Scouting Report

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Scouting grades: Hit: 55 | Power: 55 | Run: 40 | Arm: 55 | Field: 50 | Overall: 55 

Gonzalez earned national freshman of the year recognition in 2021 and helped Mississippi win its first-ever College World Series championship last June. The U.S. collegiate national team's starter at shortstop the last two summers, he could be the first player drafted at that position in 2023. He's a lock to become the first Rebels position player ever selected in the first round. 

Gonzalez has the bat-to-ball skills and control of the strike zone to be at least a solid hitter, and he has been more consistent in 2023 after hunting home runs too much as a sophomore. With his strength, bat speed and the leverage in his left-handed stroke, he has 25-homer potential. He does a nice job of using the entire field, with most of his over-the-fence power going to his pull side. 

While Gonzalez regularly displays below-average speed out of the batter's box, he may be quick enough to stay at shortstop. His instincts and rhythm help his cause at short, where he covers ground with long strides and has solid arm strength. Some evaluators wonder if he'll have to shift to third base or second base, but if so he'd be able to profile as a quality regular at either position. 

Scouting grades: Hit: 50 | Power: 45 | Run: 40 | Arm: 55 | Field: 50 | Overall: 45

Gonzalez earned national freshman of the year honors at Mississippi in 2021, helped lead the Rebels to their first-ever College World Series championship in 2022 and started at shortstop for the U.S. collegiate national team both summers. He continued to star last spring but teams began to question his athleticism, so he lasted until the 15th overall pick, where Chicago signed him for $3.9 million. He slugged just .260 in his pro debut, though the White Sox believe some offseason adjustments will restore his power. 

Gonzalez exhibited fine bat-to-ball skills and plate discipline throughout his college career, and he walked nearly as much as he struck out in his first taste of pro ball. As an amateur, his strength plus the bat speed and leverage in his left-handed stroke were thought to give him 25-homer potential, with most of his power playing to his pull side. After struggling to turn on pitches in his debut, he's standing more upright at the plate in hopes that will translate into a quicker load and better swing path, but he's not hitting the ball with much authority in 2024.

Because Gonzalez's pure speed is below average at best, there are questions about his ability to remain at shortstop. His proponents -- the White Sox among them -- think he covers enough ground with his long strides and makes more than enough plays with his keen instincts, quick hands and solid arm. Others think he's most likely to wind up at second or third base, which would put more pressure on his ability to hit for power. 

Scouting grades: Hit: 55 | Power: 55 | Run: 40 | Arm: 55 | Field: 50 | Overall: 50 

Gonzalez had a decorated college career at Mississippi. He earned national freshman of the year recognition in 2021, helped the Rebels win their College World Series championship in 2022 and started at shortstop for the U.S. collegiate national team both summers. The White Sox didn't expect him to get to their No. 15 pick in the first round and signed him for $3.9 million. 

Gonzalez has the bat-to-ball skills and strike-zone control to be at least a solid hitter, and he was more consistent in 2023 after hunting home runs too much as a sophomore. With his strength, bat speed and the leverage in his left-handed stroke, he has 25-homer potential. He does a nice job of using the entire field, with most of his over-the-fence power going to his pull side.  

While Gonzalez regularly displays below-average speed out of the batter's box, he may be quick enough to stay at shortstop. His instincts and rhythm help his cause at short, where he covers ground with long strides and has solid arm strength. Some evaluators wonder whether he'll have to shift to third base or second, but if so, he'd have the bat to profile as a quality regular at either position. 

Awards

SOU Player of the Week

Week	Team
05/26/2024

Transactions

Team	Date	Transaction
	05/21/2024	SS Jacob Gonzalez assigned to Birmingham Barons from Winston-Salem Dash.
	04/02/2024	SS Jacob Gonzalez assigned to Winston-Salem Dash from Kannapolis Cannon Ballers.
	03/07/2024	Chicago White Sox Prospects activated SS Jacob Gonzalez.
	02/29/2024	SS Jacob Gonzalez roster status changed by Chicago White Sox.
	02/29/2024	SS Jacob Gonzalez assigned to Chicago White Sox.
	02/29/2024	SS Jacob Gonzalez roster status changed by Chicago White Sox.
	07/31/2023	SS Jacob Gonzalez assigned to Kannapolis Cannon Ballers from ACL White Sox.
	07/31/2023	Kannapolis Cannon Ballers activated SS Jacob Gonzalez.
	07/31/2023	Kannapolis Cannon Ballers activated SS Jacob Gonzalez.
	07/24/2023	SS Jacob Gonzalez assigned to ACL White Sox from White Sox Organization.
	07/21/2023	SS Jacob Gonzalez assigned to White Sox Organization.
	07/16/2023	Chicago White Sox signed SS Jacob Gonzalez.
	06/02/2023	SS Jacob Gonzalez assigned to College Workout.
	07/02/2022	USAB Stars Team activated SS Jacob Gonzalez.
	07/01/2022	SS Jacob Gonzalez and assigned to College Workout.
	01/28/2021	SS Jacob Gonzalez assigned to Ole Miss Rebels.
	01/28/2021	SS Jacob Gonzalez assigned to Ole Miss Rebels.