Brett Jackson, OF Chicago Cubs
8/2/1988
Height: 6’2″ Weight: 210
Brett Jackson was selected by the Cubs in the first round of the 2009 draft out of the University of Cal. They took him #31 overall signing him to a $972,000 bonus and he went three levels in his first taste of pro ball shortly thereafter. Concerns about his contact ability quickly proved to be somewhat unfounded and he’s gone on to have success at each level.
He’s currently knocking on the door in Chicago and is going to get a chance to make the team in 2012 and possibly start in CF. Jackson was ranked #37 on our Preseason Top 100 List:
Brett Jackson, OF Cubs
37. Brett Jackson OF CHC - Jackson is a toolsy OF who balances his game with hustle and talent. He’s never going to be a burner and he’ll never be a premier power threat, but, solid at all facets of the game, he’s going to be a fixture for the Cubs. He doesn’t have any glaring weaknesses that should hold him back. UP: 20/20 seasons in his prime.
Let’s take a look at the tools for Jackson and what makes him the top prospect in the Cubs system right now.
The Bat
Jackson came onto the pro scene with serious questions about his ability to make consistent contact. I said that doubt was somewhat unfounded. Well, Jackson, is going to hit enough to play at the major league level. There isn’t much question about that at this point after he hit .297 at Triple-A this year.
The questions still remain as to whether he’s top or bottom of the order material.
His OBP has been in the .350+ range each season reaching .386 at Tripe-A this year, which is more than enough to make him a top of the order type of hitter. But his K rate also jumped and to a level that will be unacceptable – 29.8%. It’s the highest rate of his career, so I’m not sure that’s going to stick, because he was still able to hold an elite level walk rate of 13% which is outstanding.
Jackson is a mixed bag of numbers that contradict his game play. He’s not a pure power hitter and again his IsoP jumped to .254 in Triple-A after never seeing a level above .200 in his career.
To add to his offensive upside is a good set of wheels and the ability to use them wisely. How agressive the Cubs decide to get with him will determine his SB upside.
The Glove
He’s not a pure CF, but will be brought up and given every chance to stick there for the Cubs, moving either Byrd or Soriano to RF. He gets good reads and plays the game hard. So the Cubs think that he’ll be able to handle the position at least in his early years. His arm will play in CF or LF, but RF will be a little bit of stretch.
Our Instinct
Preseason I said that Jackson was going to be a 20/20 type of player in his prime. His 2011 didn’t do anything to change that view. He’s solid enough across the board to be a very useful player while he holds onto his speed.
I think he’ll be able to add some more power as he reaches his prime and could top out as a 25 HR per year player while his SB totals start to drop. He’s going to get on base enough and probably slot in as a .280 hitter while providing average power and speed while playing above average defense.
He’s not going to be an All-Star, but he’s going to be prospect that will have little downside if the expectations aren’t set too high.
Check back soon as we profile many more Top MLB Prospects and also get our baseball geek on and take a look at some of the later draft picks from the 2011 draft that we think could be big names on the prospect radars in the near future. Anyone can tell you that Mike Trout is going to be a stud now, but who told you that when he was drafted? So take a look at our Touch’em All | GCL Pitchers and be a step ahead of the game. Thanks for checking Baseball Instinct. We’re working hard to bring you the best of the minor leagues and make the site the best experience it can be. So don’t hesitate to tell us what you would like to read about. Email me now at Tom@baseballinstinct.com.
