School: Michigan State University; Class: Junior
Position: SS; B/T: L/R
Height: 6-1; Weight: 185
Previously Drafted: N/A
High School: Swan Valley High School
| Hit | Power | SB | Patience | Glove | Overall |
| 55 | 40 | 50 | 50 | 50 | 45 |
Background: It’s been a long, long time since Michigan State University developed (A) an early round draft pick and (B) a tangible big leaguer. In both instances the answer is former All-Star lefty Mark Mulder, the second overall pick in 1998. Mulder is the only Spartan drafted among the first three rounds since then as well.
Lefty-swinging shortstop Mitch Jebb, though, may change that.
A well-decorated, well-touted prospect from Swan Valley High School, Jebb turned in a punchless debut showing in East Lansing during his freshman year: he batted a mediocre .276/.330/.362 with 12 extra-base knocks (10 doubles, two triples) in 43 games. He maintained a similar stat line during the summer with the Kenosha Kingfish (.260/.332/.324).
But Jebb returned for his sophomore season a transformed hitter.
The then-20-year-old infielder mashed .356/.448/.511 with 10 doubles, three triples, six homeruns, and 20 stolen bases. And – perhaps, surprisingly – he continued to swing a hot stick during his summer with the Hyannis Harbor Hawks in the Cape Cod League; he slugged .356/.429/.490 with eight doubles, three triples, two dingers, and 26 stolen bases.
This season, the 6-foot-1, 185-pound lefty-swinging shortstop turned in another strong showing as a junior: he hit .337/.438/.495 with career highs in doubles (15) and triples (seven) to go along with one homerun and 14 stolen bases (in 18 total attempts).
Scouting Report: Consider the following:
- Since 2011, there have been 23 instances of a Big 10 hitter posting at least a .310/.410/.480 slash line with more walks than strikeouts in a season (min. 225 PA). The only two players to accomplish the feat twice are big league slugger Kyle Schwarber and – of course – Mitch Jebb.
Jebb owns – perhaps – the most peculiar setup at the plate since, maybe, Julio Franco or Tony Batista. The Spartan starts with a wide base, twists his torso to almost face the pitcher, and tilts his bat head to rest on his shoulder. Line drive doubles power than won’t run into many long balls in the professional ranks. But he owns phenomenal bat control. His arm strength may push him to the right side of the keystone. The hit tool is going to have to carry him a long way.
Ceiling: 1.0- to 1.5-win player
Risk: Moderate
Grade: Third Round
