School: University of Florida; Class: Junior
Position: CF; B/T: L/L
Height: 6-3; Weight: 208
Previously Drafted: N/A
High School: South Medford High School
| Hit | Power | SB | Patience | Glove | Overall |
| 50 | 55 | 55 | 50 | 55 | 45 |
Background: Here’s a little tidbit to consider: South Medford High School has had three former players graduate into professional baseball – Jeff Barry, Steve Bechler, and Andy Larkin. The interesting part: all three have spent some time in the big leagues.
Enter: Jacob Melton, a member of the Class of 2018 from the Oregon-based school.
Melton shredded the competition during his senior year with the Panthers, batting a scorching .513 with eight dingers and a whopping 33 stolen bases. The dynamic center fielder spent his first season in college with JuCo Linn-Benton – which provided little in terms of competition. In 42 games with the Roadrunners, Melton slugged .365/.436/.617 with 14 doubles, seven triples, and three homeruns.
The native Oregonian would transfer to Pac-12 powerhouse Oregon State – though he barely saw the field in the COVID-shortened 2020 season. Handed the starting gig after the 2021 season began, Melton slashed a scorching .404/.466/.697 with five doubles, three triples, six homeruns, and eight stolen bases before season-ending shoulder surgery knocked him out in April.
Finally healthy, Melton made the best of his first full season of Division I action in 2022. Playing in a career best 63 games, the 6-foot-3, 208-pound tools-laden center fielder slugged .360/.424/.671 with 22 doubles, four triples, and 17 homeruns. He also swiped 21 bags in 22 total attempts. For his career at OSU, Melton swiped 29 bases and was caught just twice.
Scouting Report: Consider the following:
- Since 2011, only three Pac-12 hitters batted at least .350/.415/.660 in a season (min. 275 PA): Spencer Torkelson, Jacob Berry, and – of course – Jacob Melton.
- Melton, by the way, owns the lowest walk rate among the trio, at 8.8%. Torkelson’s was 14.2% and Berry tallied a 11.1%.
Melton did everything well during his brief time on the field for Oregon State: he hit for average and power, ran well and efficiently, and played an up-the-middle position solidly. Dead pull-hitter with phenomenal bat speed. Surprisingly patient, particularly on low offspeed pitches — especially given his average-ish walk rate. Sees a lot of pitches. Melton needs to improve his ability to use the entire field. Low end starting material who likely demolishes the low levels of the minor leagues.
Ceiling: 1.5-win player
Risk: Moderate
Grade: Second / Third Round
