White Sox draft Oregon State infielder Nick Madrigal with 4th overall pick

With the fourth pick in the first round of the 2018 MLB Draft, the Chicago White Sox selected Oregon State middle infielder Nick Madrigal.

Madrigal hit .406/.470/.586 in 32 games for the Beavers as a junior this season, but also missed 26 games with a wrist injury earlier in the season. He was previously drafted out of high school in the 17th round in 2015 out of Elk Grove High School in California, but chose college instead.

“Nick is recognized as one of the best hitters in college baseball, and we’re excited to add him to the organization,” said Nick Hostetler, White Sox director of scouting. “He possesses tremendous baseball skills, character and makeup, and we look forward to watching him compete for the national championship before joining the White Sox organization and beginning his professional career.”

Oregon State will play Minnesota in the super regional round of the NCAA baseball tournament next weekend.

Baseball America said the 5’8 infielder “possesses arguably the best hit tool in the 2018 draft class,” and Jim Callis at MLB.com agreed.

His college coach Pat Casey also had high praise for the Oregon State team captain.

“He’s unbelievable,” Casey told the Sacramento Bee. “He’s going to be a big leaguer in a short period of time. He’s going to play the game for a long time. His instincts are off the charts. I give him a ton of freedom because he’s a thoroughbred and you’ve got to turn him loose.”

From John Sickels at Minor League Ball:

Speed is the best tool overall, with grades between 60 and 70 depending on the source. You can split the difference at 65 if you like, but everyone agrees that he’s an excellent baserunner with an ideal combination of instincts, athleticism, and aggression.

The fourth overall pick has an allotted slot bonus value of $6,411,400