2022 First round pick: Cole Young, SS (High School, PA), 21st overall pick
Just like when the Mariners took Harry Ford in the first round in 2021, the Mariners selected another high school bat when they took Cole Young with the 21st overall pick in the 2022 MLB draft. Young was selected because of his advanced hitting skills, which he has shown so far in the minor leagues.
Cole Young is ranked as the 22nd best prospect in all of baseball according to MLB Pipeline, just one spot ahead of Harry Ford (23). Young, like Ford, has played the entire season in AA Arkansas. His slash line is impressive, especially when you consider the position he plays. He is hitting .262/.352/.391/.743 with seven home runs and 14 stolen bases. He walks at almost the same rate as he strikes out (136 walks to 152 strikeouts) in his career.
Like I mentoned with Harry Ford, Young's value may not come with the Mariners. As the Mariners look to make a push for the playoffs, prospects like Young, Ford and others will be highly coveted by other teams. We have seen time and time again that not all prospects pan out at the Major League level, and sometimes a player's value is at its highest before the player makes his debut.
I like what Young brings to the table. He can play both second base and shortstop, and can be a dynamic leadoff type hitter. There is not much to dislike about him, and with all that being said, I will again give the Mariners a solid A grade for this pick.