The 2022 MLB Draft is quickly approaching, so it is time to shine the light on the top draft hopefuls. One of the top college outfielders this year is Virginia Tech star Gavin Cross. The left-handed hitting Hokie is the tenth-ranked prospect entering draft season according to MLB.com. With the draft right around the corner, here is a 2022 MLB Draft profile on Gavin Cross.
Strengths
Cross is one of the more well-rounded players in the draft. On the 20-80 scouting scale, he posts a 55 in his hit, power, and run tools, and a 50 in the arm and field tools. The 21-year old’s biggest strength is his ability to hit. According to MLB.com, Cross has the chance to be an above-average hitter with above-average home run power. Cross improved his approach at the plate this past season, increasing his walk rate while decreasing his strikeout rate. This change in approach did not come with a sacrifice in power, as he still drove the ball consistently.
Listed at 6’3,” 210 pounds, Cross looks every bit the part of a top prospect. In 124 games at Virginia Tech, Cross slashed .340/.412/.609 with 69 extra-base hits, 28 of them were home runs. He showed very good speed on the bases as well. Cross had 13 career triples, and 28 stolen bases while only being caught four times.
Weaknesses
While Cross improved his approach at the plate this past season, some evaluators still have some concerns regarding his strike zone control. In his sophomore season, Cross walked 17 times while striking out 48 times across 51 games. Both figures improved this past season; the lefty drew 30 walks and struck out 41 times in 57 games. If Cross can carry these improvements to the next level, he should be fine. However, because of his past inconsistencies regarding strike zone discipline, there are a few concerns.
Cross played mostly center field this past season. While he was serviceable at that spot, scouts believe he would be better at one of the corner outfield spots. He has also played first base in the past, and some believe he can be an outstanding defender there.
MLB Player Comparison
A MLB player comparison for Cross is Houston Astros outfielder Kyle Tucker. Tucker is a left-handed hitting outfielder with the ability to play center, but is at his best at a corner outfield spot. The pair have similar offensive tools as well. Tucker is an above-average hitter with strong power and very good speed. Cross’ scouting report is really similar to the skills that Tucker displays at the Major League level for Houston. Whether Cross becomes an impact player in MLB like Tucker remains to be seen, but the college prospect has the talent. Tucker was a first round pick in the 2015 MLB Draft, and Cross looks to join him as a first round pick this year.
Gavin Cross is one of the many kids across the country who will have his dreams come true during the draft. Cross will be a key piece in a team’s organization once he is drafted. The 2022 MLB Draft begins July 17th and runs through July 19th.
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