Ole Miss shortstop Jacob Gonzalez drafted by the White Sox with 15th overall pick of 2023 MLB Draft

OXFORD, Miss. — Junior Ole Miss shortstop Jacob Gonzalez was selected by the Chicago White Sox with the 15 overall pick in the the first round Sunday in the Major League Baseball Draft. 

The slot value for Gonzalez at No. 15 overall is $4,488,600. (Click here to see the slot value for all the first round picks.)

The eighth first-rounder in Ole Miss history and the third-highest selection in program history. @jakegonzalez717 x @whitesox pic.twitter.com/PUXXMbLqWJ

— Ole Miss Baseball (@OleMissBSB) July 10, 2023

Forever a national champion, Gonzalez was a day-one starter for the Rebels, admired for his businesslike approach to the game.  

"@jakegonzalez717 will play in the Big Leagues. By 2025 he will be a shortstop in the Big Leagues." – @Gwood22Wood pic.twitter.com/GeRFXxqOJj

— Ole Miss Baseball (@OleMissBSB) July 7, 2023

His dependable presence at the plate dated back to his freshman year when he had a 13-pitch at bat vs. Texas A&M and continued to the 2023 season when he seemed always ready to hit, no matter the amount of time on the pitch clock.

Started every game at SS for 3 straight yrs…Pretty special! One of the best to ever come through Ole Miss. Congrats Gonzo! https://t.co/PWlPXylg3r

— Coach Mike Bianco (@CoachMikeBianco) July 10, 2023

Gonzo’s accolades during his time in Oxford are almost too numerous to list. In his first year, he was named:

• D1Baseball National Freshman of the Year,
• Second Team All-American by both the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association (NCBWA) and D1Baseball,
• First Team Freshman All-American by NCBWA,
• D1Baseball and Collegiate Baseball,
• First Team American Baseball Coaches Association All-South Region,
• SEC All-Freshman Team,
• SEC Freshman of the Week in Weeks 11 and 13,
• SEC Academic Honor Roll. 

Additionally, he led all true freshmen nationally in hits and runs scored.  

During the Rebels’ National Championship run in 2022, the Glendora, California native earned:

• First Team All-SEC,
• SEC Academic Honor Roll,
• Coral Gables Regional All-Tournament Team,
• USA Baseball Collegiate Team

JACOB GONZALEZ GIVES OLE MISS THE LEAD! pic.twitter.com/uMPfU6qNzn

— Mr Matthew CFB (@MrMatthewCFB) June 26, 2022

During his junior campaign in 2023, Gonzalez was a Brooks Wallace Award Semifinalist, SEC Team All-SEC and First Team ABCA All-South Region.

Gonzo’s durability is unquestioned — he never missed a single start during his time at Ole Miss.  In total, he started 186 games for the Red and Blue.

Statistically, he shined from his first year to his last, leading the Rebels as a freshman in batting average (.355), runs scored (73), hits (93), and doubles (16). 

In his sophomore year, he led in walks (50), and triples (3) and also led again in runs scored (73). 

This past year, Gonzo paced the team in doubles (18), walks again (35), and sacrifice flies (7).

Gonzalez joins Gunnar Hoglund (2021, Toronto Blue Jays), Ryan Rolison (2018, Colorado Rockies), Drew Pomeranz (2010, Cleveland Indians), Lance Lynn (2008, St. Louis Cardinals), Mike Rosamond (1999, Houston Astros), and Dan Adams (1970, Milwaukee Brewers) as first round draft picks from the Ole Miss baseball program.

We wish Jacob the best of luck as he begins his professional baseball career — in the same organization as former Ole Miss captain and teammate Tim Elko. 

Hotty Toddy!

Chris Muller

Chris is our Director of Baseball Content and Senior Baseball Writer. Muller is a 1995 Graduate of Ole Miss. He is a collegiate recreational sports professional currently residing in Arlington Texas with his wife of 25 years, Amber, and German Shorthaired Pointer, Sophie. Chris is an avid Ole Miss Baseball and Football fan. His hobbies include watching college football and baseball and playing poker with his friends.