While there are top high school baseball prospects scattered across the country, you can arguably find a majority of the nation’s top prep players right here in the southeast. It’s a region that boasts some of the nation’s top high school and travel baseball teams. What would the ultimate Class of 2022 All-Southeast baseball team look like?
SP – Dylan Lesko (Buford, GA)
While the starting pitcher could be a hard position to decide due to the pure abundance of talent to choose from, it’s not a hard choice however to put Lesko on an All-Southeast baseball team. The reigning Gatorade National Player of the Year, the right-hander has some of the best stuff in the country, and is a likely lock to be selected within the Top 10 picks in the 2022 MLB Draft.
RP – Jackson Ferris (IMG Academy, FL)
There are a number of players to choose from when looking for an option to relieve Lesko, but it’s hard to pick against Ferris, arguably the top overall southpaw in the 2022 class. He’s off to a phenomenal start to the 2022 seasonm owning a 0.74 ERA across 28.1 IP.
C – Brady Neal (IMG Academy, FL)
At catcher, you simply won’t find a better player both offensively and defensively at the position across the country than Neal. A player with elite arm strength behind the plate, he’s a likely first- or second-round pick in the 2022 MLB Draft, and will continue to impress after his strong start to the year with IMG Academy, where he’s slashing .314/.455/.428.
1B – Tucker Toman (Hammond, SC)
A natural third baseman, Toman is simply too talented a hitter to not include on this list, meaning that first base is the likeliest move. A talented switch-hitter likely to go in the first two rounds this year, Toman is a versatile option who could play on either side of the infield.
2B – Termarr Johnson (Mays, GA)
The top overall second baseman in the 2022 MLB Draft, Johnson is arguably the easiest choice to make at any position for an All-Southeast baseball team. A player with elite-level hitting tools who is a lock to go in the Top 5 to 10 picks in this year’s draft, you simply won’t find a better pure hitter in the entire 2022 class than Johnson.
SS – RJ Austin (Pace Academy, GA)
An athletic shortstop, Austin has all the tools to excel at the position at the next level; he likely will be selected in the first two to three rounds of the 2022 MLB Draft. You’ll find few players across the southeast off to a better start than his .513 batting average and 0.00 ERA on the mound.
3B – Sal Stewart (Westminster Christian, FL)
While Toman previously would also be an option at third base, you could make the argument that Stewart is the better option at the hot corner due to his defense. One of the top power hitters in all of high school baseball, Stewart is a likely first- or second-round pick this summer.
LF – Ryan Clifford (Pro5 Academy, NC)
The star-studded outfield trio begins here with Clifford in left as a likely second or third-round pick in the upcoming draft. A Vanderbilt commit, Clifford has seen an extensive amount of time with Team USA over the years, and has the potential to play both right field and first base.
CF – Druw Jones (Wesleyan, GA)
An easy selection in centerfield, Jones is a truly elite prospect both offensively and defensively in all facets of the game. A standout at Wesleyan (GA), Jones is the likely favorite to go No. 1 overall in the 2022 MLB Draft.
RF – Elijah Green (IMG Academy, FL)
Right alongside Jones in the conversation at the top of the draft is Green, an elite athlete from IMG Academy. Similar to other names previously on this list, Green is off to a solid start to his senior season, batting .343 across his first 11 games.
DH – Jared Jones (Walton, GA)
A natural catcher, Neal previously may arguably be the better option defensively, but Jones is too good offensively to not include in this lineup. One of the top power hitters in high school baseball, Jones is likely to be selected within the first two rounds this summer.
