The 2022 MLB draft is rapidly approaching. This year the Milwaukee Brewers have the 27th pick in the first round. Earlier we took a look at three pitchers who could be selected with the first pick. In this article, we will profile three position players who could be the teams first round draft pick.
In the last two drafts, the Brewers have selected college outfielders in the first round. Garrett Mitchell was drafted in 2020 and Sal Frelick in 2021. Teams typically don’t tend to draft for positions of need, but with ascension of outfield prospects Joey Wiemer and Jackson Chourio they may have a solid outfield core of the future brewing.
Here are three potential first round position player options for the Brewers in this year’s draft.
1) SS Peyton Graham – Oklahoma
After finishing second in this year’s college world series, Peyton Graham is looking to become the first ever infielder out of the University of Oklahama taken in the first round. It certainly helps that he had 20 home runs and 30 stolen bases in 2022. Additionally, the 6’3″ right hander’s pro comparison is Brian Anderson.
Defensively, Graham is versatile. He is an average defender at shortstop, but he has a strong throwing arm. He may profile best as a third baseman but he has experience at second base as well. Overall, he is a very well rounded player. MLB has him listed 28th on their draft board, so he could be available for the Brewers to select.
2) 3B Cayden Wallace – Arkansas
Similar to Graham, Cayden Wallace also played in the college world series this year. If the Brewers draft him they will get a player who comes with a ton of power potential. In 2020 he hit 16 home runs and 18 doubles while driving in 60 batters. Additionally, scouts have been very impressed by his bat speed and high exit velocities.
There are two negatives in Wallace’s offensive game. The first being that he does have swing and miss concerns. Secondly, he is a pull heavy hitter and professional baseball pitchers may pound the outside of the strike zone against him, which is a cold spot in his hitting zone. He does have a very high ceiling, but the floor may be lower than some would like in a first round selection.
3) OF Sterlin Thompson – Florida
If the Brewers desire to draft another hit over power outfielder, Sterlin Thompson would be that prospect. The left-handed hitting outfielder had a .301 batting average during his freshman season and .354 as a sophomore. His ability to slug the ball did improve in between those years. He slugged .563 in 2022 with 11 home runs and 16 doubles.
At the plate, Thompson utilizes all parts of the field. As mentioned he has a hit over power mentality, but some scouts do believe that if he adds strength into his 6’4″ frame the power may come. MLB has him ranked 29th, so there is a high likelihood that he will be available for the Brewers to select.
It will be interesting to see if the Brewers elect to draft another outfielder or go somewhere completely different. The first round of the MLB draft is Sunday, July 17th. Be sure to stay tuned to WI Sports heroics as we will cover the Brewers selection.
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