Colorado closes out Day One of the Draft by grabbing another outfielder
Troy Tulowitzki is back!
Well, kind of.
His influence will be carried into Colorado’s clubhouse by outfielder Jared Thomas, drafted as the 42nd pick at the end of Day One in the 2024 MLB Draft.
With the 42nd pick in the 2024 Draft, the @Rockies select @TexasBaseball outfielder Jared Thomas, No. 60 on the Top 250 Draft Prospects list.
Watch LIVE: https://t.co/eLMJAXDe7Z pic.twitter.com/erwbhIhbzc
— MLB Draft (@MLBDraft) July 15, 2024
The University of Texas hitter studied under the tutelage of “Tulo” last year, but will now transition to professional baseball with the team that made his mentor famous.
Considered a bat-first prospect, Thomas slashed .349/.435/.635 with Texas last season and impressed the Rockies with his professional approach at the plate. His “pretty left-handed swing” is considered to contain one of the higher ceilings available in the Draft.
The Colorado Rockies have selected #Texas INF Jared Thomas with pick 42 in the 2024 MLB Draft. @BlakeMunroeOTF | @ontexasfootball https://t.co/Aj97EVoauk pic.twitter.com/JIuUPT2oao
— CJ Vogel (@CJVogel_OTF) July 15, 2024
His work will be cut out for him in the spacious greenery of the Coors outfield, but the hope is that he can continue to refine the swing that allowed him to hit the ball to the gaps, which led to him recording 15 doubles and four triples with Texas.
Thomas may also offer versatility in the field, having played some first base in addition to the outfield.
Colorado sees him as an outfielder, though, and believe that he’s only just shown flashes of the athleticism that resides within him.
“I wouldn’t say he was wasted at first base, but he’s a better athlete than being at first base (exclusively),” said Vice President and Assistant General Manager of Scouting Danny Montgomery. “This will be something we’ll discuss once he comes into our mini camp and we get a feel for him. He’ll probably end up having two gloves.”
#Rockies select OF Jared Thomas from the University of Texas with the 42nd overall pick in the 2024 MLB Draft.
Combination of power and speed from the left side. pic.twitter.com/sdbWI1Orjj
— The Rockies Insider (@Rockies_Insider) July 15, 2024
Senior Director of Scouting Operations Marc Gustafson agrees.
“We love athletes,” Gustafson said. “We love those guys that have versatility, that can make in-game adjustments and can do exciting things at Coors Field. If (a player has) that athleticism and that growth mindset – rather than just pigeonhole somebody – we give guys the freedom to grow and get better.”
Wherever the Rockies decide to play him, Thomas offers an electrifying bat that Colorado will be excited to hone even further.
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