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

By Tyson Shushkewich

TORONTO, CANADA - DECEMBER 4: President Mark Shapiro and Ross Atkins pose for a photo after speaking to the media as Atkins is introduced as the new general manager of the Toronto Blue Jays during a press conference on December 4, 2015 at Rogers Centre in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images)
TORONTO, CANADA - DECEMBER 4: President Mark Shapiro and Ross Atkins pose for a photo after speaking to the media as Atkins is introduced as the new general manager of the Toronto Blue Jays during a press conference on December 4, 2015 at Rogers Centre in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images) /
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DUNEDIN, FLORIDA – FEBRUARY 27: Rawlings spring training baseballs rest in the dugout of the Minnesota Twins during the spring training game against the Toronto Blue Jays at TD Ballpark on February 27, 2020 in Dunedin, Florida. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images) /

Dylan Beavers – OF

School: California

Age: 20       Height: 6’4″

The 2022 MLB Draft is filled with lots of young talented prep outfielders like Druw Jones and Elijah Green but also some talented collegiate outfielders in Brock Jones, Chase DeLauter, and Gavin Cross.

Dylan Beavers also joins this list, ranked at #25 by MLB.com and #24 by ProspectsLive.com. A left-handed hitter, Beavers has spent the past two seasons at California with the Golden Bears and has posted solid numbers as one of their primary outfielders. He owns a .297/.393/.598 slash line through 239 at-bats and has racked up 19 home runs, 52 RBI, and a .992 OPS in 67 games. He also played summer league ball in the prestigious Cape Cod League with the Cotuit Kettleers last year, appearing in eight games and posting a .586 OPS with seven hits through 30 at-bats. Defensively, Beavers splits his time between centre and right field.

With the 2022 MLB Draft turning into focus, the Blue Jays have the 23rd overall pick and could use it on a variety of different players this summer.

He did struggle in the Cape Cod League, which is a bit concerning heading into his draft year but a strong Junior campaign at California could squash those fears if he can continue to hit well from the left side. Scouts are concerned that pitchers could figure him out quickly and continue to pitch him inside but the power stroke and some development in the minor leagues could turn him into a lefty powerhouse at the plate. His plus arm and athleticism will also be able to keep him in either centre or right field for the long term as well.

Depending on how the previous rounds shake-up, some are projecting quite a few of the outfielders to come off the board early before the Blue Jays step up to the draft board at #23. While the current outfield core is a bit crowded at the moment, having a player like Beavers in the farm system when Lourdes Gurriel Jr. and Teoscar Hernandez become free-agency eligible after the 2023 season would be a solid insurance plan if he can continue to hit well.

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