The MLB Draft is in full swing and the Indiana Hoosiers have their first player off the board. Outfielder Craig Dedelow was selected by the Chicago White Sox.
Major League Baseball held their first night of the Draft on Monday where players would make the transition from high school or college ball to the pros. Any draft in professional sports has become increasingly more popular for fans to follow. It is equally as exciting for the players who are about to embark on their professional careers.
Tuesday was the second full day of drafting for the MLB and one familiar name was selected. The Chicago White Sox select outfielder Craig Dedelow in the ninth round, pick No. 267 overall. This was the first Indiana Hoosier selected in this year’s draft with a handful of others hoping for that call.
Craig Dedelow spent four years patrolling Indiana’s outfield and was a crucial part to the Hoosiers run this season. This season Dedelow played in 60 games with a slash line of .258/.336/.563 and an OPS of 898. Dedelow found his power in his final season with the Hoosiers belting 19 home runs which are more than his previous three seasons (12) combined. While he did start the season struggling and his average dipped below .300 for the first time since his freshman year, Dedelow has legitimate talent.
If you don’t believe me, take a look at his sweet swing for a grand slam off Maryland.
Dedelow led the Hoosiers in plenty of offensive and defensive categories. In his senior season, he led Indiana’s offense in triples (2), home runs (19), runs batted in (54), and total bases (135). He also has the second-highest fielding percentage among starters (.994) only committing one error this season.
Craig Dedelow helped the Hoosiers to an NCAA Tournament bid where he was 4-for-13 at the plate including two home runs, four RBIs, two walks, and four strikeouts.
One of the most impressive parts about Craig Dedelow though? He was selected in the 34-round of the
He was selected in the 34-round of the 2016 MLB Draft by the Pittsburgh Pirates. He jumped 25 rounds in a matter of one season and has landed with a club in the midst of a rebuild. The White Sox after stacking their farm system with a plethora of arms are in need of bolstering their offense. Craig Dedelow’s glove along with his power from the left side of the plate plays well with this pick.
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For the Chicago White Sox, they are getting a more experienced player in Craig Dedelow. One of the advantages for players in college is they often need less time to develop in the minor league system. A four year, Big Ten Conference player heading to a team that is looking to contend three to five years down the road could help Dedelow’s chances of landing in the big leagues.
The White Sox selected Dedelow as their second outfielder in this draft so far. Chicago selected Luis Gonzalez with their third round, No. 87 overall pick previously. As it currently stands, Chicago has two top-10 outfield prospects in their system including Cuban sensation Luis Robert (No. 3). The other being No. 9 prospect in their system Luis Alexander Basabe who was acquired in the Chris Sale blockbuster deal this offseason.
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It will be quite an interesting path for Dedelow but of all the clubs to do it with, the White Sox might be the most enticing to a young outfielder. Dedelow is the first of what we hope to be other Hoosiers drafted in the coming days.