By Morris Phillips

LOS ANGELES–With the 30th pick in 2022 MLB Draft, the Giants wanted value and impact. They appeared to get it with the surprise pick of two-way player Reggie Crawford.

Rated lower than a first-rounder by most touts, Crawford has played two seasons at the University of Connecticut before missing the 2022 season because of Tommy John surgery. That’s the risk component. On the upside, Crawford throws 99 mph gas and has home run power in his 6’4,” 235-pound frame.

Originally drafted by the Royals in 2019, Crawford opted for college, and was so impressive, he received clearance to transfer to powerhouse Tennessee for this season. Now, Crawford will choose between the Volunteers and the Giants, who are expected to see if they can get the slugger/pitcher inked without stepping out of the $2.49 million slot financially. If Crawford likes the money and prestige of being a first-rounder, he’ll join the Giants. If not, he’ll attend Tennessee and re-enter the draft pool next year of the year after.

Either way, Crawford is an intriguing pick for his high potential, and the hope that he will overcome his injury history. For the Giants, the pick again signals their preference for college-experienced players early in the draft.

The Giants drafted pitcher Carson Whisenhunt in the second round of the draft which was also conducted on Sunday. Whisenhunt is a 6’3″ power thrower who was suspended for the entire 2022 season for using performance-enhancing drugs which he says were in a supplement he took. Whisenhunt’s freshman year at East Carolina saw him throw 62 innings and strike out 79 batters.

The A’s selected Daniel Susac with their initial pick, number 19, a catcher with a growing reputation for his skills behind the plate along with power-hitting acumen at the plate. Susac is the brother of former Giant Andrew Susac and is orginally from Sacramento before he took his collegiate game to Arizona. This past season Susac had 12 homers, and 19 doubles in 64 games for the Wildcats.

The A’s were scared off from Susac due to the other successful catchers they have in their system including Sean Murphy at the Major League level, and Shane Langeliers and Tyler Soderstrom in the minor leagues. The A’s feel they took the best talent available and despite Susac’s comfort behind the plate, they will likely entertain the idea of position switch if Susac is the slugger they envision.

“I’m not only going to try to get the most out of myself but I’m going to try to get the most out of all my teammates,” Susac said. “I’m gonna bring a great bat while also being a great defensive player. I take pride in trying to be a well-rounded player.”

The 2022 MLB Draft continues Monday and will encompass 20 rounds along with compensatory picks as agreed upon in the current collective bargaining agreement.