15 Vanderbilt baseball names to know for the 2022 MLB Draft

Vanderbilt baseball has already seen two signees withdraw from the MLB Draft: right-hander Andrew Dutkanych and shortstop RJ Austin. Beyond those two, though, the Commodores will have to sweat out several recruits making it through the draft.

On top of that, the Commodores have several current players who are draft prospects, led by top hitters Dominic Keegan and Spencer Jones. And Kumar Rocker is re-entering the draft after a successful stint in independent ball.

Here are Vanderbilt players and signees to know for the first 10 rounds of the MLB Draft, which begins July 17:

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Former players to know

RHP Kumar Rocker: Rocker was an ace at Vanderbilt before getting drafted 10th overall in 2021, but the Mets didn't offer him a contract after he failed a physical. Back in the draft, Rocker could be a first-round pick again.

SS Carter Young: Once viewed as a potential first-round pick, Young had a down year in 2022. He announced a transfer to LSU in the offseason, but he could also be drafted sometime on Day 2 and choose to start his pro career.

Current players to know

OF Spencer Jones: Jones is a unique player at 6-foot-7. He is known for having some of the best exit velocities among the college ranks and also has above average speed and athleticism. He should go off the board in rounds 1-2.

C/1B Dominic Keegan: A first team All-SEC selection in 2022, Keegan has been one of the conference's best hitters for two years, hitting for both average and power. Defense is more of a question, as he has played mostly first base but might be able to mix in some catching as well. He is likely to get selected in the first five rounds.

RHP Chris McElvain: The Friday starter in 2022 after serving as a setup man in 2021, McElvain works primarily with a low-90s fastball, a slider and changeup, though he struggled sometimes with walks. He's likely to be selected in rounds 6-10.

RHP Nick Maldonado: A reliable reliever and occasional starter over his three-year Vanderbilt career, Maldonado could be selected sometime after the fifth round, but he could also choose to return to the Commodores to play with his brother, Chris.

RHP Grayson Moore: Moore has intriguing stuff, including a fastball that has touched 97 and a good slider, but his performance was inconsistent in 2022. A draft-eligible sophomore, he could sign on Day 2 or bet on himself and return to the Commodores.

Signees to know

OF Druw Jones: A center fielder just like his father, former Atlanta Braves star Andruw Jones, Druw is considered a top-five prospect in this year's draft.

LHP Brandon Barriera: The lefty with high-90s heat is considered by some to be the best healthy pitcher in the draft. He went to high school with current Vanderbilt players Enrique Bradfield Jr. and Devin Futrell, but he's unlikely to join them on campus.

RHP Dylan Lesko: The only baseball player to ever win Gatorade National Player of the Year as an underclassman, Lesko pairs a mid-90s fastball with an elite changeup. He could've been a top-10 pick if healthy, but a spring Tommy John surgery caused his stock to slip.

LHP Noah Schultz: The 6-foot-9 left-hander provides a brutal angle on his pitches for hitters. He could be a first-round pick, but he could also be considering the Commodores.

3B Sal Stewart: Known as one of the top hitters in the class with power potential as well, Stewart is more of a rounds 2-3 prospect due to defensive questions. He's known as a "tough sign" and could join Vanderbilt in the fall if a team doesn't fall in love.

OF Ryan Clifford: A left-handed hitting outfielder, Clifford is likely a rounds 3-7 selection if he chooses to go pro instead of heading to campus.

RHP Karson Milbrandt: A late riser in the draft process because of his explosive fastball, Milbrandt could go in the third or fourth round.

SS Chris Maldonado: The younger brother of Nick Maldonado was a late flip from Clemson and has top-10 rounds talent but is seen as likely to head to school instead.

Aria Gerson covers Vanderbilt athletics for The Tennessean. Contact her at agerson@gannett.com or on Twitter @aria_gerson.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Vanderbilt baseball in MLB draft 2022: Players who could be selected