Small sample sizes often lead us astray when trying to evaluate statistics and data. While it’s often meaningless in the big picture of whatever it is you’re looking to evaluate, checking early returns can be both useful and entertaining. In this way, looking at the production and data of recent MLB draftees is both a useful and frankly fun exercise.
Today we look at 10 2022 draftees that posted exciting exit velocity data during their professional debuts. The list ranges from high-end first-round talents to mid-round sleepers and late-round finds. All of these players had 90th percentile exit velocites that exceeded 104.5 mph. While this is a limited and one-dimensional look at these players it demonstrates their raw power and impact potential.
Termarr Johnson, SS, Pirates: The fourth overall pick in this year’s draft was one of the more celebrated high school hitters in recent memory. While his professional debut wasn’t loud from a production standpoint, he showcased some of the best raw power in the class. Johnson’s 90th percentile exit velocity exceeded 105 mph in his truncated professional debut. It was a positive sign of things to come and further confirmation that his power-hitting exploits as an amateur were not a mirage. Johnson is still just 18 and likely several years away from making an impact in the major leagues, but this was another example of the prodigious power he possesses in his diminutive frame.
Spencer Jones, OF, Yankees: Jones making this list is hardly a surprise to those that follow the draft. The 6-foot-7 outfielder possessed some of the best raw power in the 2022 draft class. Taken with the 25th pick in the draft, Jones’ 90th percentile exit velocity was well above 105 mph. His ability to hit for power has continued to blossom over the last year as he slugged .644 this spring for Vanderbilt before hitting .344/.425/.538 across his first 25 games as a professional. Despite concerns around Jones’ swing and miss, he showed the ability to make contact at a higher than average rate during his professional debut, hinting at continued improvements from Jones as a contact hitter.
Dalton Rushing, C, Dodgers: No player from the 2022 class made as loud of an entrance into the professional ranks as Rushing. Taken with the 40th pick in the draft out of Louisville, Rushing impressed with both standout production and great underlying data. His 90th percentile exit velocity was just a shade below 105 mph, illustrating the quality…
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