WVU baseball recruit opts to sign with Yankees

The WVU baseball team will be missing out on a talented outfielder in the 2017 season.

Jordan Scott, a Georgia native who performed at the prestigious IMG Academy, was drafted in the 14th round of the MLB First-Year Player Draft by the New York Yankees.

That was too good of a deal to pass up for Scott, so he chose to go the professional route to begin his big time baseball career.

The Mountaineers’ loss is the Yankees’ gain as Scott seems to be a five-tool recruit who could have played a major role as a freshman.

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As was the case for most of the 2016 season, West Virginia head coach Randy Mazey relied on his freshmen and underclassmen to carry the Mountaineers to not only a winning season, but the highest number of wins in Mazey’s tenure with the Mountaineers and a runner up finish in the Big 12 Conference Tournament.

With Scott’s makeup, it’s safe to say he would have fit right into Mazey’s plans as he looks to build upon last season’s great success.

Scott was the 428th selection in last week’s draft. By signing out of high school, he will report to a short-season rookie level affiliate of New York. By this time next year, he will likely be in Advanced-A ball.

Scott has a good body and a strong, athletic frame. On top of his baseball prowess, he was a standout football player who could play multiple positions on offense.

He played 26 games in his final prep baseball season hitting at a .266 clip with seven home runs and 32 RBI.

As a junior at Eagles Landing Christian Academy, Scott had eye-popping numbers which included a .446 batting average with five doubles, three triples, three home runs and 22 RBI.

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There’s no doubting that Scott made the best decision for his future by taking the deal with the Yankees. He is making quick, easy money and can live out his big league dreams without risking injury or another setback right away.

Scott won’t make the majors for at least another six years but if he lives up to his early billing, he has a bright future ahead of him.

Mazey was high on Scott before he could even have a chance to arrive on the Morgantown campus.

“Jordan may be the best athlete in this class,” Mazey said. “He can play multiple positions, hit home runs, steal bases and is also a great defender.”

He will get to do all that, now, in pinstripes with the Yankees.