Jimmy Herron

Draft-eligible last June as a sophomore, Herron was drafted by the Yankees in the 31st round but elected to play in the Cape Cod League instead, where he impressed scouts by ranking third in the league in batting average (.338). Herron has put up similar numbers in his career at Duke, slashing .316/.414/.446 in two and a half seasons. An immediate contributor for the Blue Devils, Herron has served as a spark plug at the top of the order, using a compact righthanded swing that is geared for line drives and employing his plus speed on the basepaths. Herron hasn't been as consistent at the plate this season, with a bat path that has been more uphill than scouts are used to seeing. But when he stays within himself, Herron is among the best pure hitters at the college level. As far as his other tools, Herron's below-average arm strength limits his versatility in the outfield. He has the speed and range to handle center field, but his arm has relegated him to left field for Duke and could cap his ceiling as a fourth outfielder at the next level. A righthanded, contact-oriented left fielder is typically not a highly sought-after profile, but Herron's hitting ability, makeup and baseball IQ elevate his stock.