When you think of star power in the North Carolina State sophomore class, you think of Carlos Rodon, who many people think would be a shoo-in for the No. 1 pick in this year’s draft, were he eligible.
But the guy playing second fiddle is pretty good too.
Shortstop Trea Turner took the college baseball world by storm as a freshman last year when he led the nation with 57 stolen bases. For good measure, he hit .336 with a .432 on-base percentage. He scored 72 runs, good for sixth in the nation. A 20th-round pick out of high school, Turner has flashed his skill-set every step of the way.
He’s only gotten better this year. While he isn’t running as much – he’s stolen 17 bases – he’s hitting .437, which leads the ACC and has him tied for second nationally. He’s also shown a bit of pop, with six homers.
Turner was an easy pick for a Cape League roster spot last year, but he was selected for Team USA and spent the summer with them. He’s back on the NC State roster this year, which is a good sign – Rodon was on the Harwich roster last year, went to Team USA and isn’t back on a Cape roster this year.
Whatever happens, Turner is a star, and Y-D would be lucky to have him.