5 Underrated College World Series Players Who Became MLB Stars ft. Jeff Kent
The College World Series can have hidden gems. Sometimes, the future stars of MLB are obvious. Everybody could see players like Bryce Harper or Justin Verlander heading for stardom a mile away. But other times, the stars are a bit hidden.
Here are five MLB players who actually did make appearances in the College World Series, but who got even better from there and became MLB stars.
5 underrated College World Series players who became MLB stars
5. James McCann, Arkansas
In the 2009 College World Series, Arkansas played an excellent defensive catcher who was fairly terrible at the plate. McCann, who hit just .242 with a single home run, improved at Arkansas but got even better at the next level.
His defensive excellence stayed, but McCann improved his hitting enough to slug 18 homers as an All-Star in 2019 with the Chicago White Sox. Still active in the major leagues, McCann hasn't had a Hall of Fame career, but he's certainly improved from the punchless catcher for the Razorbacks.
4. Will Harris, LSU
Harris was a .329-hitting infielder for the 2004 LSU team that reached the College World Series. So why is he on this list? Well, he pitched just three innings that year. And his ticket to the big leagues was as a pitcher.
A ninth-round draft pick by the Astros, Harris made a steady rise to the big leagues. He went 23-20 in MLB with 21 saves and a 2.94 ERA. He was an All-Star in 2016 and pitched in the World Series twice, including winning a championship ring in 2017. Not bad for an infielder!
3. Deion Sanders, Florida State
Sanders hit just .267 with three home runs for FSU in 1987 when the Seminoles reached the College World Series. It later turned out he was a bit distracted by being an All-American football star at FSU.
Sanders might be a stretch as an MLB star, but he was certainly an exciting big leaguer. While splitting time with the NFL's Atlanta Falcons, Sanders hit .263 and stole 186 bases over nine seasons in MLB. Deion also went 8-for-15 with a pair of doubles and five stolen bases in World Series play. Prime Time always liked the brightest lights.
2. John Franco, St. John's
St. John's made the 1980 College World Series with a pair of left-handed starting pitchers. Frank Viola was the big-time prospect, but the 5-foot-9 John Franco wasn't exactly a megastar. Sure, the crafty lefty was effective, but he was small enough to fall to the fifth round of the 1981 MLB Draft.
Franco laughed last, becoming one of the most effective closers in MLB history. His 424 saves attest to his steady consistency on the mound. Viola had some big MLB moments himself, but those who bet on Franco got the longer-term rewards.
1. Jeff Kent, Cal
In 1988, Cal went to the College World Series with a slap-hitting second baseman who batted just .193 with four homers. That was Jeff Kent, who promptly became a 20th-round draft choice when he opted for the professional ranks.
A five-time MLB All-Star and the 2000 National League MVP, Kent hit .290 in the big leagues. He also slugged 377 home runs and won four Silver Slugger awards. Not a bad finish for that light-hitting second baseman.
Which surprising CWS players do you remember as MLB standouts? Let's hear your thoughts below in the comments section!