At the risk of making you look old this morning, several sons of former Major League players will be the headliners of the next amateur draft.
If last year, it was the son of Al Leiter (Jack) who caught the eye throughout the season, other names will be added this year to the list of father-son duos.
At the very forefront of the projections, Druw Jones, the son of former Atlanta Braves star player Andruw Jones. The young center fielder, who like Leiter will be a graduate of Vanderbilt, is an outstanding defensive player whose batting power could emerge over time. Note that he can also play at shortstop.
Wanna feel old? Too bad, it’s happening.
My latest 2022 MLB Draft rankings dropped today and include the sons of:
Andruw Jones (#1 overall)
Matt Holliday (#12)
Carl Crawford (#27)Also includes 2023+2024 rankings & a quick-rising HS arm up to 99: https://t.co/W8T2lAt41m
— Kiley McDaniel (@kileymcd) February 24, 2022
In twelfth place comes Matt Holliday’s son, Jackson Holliday. This shortstop player has above-average skills and he should shine in the uniform of the Oklahoma State Cowboys. His father, who played 15 seasons mainly in Colorado and St. Louis, voluntarily assists his brother Josh in a coaching role. The youngster is in good hands.
The one who will patrol center field with the Louisiana State University (LSU) team, Justin Crawford, is the son of former Rays, Red Sox and Dodgers outfielder Carl. According to expert Kiley McDaniel (ESPN), the young Crawford is expected to start at No. 27 in 2022.
CC Sabathia’s son, Carsten, should also hold the attention of recruiters from several major league baseball teams. The lanky kid will continue his career at Georgia Tech University. He can play at both ends of the diamond. Remember that his father, known for his controversial positions, wore the uniform of Cleveland, the Yankees and very briefly the Brewers.
According to McDaniel, the 2022 crop will be good in positional players, but will lack luster in pitching.
One thing is certain, it will hold the attention of enthusiasts for the reasons we have just listed. Will the Blue Jays, who have several sons of ex-players, go for one?
If LeBron James is able to wait for the arrival of his son with an NBA team in order to evolve a season in his company, do not bet on a return of Jones, Holliday, Crawford and Sabathia.
