With the 2018 Draft fast approaching (June 4-6 on MLB Network and MLB.com), we take a closer look at the top prospects in this year's class.
:: 2018 Draft coverage ::
Name: Jonathan India
Position: 3B
School: University of Florida
Rank on Draft Top 200: 8
DOB: 12/15/1996
Bats: R
Throws: R
Height: 6'1"
Weight: 185 lbs.
Tools
(Future grades on 20-80 scouting scale)
Hit: 55 | Power: 50 | Run: 55 | Arm: 55 | Field: 55 | Overall: 55
Top 20 Draft Prospects profiles
Stats (through 2018 regular season)
54 G, 178 AB, .365/.506/.730, 16 HR, 40 RBIs, 11 SB
Scouting report
India was a solid, albeit unspectacular, prospect coming out of high school powerhouse American Heritage three years ago, one whose strong commitment to the University of Florida teams knew would be tough to break. After two fairly pedestrian years with the Gators -- along with a pair of summers in the Cape Cod League -- the infielder has broken out in a big way during his junior season.
India has been perhaps the best all-around college hitter this spring, showing the ability to impact the game in a number of ways. He has an advanced approach on offense, showing excellent plate discipline and the ability to hit for average that should translate. His pitch selection has improved tremendously, which, in turn, has given him better pitches to drive, something he's doing more consistently this year. Some evaluators see at least average power from India in the future. He's a solid runner with excellent instincts and can steal a base. India has played a lot of third, but his athleticism and instincts -- not to mention his strong arm -- could allow him to play any of a number of infield positions at the next level.
Prolific college hitters are always hard to find, and those who perform in their Draft year tend to shoot to the top of boards. That's exactly what's happening with India, whose performance in the top-notch South Eastern Conference is putting him into many first-round conversations.
MLB comp: Kevin Seitzer
Fun fact: India was part of a star-studded infield playing for American Heritage High School in Florida. He was teammates with Rays No. 6 prospect Lucius Fox, acquired from the Giants in the Matt Moore trade, and Florida Atlantic shortstop Tyler Frank, who ranks as the No. 75 prospect entering this year's Draft.
He said it: "I let my ability take over, and I just play the game I've known how to play since I was five. It's really been working out and I'm stronger mentally this year, I'm more mature as a player. I don't get down on myself after bad at-bats . . . and I just feel like I'm making adjustments easier this year than past years."
-- India on his improvements in 2018, to Baseball America
They said it: "It's insane."
-- American League scouting director, on India's 2018 season vaulting him onto top Draft prospect lists
"I keep going back in and he just keeps having good at-bats. I think he breaks the Top 15 [in the Draft], maybe Top 10."
-- National League scouting director, after India homered off No. 1 overall 2018 Draft prospect Casey Mize in April