Rick Hahn has added another piece to the puzzle for the White Sox, drafting Missouri State 3B Jake Burger. Burger has soft hands and an incredible work ethic that should see him be able to stay at the hot corner longterm, but he could move to 1B or DH if the team thinks that is best. He has at least 20 home runs each of his last two seasons, and won Missouri Valley Conference Player of the Year, as he hit .343, belted 22 home runs, and knocked in 63. Comparisons are being drawn to Kevin Youkilis and Hunter Pence as he seems to get the job done, but sometimes ugly fashion.
Scouting Grades
Hit: 50 | Power: 55 | Run: 50 | Arm: 55 | Field: 50 | Overall: 55
Burger has plus-plus power to all fields and generates his pop from his strength as opposed to bat speed, but he also is advanced enough at the plate to hit for average as well. What is also important is that the White Sox drafted not only a good player, but filled a position of need, killing two birds with one stone.
Burger’s makeup is another thing the White Sox probably love about him, as he is always striving to get better. Burger is a player willing to make adjustments and sacrifices for the benefit of the team.
Final Thoughts
Jake Burger is one of the best college bats in the entire draft. A slugger who can also hit for average, Burger should one day find himself in the middle of the White Sox lineup. Staying at third base is more than possible, but could be moved to first base or DH as well. A hard worker with a great personality, Burger should be welcomed with open arms to the White Sox organization. At the end of the day, this was a very solid pick by Rick Hahn and the rest of the front office.
