Jacob Anderson
| AB | 323 |
|---|---|
| AVG | .223 |
| OBP | .286 |
| SLG | .328 |
| HR | 6 |
- Full name Jacob Paul Anderson
- Born 11/22/1992 in Chino Hills, CA
- Profile Ht.: 6'4" / Wt.: 190 / Bats: R / Throws: R
- School Chino
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Drafted in the C-A round (35th overall) by the Toronto Blue Jays in 2011 (signed for $990,000).
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Anderson's stock soared after he won the home run derby at the Under Armour All-America Game at Wrigley Field last August, nearly putting a ball on Waveland Avenue in the final round. Scouts were frustrated they could not see Anderson play the outfield this spring, because Chino High had no other viable options at first base and used Anderson there. Tall and projectable at 6-foot-4, 195 pounds, he is a long strider with solid-average speed under way, and he profiles either in center or right, where he should have adequate arm strength. Anderson is a physical specimen with plenty of leverage and solid-average to plus raw power potential in his slightly uphill swing. Scouts are not convinced his bat is ready for pro ball, as he struggles to recognize offspeed stuff and needs to learn how to make adjustments. But he has the ability to become an average hitter down the road. A top-five-rounds talent, Anderson is likely headed to school at Pepperdine, where he'll help anchor a strong recruiting class.
Top Rankings
Organization Prospect Rankings
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Anderson burst into prominence as a prospect when he won the home run derby at the Under Armour All-America Game at Wrigley Field in August 2010. One of his home runs nearly landed on Waveland Avenue. Because Chino (Calif.) High didn't have a good option at first base, Anderson usually played there, frustrating scouts who wanted to see him work in the outfield. Some wondered whether his bat was ready for pro ball because of his questionable pitch-recognition skills, but the Blue Jays took him 35th overall last June. He ended up being Toronto's highest pick to sign, agreeing to a $990,000 bonus almost two weeks before the signing deadline, allowing him to get in some action in the Gulf Coast League. Anderson has long levers in his projectable frame, yet also has a short, simple swing that allows him to hit to all fields. He has good bat speed and should have at least average power. He's new to the outfield and perhaps could hold down center field with his solid speed, but he profiles better in right field. He's working on a long-toss program to build up his arm strength, which should be at least average. His size and athleticism have prompted comparisons to Alex Rios. The Jays likely will take things slow with Anderson, leaving him in extended spring training to start 2012.
