The best Draft prospect from each state

Starting Sunday, baseball players from all four corners of the United States, as well as Puerto Rico and Canada, will begin their professional journeys in the First-Year Player Draft. This year's edition features 616 total selections between the Orioles at the beginning of the first round and the Giants at the end of the 20th.

Beyond checking in on their favorite teams' picks over the course of the three-day process, fans might also want to keep tabs on where ballplayers from their specific regions are headed in the pros. So what names should you be following closely this Sunday, Monday and Tuesday? Let us help with that.

Here are the top 2022 Draft prospects from every state, along with their rank in MLB Pipeline's Top 250 if applicable. Click on the state name to see the list of eligible players from that state. (Note: not every state has a player likely to be taken in the 20 rounds this year.)

• Draft Central | Draft Tracker | Order | Pools & pick values | Top 250 | Mock

Alabama: Connor Prielipp, LHP, Alabama (No. 25)
The 21-year-old southpaw had the makings of a potential first overall pick before he underwent Tommy John surgery in May 2021. He has since pitched in front of scouts -- including during a stint at the Combine -- and showed his typical mid-90s fastball, plus-plus slider and average changeup. That’s more than enough stuff to keep Prielipp in the first-round mix.

Alaska: Curtis Hebert, INF/RHP, South Anchorage HS
Alaska’s Gatorade Player of the Year stood out on the mound (0 ER, 34 K's in 19 IP) and at the plate (.403 average) in his final high school season, helping South Anchorage win its second straight state title. He is committed to the University of Portland.

Arkansas: Cayden Wallace, 3B, Arkansas (No. 31)
Wallace fits the third baseman profile well with above-average power and a 65-grade arm -- the latter of which could eventually get him time in right field as a pro ballplayer. He slashed .298/.387/.553 with 16 homers in 67 games for the Razorbacks this spring, though he might be tested on reproducing those numbers if he can’t improve his ability to go the other way.

Arizona: Daniel Susac, C, Arizona (No. 12)
Already considered one of the class’s best catchers, Susac solidified that status with a .366/.430/.582 line and 12 homers in 64 games this spring. The 21-year-old also shows off a plus arm from behind the plate and has enough receiving skills to be at least an average defensive backstop.

California: Brooks Lee, SS, Cal Poly (No. 5)
The highest-selected player ever out of Cal Poly was John Orton, who went 25th to the Angels in 1987; Lee should comfortably clear that this time around. The shortstop slashed .357/.462/.664 with 15 homers and 46 walks over 58 games this spring, solidifying his place as a 65-grade hitter with above-average power. (A .405 average on the Cape last year certainly helped, too.) Even if he has to move off short eventually, Lee’s bat should play enough to make him an early pick Sunday.

Canada: Micah Bucknam, RHP, Mennonite Educational Institute (B.C.)
While countrymen Jacob Zibin and Matthew Grabmann spent their springs in Florida, Bucknam (who was actually born in New Zealand) stayed north of the border after getting taken in the 16th round by the Blue Jays last year. The LSU commit came south for an MLB Draft League stint with Trenton, where he sat in the low-90s with his fastball and got whiffs on a 79-81 mph slider.

Colorado: Dallas Macias, SS, Regis Jesuit HS (No. 235)
Offensive skills? Macias has them as a switch-hitter with a solid approach, decent power and above-average speed. Defensive skills? That’s yet to be seen. He is a shortstop now, but he looks like a better fit in the outfield, where his hands are less of a concern.

Connecticut: Reggie Crawford, LHP, UConn (No. 80)
If not for Tommy John surgery last fall, the 6-foot-4 southpaw would rank much higher on MLB Pipeline’s list. When healthy, he averaged around 97 mph with his heater and showed a plus mid-80s slider that he could land for strikes. Crawford had experience as a two-way player with the Huskies, but his highest ceiling is easily on the mound, even after the elbow issue.

