2. Josh Jung, INF

Sophomore

6’2” 215 lb

San Antonio, TX

Josh Jung came in as a part of Tim Tadlock’s 2016 recruiting class from MacArthur High School in San Antonio TX. As a true freshman, Jung started all 62 games at third base for the Red Raiders and was one of only two Red Raiders (Hunter Hargrove) to start every game. He also recorded 45 putouts and 140 assists, 11 of those being double plays.

At the plate, Jung was an instrumental part of the Red Raider offense. In 245 at bats Jung recorded 75 hits including six home-runs. Jung led the team with 24 multi-hit games which included six three-hit games and one four-hit performance against Oklahoma State. He also brought in 43 RBIs and scored 55 runs.

Jung finished third in the Big 12 and 91st in the country in runs scored, while also finishing the year tied for fifth in the Big 12 in total hits with 75. He averaged .351 in Big 12 play which was good for ninth in the league. His patience at bat put him at the top of the team in free bases which included 36 walks.

Jung was named Big 12 Freshman of the Year and earned All-Big 12 Second Team honors. He also earned four freshman All-American awards from Collegiate Baseball, D1 Baseball, Baseball America and Perfect Game.

For this upcoming season, Josh Jung needs to pick up right where he left off in 2018. I’d expect to see him start at third base but it wouldn’t surprise me to see him take over first base duties the same way Hargrove did after Gutierrez departed in 2017. If Jung shows even a little improvement in his sophomore year, he could very well become one of the best hitters in the league.