2022 MLB Draft: Way too early draft targets for the Blue Jays first pick

Anybody who has followed my articles or read my content on Jays Journal knows that I love the MLB Draft. Looking at all the different draft prospects and all the high school and college players looking to make their mark in professional baseball, it’s exciting to take a look at what the future holds for the Toronto Blue Jays.

What makes this process even more exciting is the fact that the current Blue Jays front office has drafted well since taking over in late 2015, drafting notable players like Bo Bichette, Cavan Biggio, Nate Pearson, and Jordan Groshans. Not every pick has worked out for the best, as some have not reached their full potential (yet), but compared to Alex Anthopoulos’s track record of drafting, Ross Atkins and co. have done pretty well.

Heading into the 2022 MLB Draft, the Blue Jays hold the 23rd overall pick after posting a 91-71 record and have three more picks before the third round. With both Marcus Semien and Robbie Ray declining their qualifying offers and signing elsewhere, the Blue Jays now have their first and second-round picks as well as two picks in the Competitive Balance B round prior to round three. After losing their second pick last season after signing George Springer, the Blue Jays will be using these picks to restock their farm system after trading away two top prospects in Austin Martin and Simeon Woods-Richardson at the trade deadline.

With the 2021 campaign allowing high school and college players to get back on the diamond after missing out on a full season due to COVID in 2020, there is a talented crop of players that will be available next summer. It will be interesting to see where the Blue Jays will steer towards high school or college players considering they have quite a few high picks and will need to conserve their draft pool money. High school students also have the added advantage of attending post-secondary and capitalizing on their name, likeness, and image at certain programs in the United States. Multiple sites like MLB.com and ProspectsLive.com have unveiled their early prospect rankings for the 2022 MLB Draft, and while these rankings will 100% change before the draft takes place, let’s take a look at some of the players ranked near the Blue Jays #23 spot and potential fits for the club.