Cincinnati Reds choose Jack Moss in the 11th round, 318th overall
Professional Hitter. Professional opportunity.
On Tuesday, the Cincinnati Reds selected Texas A&M first baseman Jack Moss in the 11th round, 318th overall of the 2023 MLB Draft.
Moss becomes the first Aggie first baseman to be drafted since Washington took Will Frizzell in the eighth round in 2021.
Endearing himself to the 12th Man during the 2022 run to Omaha, Moss was a .368 hitter during his two-year stint in Aggieland.
After earning Freshman All-American honors in 2021 at Arizona State, Moss reunited with assistant coach Michael Earley at Texas A&M and enjoyed a historic 2022 campaign that saw him hit a team-leading .380. His 103 hits that spring rank fifth among A&M's single-season leaders.
Perhaps Moss' most memorable performance in a season full of them came on March 29 as he hit for the cycle in a thrilling 12-9 A&M victory over archrival Texas in Austin.
Entering 2023 with preseason All-SEC First-Team honors, Moss again led A&M in average at .355 with 93 hits while splitting time at first base and designated hitter. As a junior, Moss received SEC All-Tournament and All-Regional recognition for another standout postseason.
Originally from Englewood, Colorado, Moss posted an eye-popping .352 average in 687 at-bats over 177 games in his three collegiate seasons.
Should the Professional Hitter elect to begin his professional career, a key bat will be missing from Jim Schlossnagle's club next spring.
However, should he elect to return, Jason Tyner's career record of 307 hits appears to be in range.
Ryan Brauninger's scout on Jack Moss
“One of the best pure hitters in college baseball. Simple, old-school approach that produces consistent barrels to all portions of the field. Tough to strike out due to elite feel for the strike zone, pitch recognition and efficient set up/swing. The entire operation is similar to a Freddie Freeman but without the power. Good around the bag defensively and showed improvement on picking throws in the dirt in the 2023 season. Added weight and strength to his long frame in the last year. Will need to see an uptick in slugging production at the next level. Doesn't run or throw well. Very advanced baseball thinker."