District of Columbia: Nick Morabito, 2B, Gonzaga College HS (No. 91)
It isn’t often that the District gets a ranked Draft prospect, but Morabito fits the bill, thanks to a compact swing, good bat speed and a plus run tool. His defensive position remains up in the air, and his athleticism could land him at short, second or the outfield depending on if he can improve a 40-grade arm.

Delaware: Joseph Carpenter, 1B, Delaware
The right-handed slugger was a second-team All-CAA honoree after slashing .310/.376/.552 with eight homers in 51 games this spring; his 19 doubles also led the conference. His raw power stands out more than his bat speed at present.

Florida: Elijah Green, OF, IMG Academy (No. 3)
No one may have louder tools than the son of former NFL tight end Eric Green. The 6-foot-3, 225-pound outfielder has at least plus power, and his speed receives 70 grades. Some swing-and-miss concerns could cause him to drop down some Draft boards, but he’s still a surefire Top 10 choice because his raw collection of skills is simply so rare.

Georgia: Druw Jones, OF, Wesleyan HS (No. 1)
This is the state with the highest ceiling of the bunch this year with Termarr Johnson (No. 4), Kevin Parada (No. 6) and Dylan Lesko (No. 14) all representing Georgia as well. But when you have the No. 1 talent, well he takes the cake. Jones -- son of five-time All-Star Andruw Jones -- has superstar potential with five above-average to plus-plus tools. His speed and center field defense are his best assets right now, but he shows plus power potential with impressive bat speed from the right side. Whether it’s No. 1 to the Orioles or No. 2 to the D-backs, the 18-year-old should hear his name early come Sunday.

Hawaii: Aiva Arquette, SS, St. Louis HS (No. 183)
The Washington commit may not have a plus tool, but the pieces are there for him to be a solid shortstop at the next level. Notably, he added 25 pounds to a 6-foot-4 frame, bringing hope that he could possess decent pop. Athleticism honed on the basketball court should give him a chance to stick at the six, too.

Idaho: None.

Illinois: Owen Murphy, RHP, Riverside-Brookfield HS (No. 48)
The 6-foot-1 right-hander shows a full four-pitch arsenal with his low-90s fastball and cutter-like slider earning the best 55 grades. He also shows a repeatable three-quarters delivery that helps him throw strikes and gives him a good chance at being a starter at the next level.

Indiana: Jack Brannigan, RHP, Notre Dame (No. 164)
Teams seem most intrigued by Brannigan’s potential on the mound, considering he sits 95-97 mph and can throw a mid-80s wipeout slider. One issue: he only threw 14 2/3 innings this season and might prefer to be looked at as a third baseman, having slashed .291/.360/.540 with 12 homers in 57 games this spring. His Draft placement (and announced position) could prove fascinating.

Iowa: Adam Mazur, RHP, Iowa (No. 59)
Mazur transferred from South Dakota State to Iowa and immediately became the Big Ten Conference Pitcher of the Year after posting a 3.07 ERA with 98 strikeouts in 93 2/3 innings this spring. His mid-80s slider grades as his best pitch because of its two-plane break, and he shows promise with two different types of fastballs and a tumbling change.

Kansas: Dominic Johnson, OF, Kansas State (No. 239)
Johnson can fly, registering plus-plus run times, and it’s that speed that drives his Draft profile following stints at Oklahoma State and Kansas State. His outfield route-running and basestealing jumps still leave something to be desired, and he projects as below-average with his hit and power tools, hurting his stock. But betting on Johnson’s wheels could be a decent option for clubs in the middle rounds.

Kentucky: Dalton Rushing, C, Louisville (No. 50)
A Cardinals backstop went first overall last year when the Pirates selected Henry Davis. That won’t happen this time around, but Rushing could bring more good news for the program next week. Upon becoming the No. 1 catcher, the left-handed slugger broke out with a .310/.470/.686 line and 23 homers in 64 games this spring. His above-average power and 55-grade arm could make him someone’s new best catching prospect quickly after Draft Day.

