All your favorite teams and sources in one place

Build your feed

Your Teams.
All Sources.

Build your feed

© 2024 BVM Sports. Best Version Media, LLC.

No results found.
Florida’s top 10 Class of 2022 MLB prospects
Sal Stewart slides safely into home in the FHSAA Class 3A semifinals. (Credit: Amanda Inscore/The News-Press-USA Today Network via Imagn Content Services)

Florida’s top 10 Class of 2022 MLB prospects

McKenzie Whittington

McKenzie Whittington - BVM Sports Journalist

Updated:

GAINESVILLE, Fla. (BVM) – With the prep baseball season in full swing and the 2022 MLB Draft set for July 5, all eyes are searching for the next Big League star. And though talent can be found all across the country, the state of Florida has one of the most stacked prospect classes in recent history. Let’s take a look at the top 10 prospects of the Class of 2022.

1. Elijah Green, OF, IMG Academy

The most followed prospect in the Class of 2022, the Miami commit can truly do it all. At 6-foot-3 and 225 pounds, the son of former NFL Pro Bowl tight end Eric Green has a physicality and power that provides an explosive package that rises above his peers. He is set primarily in the outfield and plays the game with an unmatched level of maturity and precision. The IMG Academy standout has shown elite baserunning skills and is able to cover a lot of ground in the field thanks to his 6.16 60-yard dash. At the plate, Green boasts plus bat speed and has already connected for 35 runs, 23 RBI and a .527 batting average across 19 games this season. Green is sure to be a top-five pick in this year’s MLB Draft.

2. Jackson Ferris, LHP, IMG Academy

Ferris’ 6-foot-4, 190-pound frame provides the perfect balance of length and smooth movement through his release with potential to grow. The IMG Academy ace has proven to be one of the top left-handed pitchers in this class with a consistent and deceptive 94-96 fastball, reaching up to 97. Ferris shows confidence and control on the mound and has improved his curveball that sits in the mid-70’s with a tight spin and nice depth. Next on the docket to perfect – his low-80’s change-up. Ferris has dominated the mound his senior season and currently owns a 0.99 ERA with  87 strikeouts through 42.1 innings pitched. And as a lefty with high-90’s potential, he is one of the most promising prospects in this class.

3. Brandon Barriera, LHP, American Heritage HS

As Vanderbilt notoriously owns one of the most talented recruiting classes year after year, Barriera may be at the top for 2022. One of the most-watched pitchers in the prep cycle, the Vandy commit owns a 96-plus fastball with a plus-slider and a solid change-up. Barriera has demonstrated standout control and precision in the zone while maintaining aggression. The lefty’s approach is relaxed as he seems to toss his deadly slider with ease. He has held his opponents to a .161 batting average through his prep career and collected 100 strikeouts. At 6-foot-1 and 180-pounds, the upside to Barriera seems to be limitless.

4. Walter Ford, RHP, Pace HS

social
social

Ford reclassified from the Class of 2023 and it’s no wonder why. The 6-foot-3, 195-pound athlete is the nation’s top-rated right-hander and No. 9 overall prospect for Class of 2022 with huge growing potential. Ford owns a fastball that tops out at 97 and a true 12-6 curveball. At the plate, the 17-year-old has demonstrated impressive power and accuracy and has been scouted for his promised offensive talents. As the youngest player eligible in this year’s MLB Draft and a commitment to Alabama sealed in ink, Ford’s future on the diamond is a sure thing.

5. Sal Stewart, 3B, Westminster Christian

Stewart has dominated at the plate in the showcase circuit for years and has solidified his spot as one of the top corner infielders of his class. One of the best power hitters in Florida, the righty currently has 34 runs, 11 RBI and 17 home runs through 20 games this season. Stewart has a relaxed and confident approach at the plate and is able to utilize his quick hands through the zone and his plus-bat speed to make contact on a regular basis. The large-framed third baseman also has impressive arm strength that allows for a quick release on throws across the diamond. 

6. Brady Neal, C, IMG Academy

The LSU commit reclassified from the Class of 2023 after he demonstrated some of the top batting skills in the 2021 summer circuit. Neal quickly became one of the top catching prospects for his class and has continued to grow in notoriety. The IMG Academy stud is able to create lift at the plate and produces power and accuracy with his left-handed swing, proved by his .396 batting average so far this season. Behind the plate, his compact 5-foot-10, 180-pound frame allows for fluid athleticism when blocking. Scouts have noted his long-term upside and versatility, making Neal a gem come July 5.

social
social

7. Jurrangelo Cijntje, RHP, Champagnat Catholic

Cijntje is one of the hottest both-handed pitchers in the Class of 2022 who also switch-hits at the plate. A phenom of an athlete, the Curaçao native has a mid to high-90’s fastball from the right and reaches the upper-80’s from the left. Both right and left-handed deliveries are smooth and his curveballs cause high swing and miss numbers. At 5-foot-11 and 167-pounds, Cijntje’s potential for greatness – whether at Stetson or in the 2022 MLB Draft – has scouts giddy with excitement.

8. Jordan Taylor, CF, St. John’s Country Day

With quick run speed and a top-tier arm, Taylor’s fit in centerfield is a no-brainer. His ability to cover a lot of ground plus his intelligence in reading the ball makes Taylor a notable defensive prospect. Taylor is a threat on both sides of the ball with impressive bat-to-ball skills and elite bat speed. The Florida State commit is the oldest high schooler in this draft class at 19 years old and 9 months come draft day and should get good looks in July.

9. Roman Anthony, OF, Stoneman Douglas

social
social

A model corner outfielder, Anthony possesses one of the most effortless left-handed swings in his class. Standing at 6-foot-3 and 200 pounds with room for growth, the Ole Miss commit has plus-run and arm strength that allows the athlete to seamlessly fit into any outfield position. At the plate, Anthony displays impressive barrel control and bat speed with potential to reach a double plus raw power mark. So far this season, he owns a .500 batting average and has connected for 29 hits through 19 games. At the MLB High School All-American Game, Anthony hit a 451-foot home run that was recorded at 105 mph, one of the most monstrous homers of the summer.

10. Ethan Petry, 3B, Cypress Creek

Petry’s 6-foot-5, 220-pound frame makes him a powerful force to be reckoned with as a corner infielder. His broad shoulders add to his arm strength and speed and rank him among the top infielders in the state. Petry shined during the Perfect Game championships in 2021 at the plate and topped the pool at slugging while he kept his strikeout count low. He finished his high school season with a .476 batting average and .610 on base percentage and should be seen as one of the top third baseman in the class.

Follow your favorite teams

A fan?

Follow your favorite teams

Think your team or athlete is better? Show us, submit your story, photo or video

Submit a story

© 2024 BVM Sports. Best Version Media, LLC.

social