One Oregon player cracks MLB.com's top-200 prospect list
In anticipation of the NCAA Tournament, MLB.com has updated its list of the top 200 draft-eligible prospects in the nation.
While Oregon is stocked with proven contributors at the Pac-12 level, just one Duck made the cut.
Infielder Sabin Ceballos landed at No. 153 on MLB.com’s list.
Here’s the rundown from MLB’s Jim Callis on the Ducks’ star third baseman:
“Ceballos went from the Puerto Rico high school scene to San Jacinto Junior College. In two years at San Jac, he hit .341 and got a late look from the Angels in Round 14 of the 2022 Draft. He headed to the University of Oregon instead of signing and has continued to hit well, though questions about his defensive profile have tempered excitement about his bat to a degree. Most believe Ceballos can hit some, as he’s shown the ability to make a lot of contact for three years running. What has his proponents more excited is that his plate discipline has improved and he’s shown more ability to drive the ball the other way. He doesn’t miss many fastballs and his power has started to show up more as his approach has gotten better, especially to the pull side.
Where a team can put Ceballos’ bat remains in question. He doesn’t have terrible actions at third base and possesses at least an above-average arm. But as a well-below-average runner, most see a move to first in his future, although an adventurous team might want to try him out behind the plate. He saw some time there last summer in the Draft League, showing off that arm and some defensive feel, though there’s work to be done on his blocking and receiving.”
A 6-foot-3, 225-pound junior who spent his first two seasons and San Jacinto College in Texas, Ceballos has emerged as one of the top power hitters in the conference during his debut season with the Ducks. The Rio Grande, Puerto Rico, native is slashing .342/.439/.637 in 53 games this season. He is tied for the team lead with 15 homers and 61 RBI and boasts a team-hest 1.076 OPS.
Ceballos ranks sixth in the Pac-12 in RBI and seventh in home runs.
While splitting time at third base and designated hitter this spring, Ceballos earned first-team all-conference honors. Shortstop Drew Cowley and starting pitcher Jace Stoffal were also all-conference selections.
Last year, Ceballos was selected in the 14th round with the 480th overall pick by the Los Angeles Angels out of San Jacinto. He was the highest-drafted junior college player who opted not to sign.
In total, four Oregon players were selected during the 2022 Major League Baseball Draft.
The Toronto Blue Jays selected shortstop Josh Kasevich in the second round with the 60th overall pick.
Anthony Hall (New York Yankees, 130th overall), Brennan Milone (Oakland Athletics, 184th overall), and Adam Maier (Atlanta Braves, 215th overall) were also selected.
In 2021, the Texas Rangers selected Oregon outfielder Aaron Zavala in the second round with the 38th overall pick. He was one of four Ducks who heard their name called during the 20-round draft.
Oregon commit Noble Meyer (Jesuit, Ore.) is listed as MLB.com’s No. 11 overall prospect and is the publication’s top-ranked high school pitcher.
