After selecting Jack Leiter with the second pick in the 2021 MLB draft the Texas Rangers now turn their attention to the 2022 class.
Following the 60-102 regular season, the Rangers check-in with the third-overall pick. In a high school, bat-heavy draft here are five targets the Rangers could select.
No. 1 – Elijah Green, OF, IMG Academy –Elijah Green is the perfect all-around outfielder that the Rangers need for the future. Green has an overall scouting grade of 60 with 50 hit, 60 power, 70 run, 60 arm, and 60 field. The question is whether or not Green still be on the board when the Rangers pick at No. 3.
No. 2 – Druw Jones, OF, Wesleyan – Druw Jones, the son of former big-league outfielder Andrew Jones, is expected to be one of the top picks in this upcoming draft. With the Rangers needing outfield help Jones would be a solid fit. Jones’ hitting only checks in at 55 but the rest of his game is highly scouted, including a 60 power, 70 run, 65 arm, 70 field and a 60 overall grade.
No. 3 – Jacob Berry, 3B, LSU –The best college prospect in the entire draft is probably LSU’s Jacob Berry. Last season at Arizona Berry hit .352 with 17 home runs and 70 RBIs. Berry enters the draft with a 60 hit and 65 power rating. With Berry moving into the SEC it is almost certain that his draft stock will rise if he plays like he did last season. Although he is listed as a third baseman he has the potential to be moved around to either first base or a corner outfield spot.
No. 4 – Termarr Johnson, 2B, Mays –The second-base position is obviously locked up with Marcus Semien for the next seven years but if Termarr Johnson is still on the board at No. 3, you can’t pass on him. According to scouts, Johnson is “the best pure prep hitter in decades.” The main question with Johnson is: Will he still be on the board when the Rangers pick?
No. 5 – Dylan Lesko, RHP, Buford –Although this is highly unlikely, if the Rangers do go with pitching it has to be Dylan Lesko. Unlike last year this is a bat-heavy draft. Lesko is a solid player that will find himself somewhere in the top 10 but the question is just how high can he rise this season?
