Gage Jump, a former pitcher for LSU, has inked a major league deal with the Oakland Athletics.
Jump has signed for $2.0 million, which is significantly more than the slot value of $1,076,900 for his pick at No. 73 overall, according to Jim Callis of MLB.com. According to Callis, this is the best slot value deal to date.
Jump transferred from UCLA to LSU, where he excelled.
He battled injuries during his three seasons in college, requiring a Tommy John surgery and keeping him out of action for the entirety of 2023. However, Jump enjoyed a successful and healthy 2024 season at LSU.
With the Tigers, Gage Jump concluded his junior campaign with a 6-2 record and 3.47 ERA. He appeared in 17 games overall, starting 15 of them. In 83.0 innings, he struck out 101 opponents while walking just 22.
That was a good return on investment from his 1-1, 3.86 ERA, strikeout-to-walk ratio during his freshman season at UCLA.
Jump produces enough movement in his pitches to warrant a draft selection by the Athletics, who were impressed by his offering. But given the skill set, it’s likely that a few MLB organizations expressed interest.
MLB scouts’ comments regarding Gage Jump
Jump was one of the top prospects covered in-depth scouting profiles by MLB.com prior to the 2024 MLB Draft. An overview of his potential at the next level was provided by the scouting report.
View the report by clicking the link below.
Jump’s fastball ranges from 90 to 95 mph with a large induced vertical break and carry at the top of the strike zone, making it difficult for batters to handle. It works nicely with his upper-70s curveball, which exits his high arm slot with a substantial downer break. He also has some feel for a fading low-80s changeup and can spin a low-80s slider with greater lateral movement.
“Jump is not as big as a usual starter, but since having his elbow rebuilt, he has grown stronger and uses arm speed rather than effort to generate his stuff. He has a habit of attacking hitters and throwing four pitches for strikes before suffering an injury. He has the potential to start in the middle of the rotation if he can keep up his skills and improve his command.
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