Reds steal 17-year-old Cam Collier in Round 1 of the 2022 MLB Draft

The Cincinnati Reds had the 18th-overall pick in the 2022 MLB Draft. After watching Jackson Holliday and Druw Jones go 1-2, the Reds had the great fortune of watching Chipola College third baseman Cam Collier fall into their lap in Round 1.

Collier was ranked as the eighth-best prospect in the draft according to MLB Pipeline. The outlet cites Collier's loose stroke with outstanding bat speed and uncanny bat-to-ball skills.

Collier is just 17 years old, so don't get too excited, Reds Country. It's going to take time before we see the infielder make his major league debut. Most evaluators see Collier as a third baseman.

The Reds get the steal of the draft with Cam Collier falling to No. 18.

Cam Collier is the son of former major leaguer Lou Collier. Collier reclassified to this year's draft and decided to play baseball for Chipola Junior College this spring. Collier is committed to play for the University of Louisville, so if he goes unsigned, he'll be headed to the Derby City to play for Dan McDonnell.

This is the second straight year that the Cincinnati Reds have had a Top 10 talent fall to them. Last year, UCLA shortstop Matt McLain fell to No. 17. The 22-year-old is now playing at Double-A Chattanooga and could make his major league debut next season.

The same thing will not be the case for the 17-year-old Collier. While he did face some tougher competition while playing at junior college, it's still going to require a great deal of patience on the part of both Collier and the Reds development team.

Keith Law of The Athletic ranked Collier as the second-best prospect heading into the 2022 MLB Draft. Law cited Collier's ability to hit for average and get on base against the upper-level competition he faced on the junior college circuit.

The Cincinnati Reds will add Collier to their young core of Elly De La Cruz, Austin Hendrick, Rece Hinds, and Chase Petty. Cincinnati is building something good down on the farm.