Jake McCarthy

The Virginia center fielder hasn''t been able to showcase his ability for most of the spring season, playing just 13 games because of a left wrist injury sustained in early March. As of April 26, McCarthy had yet to return to action, but he did hit .314/.446/.412 in his brief 13-game stint before the injury. Scouts and evaluators aren't dinging him too much for the injury, as it's not a chronic issue and his overall package and track record is impressive. With a strong return--whenever that may be--McCarthy could push himself into the first round as a college outfielder with a chance to play center field with above-average to plus speed. Missing this many games during a draft season is easier to tolerate with McCarthy because his history in the ACC and with a wood bat is so impressive. In 2017, McCarthy hit .338/.425/.506 with five home runs, 11 doubles and was seventh in the nation with seven triples. During the summer, McCarthy played 20 games with USA Baseball's Collegiate National Team and also hit .387/.441/.613 in a nine-game stint in the Cape Cod League. He draws some comparisons to former Virginia outfielder Adam Haseley, with opinions on his defensive ability ranging from a no-doubt center fielder with some scouts to other evaluators thinking he merely has a chance to stick there. Where McCarthy winds up will depend on what he does once healthy, but there's no denying he has an impressive body of work.