With the 23rd pick in the 2022 MLB Draft, the Toronto Blue Jays selected prep pitcher Brandon Barriera, a left-hander out of American Heritage High School in Florida.
"Looking at those other 22 teams behind me, they're going to regret this," Barriera said after being drafted.
Barriera is the top-ranked southpaw in the draft, but he hasn't made a start since April 19 after shutting himself down to protect from injury.
The 18-year-old has electric stuff for his size and looked fantastic during a perfect inning of work at MLB's High School All-America Game.
Bio
Age: 18
Position: LHP
Height/Weight: 6-2, 180 lbs
Bats/Throws: L/L
School: American Heritage HS (FL)
NCAA commit: Vanderbilt
Pick value (23): $8,372,100
Tools
- Electric stuff, including fastball that touches 96
- Consistent 55 grades across all pitches
- Excellent control of arm speed
Why fans will love this player
- Good head on his shoulders
- Scouts compare him to former Yankees great Ron Guidry
- Goes right after hitters
Things he'll need to overcome
- Lack of size might not allow him to hold up as starter
