After sweeping through the opening round of the NCAA tournament to advance to the Super Regional, the Oregon State Beavers carried that same momentum to the MLB Draft. Nick Madrigal was drafted fourth overall by the Chicago White Sox and Trevor Larnach was drafted 20th by the Minnesota Twins. If you’ve followed the team at all this year, it’s not much of a surprise.
Madrigal’s star has shined bright throughout the last two seasons and it’s been impossible to ignore. He burst onto the scene his sophomore year, being named the Pac-12 Player of the Year. He has a small stature at 5’7 and leads with his effort and emotions. With his size and intangibles, he’s drawn draft day comparisons to Dustin Pedroia and Jose Altuve. He’s extremely tough to get out, only striking out an astounding five times this season. When on base, he’s just as tough, stealing 11 bases without being caught. He’s listed as a second baseman but will play shortstop in the minors. This would definitely favor him with the 23-year-old Yoan Moncada being locked in at their major league level at second base for the foreseeable future.
As for Larnach, his rise to stardom was more of a finger roll as opposed to Madrigal’s slam dunk. Last year was his first season as a full-time starter and he hit for average as most of the team did with O.K. power numbers notching just three home runs. His .327 average this year is a slight jump, but his home run and RBI numbers are what drew heart eyes from MLB scouts. His 17 home runs are what projects him as a power bat in the lineup. He utilizes all parts of the field when hitting and has a solid arm to play either corner outfield position. With his 6’4, 205-pound frame and left-handed swing, I think he compares well to Christian Yelich.
You can catch these two in action again when they take on the Minnesota Gophers at home this weekend. The winner of this series will advance to the College World Series.
