The Pittsburgh Pirates have drafted Mitch Jebb, a Michigan State shortstop, with their second round pick, 42nd overall in the draft. Jebb was rated 62nd overall by Baseball America and 46th overall by MLB Pipeline.
Mitch Jebb, SS, Michigan State
Age: 21 | DOB: 5/13/02 | HT: 6′ 1″ | WT: 185 | B/T: L/R
2023 Stats
Jebb hit .337/.438/.495 in his junior year with Michigan State. He walked 13.3% of the time, and struck out 11.6% of the time. He only hit one home run in 202 at-bats, and went 14-for-18 in stolen bases.
The History
Jebb was named to the Big Ten All-Freshman team in 2021. He hit .356 as a sophomore, then went to the Cape Cod League, where he had a breakout. Jebb was second in average (.356), on-base percentage (.429), OPS (.919), and several other stats in the summer league. He played through a wrist injury in 2023.
The Tools
Compiling the Baseball America and MLB Pipeline reports on Jebb.
Hit (55+): The hit tool is above-average to plus, fueled by excellent hand-eye coordination and solid bat speed from the left-hander. His pitch recognition led to an 88% contact rate in 2023.
Power (40): The power grades as fringe, with Jebb having more of a slap approach and a line drive swing that is more contact than power. He’s also described as having an awkward looking swing, which may prevent power.
Run (60+): The best tool for Jebb is his speed, which grades as plus or higher. He’s got range on the field and is an effective threat on the bases.
Field (50): The speed gives Jebb range, but he is’t the best fielder. He’s played third, but poor fielding decisions and a fringe-average to average arm push him to shortstop or second base. He could also play center field, due to his speed and range.
Arm (45+): The arm grades as fringe-average to average.
Overall (45+): Jebb gets a 50 grade from MLB Pipeline, who have him higher on the hit, run, and arm tools. Baseball America grades him a 45/High.
