Mitch Jebb

WTM
Aug 10, 2023
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  • Position: SS

  • Height: 6’1”

  • Weight: 185 lbs

  • Bats/Throws: L/R

  • Born: 05/13/2002

  • College: Michigan State University

  • How Acquired: Drafted 2nd round, 42nd Overall, 2023

  • Bonus: $1,647,500

  • 40-man Roster: No

  • Rule 5 Eligible: 2026

  • Minor League Free Agency: 2028

  • Options Left: 3

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Overview

The Pirates drafted Jebb in round 2 mainly on the strength of a strong hit tool. He swings and misses very little, employing an approach that’s mainly conducive to slapping the ball around the field. As a result, it’s questionable whether he’ll hit for any power at all. Jebb has above-average speed and profiles as a top-of-the-order hitter. Scouts aren’t sold on his chances of staying at short due to doubts about his infield actions and arm. One possibility is for him to move to center field. Baseball America ranked him 62nd among, while MLB Pipeline had him 46th. He signed for about $400,000 less than the slot value of $2.05M.

2023-24

Jebb played regularly for Bradenton after signing, splitting his time evenly between short and second. He hit as advertised, showing good patience, rarely swinging and missing and hitting for only limited power. He batted 297/382/398, with only 11 strikeouts in 153 plate appearances. He also stole 11 bases in 12 tries.

In 2024, Jebb spent the season with Greensboro. He mainly shared second and short with Termarr Johnson, spending more time at second. He had some error problems at both positions. Although center field seemed another potential position, Jebb played only ten games there. He got off to a rough start at the plate, batting an even .200 in April and May. His strikeout rate was 34% in April, which was a sharp contrast to his profile as a high-contact hitter. The strikeouts eventually tailed off and he finished the season with a 19% rate. He also started walking a lot more after the first two months. Jebb batted over .300 in both July and August, but still finished with just a 251/337/352 line, leaving him with an OPS just a few points above the league average as a player who was an average age. Jebb did use his speed on the bases, stealing 43 in 51 tries.

Stats

Fangraphs

Baseball-Reference

Transactions

July 10, 2023: Drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the 2nd round, 42nd overall pick; signed on July 14.