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Wilson named best hitter among MLB prospects
1/28/2025 6:40:00 PM | Baseball, Paul Coro, Lopes Insider Blog
Former GCU star shortstop makes spring training debut Feb. 22
When Jacob Willson reports to spring training in the Valley in less than three weeks, the Athletics shortstop and former Grand Canyon star will do so with the tag of best hitter among MLB prospects.
Wilson ranks No. 31 on the MLB.com prospect rankings, which called him the "Best Hitter" among the group. Wilson and Cleveland Guardians second baseman Travis Bazzana are the only prospects to receive a 70-grade hit tool on a 20-80 scale.
"Wilson is the closest player to Luis Arráez on this year's preseason list as a hitter with extremely good contact rates, incredible hand-eye coordination and a willingness to put the ball in play above all else," MLB Pipeline's Sam Dykstra wrote."
Wilson, 22, remains classified as a rookie after playing only 28 games with the Athletics last year, when he missed 5 1/2 weeks after injuring his hamstring in his July 19 MLB debut. Wilson received the call-up to the majors after being the 2023 MLB Draft's No. 6 overall pick the previous July.
GCIU's two-time Golden Spikes Award semifinalist hit .250 with the Athletics, including a memorable walk-off single in the franchise's last home series at Oakland Coliseum. His rapid ascension through the minors displayed his ability to hit to all fields offensively and use his quick hands and strong arm defensively.
"He's got great bat-to-ball skills," Athletics manager Mark Kotsay told MLB Network's Hot Stove last month. "Jacob's got a bright future. I'm excited about getting him out there. He's working really hard this offseason to add some physicality.
"Jacob hasn't played a full seasons in the bigs. When you strap it on for 162 games, it's a little challenging from the physical standpoint, so he's working really hard to add to the body and be able to stay on the field. I'm excited about seeing Jacob and hopefully having him solidify the middle infield."
Wilson and the Athletics will open spring training on Feb. 22 against the Padres at Peoria Sports Complex and will play Cactus League games throughout the Valley through March 24. The Athletics' regular-season opener will be March 27 before the Athletics make their March 31 home debut in West Sacramento, California, their temporary home until a Las Vegas stadium is built.
The A's full spring training schedule, including 14 home games in Mesa, is here.
Wilson ranks No. 31 on the MLB.com prospect rankings, which called him the "Best Hitter" among the group. Wilson and Cleveland Guardians second baseman Travis Bazzana are the only prospects to receive a 70-grade hit tool on a 20-80 scale."Wilson is the closest player to Luis Arráez on this year's preseason list as a hitter with extremely good contact rates, incredible hand-eye coordination and a willingness to put the ball in play above all else," MLB Pipeline's Sam Dykstra wrote."
Wilson, 22, remains classified as a rookie after playing only 28 games with the Athletics last year, when he missed 5 1/2 weeks after injuring his hamstring in his July 19 MLB debut. Wilson received the call-up to the majors after being the 2023 MLB Draft's No. 6 overall pick the previous July.
GCIU's two-time Golden Spikes Award semifinalist hit .250 with the Athletics, including a memorable walk-off single in the franchise's last home series at Oakland Coliseum. His rapid ascension through the minors displayed his ability to hit to all fields offensively and use his quick hands and strong arm defensively.
"He's got great bat-to-ball skills," Athletics manager Mark Kotsay told MLB Network's Hot Stove last month. "Jacob's got a bright future. I'm excited about getting him out there. He's working really hard this offseason to add some physicality.
"Jacob hasn't played a full seasons in the bigs. When you strap it on for 162 games, it's a little challenging from the physical standpoint, so he's working really hard to add to the body and be able to stay on the field. I'm excited about seeing Jacob and hopefully having him solidify the middle infield."
Wilson and the Athletics will open spring training on Feb. 22 against the Padres at Peoria Sports Complex and will play Cactus League games throughout the Valley through March 24. The Athletics' regular-season opener will be March 27 before the Athletics make their March 31 home debut in West Sacramento, California, their temporary home until a Las Vegas stadium is built.
The A's full spring training schedule, including 14 home games in Mesa, is here.
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