Louisiana: Jacob Berry, 3B/OF, LSU (No. 7)
Berry is an all-bat prospect after splitting his two collegiate years at Arizona and LSU, where he slashed a combined .360/.450/.655 with 32 homers over 116 games. As a switch-hitter, the 21-year-old is capable of producing equally from both sides of the plate, giving him an advantage over some other bats in his Draft tier. He’s a below-average runner, however, and he’ll be limited to an infield or outfield corner, if he doesn’t become a full-time DH eventually in the bigs.

Maine: Zach Johnston, LHP, Greely HS
The 6-foot-5 Wake Forest commit has a good amount of projection remaining and could still stand to get taller as he enters his 20s. He throws in the upper-80s now, but he will likely add velo with the growing size. He also has sported a mid-70s slider and low-80s changeup in showcase events.

Maryland: Lamar King, C, Calvert Hall College HS
Listed at 6-foot-3, 215 pounds, King is a solid defensive backstop with a quick transfer and impressive arm. He shows some pop from the right side as well. He is committed to Georgia Tech.

Massachusetts: Luke Gold, 2B, Boston College (No. 87)
Gold has performed all around the Bay State in recent years, both at BC and on the Cape last summer. He most recently showed off his above-average hit tool with a .309/.401/.557 slash line, nine homers and just an 11.6 percent K rate this spring with the Eagles. Gold could be a second- or third-base option in the pros.

Michigan: Brock Porter, RHP, Orchard Lake St. Mary's HS (No. 11)
Porter was the Gatorade National High School Player of the Year after posting a 0.41 ERA and 115 strikeouts in 58 innings as a senior. He throws 94-97 mph with his fastball (touching 100), sports a plus changeup and works in two solid breakers in his slider and curve. The arsenal makes him the top pitching prospect of the class in either the prep or college ranks.

Minnesota: Sam Ireland, RHP, Minnesota
The 6-foot-4 right-hander posted a 5.27 ERA with 80 strikeouts in 71 2/3 innings this spring for the Golden Gophers. He typically operates in the 88-92 mph range, but he can touch as high as 95. A good slider and decent sinking changeup round out his arsenal.

Mississippi: Logan Tanner, C, Mississippi State (No. 41)
Armed with a cannon, Tanner gets as high as 80 grades for his throwing ability from behind the plate, and he earns points for his ability to work well with a pitching staff, like the one he led with the Bulldogs. He’s shown some power with 24 homers over three seasons in the SEC, but it’s the defensive skills that will drive his Draft position.

Missouri: Jacob Misiorowski, RHP, Crowder JC (No. 78)
Misiorowski returned from hamstring and meniscus injuries this spring and showcased a plus-plus fastball capable of touching 100 and a mid-80s slider with promising break. His Draft Combine bullpen session was considered the most impressive in San Diego, boosting his Draft stock, though work remains on maintaining his delivery and keeping consistent control.

Montana: Brock Blatter, RHP, Billings Central Catholic HS
The 6-foot-6 right-hander struck out 16 and walked 14 over 11 1/3 innings in a stint with the MLB Draft League’s State College Spikes. The Alabama commit’s fastball sat 91-93 mph -- touching 95 -- while he also exhibited a pair of high-spin breakers in his slider (83-85 mph) and curveball (80-81).

Nebraska: Alan Roden, 1B/OF, Creighton (No. 175)
The left-handed slugger rarely swings and misses (especially against fastballs) or chases pitches out of the zone, making it easier to see how he had a career .383 average and .484 on-base percentage at Creighton. His eventual power output remains up for debate, and scouts are similarly split on in if he’ll be a first baseman or corner outfielder as a pro ballplayer.

Nevada: Justin Crawford, OF, Bishop Gorman HS (No. 13)
Las Vegas high school Bishop Gorman has produced known sluggers Joey Gallo, Austin Wells and Marty Cordova. Crawford, the son of four-time All-Star Carl, is made from a different mold. The 18-year-old outfielder is a 70-grade runner, plus defender and good hitter with strong bat-to-ball skills. The LSU commit doesn’t project for much power as he’s more of a slap hitter, and that might be the only thing that keeps him out of Sunday’s top 10 picks.

