SEC Baseball 2022 MLB Draft Preview: Alabama LHP Connor Prielipp

Before suffering an injury mid-way through the 2021 season, you could’ve made an argument that Alabama left-hander Connor Prielipp was on track to be a Top 10 pick and SEC Baseball‘s first in the 2022 MLB Draft, potentially even in the top five overall.

After having not pitched in a collegiate game in over a year however, Prielipp’s draft prospects are now arguably an unknown, even despite the left-hander undoubtedly being a first round talent when healthy. So, will the injury questions scare teams away early in the first round, or will the Alabama left-hander still be the SEC’s top pitcher selected in the 2022 MLB Draft?

SEC Baseball 2022 MLB Draft Preview: Alabama LHP Connor Prielipp

Beginning with Prielipp’s time in Tuscaloosa, the junior left-hander has only pitched a total of 28 innings since the 2020 season began, due to both injuries and the 2020 season being cancelled mid-way through the year. Looking at the time that Prielipp was on the mound for the Crimson Tide however, there is no denying just how good the southpaw was.

Alabama’s Friday night starter as a freshman, Prielipp originally burst onto the scene in 2020 where the left-hander made a total of four starts before the season was cancelled, allowing no runs and only five hits across 21 IP with a 35:6 K:BB. Earning multiple honors at the conclusion of his shortened freshman campaign, Prielipp was considered as one of SEC Baseball’s top pitchers entering the 2021 season, but would make only one start before suffering an injury that sidelined him until conference play.

Returning in SEC play, Prielipp would make only two more appearances that season before being sidelined with an injury, one that would result in Tommy John surgery. After not pitching for the Crimson Tide since that injury during his sophomore season, where does Prielipp’s draft projection sit now, and how do MLB teams view the left-hander at the next level?

Strengths

Considered as one of the top collegiate arms in the 2022 MLB Draft, Prielipp’s best pitch is arguably his slider, which sits in the mid-to-high 80’s with lots of movement. In fact, you could make an argument that it is one of the best pitches in this draft.

At 6-foot-2, Prielipp has also shown an ability when on the mound for the Crimson Tide to get swing-and-miss with his fastball, one that sits in the low-to-mid 90’s. The left-hander also has a changeup that is improving as well, and has strong command with the ability to throw strikes consistently with all three pitches, giving Prielipp all the makings of an impact starter at the next level.

Draft Projection

One of SEC Baseball’s top pitchers in the 2022 MLB Draft, Prielipp is likely set to be selected in the mid-to-late first round, but could potentially slide due to injury concerns where the left-hander could then prove to be a steal in the second round. However, don’t necessarily count out a team potentially taking a chance on the Alabama starter in the Top 15-20 picks either.

Draft Prediction

Prielipp will be selected in the 20-30 pick range in the first round of the 2022 MLB Draft, potentially being SEC Baseball’s first pitcher selected.