The life of a baseball player trying to make it to the MLB is full of constant pressure and criticism. Along every step of the way, the best players are followed closely by scouts and big-league executives who watch their every move.
For an athlete that plays in college, the pressure to get drafted is inflated greatly during his junior season. Student-athletes at NCAA programs are not eligible for the MLB Draft until the summer following their third season, and most big-time college players will only play three seasons of NCAA baseball.
Entering the season, the NC State baseball team had a trio of juniors primed to be early picks in this year’s draft. Evan Mendoza, Joe Dunand and Brock Deatherage all came into the season on Baseball America’s College Top 100 Draft Prospects list, with Dunand leading the group at 26th on the list. Deatherage and Mendoza were 49th and 87th, respectively.
However, the performance of the Wolfpack and its three stars has been lackluster at best, with State holding a 5-7 record in ACC play. Dunand, Mendoza and Deatherage have lower batting averages than their last year totals, which is certainly playing a factor in the Pack’s struggles.
The upcoming MLB Draft is surely playing a role in the performance of the trio, as their numbers are significantly worse than previous years. Deatherage is hitting just .223, compared to .313 last season and .291 his freshman year. He has also driven in only 10 runs in 29 games played.
Mendoza’s numbers are equally as disappointing. The third baseman is hitting .204 with 12 RBIs. Last year Mendoza led the team with a .362 batting average, driving in 33 runs and striking out just 28 times.
Dunand is not experiencing the same drastic drop as his two teammates, although a lot of his numbers are down from his sophomore campaign. While he has recorded a career-high 10 home runs through just 29 games, he is hitting .257, 40 points down from his .297 mark last season. However, Dunand is hitting well as of late and seems to be settling in at the plate.
The numbers from Mendoza and Deatherage are alarming for the Pack, and if the two don’t turn their seasons around soon, their draft stocks will plummet. There could be a lot of reasons for the decline, but the pressure of the draft is clearly playing a factor in their performances.
While it appears the third-year stress may be negatively affecting some members of the Pack, others are striving in their junior campaigns. Outfielder Josh McLain is tearing it up for State this year, posting a .339 batting average and a .377 on-base percentage. McLain hit .300 last season and his improvement is notable. While he has never been a highly touted MLB prospect, if he continues to hit at the pace he is currently at, MLB teams should take notice of him.
Another junior having a breakout season for the Pack is Andy Cosgrove. Cosgrove has solidified himself in the starting catcher role as of late, and is batting .291 in 17 games played. Cosgrove played his first two years at Santa Barbara City College, but he is becoming a major piece for the Wolfpack this season.
The dream to someday play in the MLB is shared by all young baseball players, and top college baseball players are as close to realizing that dream as any. While some may thrive under that pressure, others struggle to perform. Mendoza and Deatherage haven’t found their games yet this season; however, with half the season remaining, they still have time to prove themselves to MLB scouts and executives.
