Power- hitting 3B Burger taken by Sox
The White Sox felt certain they drafted the best left- handed power hitter in the first round of last year’s draft, and they’re confident they doubled down on that pick by tabbing the best right- handed power hitter in this year’s draft.
By selecting third baseman Jake Burger of Missouri State with the 11th pick, the Sox also addressed a position that has been spotty since Robin Ventura stopped manning it. Burger slugged 22 homers this season and was considered one of the top hitters in the draft with plus power to all fields and a favorable strikeout- to- walk ratio.
A junior from Chesterfield, Missouri, the 6- 2, 220- pound 2017 Missouri Valley Conference player of the year batted .328, drove in 65 runs, scored 69 and slugged .663.
He was a semifinalist for the Dick Howser Trophy and the Golden Spikes Award, and he ranked second among active Division I hitters with 47 career homers.
‘‘ Last year, we felt we added the best left- handed power hitter in the country [ in catcher Zack Collins of Miami], and this year, we added the best right- handed power hitter in the country,’’ scouting director Nick Hostetler said.
Scouts are high on Burger’s ability to hit, but all aren’t sure whether he projects defensively as a major- league third baseman. Hostetler says not to worry, Burger will play third base.
‘‘ He’s got a plus arm,’’ Hostetler said. ‘‘ His feet work really well; his hands work well. Once he gets with Buddy Bell [ the Sox’ assistant general manager and a former Gold Glove third baseman] and Chris Getz [ the Sox’ director of player development and an infielder as a player] and our instructors, he’s just going to get better. He’s a definite third baseman for us.’’
‘‘ I’m obviously known for my power, but I’m more of a consistent guy,’’ Burger said. ‘‘ I’m not hitting .280; I’m hitting for average with a bunch of home runs. And I take a lot of pride in my defense. Third base is my position.’’
Hostetler said Burger could begin his pro career at low Class A Kannapolis, although that is to be determined. Advanced rookie Great Falls is also a possibility, he said.
‘‘ Big- time leadership and a funloving kid,’’ Hostetler said. ‘‘ We’re ecstatic to have him.’’
Burger is from St. Louis Cardinals country but said he was a big fan of former Sox standouts Paul Konerko and Jim Thome.
‘‘ It’s unbelievable,’’ Burger said. ‘‘ Growing up, I never really liked the Cardinals. I played hockey, so I was always in Chicago and fell in love with the city. Paul Konerko was going off, and it was a fun time.’’
The Sox selected left- handed power hitter Gavin Sheets, a first baseman from Wake Forest, with the 49th pick in the second round.