, SS, 17.7 – When diving into the unknown of international prospects, I’ll lean into upside as much as possible, as all of these prospects have risk, so why not shoot for the moon. Chivilli has that scout’s dream frame at 6’3”, 165 pounds with plus speed and plus bat speed. If it all comes together, he’ll be an elite prospect. ETA: 2028 Prime Projection: 72/21/76/.251/.323/.436/14

85) Jacob Miller MIA, RHP, 19.8 – Selected 46th overall in the 2022 MLB Draft, Miller’s 2 inning outing at Single-A in his pro debut was in a Statcast stadium. His 4-seamer and sinker averaged 94 MPH, which he combined with 2 potentially plus breaking balls in his 85.6 MPH slider and 79.4 MPH curve. The fastballs both got hit hard while the breaking balls induced weak contact. He also has a developing changeup in his bag of tricks. He has a starter’s build at 6’2”, 180 and is in a great organization for pitching. ETA: 2026 Prime Projection: 10/4.03/1.29/162 in 160 IP

86) Cutter Coffey BOS, SS, 18.10 – Selected 41st overall in the 2022 MLB Draft, Coffey is an excellent overall athlete at 6’2”, 190 pounds who is a legit prospect as both a hitter and pitcher, although his future is likely as a hitter. He has a quick and explosive righty swing with natural loft that could produce plus power at peak, but the hit tool needs to take a big step forward to get there. He struggled in his pro debut with a 53 wRC+ and 27.5% K% in 40 PA which showed the rawness still present in his game. ETA: 2027 Prime Projection: 72/22/76/.243/.319/.438/8

87) Jack Brannigan PIT, 3B, 22.1 – Selected 83rd overall in the 2022 MLB Draft, Brannigan is a high risk, high reward college bat. He’s an athletic player with a plus power/speed combo, but there is still a rawness to his game. His pro debut showed both sides of the coin, slashing .211/.330/.337 with 3 homers (47.7% FB%), 6 steals, and a 25%/13.4% K%/BB% in 26 games at Single-A. If he can improve the hit tool (famous last works), there is fantasy friendly upside. ETA: 2025 Prime Projection: 42/11/44/.232/.302/.418/9

88) Ignacio Alvarez ATL, 3B/SS, 20.0 – Selected 155th overall in the 2022 MLB Draft, Alvarez had an impressive pro debut, slashing .287/.451/.394 with 1 homer, 8 steals, and a 12.3%/21.3% K%/BB% in 30 games split between rookie and Single-A. This was coming off a big year in Junior College where he hit .370 with 5 homers and 9 steals in 48 games. He doesn’t jump off the screen, but he’s not small at 6’0”, 190 pounds, and he looks like a player out there. ETA: 2026 Prime Projection: 56/13/51/.261/.332/.421/8

89) Luke Adams MIL, 3B, 18.11 – Selected 372nd overall in the 2022 MLB Draft, Adams is 6’4”, 210 pounds with plus raw power, a good feel to hit, and good athleticism. He dominated in his pro debut, slashing .375/.512/.563 with 1 homer, 9 steals, and a 19.5%/17.1% K%/BB% in 11 games in rookie ball. He’s not a great defensive player, putting a lot of pressure on the bat, but there is legitimate upside here. ETA: 2026 Prime Projection: 44/14/47/.252/.325/.432/6

90) Daiverson Gutierrez NYM, C, 17.7 – The MLB Draft was pretty weak with catcher talent this year, but the international class makes up for it with a strong class. While I don’t love buying 16/17 year old catchers, if you want upside in first year player drafts, this where you will have to find it. Gutierrez is an excellent athlete with a good feel to hit and emerging power. The upside is there to be one of the top catcher prospects in the game if he produces. ETA: 2029 Prime Projection: 66/20/73/.263/.331/.440/4

Tier 6

91) Chandler Simpson TBR, SS/2B, 22.4 – Selected 70th overall in the 2022 MLB Draft, Simpson’s game is elite speed with elite contact rates. He hit .434 with 27 steals and a 16/31 K/BB in 47 games in the ACC, but he doesn’t hit the ball hard at all with only 1 homer in his 208 game career across all levels. He’s a skinny 6’2”, 170 pounds, so the power should hopefully tick up in time, but it’s not likely to ever be a big part of his game. He’s a light hitting speed play. ETA: 2025 Prime Projection: 66/7/49/.256/.318/.389/19

92) Ryan Cermak TBR, OF, 21.10 – Selected 71st overall in the 2022 MLB Draft, Cermak is 6’1”, 205 pounds with an aggressive righty swing that jacked out 19 homers in 48 games in the Missouri Valley Conference. He also hit 2 homers in 7 games in his pro debut in rookie ball. He combines that power with above average speed, but the hit tool is a bit of a question mark. He’s had some swing and miss issues in college and then put up a 37.5%/4.2% K%/BB% in his small sample pro debut. ETA: 2025 Prime Projection: 61/18/65/.239/.311/.428/8

