Since being selected 6th overall in the 2024 draft by the Oakland A’s, Jacob Wilson, the standout shortstop from Grand Canyon University, has rapidly ascended through the minor leagues.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!In his recent stint with the Midland RockHounds, the A’s AA affiliate, Wilson showcased his bat, going 11 for 14 at the plate, which included four doubles and five runs scored.
Jacob Wilson absolutely raking!
The @Athletics' No. 1 prospect is 4-for-4 today, making him 11-for-14 over his past three games for the @RockHounds.
Now batting .455 with a 1.178 OPS in 22 games this season. pic.twitter.com/qUb8k5QL6T
— MLB Pipeline (@MLBPipeline) May 7, 2024
This hot streak has swiftly earned Wilson a promotion to Triple-A, bringing him just one step away from the major leagues. He will soon join the Las Vegas Aviators.
⬆️ 𝙐𝙥 𝙬𝙚 𝙜𝙤! ⬆️
Jacob Wilson is bound for Triple-A and will join the @AviatorsLV. #LopesInThePros pic.twitter.com/GAnu42XFpF
— Grand Canyon Baseball (@GCU_Baseball) May 8, 2024
Wilson’s performance this season has been nothing short of stellar. Across 88 at-bats in the Texas League, he has maintained a .455 batting average, leading the league in batting average, hits, and doubles. His dominance at the plate is reminiscent of his senior year at GCU, where he achieved a .412 batting average and struck out only five times in 217 plate appearances.
His exceptional contact skills stem from lessons with his father, Jack Wilson, an MLB All-Star and former Silver Slugger, who coached him during his time at Thousand Oaks High School in California.
“When my dad played, striking out wasn’t OK, and he really taught me how to play that type of game,” Jacob Wilson told the Associated Press. “It’s gotten me where I am today. Not striking out is something I take pride in. I strive each and every year to win that statistical category. That’s something I’m going to stick with, and I’m really blessed to be taught that by my mentors.”
In addition to his performance at the plate, Wilson also brings a strong defensive game. He boasts a .974 fielding percentage in the minors, demonstrating his capability with both a strong arm and a flashy glove at shortstop.
Jacob Wilson (OAK) to has a .250 ISO, the 8th best wRC+, and the 10th best OPS in all of the minors (min 50 PA). Any EV jump w/ his bat-to-ball could mean much more intrigue than previously thought.
11 H in 24 PA w/ 5 doubles last week.
🎥: @jgoldstrasspic.twitter.com/einoMO527d
— Beck (@Upper_Beck) May 7, 2024
Wilson’s rise not only marks him as the highest drafted player from Grand Canyon University but also highlights a banner year for the school, with two other Lopes, Homer Bush (Padres) and Zach Thornton (Mets), also making it to the professional ranks in 2023.
