Antoine Duplantis

Much like Jake Mangum, Duplantis decided to turn down signing as a late-round pick (19th round to the Indians) to become an all-time great for Louisiana State. At the end of the Southeastern Conference tournament he was three hits shy of tying Eddy Furniss’ school career hits record. Duplantis has worn No. 8 for the past two years, the number given to LSU’s team leader. Being an LSU star is also a family tradition. His mother Helena was a heptathlete and volleyball player for the Tigers. His father Greg was an all-American pole vaulter for LSU. And his brother Mondo set the NCAA pole vaulting record with a 19-foot, 8 ¼ inch leap this year as a freshman for LSU. Duplantis is a great college player and he is an above-average runner, but he profiles as a backup outfielder in pro ball thanks to below-average power. He has a compact lefthanded swing which helps him project as an above-average hitter. He is an above-average defender in a corner, although his fringe-average arm is stretched in right field.