Former Spartan Mitch Jebb officially signs with Pittsburgh Pirates
Former Michigan State baseball shortstop Mitch Jebb has officially signed with the Pittsburgh Pirates.
The Pirates selected Jebb in the second round of this year’s MLB Draft and officially inked him to a deal this past weekend. Jebb was the highest of three Spartans selected in this year’s MLB Draft.
Jebb reportedly signed for $1.65 million with the Pirates, according to Jim Callis.
Former Michigan State baseball shortstop Mitch Jebb has officially signed with the Pittsburgh Pirates.
The Pirates selected Jebb in the second round of this year’s MLB Draft and officially inked him to a deal this past weekend. Jebb was the highest of three Spartans selected in this year’s MLB Draft.
Jebb reportedly signed for $1.65 million with the Pirates, according to Jim Callis.
Mitch Jebb doesn’t know when or where he is supposed to report.
But that didn’t matter Sunday night, when a celebration erupted in his Saginaw home during the 2023 Major League Baseball Draft.
The Pittsburgh Pirates took Jebb with the 42nd overall pick, making the former Swan Valley High School star their second-round pick. He became the highest Michigan State draft pick since pitcher Mark Mulder went No. 2 overall in 1998.
Since I’ve been little, I’ve thought about playing professional baseball and playing at the highest level,” Jebb said. “I have the same thoughts now that I had when I was little.
“They called me before they showed it on television. It was a pretty short conversation. I don’t know when I’m reporting or where I’m going. I’m sure that will be a later conversation. Right now, I’m just enjoying this.”
Jebb, 21, was not surprised when he got the call from Pittsburgh, which took LSU pitcher Ryan Skenes with the No. 1 overall pick. Jebb’s slot value as the No. 42 pick is $2.05 million.
“I went to their workout and had a good day interacting with all the scouts and front office people,” Jebb said. “I could tell they liked me, so I figured they would be the team to pick me.
“They liked me, and I liked them. Obviously, they have the best park (PNC Park) in baseball. It’s beautiful. It’s a great organization. We’re part of the development of their farm system. They added me. They added Paul Skenes. We have a really good shot at being really good down the road.”
Jebb played shortstop at Swan Valley and at Michigan State before manning third base for the Hyannis Harbor Hawks in the Cape Cod League. He was ranked as the No. 46 prospect entering the draft.
“I’ll play anywhere they want me to play,” Jebb said. “If they need me in the outfield, I’ll play there. Short, second, third, first, catcher … where they tell me to play, I’ll play.”
The 6-foot, 180-pound infielder expects his game to evolve with the Pirates.
“When I was at Michigan State, there were people from nutritionist to coaches to psychologist … all these great resources,” Jebb said. “My work habits didn’t change from high school to college. I’m just being more efficient. That will continue with the Pirates. You take the resources you have and continue to formulate a plan.”
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