Rebels SS Jacob Gonzalez Prepares For MLB Draft After Woeful Season

The legend at shortstop is looking ahead to next chapter of his baseball career.

Just because a player hears their name called in the MLB draft doesn't mean they'll sign on the dotted line with their respective ball club. Fans in Oxford shouldn't be preparing for a change of heart regarding shortstop Jacob Gonzalez.

Gonzalez, one of the purest collegiate players in this year's class, is projected to be a first-round pick in next month's draft and begin the next chapter of his career in the pros. He all but confirmed his status of departing Ole Miss in a social media post on Thursday afternoon with the caption reading: "This will always hold a special place in my heart."

Several Ole Miss teammates joked that he was planning on coming back. After the Rebels finished below .500 for the first time in program history under longtime coach Mike Bianco, it's safe to assume his sights are set on making it to the majors in due time.

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Considered by many baseball scouts are one of the "safer" picks, Gonzalez should be a front-runner to be the first college infielder selected come July 9. While the ceiling isn't as high are players like Grand Canyon's Jacob Wilson or Stanford's Tommy Troy, the floor is much lower. He possesses an exceptional glove and range that should keep him at shortstop, while his high contact rate makes him one of the more consistent hitters to get on base.

According to MLB.com's draft prospect list, Gonzalez is listed as the No. 15 overall prospect. He's considered the fifth-best infielder and the second-ranked college infielder, behind Wilson, who finished the season with the Antelopes batting .411 with six home runs and 61 RBIs to go along with a .635 slugging percentage.

Last season, Gonzalez led the Rebels in walks (35) and doubles (18) while holding a .327 batting average. He also ranked second on the team in on-base percentage (.435) and RBI (51) while totaling 10 home runs.

Fielding-wise, Gonzalez was only credited with five errors and posted a .971 fielding percentage. He finished with 61 putouts, 104 assists and helped turn 14 double plays.

Several MLB mock drafts have Gonzalez landing inside the top 10. In the latest mock from MLB.com, Gonzalez lands just outside the top 10 with the Los Angeles Angels at No. 11. In ESPN's most recent mock, the 6-2 infielder is projected to head to Oakland — which soon will call Las Vegas home — as the Athletics' new shortstop at pick No. 6. 

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