Athletics select Grand Canyon stud Jacob Wilson 6th overall

With the sixth pick in the 2023 MLB Draft, the Oakland Athletics selected Jacob Wilson, a shortstop out of Grand Canyon University.

The son of Jack Wilson, who spent 12 years in the majors and starred defensively while making the 2004 All-Star team and winning the Silver Slugger at shortstop that year, Jacob takes after his father in many ways and is one of the better defenders in the class.

Most importantly, his bat-to-ball skills are perhaps the best in the class, with a stunning 2.3% strikeout rate this year while making the All-WAC roster for the third straight season. While he doesn't show elite pop, he's also managed to put six homers over the fence this year and boasts a 1.096 OPS thanks to his elite contact rate.

Bio

Age: 21
Position: SS
Height/Weight: 6-3, 190 lbs
Bats/Throws: R/R
School: Grand Canyon
Pick value (#6): $6,634,000

Tools

• True shortstop
• Sensational hit tool
• Incredible bat-to-ball skills
• Good runner

Why fans will love this player

• Elite plate approach
• Still showed good hitting skills in wooden-bat Cape Cod Baseball League
• 61:31 strikeout-to-walk ratio in college
• Strong baseball IQ

Things he'll need to overcome

• Not much power
• Could be forced to move to third base, where he still has a strong arm

Take a look ...

(Video source: MLB Pipeline)