93) Tanner Schobel MIN, SS/2B, 21.10 – Selected 68th overall in the 2022 MLB Draft, Schobel is a relatively little guy at 5’10”, 170 pounds who showed big power in college with 19 homers in 59 ACC games, but it didn’t translate to pro ball with only 1 homer in 32 games at mostly Single-A. He has a strong plate approach and speed, so he’s not totally reliant on the power, but if you can’t trust the power, he might be trending more towards a utility role. ETA: 2025 Prime Projection: 55/14/52/.253/.324/.421/8

94) Alex Freeland LAD, SS, 21.7 – Selected 105th overall in the 2022 Draft, Freeland was drafted by the Dodgers, and if you’re going to take a shot on a late round dart throw, why not align yourself with LA. And true to form, Freeland had a big time pro debut with 3 homers and a 152 wRC+ in 8 games at Single-A, albeit with a 30.6%/5.6% K%/BB%. He came from the non major American Athletic Conference, and while he’s hit well in his career, he hasn’t really blown the doors off, although you have to take into account he was very young for his class. He’s a switch hitter with some pop at 6’2”, 200 pounds. This is a bet on the Dodgers as much as anything. ETA: 2026 Prime Projection: 51/15/57/.243/.315/.432/4

95) Christopher Paciolla CHC, 2B/3B/SS, 19.0 – Selected 86th overall in the 2022 MLB Draft, Paciolla is a projectable 6’2”, 185 pounds with a lightning quick and powerful righty swing. He’s still raw with a 66 wRC+ and 28%/8% K%/BB% in his 7 game pro debut, so you’re mostly buying a ball of power hitting clay here. ETA: 2027 Prime Projection: 64/20/69/.241/.315/.430/5

96) Yoelin Cespedes BOS, SS, 17.7 – Let’s go with bloodlines on this one as Cespedes is half brothers with Yeonis Cespedes. Like most bloodline prospects, Cespedes is advanced at the dish with a potentially plus hit tool. He’s only 5’11”, 150 pounds, so while he doesn’t have huge power projection, he can put a charge into the ball. He’s not a burner either. The upside might not be huge, but why not take a dart throw on a Cespedes at this point in the rankings. ETA: 2028 Prime Projection: 77/18/69/.273/.338/.424/11

97) Welbyn Francisca CLE, SS, 16.11 – Francisca is not a huge projection guy at 5’11”, 150 pounds, but he’s known for his precocious feel for hitting with some speed. Taking 16 year old hit tool guys is not my favorite thing to do, but putting a power cap on a 16 year old seems silly, so if the power ticks up he could be a dangerous all around fantasy player. ETA: 2028 Prime Projection: 79/14/63/.277/.343/410/17

98) Josh Kasevich TOR, SS/3B, 22.3 – Selected 60th overall in the 2022 MLB Draft, Kasevich is a plus hit tool guy who put up a 16/24 K/BB in 61 games in the Pac 12, and then proved the elite contact rates will transfer to pro ball with a 7.4%/9.0% K%/BB% in 25 games at Single-A. He didn’t hit a single homer with a 59.6% GB% or steal a single bag (he’s not a great baserunner) in those pro games, which shows the power/speed combo just isn’t there. He’s 6’2”, 200 pounds, so hopefully he tries to lift the ball a bit more to make the most of his raw power. ETA: 2025 Prime Projection: 68/14/64/.268/.324/.416/7

99) Cade Hunter CIN, C, 22.4 – Selected 153rd overall in the 2022 MLB Draft, Hunter makes for an interesting late round pick considering how weak the draft was at catcher. He’s 6’2”, 200 pounds with a very quick lefty swing that should produce plus power at peak. He knocked out 17 homers in 58 ACC games and then knocked out 3 dingers in his 14 game pro debut at rookie and Single-A. The hit tool isn’t great with a 22.9% K% in college, but beggars can’t be choosers when it comes to this year’s catcher class. ETA: 2025 Prime Projection: 39/14/44/.235/.312/.426/4

100) Brenner Cox WAS, OF, 18.11 – Selected 111th overall in the 2022 MLB Draft, Cox siined for above slot with a cool one million dollar bonus. He’s a projectable 6’3”, 195 pounds with plus speed and plus power potential. He hit well in his pro debut with a 116 wRC+, 1 homer and 2 steals in 10 rookie ball games, but a 33.3% K% and 63.6% GB% shows his risk. ETA: 2026 Prime Projection: 46/12/41/.236/.309/.417/9

101) Derniche Valdez CHC, SS, 17.0 – Valdez doesn’t have the projectability of some of the other top international prospects at 6’1”, 180, but he ain’t small and he has a powerful righty swing that gets the most out of his raw power. He probably doesn’t have elite prospect upside even if it all clicks, but he can be a damn good across the board player. ETA: 2028 Prime Projection: 74/20/76/.255/.326/.428/13

