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SEC Baseball: Predicting the first round picks in the 2022 MLB Draft

By Matt Melton

FAYETTEVILLE, ARKANSAS - APRIL 14: Jacob Berry #14 of the LSU Tigers warms up before a game against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Baum-Walker Stadium at George Cole Field on April 14, 2022 in Fayetteville, Arkansas. The Razorbacks defeated the Tigers 5-4. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)
FAYETTEVILLE, ARKANSAS - APRIL 14: Jacob Berry #14 of the LSU Tigers warms up before a game against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Baum-Walker Stadium at George Cole Field on April 14, 2022 in Fayetteville, Arkansas. The Razorbacks defeated the Tigers 5-4. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images) /
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With the 2022 MLB Draft set to begin on Sunday night, SEC Baseball as you’d expect is once again set to be well represented within the first round. Looking at that group, which names do we think will be selected in the first round?

Predicting the SEC Baseball first round picks in the 2022 MLB Draft

Jacob Berry – LSU Tigers

Likely SEC Baseball’s top overall 2022 MLB Draft prospect, Berry is likely set to come off the board at some point within the Top 10 picks overall as one of the top collegiate hitters available. After transferring to LSU from Arizona last offseason, Berry enjoyed an impressive 2022 season, one in which he slashed .370/.464/.630 across 53 games with the Tigers, along with 15 HR and 48 RBI.

Connor Prielipp – Alabama Crimson Tide 

Even despite having not pitched in a game for the Crimson Tide in over a year, you could still make the argument that Prielipp is the top collegiate left-hander in the 2022 MLB Draft. A projected Top 10 pick prior to injury, Prielipp could easily come off the board as early as the mid-first round on Sunday night.

Jordan Beck – Tennessee Volunteers

The 2022 SEC Baseball regular season and tournament champions, Tennessee could see a few players selected in the first two rounds, the first of which could be Beck. One of the top collegiate outfielders available, Beck is coming off a junior season in which he slashed .298/.391/.595 with 18 HR and 61 RBI.

Drew Gilbert – Tennessee Volunteers

Speaking of the Volunteers, Gilbert is also a name to watch for in the first round. A strong defender in the outfield, Gilbert led Tennessee in hitting this past season with a .362 AVG (.348 AVG in SEC play), while also hitting 11 HR, 70 RBI, and 21 doubles.

Sterlin Thompson – Florida Gators

SEC Baseball will likely put three outfielders in the first round, the third of which is Thompson. One of Florida’s top hitters this past season, Thompson slashed .354/.443/.563 for the Gators in 2022, along with 11 HR, 51 RBI, and 10 SB.

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Others to Watch for:

  • Spencer Jones – Vanderbilt Commodores
  • Blade Tidwell – Tennessee Volunteers
  • Cayden Wallace – Arkansas Razorbacks
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