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

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.