After the Athletics drafted him 73rd in the 2024 MLB draft, Gage Jump has given hope to the organization. Following a successful 2021 high school season in which he committed to UCLA, the Padres drafted him in the 18th round.
The Athletics have been hitting on some of their recent draft picks, with first rounders Jacob Wilson (2023) and Nick Kurtz (2024) already having an impact at the big league level.
Left-hander Gage Jump probably would like to have his pro debut back as a do-over. That came April 4, when the Athletics’ prospect – pitching for the High-A Lansing Lugnuts – threw just two innings against the Fort Wayne TinCaps (San Diego Padres affiliate).