As college recruiting targets younger and younger players, many look for a way to slow the process
Listed at 6 feet and 215 pounds, Blaze Jordan struck a physical presence as he dug into the batter’s box on one of the backfields of the Marlins’ complex in Jupiter, Fla. His team, the Jordan and Dulin’s Dodgers, were facing off against righthander Jack Anderson and FTB/Giants Scout Team at the Perfect Game World Wood Bat Association World Championship with dozens of scouts watching from behind the backstop.
Anderson, a Florida State commit and an intriguing prospect in the 2018 draft class, was running his fastball up to 92 mph. But he hung a breaking ball to Jordan, who pounced on the mistake. With a strong swing, he drove the ball out to left field for a home run.
It was the latest impressive display of power from Jordan. He won the Power Showcase home run derby in January and clubbed a 504foot home run, two feet farther than Bryce Harper hit in the same event.
Jordan’s prolific power displays would stand out if he, like Anderson and most of the rest of players in Jupiter this year, was in the class of 2018. But his power feats are even more impressive because he is a freshman, just beginning his high school career. And he has already been committed to Mississippi State for a year.
“He reminds me a lot of Mookie Betts, who played with us, for his ability to adjust and his temperament, (and) how he goes about his business,” coach Tim Dulin said. “He’s very gifted from a physical and talent standpoint, but mentally he’s years beyond where most kids are at that age.”
Jordan, considered one of the best players in the 2021 class, committed to Mississippi State last year, after appearing in Jupiter as an eighth grader. His commitment was the latest in an ongoing trend of younger and younger players being recruited by colleges.
This story is from the November 17, 2017 edition of Baseball America.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the November 17, 2017 edition of Baseball America.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
HOW THE MAJORS HAVE CHANGED FOR YOUNG PLAYERS
When negotiating the 2022 Collective Bargaining Agreement, the MLB Players Association prioritized the earning power of young major league players, especially young stars.
ORGANIZATION REPORTS
Blaze Alexander entered spring training as a long shot to make the team, but there he was on March 28, starting and batting seventh in the D-backs’ Opening Day lineup.
BLAST FROM THE PAST
Louisville Slugger makes Prime bat 30% harder by dipping into 1902 company patent
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
After narrowly missing the NCAA Tournament last year, UC Irvine is determined to finish strong
MORE HARM THAN GOOD?
Dramatically scaling back young pitchers’ workloads has failed to keep them healthier
GEM COLLECTOR
In just four years, Diamond Baseball Holdings has become the most powerful owner ever in Minor League Baseball. What is the plan for their 33 teams—and counting?
LIFE AFTER AFFILIATED BALL
For many minor league teams that lost their MLB affiliations, it has been business as usual— with some unexpected benefits
EARNING POWER
A dramatic upgrade to playing conditions for minor leaguersincluding pay, housing and nutrition has made pro baseball economically viable for all players
NOBODY'S PERFECT
No. 1 prospect Jackson Holliday has one flaw in an otherwise airtight profile
ORGANIZATION REPORTS
At nearly every level of his professional career, outfielder Colton Cowser has taken time to acclimate. His major league debut last season was no different.