With Preseason rankings starting to roll out, Arizona outfielder Ryan Holgate found himself ranked 86th in MLB Pipeline’s 2021 MLB Draft Rankings.
Much like many other baseball players across the country this year, Arizona Wildcats outfielder Ryan Holgate’s Spring and Summer were unlike any other.
For those that don’t know, Ryan had a promising start to his 2020 season for the Wildcats, especially as he hit an impressive .377 in 15 games. However, as the Covid-pandemic hit and impacted numerous other Student-Athletes, he suddenly found himself in need to find a place to play for the rest of the Spring and Summer.
Arizona Wildcats
Completely changing the baseball landscape, Holgate was luckily able to find a landing spot this past Summer with the Santa Barbara Foresters of the conveniently canceled California Collegiate League.
However, the Foresters were able to put together a schedule, culminating in a run to the National Baseball Congress World Series Championship. In 32 games for the Foresters, Holgate hit for a .295 average with four Home Runs and 20 RBI’s.
Holgate was so impressive this past Summer that MLB Pipeline’s talent evaluators were able to see what they needed to include him in their Top 100 Draft Prospects.
A left-handed power bat is always coveted in Major League Baseball, and undoubtedly with the raw power that Holgate brings to the dish, he will be a home run threat every at-bat for the Wildcats in 2021.
The 2021 Draft is not loaded up with college bats, so it would not be surprising with a good showing for the Wildcats in the Spring to see Holgate potentially find himself getting some first-round consideration. Especially as his plate discipline will surely open up doors for him.
While he may not be a rapid riser due to the still rawness of his power, Holgate profiles as a one-day Major Leaguer and you could see his climb through an organization to potentially be like that of former Wildcat Jared Oliva who made his debut in 2020 with the Pittsburgh Pirates.
One thing that is for sure, is that it is going to be a fun summer at Hi Corbett for Holgate and the entire Arizona Baseball team. With the class, they are bringing in, and a likely Top 15 ranking, the Wildcats should be looking towards a trip to Omaha in 2021.
The draft currently is scheduled to be in Omaha following the College World Series, and it could potentially make for a convenient trip for Holgate, and the rest of Arizona’s selected players in 2021. As always, Bear Down, Arizona!