Jacob Wilson

Organization Prospect Rankings

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  Ranked St. Louis Cardinals #23 prospect in 2016
  A $20,000 senior sign in 2012, Wilson has reached Triple-A Memphis and given the Cardinals solid value for their investment as an organization player. To take the next step as a part-time infielder, he'll have to make more consistent contact and improve his defense. The righthanded-hitting Wilson fits in the scheme of St. Louis' present infield, which prominently features lefthanded hitters Matt Carpenter at third base and Kolten Wong at second. Wilson makes up for fringy range with soft hands and an accurate, solidaverage arm that plays well at third and helps him turn the double play well at second. A below-average runner, he supplies solid-average power when the makes contact, and his 18 home runs led all Cardinals minor leaguers. He has a short, quick swing with strength but hasn't advanced with his plate approach or strike-zone judgment enough to profile offensively as a regular. He played in the Arizona Fall League for two years (2013 and 2014), so pro scouts have a good read on his abilities. The Cardinals neglected to add him to the 40-man and shield him from the Rule 5 draft, but he profiles as an extra infielder in the Ryan Roberts mold.
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  Ranked St. Louis Cardinals #18 prospect in 2015
  The Conference USA player of the year as a senior in 2012, Wilson signed for just $20,000 and excited Cardinals coaches on the farm in 2014. Wilson is a high-character guy the organization desires, but he suffered a season-ending left knee injury in early June and soon required surgery. At the time, Wilson was setting the Double-A Texas League aflame in the month following a promotion from high Class A Palm Beach. His bat showed plenty of pop, as the stocky, strong righthanded hitter can turn on inside fastballs and has the strength to drive them to the gaps. Defensively, a smooth transition from third base to second base has only excited club officials more. He doesn't show great range with his fringy speed and doesn't look the part of a middle infielder, but he reads swings and has good instincts. He turns double plays well thanks to an above-average arm and fearlessness on the pivot. Wilson competed in the Arizona Fall League for a second straight season in 2014, this time to make up for lost at-bats, and should challenge for a role at Triple-A Memphis this spring.
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  Ranked St. Louis Cardinals #29 prospect in 2014
  The Conference USA Player of the Year in 2012, Wilson had the trappings for college hitters the Cardinals like: His offensive production satisfied the analytics, his approach assured the scouts, and his athleticism said that because he could hit they'd eventually find him a position. Like Allen Craig and Matt Carpenter--also seniors when drafted--Wilson entered pro ball with little leverage and less fanfare, signing for $125,00. His breakout came in 2013. Showing plus power for his position with 18 homers and 47 extra-base hits at two levels, Wilson has a swing for damage while controlling the strike zone. A college third baseman, Wilson took his arm strength and below-average speed and relocated to second base, where his footwork and range could improve to average with work. His bat earned him an invite to the Arizona Fall League, where he worked at second and in spot duty hit (.304/.373/.413). He should reach Double-A in 2014, which will test his bat.