“He can put the barrel on any pitch” - Jacob Wilson receives huge praise from Athletics manager Mark Kotsay ahead of big leagues call

Oakland Athletics' manager Mark Kotsay is fired up after the team recently called up their No. 1 prospect Jacob Wilson. The team announced they were calling up the exciting rookie on Thursday, just before MLB starts the second half.

Wilson was taken sixth overall in the 2023 MLB Draft after spending three seasons at Grand Canyon University. When he steps in between the white line, it will be his Major League debut.

Wilson has impressive bat-to-ball skills, which is a reason he went so high in the draft. It is something that Kotsay has made note of and is ready to see how it translates to the big leagues:

"He can put the barrel on any pitch, anywhere, which gives him an advantage. You look at his spray chart and it's everywhere. It's not like, 'Oh, he pulls the ball on the ground or hits it in the air.' It's everywhere. That, in itself, will be helpful for him."

In the minors this season, Wilson has made 311 player appearances and has struck out just 24 times. It will be interesting to see if he can keep that up once he makes his debut.

Taking a closer look at the Athletics' top prospect Jacob Wilson

Oakland Athletics - Jacob Wilson (Image via USA Today)

Jacob Wilson is a student of the game. He is the son of former All-Star Jack Wilson, who enjoyed a 12-year career in the big leagues with the Pittsburgh Pirates, Seattle Mariners, and Atlanta Braves.

Wilson started to make a name for himself while attending Grand Canyon University. He easily became one of the top hitters in the class, hitting .412 his junior season.

While he has immense power, his knowledge of the strike zone is otherworldly. He left GCU stroking out just 4.4% of his plate appearances, and he has been given Juan Soto comparisons for his eye at the plate.

Defensively, there is not much concern. While he has average speed, he has an elite glove, hands, and instincts make up for it. He also possesses an above-average arm and scouts can see him as having a great career at shortstop at the big-league level.

Wilson is somebody who could be a cornerstone player for the organization for years to come. While there has not been much to write home about for Athletics fans, this is one player that can get excited about.