The Tigers are in agreement with No. 12 overall draft pick Jace Jung, tweets Jim Callis of MLB.com. The now-former Texas Tech standout will receive his full slot value of $4,590,300. The team has yet to formally announce the deal, though that’s presumably coming in the near future.
Jung, the younger brother of top Rangers third base prospect Josh Jung, looked like a slam-dunk first-rounder throughout a strong season at the plate. The left-handed-hitting 21-year-old turned in an outstanding .335/.481/.612 batting line with 14 home runs, 18 doubles, a triple, five steals (in five tries) and more walks (59) than strikeouts (42) through 295 plate appearances during his junior season with the Red Raiders.
The younger Jung brother spent the vast majority of his college career at second base, and that’s where he’s expected to play as a professional. There’s little doubt among scouts that Jung has the tools to be a well above-average hitter at the position, as scouting reports agree that he has above-average to plus raw power with above-average pitch selection and a potentially plus hit tool — all of which are complemented by his all-fields approach. There’s less optimism about Jung’s defensive future, given questions about his range and arm strength. Jung profiles as a bat-first second baseman whose advanced offensive profile could allow him to move quickly through the minor leagues.
Heading into the draft, Jung ranked as No. 8 prospect on the board, per The Athletic’s Keith Law, also landing ninth at MLB.com, ninth at Baseball America, 13th at ESPN and 20th over at FanGraphs.
If he doesn’t have the arm for 2B, he certainly wouldn’t at 3B. Plus, the defensive requirements at 2B are probably about to increase again with limitations in the shift coming. That has to be quite the bat he carries if he’s already profiling as a future DH. Maybe 1B?
Left field?
I was hoping the Rangers to draft Jace Lung for both brothers could in the majors together in
a few years. However, the Rangers made right decision drafting a possible starting pitcher if he is healthy because they will need pitching.
Jace was also nowhere near worth the 3rd overall pick, he was projected from like 9-15. He really isn’t the best defender, and while that bat is something else, there were better more well rounded top prospects than him. I would’ve loved it too, but rather than having the brothers combine, you guys now have the #1 and #2 guys of the Vandy rotation, who are also friends and great teammates. Leiter and Rocker could hold down your guys rotation for 10+ years.
I agree with you. It will be good seeing Rocker and Leiter pitching for the Rangers.
Porter may be the ace above both of them
Keep in mind, Rocker, who they took 3rd, was projected to go a lot lower than Jung in the first round. That’s exactly why they took Rocker third. Taking Jung third would not have saved them enough to sign Porter in the fourth. Rocker was the lesser prospect here, but an excellent fit for the Rangers needs.
Kreidler is the 3B of the future. He is rehabbing in West Michigan, where he went 2-4 with a walk, 2 doubles and 3 RBIs for the Whitecaps on Sunday.
Kreidler and/or Colt Keith who also had a significant injury this year.
Or Pacheco, there is some 3B depth coming.
Wreck ‘Em!
He should be starting in 24 along with the guy they signed for S.S who will be playing third base. Clean house. We’re sick of seeing guys knocking back millions while nothing. Trade the guys in the pen now for some good young kids. They are a tough watch right now, and next year ain’t looking good either.
@MPrck wish it was that easy friend. Unfortunately “good young kids” are coveted and take a long time to ripen into productive ML’ers.
Are you beating the “ditch Seager and Semien” drum here?
I think he’s talking about the Tigers, not the Rangers.
That bat is legit in my non-scout’s eyes. When watching him play, you can just see his bat is faster than the other guys in the game. And his eye is better.
I’d think a guy with that obviously good of reactions and quick twitch muscle movement could improve his first step and throws with quality coaching. Seems like that would be easier to coach up than barreling 95 MPH pitches.
My two cents on that: his setup is unorthodox, he doesn’t get a ton of load with his hands, and his swing is long. Hand-eye and bat speed are important but the reason there are so few outliers in baseball in terms of the things I mentioned (setup, load, etc.) is because hand-eye and bat speed oftentimes can only get you so far.
Almost no one goes from college to the bigs right away. Players still need development, and that frequently means making adjustments. The players who get the coaching and listen will do fine; the rest had better enjoy bus rides and low per diems or look for other work.
It will be interesting to see how that swing plays against consistent velocity and movement.
people often forget the step up from college pitching to pro is massive.
The Tigers operate like the days when The Tribune owned the Cubs. Media reports weigh more than scouting reports.
Obviously you ignore the scouting reports. They were all excellent on his bat. If you hit, they will find a place to play you.
According to the media…
Josh probably gives Jace constant s**t for being an 8th overall while Jace was a 12th.
I doubt it!
I love when people answer jokes as if they are serious statements.
Send him to Detroit!
Jasssee jjjjuuunnngg medal of award for you tigers boy!!!! Bow cha cha
What does he do? He gets on base.
Moneyball quotes!
All hit. Nothing else. Crazy he got that money. I figured scouts weren’t smarter than that