Georgia
Where might Georgia baseball star Daniel Jackson land in MLB draft?
There’s a shorter turnaround time this season from Georgia baseball’s postseason to the MLB draft for Bulldog pro hopefuls.
That’s what happens when you make it to the College World Series for the first time since 2008.
Daniel Jackson, considered Georgia’s top draft prospect, finished up a season that will go down as one of the best in history.
Jackson became the first catcher to post a 25-25 season of at least 25 homers and 25 steals. He had 32 homers and 26 stolen bases and became third SEC player to capture the triple crown with a .379 average, 87 RBI and the 32 homers.
“We wouldn’t be here without that young man and what he’s done,” Georgia coach Wes Johnson said after the Bulldogs season ended with a 53-14 record two wins away from the College World Series finals. “You know, if you think about it, it will go down as one of the best single-season performances in the history of our game.”
So where does Jackson, considered the favorite to win the Golden Spikes Award for nation’s top player, stand in projections ahead of the start of the draft on July 11?
ESPN.com’s Kiley McDaniel
17. Houston Astros
“He’s an above-average runner and has the tools to stick behind the plate, so his polish as a catcher and contact rates are the only hesitations. His profile combining raw power, measurable athleticism and defensive value also fits the Astros’ tendencies. This pick is more of a high watermark for him, but I’d be surprised if he got past the 35th pick.”
Baseball America’s staff draft
27. New York Mets
“The Mets’ pick of a bat-first catcher from the state of Georgia (Kevin Parada) didn’t work a few years ago. This time should be different. Jackson is athletic for a catcher and his power is real.”
The Athletic’s Keith Law
25. Milwaukee Brewers
On June 12 before College World Series: “The big finish has probably pushed him into the first round, and the Brewers have gone for similar hitters the last two years in Blake Burke and Andrew Fischer.”