Blue Jays: An overview of the early 2022 first-round mock drafts

Jett Williams – SS

Predicted via Jonathan Mayo at MLB.com

A product of Rockwall-Heath High School, Jett Williams is currently ranked #25 on MLB.com prospect rankings heading into the 2022 MLB Draft. Jonathan Mayo over at MLB.com believes the Blue Jays will use their #23 pick on Williams if he is available, with the Jays potentially selecting a high-school player with their first pick since taking Jordan Groshans in the first round back in 2018.

On the smaller side at 5’8″, Williams has very quick bat speed which adds some pop to the ball and uses his plus speed to get on base and steal on occasion (6.47 seconds on the 60-yard dash). He apparently did not get overpowered during summer league pitching and used his bat speed to hit the ball across the field with no swing or miss to his game. Regarded as a shortstop, Williams does have experience in the outfield but scouts do predict he may be able to stick it out at shortstop with his speed and athleticism. In 2021, he slashed .347/.514/.723 with nine triples, five home runs, and 37 RBI.

Williams is currently committed to Mississippi State, something any team who plans on drafting the Texas product and righty batter will have to consider, especially since the Jays have four picks within the first two rounds (and will need some spending money).

Justin Crawford – OF

Predicted via Jim Callis via MLB.com

Outfielder Justin Crawford is currently ranked at #37 on the top prospects draft board and many think he could find himself off the board before the Blue Jays step up to the podium. Jim Callis at MLB.com does currently predict that he will be available when the Jays are on the clock at #23 and they will take the opportunity to add the Bishop Gorman product (the same school as Joey Gallo).

Son of former big-leaguer Carl Crawford, Justin is quick on his feet as well, sporting a 6.11 time through the 60-yard dash. The lefty-batter hits the ball across the diamond and does have some pop in the bat, evident by his five home runs as a senior.

Through 42 games, he finished with a .503 batting average and added 17 doubles and eight triples while also stealing 20 bases. He led numerous offensive categories on the Gaels squad, such as slugging (.816) and RBI (52), and impressed many scouts on the summer circuit that saw him shoot up the draft board this season.

Crawford currently plays centre field and many believe his size and speed will allow him to keep the position moving forward without moving to one of the corners. He currently has a commitment to Louisiana State University, so any interested team will have to pry him away from heading to post-secondary.

Andrew Dutkanych – RHP

Predicted via Ryan Miller at JustBaseball.com

A product of Brebeuf Jesuit located in Indianapolis, Indiana, right-hander Andrew Dutkanych is one of the top-ranked prep-school pitchers heading into the 2022 MLB Draft.

The baseball season is still underway for Brebeuf but Dutkanych is already impressing so far, sporting a 1.00 ERA through six appearances and 28.0 innings of work. He has only allowed four earned runs on the season and has 61 strikeouts compared to 18 balls while allowing just 13 hits so far.

The Blue Jays hold the 23rd pick in the first round of the 2022 MLB Draft this year. Let’s take a look at some early mock drafts on potential draft candidates.

The right-hander possesses a solid arsenal that features a tough slider that sits in the mid-80s that many believe is his top pitch, complimented by a fastball that can touch 97 MPH on occasion. He also throws a curveball that sits just below 80 MPH while also mixing in a changeup that is a work in progress but is another added pitch to keep hitters on their toes. He has an easy, repeatable delivery from the 3/4 slot and attacks hitters at the plate with his 6’3″ frame that should fill out as he continues to develop, potentially adding some more MPH to his fastball and other offerings.

The Indiana product does have a commitment to Vanderbilt University, which will be a challenge for a team like the Blue Jays who sit just far enough down the draft board where he could choose to go to school to try and improve his draft ranking in a couple of years time. The risk is that he may require above-slot bonus money if he falls far enough down the board, which could be tricky given the high volume of picks and with a commitment to a top school in Vanderbilt.

Gabriel Hughes – RHP

Predicted by Joe Doyle at ProspectsLive.com

Currently pitching at Gonzaga, right-hander Gabriel Hughes sits at #19 on the MLB.com prospect rankings for the 2022 MLB Draft and Joe Doyle at ProspectsLive.com believes the Blue Jays will add the collegiate pitcher with their first-round selection.

Gonzaga recently clinched the West Coast Conference regular-season title and Hughes had a big hand in that, as the Sophmore compiled a 2.62 ERA through 13 starts while leading the team in innings pitched (86.0), strikeouts (124), and WHIP (1.07) as well as amassing an impressive 13.0 K/9.

Standing at 6’4″, Hughes possesses a fastball in the mid-90s while also mixing in a slider, curveball, and a changeup for some swing and miss to his game. His delivery is clean and repeatable towards home and he is not afraid to attack hitters across the plate, using each pitch effectively and earning a 55 overall with the Bulldogs.

He could be off the board before the Blue Jays step up to make their selection but if the front office is looking to restock the pitching depth, a college-level arm with some experience like Hughes is a great place to start if available.