Despite being the 6th overall selection by the Miami Marlins in the 2022 MLB draft, LSU’s Jacob Berry was the first player out of college selected to the MLB. Berry is one the “safest bats” to choose from, and it certainly is an added bonus that he’s a switch hitter.
Berry’s dad, Perry Berry, is a Louisiana Lafayette alumni, and a former 4th round pick in the MLB Draft. Berry cites his dad’s inability to hit a breaking ball as to why he’s a switch hitter now. Berry also states he keeps the same swing whether he is hitting lefty or righty.
While he’s glad he went to LSU, Berry didn’t start his college days in the SEC. He started out at Arizona, but made the switch from Pac-12 to SEC ball after one year, a year in which he was National Collegiate Co-Freshman of the Year, and 2021 All Pac-12.
Berry tallied 17 homers in 2021 with the Wildcats. He led the Pac-12 conference base hits, total bases and RBI’s. How’s that for Freshman year?
Berry seems to have a good relationship with his college coach, Jay Johnson. Johnson took over as the LSU baseball coach last year, coming from Arizona. I’m sure his coaches’ move had an impact on his departure as well, especially since his coach had high praise from him throughout the year. “He’s a special hitter”, Johnson emphasized in a press conference following Berry’s two home run outing against Missouri.
At first glance of Berry’s statistics, it’s easy to see that he declined with his major statistics from 2021 to 22, but the fact is, he had a whole 39 more at-bats at Arizona than LSU, largely due to the fact that LSU has more top level players to rotate through the order. With his 39 less opportunities, Berry still managed just 10 less hits, gathering 77 at LSU. He also struck out so much less. In 2021 at Arizona, the infielder was struck out 58 times, but the next year, just 22.
So, he can hit, but that’s only half the game.
Berry is known to have below average speed and average arm strength. Most MLB scouts say he looks decent in the field at times, but he will likely have to move elsewhere in the field. Most believe he’ll end up at First Base. Switches from Third Base (Berry’s primary position) to First aren’t terribly uncommon, and a position at First could open up opportunities for Berry to bat in the heart of the lineup, and gather RBI’s and Hits, which we know he can do.