Could Josh Jung Be a Future Texas Ranger?
With six games remaining for the Texas Rangers, they look to be a lock for a top-10 pick in the 2019 MLB draft. In fact, if the season ended today, the Rangers would pick 8th overall. Mathematically, they could choose as high as 3rd, but I don't think they'll be outside the top 10.
I was doing a little recon today after reminiscing about Adrian Beltre's last home game as a Texas Ranger (allegedly). I don't know that it's really sunk in or that I believe it.
Anyways, I was looking at some projections list and found some interesting names involved, namely Josh Jung, who's listed as one of the 10 best collegiate players eligible for the draft by MLB.com. Jung is also in the top 5 of every list that D1baseball.com puts out.
In the write-up from MLB.com, they say this about Jung: "After a huge sophomore season (.392/.491/.639 with 12 homers and 80 RBIs) at Texas Tech, Jung served as Team USA's primary third baseman and acquitted himself well there. He hit .283 with a .377 OBP, albeit without much power, finishing tied for the team lead with 15 hits."
Are the Texas Rangers a good fit for Josh Jung? I think so. A premium defender that can hit for average is pretty enticing. Jung will likely be available when the Rangers are on the board. Here's a mock draft with Jung going 19th in the first round. If Jung can provide a glimpse into his power tool, he might be off the board before the Rangers get around to picking.
If Jung does go in the first round that will be three straight years that a Texas Tech student-athlete gets picked in the first round of a draft. Patrick Mahomes in 2017. Zhaire Smith in 2018. Josh Jung in 2019?
Or could it be that the 2019 MLB Draft has two Red Raiders go in the first round? If Gabe Holt has a repeat year and plays solid defense, there's a strong possibility he's the first Red Raider off the board as a draft eligible sophomore.
Having two Red Raiders drafted in the first round would also mean Texas Tech had a phenomenal year...again.
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