New Hampshire: Joe Allen, RHP, Winnacunnet
Allen was the only New England representative on last year’s USA Baseball 18U National Team and earned his place there by touching the mid-90s and showing a power high-70s slider. New Hampshire’s Gatorade Player of the Year recently changed his college commitment from Michigan to Clemson.

New Jersey: Nazier Mule, RHP/SS, Passaic Tech HS (No. 94)
Two-way prospects always raise an eyebrow or two, and Mule does show some potential as a power-hitting shortstop. But his best chances are on the mound, where he touches triple-digits, sits mid-90s and shows a slider that flashes plus.

New Mexico: Stanley Tucker, INF, New Mexico JC
The numbers certainly pop from Tucker’s spring: .407/.487/.785 slash line, 17 homers and 37 steals in 58 games. Tucker backs them up with promising speed and decent power. The latter is a bit surprising given his 5-foot-9 frame, so it may settle in as just average on the pro side. He could build on the profile at Texas A&M, where he’s committed to play next season unless he’s drafted and signed.

New York: Michael Kennedy, LHP, Troy HS (No. 89)
The same capital region that produced Ian Anderson six years ago could be on to another arm this time around. Kennedy throws a fastball with average velo that plays up because of its good life up in the zone, and he complements that with a promising upper-70s slider and good changeup. Kennedy already throws plenty of strikes, and there could be more stuff in the tank as he matures physically. The southpaw doesn’t turn 18 until November.

North Carolina: Zach Neto, SS, Campbell (No. 17)
Neto won back-to-back Big South Conference Player of the Year Awards after hitting at or above .405 as both a sophomore and junior. He also produced a .304/.439/.587 line over 57 plate appearances on the Cape, answering some questions about how he could handle both a wood bat and elevated competition. Everything else is pretty average across the board, but there aren’t any below-average tools either.

North Dakota: Joey Danielson, RHP, North Dakota State
Danielson is a classic two-pitch relief prospect with an 88-92 mph fastball that can touch 96 mph and a slider that averages around 80 mph. He faced Miami on May 7 and struck out three of the 15 Hurricanes he faced, though he did surrender a home run.

Ohio: Jacob Miller, RHP, Liberty Union HS (No. 37)
Miller typically sits 91-95 mph with his fastball and can showcase two distinct high-spin breaking pitches in his 78-82 mph curve and 83-87 mph slider. Those three pitches alone should help the Buckeye State’s Gatorade Player of the Year start at the next level, and further changeup development would bolster that case.

Oklahoma: Jackson Holliday, SS, Stillwater HS (No. 2)
Another son of a former Major Leaguer (in this case Matt Holliday), this Sooner State standout was one of the breakout talents of the spring, climbing all the way to No. 2 in our rankings. Holliday hit .685/.749/1.392 in his final prep spring and broke J.T. Realmuto’s national high school record for hits with 89 in 41 games. Unsurprisingly, he projects to have a plus hit tool from the left side, and he earns at least above-average grades across the rest of the board, including for his glovework at a premium position.

Oregon: Cooper Hjerpe, LHP, Oregon State (No. 34)
The 6-foot-3 southpaw specializes in deception, with an above-average curveball and good control. He finished with a 2.53 ERA, 161 strikeouts and 23 walks in 103 1/3 innings this spring, earning several National Pitcher of the Year honors along the way.

Pennsylvania: Cole Young, SS, North Allegheny (No. 20)
The Duke commit needed to show out on last year’s showcase circuit, being from a cold-weather state and all, and those that saw him there came away thinking he could be a plus left-handed hitter with above-average speed and a good chance to stick at short. Power will be the next thing Young will need to prove in the pros.

