Outfield prospect Brandon Jacobs is reportedly one of the mystery names involved in a blockbuster three-team deal involving Mark Trumbo between the Arizona Diamondbacks, Los Angeles Angles and Chicago White Sox.
Per Arizona’s Twitter account, the Diamondbacks acquired Trumbo and two unannounced players in the transaction:
Dan Hayes of CSNChicago.com later helped to confirm Jacobs was one of the players to be named:
Jim Callis of MLB.com shared some details on the newest member of the Diamondbacks:
Profile
DOB: Dec. 8, 1990 (Age: 23)
Throws: Right
Height/Weight: 6’1″/225 lbs.
Drafted: 2009, 10th round by Boston
A 10th-round selection by the Boston Red Sox in 2009, the Auburn football recruit was signed for a $750,000 bonus because of his big bat and promising potential. Jacobs has hit .262 and 49 home runs in 428 games in the minors. Jacobs’ best year was 2011, when he had a career-best .303 average, 17 home runs and 80 RBI.
Jacobs’ 2012 season was derailed by a hamate bone injury. The Boston Red Sox subsequently shipped Jacobs to the Chicago White Sox last July in exchange for pitcher Matt Thornton. Jacobs went on to hit .244/.320/.407 in the minors overall in 2013.
Before the deal, Jacobs ranked No. 7 in Chicago’s farm system. The team’s site estimated his arrival in the majors to be 2015, citing his discipline problems at the plate as the main adversary to his advancement.
While Jacobs leaves much to be desired defensively, he has earned a look in center field as he continues to develop that area of his game. The majority of his time in the minors to this point has been spent in left field.
The 23-year-old offers plenty of potential if Arizona is willing to invest. He makes his money at the plate and through his ability to steal bases. He has nabbed 63 so far in his career, with his career-best 30 swipes also coming in 2011.
Arizona focused on the now and future as the key player in the three-team deal. Jacobs is part of the future in the outfield if he can continue to improve at the plate.
Note: All info courtesy of MLB.com.
Read more MLB news on BleacherReport.com