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It's hard for a program to advance to the Super Regionals and contend in a power conference without some talent that could make a difference at the next level. The Oregon Ducks have plenty of it, and they are hoping it's enough to carry the Ducks to Omaha against the Texas Longhorns in the Austin Super Regional.
This year, Oregon has multiple players who could be selected early on. Junior middle infielders Maddox Molony and Ryan Cooney have earned their stripes with the Ducks and project to be future big leaguers, while Cal Scolari's string of strong performances late in the season have put him on the MLB draft radar as well.
The Ducks have plenty of star power, but it is a trio of freshmen who have lifted the team to new heights down the stretch. Angel Laya nearly won Big Ten Freshman of the Year and Naulivou Lauaki Jr. has slugged 14 home runs since entering the lineup in April.
Brayden Jaksa might have the most pro upside, however. ESPN named Jaksa as Oregon's top prospect, even though he won't be eligible for the MLB draft until 2028. The 6-foot-6 freshman has been playing first base for the Ducks to keep his bat in the lineup, but he is a primary catcher and has the tools to stick there long term.
"Jaksa is the best pro prospect at the moment because he has the skills to stick behind the plate long term," ESPN's Kiley McDaniel wrote. "The plus raw power to provide the upside worthy of an early pick and the solid average contact/on-base skills to tap into that power down the road. His 6-6 frame could cause issues with contact and defense in the future, but it isn't right now."
Jaksa has hit for a .320 average with 10 home runs and 33 RBIs this season. He has moved into the cleanup spot in the lineup and cashed in so far in the postseason. He hit a pair of home runs in the Big Ten Tournament and drove in two runs against Yale in the Eugene Regional.
Burke-Lee Mabeus has the catcher position locked down for the Ducks, and he could continue to hold that role if he returns for next season. That means Jaksa could continue to use his big frame at first base or in left field, where he also spent time this season. Either way, the Ducks value Jaksa as a catcher, and that is where he projects best at the next level.
Jaksa will get a chance to build upon his impressive freshman season against Texas on Saturday at 5 p.m. PT. The game will air live on ESPN.
Contact/Follow @Ducks_Wire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Oregon Ducks news, notes, and opinions.
This article originally appeared on Ducks Wire: Oregon's Brayden Jaksa among top MLB prospects in Super Regionals, per ESPN
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This year, Oregon has multiple players who could be selected early on. Junior middle infielders Maddox Molony and Ryan Cooney have earned their stripes with the Ducks and project to be future big leaguers, while Cal Scolari's string of strong performances late in the season have put him on the MLB draft radar as well.
The Ducks have plenty of star power, but it is a trio of freshmen who have lifted the team to new heights down the stretch. Angel Laya nearly won Big Ten Freshman of the Year and Naulivou Lauaki Jr. has slugged 14 home runs since entering the lineup in April.
Brayden Jaksa might have the most pro upside, however. ESPN named Jaksa as Oregon's top prospect, even though he won't be eligible for the MLB draft until 2028. The 6-foot-6 freshman has been playing first base for the Ducks to keep his bat in the lineup, but he is a primary catcher and has the tools to stick there long term.
"Jaksa is the best pro prospect at the moment because he has the skills to stick behind the plate long term," ESPN's Kiley McDaniel wrote. "The plus raw power to provide the upside worthy of an early pick and the solid average contact/on-base skills to tap into that power down the road. His 6-6 frame could cause issues with contact and defense in the future, but it isn't right now."
Jaksa has hit for a .320 average with 10 home runs and 33 RBIs this season. He has moved into the cleanup spot in the lineup and cashed in so far in the postseason. He hit a pair of home runs in the Big Ten Tournament and drove in two runs against Yale in the Eugene Regional.
Burke-Lee Mabeus has the catcher position locked down for the Ducks, and he could continue to hold that role if he returns for next season. That means Jaksa could continue to use his big frame at first base or in left field, where he also spent time this season. Either way, the Ducks value Jaksa as a catcher, and that is where he projects best at the next level.
Jaksa will get a chance to build upon his impressive freshman season against Texas on Saturday at 5 p.m. PT. The game will air live on ESPN.
Contact/Follow @Ducks_Wire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Oregon Ducks news, notes, and opinions.
This article originally appeared on Ducks Wire: Oregon's Brayden Jaksa among top MLB prospects in Super Regionals, per ESPN
Continue reading...