102) Ariel Castro MIN, OF, 17.1 – Castro is 6’2”, 180 pounds with a smooth and easy lefty swing that has natural loft and plus power potential. He doesn’t have as good of a hit tool as the international prospects ranked over him, but on swing alone he is up there with anyone. ETA: 2028 Prime Projection: 68/23/77.248/.321/.435/7

103) Rayner Arias SFG, OF, 16.11 – Arias has baseball bloodlines, and like usual, that results in a prospect who is more mature in baseball terms than some of his contemporaries. He combines that maturity at the dish with a projectable 6’1”, 180 pound frame and a big righty swing that has clear power potential. ETA: 2028 Prime Projection: 76/21/78/.266/.338/.440/5

104) Karson Milbrandt MIA, RHP, 18.11 – Selected 85th overall in the 2022 MLB Draft, Milbrandt signed for an over slot $1.5 million. He throws a high spin, low to mid 90’s fastball to go along with 3 secondaries that all have potential in his curve, slider, and change. There is plenty of refinement needed, but the upside is high. ETA: 2026 Prime Projection: 10/4.02/1.30/156 in 160 IP

105) Nathan Martorella SDP, 1B, 22.1 – Selected 150th overall in the 2022 MLB Draft, Marorella is more of a John Olerud than a Jim Thome, to bring it back to my childhood. Meaning he’s more of a good all around hitter rather than a power hitting beast. He put up a .977 OPS with 11 homers and a 29/34 K/BB in 55 Pac 12 games, and then put up a .932 OPS with 3 homers and a 21/16 K/BB in 28 games split between rookie and Single-A. He has a bit of an awkward lefty swing and has a different batting stance in just about every video I’ve seen. The ones of him in pro ball definitely look the best to me though. He’s not the type of upside bat you look for at 1B, but he can be solid. ETA: 2025 Prime Projection: 56/14/51/.267/.332/.427/1

106) Clark Elliott OAK, OF, 22.5 – Selected 69th overall in the 2022 MLB Draft, Elliott has a solid across the board profile with pop, speed, and a high OBP. He put up big numbers in the Big Ten, slashing .337/.460/.630 with 16 homers, 19 steals, and a 56/49 K/BB in 61 games. There is a little more strikeouts than you would like, but he has a strong lefty swing that is geared for power and average. Landing with Oakland gives him opportunity, but everything else there is a negative. ETA: 2025 Prime Projection: 55/14/52/.242/.325/.426/9

107) Cole Phillips ATL, RHP, 19.10 – Selected 57th overall in the 2022 MLB Draft, Phillips underwent Tommy John surgery in April, which puts a damper on his FYPD stock, but he’s a nice high upside arm to stash late. He’s 6’3”, 200 pounds with an athletic delivery that he uses to fire a mid to upper 90’s fastball. The secondaries aren’t as refined, but the slider is potentially plus and the changeup can be solid too. The upside is worth the risk as this point in the draft. ETA: 2026 Prime Projection: 9/4.15/1.29/155 in 150 IP

108) Sonny DiChiara LAA, 1B, 23.8 – Selected 148th overall in the 2022 MLB Draft, LA sent DiChiara straight to Double-A for his pro debut, and he understandably struggled with 1 homer, a 36.9% K% and a .600 OPS in 36 games. On the other hand, he was already 23 years old, so the extreme struggles is not a great sign. He’s built like Dan Vogelbach at 6’1”, 263 pounds, and has the requisite power to match his size, crushing 63 homers in 187 games in his college career in the relatively weak Southern Conference. He’s going to have to rake to get playing time, and the Double-A debut does not give much hope he will be able to do that on the MLB level. ETA: 2024 Prime Projection: 28/8/31/.220/.307/.417/0

109) Danny Serretti DET, SS, 22.11 – Selected 177th overall in the 2022 MLB Draft, Serretti had a hell of an MLB debut with a .946 OPS in 27 games, making it all the way to Double-A. He showed his strong plate approach will transfer with a 18.1%/20.7% K%/BB%, and he has moderate pop (2 homers) and speed (7 steals). It’s not a high upside profile and I’m not sure it’s a starter’s profile, but you gotta respect that pro debut. ETA: 2024 Prime Projection: 41/8/41/.252/.319/.417/4

110) Griffin Doersching SDP, 1B, 24.8 – Selected 240th overall in the 2022 MLB Draft, Doersching is a 6’4”, 250 pound hulking slugger who smashed 15 homers in 42 Big 12 games, and then stepped into pro ball and cranked 9 homers in 30 games at mostly Single-A. He was a 5th year senior with strikeout issues, but he’ll clearly be able to hit for power no matter what the level is, it’s just a question of how low the batting average will get. ETA: 2025 Prime Projection: 32/12/34/.218/.304/.431/1

By Michael Halpern (@MichaelCHalpern)
Email: michaelhalpern@imaginarybrickwall.com
Twitter: Imaginary Brick Wall (@DynastyHalp)

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