Texas A&M (27-20, 10-14 SEC) is on the cusp of making the NCAA Tournament after defeating No. 2 LSU last weekend, and one of the main reasons the Aggies were able to leave Sunday with a series win was the clutch hitting from senior outfielder Jace LaViolette, who, despite his recent struggles over the past two weeks is still considered a top MLB draft selection due to his elite power at the plate, and impressive defense.
However, LaViolette’s strikeout issues have been an issue that has hurt A&M’s offense, spurring the possibility that he could return for a final season to work out his remaining issues, as he was once considered the top prospect in the 2025 draft, but due to his struggles, the Katy, Texas native has taken a dive in the newest draft predictions.
According to USA TODAY’s Gabe Lacques, LaViolette is predicted to land 8th overall to the Toronto Bluejays, who are looking to add another potential superstar to an already impressive batting lineup:
“LaViolette started the year as 1A to Holliday, but a less than overwhelming SEC campaign has dampened the ceiling a bit. He’s hitting .276 with 48 strikeouts in 47 games – a 21.4% K rate – but has smacked 15 homers and reached base at a .437 clip. That’s all down from a sophomore year where he hit 29 homers, with six multi-homer games, and posted a .449 OBP. But the overall track record for the 6-foot-6 lefty slugger.”
As Lacquez notes, LaViolette’s 21.4% strikeout rate is alarming for a player of his stature, but this is just life in the SEC, and with last place Missouri heading to College Station this weekend, the junior could get back on track, as there is always time to further impress scouts before final submissions.
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