For high school prospects taken in the recent 2022 MLB Draft, a big league debut is likely two to three years down the road, at the least. Which 2022 high school draft picks could be the first to make their debut in the major leagues? Here are five prime candidates.
Jackson Holliday – Baltimore Orioles
The most likely of the 2022 draft picks to reach the major leagues first is Holliday, the No. 1 overall pick by the Baltimore Orioles. The son of former MLB star Matt Holliday, the 18-year-old shortstop could quickly rise through the minor leagues due to his high offensive upside, and could be a key member of the Orioles’ lineup the moment he debuts in 2024 or 2025.
Druw Jones – Arizona Diamondbacks
While his potential MLB debut could be a bit delayed now that Jones is out for the remainder of 2022 with an injury, it still feels likely that the Wesleyan (GA) product will be one of the first members of this draft class to reach the big leagues. Jones’ five-tool talent could fast-track the centerfielder through the minor leagues, making an MLB call-up at some point early in the 2024 season a legit possibility.
Termarr Johnson – Pittsburgh Pirates
The Mays (GA) product was arguably the best pure hitter in the 2022 MLB Draft, and landed No. 4 overall with the Pittsburgh Pirates. A talented middle infield defender as well, Johnson wields a bat that will likely carry him through the minor leagues quickly. The 18-year-old easily could debut at some point early in 2024.
Elijah Green – Washington Nationals
You didn’t think the other three top five picks from the high school level would make this list and Green wouldn’t, did you? Selected No. 5 overall by the Washington Nationals, Green, similar to Jones, has exciting five-tool potential as an outfielder, and should quickly rise through the Nationals system for a debut likely at some point in 2024 or early 2025.
Brandon Barriera – Toronto Blue Jays
Keeping things in Florida, the former American Heritage star could be one of the first prep pitchers in the 2022 MLB Draft to reach the big leagues. Barriera was widely considered one of the top high school arms in this draft, and after being selected by the Blue Jays at No. 23 overall, could quickly rise through the Toronto system to set up a potential big league debut in 2024-25 for what will likely be a World Series contender.
Others to Watch For
These 2022 draft picks from the high school ranks could reach the major leagues sooner rather than later as well: Brock Porter (Texas Rangers), Justin Crawford (Philadelphia Phillies), Jett Williams (New York Mets), Dylan Lesko (San Diego Padres), Owen Murphy (Atlanta Braves), Cole Young (Seattle Mariners)