Puerto Rico: Adrian Rodriguez, SS, International Baseball Academy (No. 171)
Rodriguez garners plenty of interest for his glovework at the six with scouts noticing he has the soft hands, strong arm and ample range for the position. His bat remains a question, especially when it comes to his ability to impact the ball. That could come with physical maturity and pro experience, adding hope that he could follow in the footsteps of fellow Puerto Rican and current Top 100 prospect Edwin Arroyo.

Rhode Island: Ben Brutti, RHP, South Kingstown HS
Brutti already has the look of a potential big league reliever with a mid-90s fastball and potential plus slider out of a high-effort delivery. The 6-foot-3 right-hander is committed to the University of South Florida, where he may focus on command should he choose to head to school.

South Carolina: Tucker Toman, 3B, Hammond HS (No. 35)
As a switch-hitter, Toman is a little more explosive from the left side, but he isn’t a slouch from the right side either. Average power already comes naturally to him because of his ability to find barrels, and there could be more in the tank as he matures. Toman’s position remains up in the air because of 40-grade speed and just an average arm.

South Dakota: Austin Henry, RHP, Dell Rapids HS
Henry underwent Tommy John surgery back in March, and that might be what sends him to honor his commitment to Wichita State. The right-hander sat in the low-90s with his fastball and featured a curveball with impressively high spin rates before getting hurt.

Tennessee: Jordan Beck, OF, Tennessee (No. 23)
The Volunteers were NCAA juggernauts this spring, even if they fell short of Omaha, and Beck was the best pro prospect of the bunch with above-average-to-plus grades in four of his five tools. He’ll need to develop better plate discipline to make the most of his raw power, but his speed, arm and glove could make him an impactful right fielder anyway.

Texas: Jace Jung, 2B, Texas Tech (No. 9)
The brother of No. 2 Rangers prospect Josh Jung, Jace has made name for himself in the same state with plus hit and power tools. The 21-year-old second baseman slashed .335/.481/.612 with 14 homers and a 42/59 K/BB ratio in 61 games for the Red Raiders this spring. He’s already a second baseman-only, and his glove projects to be below-average there. With 40-grade speed on top of that, the bat will be what drives Jung’s place in the first round.

Utah: Cy Nielson, LHP, BYU
Nielson, who sits in the low-90s and shows promise with a mid-80s slider, impressed out of the BYU bullpen this spring with a 3.21 ERA, 45 strikeouts and only seven walks in 33 2/3 frames. He has shown he can also pitch with length this summer on the Cape, where he worked as a starter for Chatham.

Vermont: None.

Virginia: Gavin Cross, OF, Virginia Tech (No. 10)
Looking for a steady, dependable performer? Cross could be your guy. The Hokies' outfielder batted at least .328 in all three of his seasons on campus, and his 17 homers this spring added to the belief he can be a solid power hitter, too. With above-average speed, he could play anywhere on the grass. You may not find a 60-grade here, but there are ample tools to get Cross into the first half of the first round.

Washington: Gabriel Hughes, RHP, Gonzaga (No. 26)
The 6-foot-4 right-hander already throws in the mid-90s, and there’s some belief he could add more gas in the pros. His above-average wipeout slider and good changeup also give his starting hopes a boost. Hughes had a 3.21 ERA with 138 strikeouts in 98 innings for the Bulldogs this spring.

West Virginia: Jacob Watters, RHP, West Virginia (No. 154)
The good: Watters’ mid-90s fastball and plus power curveball. The bad: a career 17.9 percent walk rate in college. To his credit, the 6-foot-4 right-hander has shown modest gains with his control over the last year, and his two best pitches should intrigue plenty of clubs on Day Two. But he carries significant reliever risk.

Wisconsin: Gavin Kilen, SS, Milton HS (No. 100)
Don’t sleep on the Badger State, which has produced early picks like Gavin Lux, Jarred Kelenic and Noah Miller in recent years. Kilen stands out for his hand-eye coordination at the plate, helping him limit his strikeouts. He hits the ball on the ground perhaps too often, limiting his power, but he should provide value as a middle infielder.

Wyoming: None.