MLB Draft: Could the Red Sox Go After Jacob Melton From Oregon State?
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The Red Sox have been linked with many prospects heading into Sunday nights MLB Draft. But, the one they’ve not been linked to is Oregon State’s Jacob Melton, and they should be. Melton could potentially be around for the Sox to grab if he falls down the draft board.
And if he’s there at 24, the Sox should make the jump to get him. Yes, throughout my other related MLB Draft articles, I’ve been high on them all, but Melton is one player that change the dynamic of a defense in the outfield.
He owns centerfield and plays with grit and passion — almost like a Mike Trout or Torii Hunter type of player — who makes not-so-easy-plays, look, well, easy. He doesn’t make mistakes on defense and has a strong cannon for an arm.
Most recently, Senior Editor of Beyond the Monster, Chris Henrique stated the Sox could potentially go with another High School prodigy in Jett Williams.
If the Sox do chance it and go after Melton, he does rank as the 39th best prospect available according to MLB Pipeline.
The other highlighted players that the Beyond the Monster staff have profiled are, Cole Young, from North Allegheny High School, is ranked as the 20th best prospect available. Jordan Beck, from Tennessee, is ranked as the 23rd best prospect available. Beck’s teammate, Drew Gilbert, is ranked as the 32nd best prospect available. While Kumar Rocker, is the 38th best prospect available.
From MLB Pipeline on Melton:
Melton has the chance to do some damage from the left side of the plate. He has an advanced approach at the plate and makes a ton of contact. He also has a good amount of juice to his pull side, and he’s tapped into that power even more in 2022, leading some scouts to think he might have better than average pop in the future. A plus runner, Melton can take the extra base and is an efficient basestealer as well.
Melton, while at Oregon State, did suffer a shoulder injury in 2021, but did make a full recovery prior to the 2022 season.
“In 2022 he’s been the best hitter on the best team in college baseball, and he’s got the physical tools to back it up.” Baseball America 7/6/2022
“He’s [Melton] a premium athlete… (and) hasn’t shown a platoon split.” Keith Law 7/10/2022.
From Athletic Nation: (SBNation site)
Swing features an open stance, leg kick, and other moving parts. But there’s plenty of bat speed and the barrel stays in the zone a long time. Swing is geared for loft and has all-fields power. Could be Plus (60) Power. Will expand the zone and there is swing and miss vs. breaking stuff. “Hammered” fastballs, especially the 93+ variety. Should stick in CF but has played all over in the outfield and 1st base.
In his three-year tenure with Oregon State, Melton posted a career batting average of .364 with 23 home runs and 108 RBIs with 27 doubles and seven triples over 371 at-bats in 102 games played, 91 of which he started. He also earned a .993 fielding percentage with only two errors. He stole 29 bases, 21 one of which came this past season.