Many outside publications pegged Jacob Melton as a late first or early second round pick,...
LOS ANGELES — The Astros continued an early run on lefthanded-hitting college outfielders and selected Oregon State’s Jacob Melton with their second-round pick during Sunday’s portion of the MLB Draft.
Many outside publications pegged Melton as a late first or early second round pick, but he fell to Houston at No. 64. Baseball America ranked Melton No. 25 in its pre-draft prospect rankings. Drew Gilbert, the Astros’ first-round pick, slotted one spot above him at No. 24. MLBPipeline ranked Melton No. 39 and Gilbert No. 32.
Melton won Pac 12 Player of the Year honors this season as the Beavers’ everyday center fielder, slashing .360/.424/.670 in 261 at-bats. He set Oregon State’s single-season record with 175 total bases and finished as semifinalist for the Golden Spikes Award, given annually to the best player in college baseball.
“Melton’s production is prettier than his swing, which is described as ‘unorthodox’ and features plenty of moving parts,” read Baseball America’s scouting report. “He starts with an open stance and features a leg kick in his load, with a long load that includes a barrel dump on the back half and an arm bar. Despite those mechanics, Melton has plenty of bat speed and the athleticism to make it work.