Fast-rising high school shortstop being linked to Texas Rangers in 2022 MLB Draft

High School Talent Reigns Supreme at the Top of the 2022 MLB Draft

In a draft that’s already filled with tons of high school talent with famous fathers, another possible first round selection has emerged for the Texas Rangers, and it’s none other than the son of former seven-time All-Star left fielder Matt Holliday, who albeit is sort of a foe to Rangers fans as he was on the 2011 World Series Champion St. Louis Cardinals.

Jackson Holliday, however, unlike his outfielder dad, is a shortstop out of Stillwater, Oklahoma, and has generated massive buzz recently. He put up a .685 batting average, 17 homers, 30 stolen bases, and drove in 79 runs in just 40 games this season.

Jackson Holliday is a fast-rising 2022 MLB draft name for the Texas Rangers to consider at pick No. 3 overall

With supremely high MLB pedigree, Holliday didn’t take long to fix the issues that were plaguing him last summer, as he was allowing his swing to get too long and was focusing too much on hitting the long ball. With the noted improvements and the impressive stat lines, nobody is doubting Jackson anymore.

Holliday has shot up draft boards, as he is ranked as the number three draft prospect on MLB.com and has been mocked as high as the first overall selection to the Orioles. He also has been mocked to the Rangers by The Athletic’s Keith Law, as you can see here if you have a membership.

Below is how he is graded by MLB.com and his prospect write up:

Scouting grades: Hit: 60 | Power: 55 | Run: 60 | Arm: 55 | Field: 55 | Overall: 60 

"Holliday has an advanced approach, no surprise given his roots, and a knack for putting the barrel on the ball. He usually makes consistent hard contact, though he didn’t during the summer when he let his simple left-handed stroke get too long. After getting bigger and stronger, he’s hitting the ball with more authority than ever this spring, and he also looks more relaxed at the plate and is letting his considerable power come naturally… He’s throwing better too, and his solid to plus arm strength and enhanced quickness give him a better opportunity to remain at shortstop."

With Holliday soaring up the boards and other big names like Druw Jones, Elijah Green, and Termarr Johnson all having the possibility of being there at three as well, it will be hard for the Texas Rangers to make a bad decision, as all of these guys have strong MLB profiles.

You can also read my previous mock draft with write up’s on each of these players here. So, whoever the selection is at pick number 3, be sure to keep your eyes open Rangers fans, as the draft is right around the corner.

You’ll likely also be seeing one of these High School phenoms listed in the many Texas Rangers top prospects lists shortly after being drafted, as they’re in prime position to draft someone with huge potential.