Latest MLB mock draft has two Tennessee Vols selected in the first round
The Tennessee Vols have a plethora of talent eligible for the 2022 MLB Draft. A couple of players are projected to go in the first round, according to Prospects Live. Another could sneak in, but these two have cemented their way into the back half of the first round most likely. Their final mock draft […]
The Tennessee Vols have a plethora of talent eligible for the 2022 MLB Draft. A couple of players are projected to go in the first round, according to Prospects Live. Another could sneak in, but these two have cemented their way into the back half of the first round most likely. Their final mock draft actually has the two Vols stand-outs going back to back at picks 23 and 24.
Drew Gilbert, Outfielder: Toronto Blue Jays
Gilbert is slotted in at pick 23, and reports are saying that Toronto is very interested in him. Accordingly, many of the teams in the twenties have interest in Gilbert. The former Vols center fielder plays a balanced game. He has less swing-and-miss than some other hitters projected to go in this range. He is speedy on the base paths and certainly plays with energy on offense and defense.
Here's what scout and MLB Draft director Joe Doyle had to say about Gilbert going at #23:
Everything we’ve heard suggests this will be one of Gilbert, Delauter or Hammond 3B Tucker Toman. Gilbert has the best shot to stay up the middle of the field and possesses the best “metric make-up” of the three players listed. That said, this is the point in the mock draft where educated guesses come into play.
Jordan Beck, Outfielder: Boston Red Sox
Beck, fellow fiery outfielder for the Vols, goes at 24 to Boston in Doyle's mock draft. Doyle notes that the Red Sox are a bit unpredictable at this spot, but collegiate outfielder is on the table. Former Vanderbilt pitcher Kumar Rocker could be a possibility, too. Beck possesses a power bat, and he also made some flashy plays with the glove this season in right field. There's a good amount of swing-and-miss to his game, though. Regardless, he is expected to be a first-round selection.
Here's his full blurb on Beck going to the Red Sox at 24 overall:
Another tough one to tag, the Red Sox are all over the map. They’ve been out to see DeLauter quite a bit, and Florida’s Sterlin Thompson is mentioned here quite a bit too. It sure seems like a college performer is the play here. Boston’s connection to Rocker is real, and this might be his floor, though he remains the biggest mystery of this entire draft.
Vols fans will miss these two next season, but it would be exciting for them to see two of their favorite players go in the first round. It looks very likely right now.
Featured Image via USA TODAY-Sports
