2018 MLB Draft: The Chicago White Sox select Nick Madrigal with the 4th overall pick

With the 4th overall pick in the draft, the Chicago White Sox have selected second baseman Nick Madrigal from Oregon State University. In mock drafts, Madrigal was projected to go 5th by ESPN and 3rd by Baseball America.

Despite his size (5-foot-7, 160 pounds), Madrigal has already drawn comparisons to star second basemen Jose Altuve, Dustin Pedroia and Ozzie Albies after what he has done in his three seasons with Oregon State. He batted .333 as a a freshman, .380 as a sophomore and .406 so far as a junior while leading them to a record of 137-35-1. He was named the Pac-12 Player of the Year last year and a member of the Baseball America All-America First Team while helping them win a program-record 56 games and reaching the NCAA College World Series.

A big reason why Madrigal has made such a great impression on scouts is because of his hitting and speed, which are both above average grades. He also can play great defense, and some evaluators believe that the 2017 Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year can become a Gold Glove winner at second base. These tools, along with his intangibles, make the White Sox feel confident that he can be a big part of their future as an organization.

Get a look at Madrigal at the plate here: