Latest news with #JimCallis
Yahoo
12 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Red Sox Predicted to Replace Jarren Duran With Power Bat After Trade Rumors
Red Sox Predicted to Replace Jarren Duran With Power Bat After Trade Rumors originally appeared on Athlon Sports. Trade rumors have been flying about Boston Red Sox outfielder Jarren Duran. They have only ramped up since Rafael Devers was dealt to the San Francisco Giant, as the organization now appears to be heading towards a youth movement at the MLB Trade Deadline. Advertisement According to Jim Callis and Jonathan Mayo, the Red Sox may have their replacement for Duran waiting in the draft at the 15th overall spot. That player? Auburn University's Ike Irish. Irish is a powerful left-handed bat who has proven ability at the plate against top-tier collegiate pitching in the Southeastern Conference (SEC). He stands 6'2", weighing 201 lbs. The junior out of Hudsonville, Michigan is the highest projected outfielder and catcher among both high school and collegiate prospects in Mayo and Callis' mock draft. "Boston can stick Irish in the outfield and let his athleticism and bat play," Callis and Mayo wrote. Auburn Tigers' Ike Irish (18) celebrates after hitting a double against the Central Connecticut State Blue Devils during the NCAA Regional Baseball Tournament at Plainsman Park in Auburn, Ala., on Friday May 30, Welsh / Advertiser / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images With 24 doubles in his freshman year, 14 home runs in his sophomore season and then 19 home runs in his junior campaign, Irish has the power and an approach at the plate that should translate well to the professional level. Advertisement His career batting average is .350, with a .435 on-base percentage. In 2024 he slugged a monster .710, with progression towards that number after each of his first two seasons. currently has Irish ranked as the 21st overall prospect in the draft, but once the College World Series concludes the rankings could be updated. The Red Sox could use a more polished bat out of the draft, and the college prospect could fill a need at a corner outfield position. The 2025 MLB Draft is being held on July 13 and 14. Related: Former Red Sox Star Xander Bogaerts Faces Backlash Amid Struggles This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 23, 2025, where it first appeared.
Time of India
05-06-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
Report: Wake Forest's Marek Houston could be Braves' game-changing first-round pick
Report: Wake Forest's Marek Houston could be Braves' game-changing first-round pick (Image via Getty) The 2025 MLB Draft is just around the corner and teams are now finalizing their plans. One of the surprising shifts comes from the Atlanta Braves. A new MLB Pipeline mock draft by expert Jim Callis suggests that the Braves might finally turn their attention to hitting, after years of focusing mostly on pitching talent. Braves may focus on offense after years of pitching picks On Monday, June 3, 2025, Jim Callis released a full mock draft on MLB Pipeline. In this list, he predicted that the Atlanta Braves will pick shortstop Marek Houston from Wake Forest University with the 22nd overall pick. This is big news because the Braves have not picked a position player in the first round since 2019, when they took Shea Langeliers and Braden Shewmake. Since then, Atlanta has mostly gone for pitchers. In the last five years, their top picks were all arms — Jared Shuster in 2020, Ryan Cusick in 2021, Owen Murphy and JR Ritchie in 2022, Hurston Waldrep in 2023, and Cam Caminiti in 2024. Report: Wake Forest's Marek Houston could be Braves' game-changing first-round pick While Shuster was traded to the Chicago White Sox in the Aaron Bummer deal and Cusick went to Oakland Athletics in the Matt Olson trade, the rest are still developing in the Braves' minor league system. This possible move toward offense shows a clear shift in strategy for Atlanta in 2025. Also Read: Tensions Boil As Wake Forest Coach Appears To Yell At Tennessee Star Andrew Fischer Before Home Run Marek Houston's profile stands out as a top college hitter Marek Houston, a shortstop for Wake Forest, had a strong season in 2025. He played 61 games and hit .354 with 14 doubles, 15 home runs, 66 RBIs, and 46 walks. His ability to hit for contact and show more power this season makes him an attractive pick. Houston played well during Wake Forest's run in the NCAA Regionals, adding important hits in key moments. He is known more for his glove, though. According to he has great defensive tools, with a 60 grade fielding score and 55 grade arm. 'He's a smooth shortstop with great instincts and range,' Callis wrote in the mock draft. 'He fits the Braves' model of strong up-the-middle defense.' If Houston is picked before the Braves can draft him, Jim Callis said they might go for Wehiwa Aloy, a powerful shortstop from Arkansas, or high school pitcher Kruz Schoolcraft. The Braves are clearly in need of a good shortstop, and for the first time in years, they may be ready to draft one in the first round.
