The 2022 MLB Draft will begin on July 17, 2022. We take a look at Cole Young, a shortstop sensation from North Allegheny High School. Jackson Holliday and Brooks Lee are the current headlines of the shortstop department. However, Young is still a potential first-rounder. The commitment to Duke was made and Young will decide whether to forego his journey to the big leagues.
Make sure to check out all of our other MLB Draft Profiles.
Cole Young, Shortstop, North Allegheny
Height: 6’0″
Weight: 180 lbs.
DOB: 7/29/2003
Bats: Left
Throws: Right
2021 Stats: 27 G, .437/.594/.859, 6 HR, 23 RBI, 33 R, 25 BB, 5 K
2022 Stats: 21 G, .433/.564/.800, 2 HR, 15 RBI, 21 R, 14 BB, 4 K
Scouting Grades
Hit: 60
Power: 40
Run: 55
Field: 50
Arm: 55
Overall: 55
Young is an all-around solid player. He has taken part in several tournaments and All-American games. Whether the 2019 Underclass All-American Games or the 2021 Perfect Game All-American Classic. The virtuous shortstop has played a sizeable role in many WWBA championship runs. In 2019, Young was a vital asset to the Canes’ National 15U World Series run. Along with several other accolades, the 18-year-old has made an impact at the outset of his career.
Strengths
The homegrown North Allegheny shortstop has put his school back on the map. While there have been a select few who made it to the big leagues, Young would be the first to go in the first round. Well, a player with Young’s caliber is assured to go in the first round. To say the least, the budding prospect plays a simple gamble. He might lack the size, standing at just 6’0″, yet he uses that to his own advantage. With a fluent stroke at the left side, which comprises a slight leg kick to drive his legs toward the ball. A result of that testament is his well-respected average which ballooned to .430 in his junior and senior years.
In the infield, the Duke commit highlights an above-average arm along with respected fielding impulse. His glove won’t have much flash, yet the consistency and precision put him above many shortstop prospects. If the youngster persists in his shortstop duties, he’ll most likely stay put throughout his career. The final piece to his toolbox is his speed. Young has distinguished wheels which may not be jaw-dropping but definitely an upside to his profile.
Weaknesses
It’s pretty clear where the shortstop has his share of struggles. He lacks the raw power and his size isn’t much of a helping hand. With just a 6’0″ frame, Young will most likely stick to his bat-to-ball mentality. Many players at that age lack the raw power but still have the size to attain that ability. Other than that, the lefty-bat succeeds in every other aspect.
Pro Comparison: Adam Frazier
It’s pretty early to tell, however, many are making the connection between Young and Seattle Mariners’ second baseman in Frazier. While they play just one base apart in the infield, both Young and Frazier succeed in their bat-to-ball perspective. Along with their fielding methods, both are persistent and ambitious to eliminate runners in the base path.
Draft Projection: Round 1, Pick 19, Oakland Athletics
If still around when the 19th pick arrives, the A’s should consider Young as a possibility. Ever since trading away their established stars, the A’s have hit rock bottom. It seems they are in the rebuilding process which they hope to assess over the next few years. Thankfully, this year’s draft is flowing with up-and-coming prospects; including the sensation of Young.
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Main Image Credit: From Post Gazette
