Scouting Report

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Scouting grades: Fastball: 55 | Curveball: 55 | Slider: 55 | Changeup: 50 | Control: 50 | Overall: 50 

California's top high school pitching prospect and one of the best prep southpaws in the 2021 Draft, Jump slid to the Padres in the 18th round because of his strong commitment to UCLA. He injured his elbow midway through his freshman year, leading to Tommy John surgery that cost him the 2023 season. He transferred to Louisiana State, reuniting with former Bruins teammate Thatcher Hurd, and his stuff has returned to previous levels this spring.

Hitters have a difficult time picking up Jump's fastball, which ranges from 90-95 mph with significant induced vertical break and carry at the top of the strike zone. It pairs well with his upper-70s curveball that has significant downer break coming out of his high arm slot. He also spins a low-80s slider with more lateral movement and has some feel for a fading low-80s changeup.

Jump lacks typical starter's size but he has gotten stronger since having his elbow reconstructed and generates his stuff with arm speed more than effort. He attacks hitters and had a history of throwing four pitches for strikes before getting hurt. If he can maintain his stuff while upgrading his command, he could become a mid-rotation starter.

Scouting grades: Fastball: 55 | Curveball: 55 | Slider: 55 | Changeup: 50 | Control: 50 | Overall: 45

California's top high school pitching prospect, and one of the best prep southpaws in the 2021 Draft, Jump slid to the Padres in the 18th round because of his strong commitment to UCLA. He injured his elbow midway through his freshman year, leading to Tommy John surgery that cost him the 2023 season. He transferred to Louisiana State, reuniting with former Bruins teammate Thatcher Hurd, and his stuff returned to previous levels this spring, leading to the A’s taking the Draft-eligible sophomore with their Competitive Balance Round B pick and going over slot to sign him for $2 million.

Hitters have a difficult time picking up Jump's fastball, which ranges from 90-95 mph with significant induced vertical break and carry at the top of the strike zone. It pairs well with his upper-70s curveball that has significant downer break coming out of his high arm slot. He also spins a low-80s slider with more lateral movement and has some feel for a fading low-80s changeup.

Jump lacks typical starter's size but he has gotten stronger since having his elbow reconstructed and generates his stuff with arm speed more than effort. He attacks hitters and had a history of throwing four pitches for strikes before getting hurt. If he can maintain his stuff while upgrading his command, he could become a mid-rotation starter.

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Scouting grades: Fastball: 50 | Curveball: 55 | Slider: 55 | Changeup: 50 | Control: 55 | Overall: 50

JSerra Catholic High School in Southern California has produced a good amount of talented players, most notably former No. 1 overall pick Royce Lewis. While the 2021 roster doesn’t have anyone who will go in that neck of the woods, it is deep with a pair of Top 100 prospects and some others of interest. Jump, an undersized and athletic lefty who threw well at a variety of showcase events, leads the group and is thought to be one of the best prep southpaws in the class, a spot he cemented with a strong spring and some outstanding outings in front of decision-makers.

If you like guys who really know how to pitch, then you might look past Jump’s size and be really interested in the Southern Cal recruit. He carved up hitters at events over the summer like the Perfect Game National Showcase, the Baseball Factory All-American Classic and the WWBA World Championship. He can throw four pitches for strikes, with a fastball that typically sits around 92 mph, but can touch 94-95, a heater described as “dark” by some scouts because hitters just don’t pick it up. Jump has a pair of distinct breaking pitches, with most preferring his curve to his slider, helped by his higher arm slot. He also displays good feel for his changeup.

While undersized, Jump is extremely competitive and super-athletic on the mound, helping him repeat his delivery and throw strikes, though some see a little effort and more control than command. California scouts see some similarities to Kolby Allard, who was a first-round pick back in 2015.

Transactions

Team	Date	Transaction
	08/05/2024	LHP Gage Jump assigned to ACL Athletics.
	07/25/2024	Oakland Athletics signed LHP Gage Jump.
	06/16/2024	College Workout activated LHP Gage Jump.
	02/10/2024	LHP Gage Jump assigned to Louisiana State Tigers.
	03/01/2022	LHP Gage Jump and assigned to UCLA Bruins.
	07/07/2021	LHP Gage Jump and assigned to College Workout.
	07/07/2021	LHP Gage Jump assigned to College Workout.
	06/16/2020	LHP Gage Jump assigned to PG National 4 - Gray.
	06/16/2020	LHP Gage Jump assigned to PG National 4 - Gray.