Who is Cam Collier?

Cam Collier is one of the most intriguing players in the 2022 MLB Draft. Despite being one of the youngest prospects in this year's Draft (he doesn’t turn 18 until November), Collier has already experienced collegiate success on the diamond, and he shot up MLB Pipeline's Draft rankings because of it. That experience, coupled with his sweet left-handed swing, could lead to Collier becoming one of the biggest steals in this year's Draft.

FAST FACTS

Primary position: 3B
Height/weight: 6-foot-2, 210 lbs
Bats/throws: Left/right
Birthdate: Nov. 20, 2004 (Age 17 on Draft Day)
High school: Mount Paran Christian (GA)
Junior college: Chipola College (FL)
Hometown: Austell, Georgia
College commitment: Louisville

He can’t vote yet … but he sure can rake

Collier, who doesn’t turn 18 until November (!), committed to the University of Louisville after his freshman year of high school at Mount Paran Christian (GA), and looked destined to be one of the top picks in the 2023 MLB Draft.

But then things changed.

After batting .434 with 13 home runs, 40 RBIs and 19 stolen bases in his sophomore season, Collier earned his GED and reclassified in the class of 2022 while also enrolling at Chipola College in Marianna, Florida. In his first year with the Indians, Collier was placed on the Golden Spikes Award watch list and batted .333 with eight home runs and 47 RBIs while facing pitchers two-to-three years older than him. A junior college powerhouse, Chipola’s list of alumni includes José Bautista, Russell Martin, Patrick Corbin and Adam Duvall.

This summer, Collier is playing for the Cotuit Kettleers in the Cape Cod League, one of the nation's premier summer Collegiate wooden bat leagues

MLB Pipeline graded Collier with a 60 hit tool on the traditional 20-80 scouting scale, and for good reason. Collier has shown a precedent for squaring everything up, due in large part to his outstanding bat-to-ball skills. While there’s still a chance he becomes more of a true power hitter, his all-fields approach will play at the next level.

Baseball’s in his blood

Collier’s last name may look familiar, and there's a reason for that. Cam is the son of former Big Leaguer Lou Collier, who played for the Brewers, Pirates, Expos, Phillies and Red Sox over an eight-year MLB career. Along with having a Major League dad, Cam cited his dad’s former teammates Marquis Grissom and Marvin Freeman as two of his mentors.

“It’s easier going through the draft process because (my dad) knows how it goes and has gone through it,” Collier told Baseball Prospect Journal. “He has helped guide me through the process, which has helped me a lot.”

His arm’s legit

While Lou Collier moved all around the diamond in his career, Cam should get a chance to stick as a third baseman when he reaches the next level. A former pitcher (Collier went 4-0 with a 1.44 ERA and four saves on the mound in his sophomore year of high school), Collier can hit low-90s with his throws, which has helped him sling the baseball across the diamond with ease, even if his footwork needs improvement.

“I really think I need to improve my feet and get them quick,” Collier told Baseball Prospect Journal. “I think if I can get my feet quicker, my defense will be a lot better.”

Even if his footwork improves, a move to first or a corner outfield spot could be in Collier's future. Despite only being 17, Collier is 6-foot-2 and still growing, which would lead to him outgrowing the hot corner down the line.

There’ll be a team that values his skillset

Collier presents an interesting case to teams, as he has the upside and potential that teams covet in high school prospects while also having the collegiate experience that some teams crave. While he might not be as complete of a player as an older college prospect, Collier’s hit at every level he’s played despite almost always playing above his age group.

If he stayed in the 2023 draft, he almost definitely would have been a top-5 pick. While he might not get selected that high this year, he could end up being an absolute steal for a team drafting later in the first round.