Ranking top 10 Mississippi State baseball prospects in 2022 MLB Draft

STARKVILLE – Chris Lemonis has spoken beforehand about one of many greatest struggles of teaching Mississippi State baseball.

A program constantly competing at an elite degree is a program commonly amassing elite expertise. Meaning a wholesome portion will draw consideration from the MLB Draft, leaving Lemonis with frequent roster turnover.

This offseason shall be no totally different even after an underwhelming season. MSU has a plethora of expertise both on the roster or amongst its signees catching eyes {of professional} scouts.

We ranked the highest 10 prospects from Mississippi State. Choose gamers listed might elect to return to Starkville.

1. Logan Tanner, catcher

Many round Mississippi State, together with Logan Tanner, anticipated the catcher to make a giant soar offensively. Nonetheless, most of his numbers stayed the identical and his energy numbers dipped.

That didn’t change his draft inventory. Tanner remains to be a probable first spherical choice, largely as a result of his protection. Drafting catchers is much like taking an offensive lineman. For those who take the appropriate one – which Tanner could possibly be contemplating his All-SEC defensive choice – you may be set on the place for a decade.

2. Jett Williams, shortstop

Getting Rockwall-Heath Excessive College’s Jett Williams to Starkville shall be a battle, although fellow signee Dakota Jordan has hinted at it on social media. Williams is a primary spherical expertise listed because the No. 26 prospect by MLB.com, three spots above Tanner.

A torn ulnar collateral ligament derailed Landon Sims’ last season at MSU and hit his draft inventory a bit. Sims might fall into the second spherical, although Tommy John surgical procedure doesn’t carry the issues it as soon as did.

The surgical procedure has virtually turn into a norm for pitchers in some unspecified time in the future of their careers, and lots of have returned in higher kind. To some groups, Sims having the surgical procedure might simply be a checkpoint the group doesn’t have to fret about as soon as his restoration is full.

4. Bradley Loftin, pitcher

A left-handed pitcher out of highschool throwing within the mid-90s with two respectable secondary pitches will at all times catch MLB consideration. Loftin, like Williams, could possibly be robust to get to campus due to a robust signing supply drawing him to the professionals.

5. Colby Holcombe, pitcher

Colby Holcombe is an MSU signee out of Northeast Mississippi Group School. MLB.com charges him because the No. 132 prospect, which places him across the fifth spherical. The proper-hander has an efficient fastball accomplished by an electrical slider. 

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Brad Cumbest switched to baseball full-time and elevated his draft inventory. He confirmed a capability to hit off-speed pitch whereas persevering with stable contact in opposition to fastballs. Taking part in left subject however sometimes shifting to heart, Cumbest confirmed good vary and elevated his defensive attraction.

Dakota Jordan could possibly be a signee MSU will get to campus. Jordan could possibly be chosen close to the fifth spherical, maybe engaging him to return to Mississippi State, compete within the SEC and enhance his inventory as soon as he turns 21 or completes his junior season.

8. Kamren James, utility

Kamren James confirmed loads of his potential at Mississippi State, however usually struggled to flaunt it persistently. He hit .303 this season however left some to be desired by way of energy with 9 dwelling runs. Nonetheless, many MLB groups consider they may faucet into that potential and get a steal within the later rounds.

9. Preston Johnson, pitcher

Varied studies have given numerous touchdown rounds for Preston Johnson, starting from the primary 10 rounds to the final couple.

Johnson turned a starter for Mississippi State in 2022 and was dependable although at occasions inconsistent. He had an inclination to permit dwelling runs (18) which wasn’t a difficulty except he was additionally strolling hitters. From his construct to his method, Johnson has many qualities much like White Sox pitcher and former Ole Miss Insurgent Lance Lynn.

10. Jackson Fristoe, pitcher

Jackson Fristoe was inconsistent out of the bullpen this season. Nonetheless, numerous analytics counsel Fristoe nonetheless maintains one of many prime fastballs in school baseball which creates some MLB stir.

Honorable mentions

RJ Yeager, infielder

Luke Hancock, first baseman/catcher

Kellum Clark, outfielder

KC Hunt, pitcher

Brandon Smith, pitcher

Parker Stinnett, pitcher

Stefan Krajisnik is the Mississippi State beat author for the Clarion Ledger. Contact him at skrajisnik@gannett.com or comply with him on Twitter @skrajisnik3.