Texas SS Jalin Flores returning for 2025 season
Texas shortstop Jalin Flores has decided to return to the Longhorns for 2025, forgoing the opportunity to move to the MLB at this moment.
“Source: @TexasBaseball All-American shortstop Jalin Flores is returning to the #Horns for another season,” Kendall Rogers of D1 Baseball reported on Monday. “Flores was one of the top available college players in the #MLBDraft. He’s now returning to Austin. Obivously, massive news for the Longhorns.”
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Moreover, Flores was a draft-eligible sophomore and went through the process during high school. However, he went undrafted and decided to play college baseball at Texas. After a rocky freshman season, Flores bounced back with Troy Tulowitzki back in the program, and now he’s back for another go-round.
In 60 games played this season, Flores finished with a .340 average with 18 home runs, 56 RBIs, and an OPS of 1.064. He was struck out on 56 occasions while 26 walks were drawn in nearly 250 at-bats.
D1 Baseball named Flores a third-team All-American after his impressive season. Unsurprising, he was named first-team All-Big 12 — an impressive honor with the quality of players in the conference this year.
Flores played in the gap defensively for Texas, with head coach David Pierce using the infielder at shortstop. But the bat is really where Flores flourished, consistently being at the top of the lineup and providing the Longhorns with some power.
What MLB scouts are saying about Jalin Flores
Prior to the draft, MLB.com provided a scouting report on Flores, ranking him the No. 116 prospect. They were mixed on his ability as a hitter, being positive about the power potential more than anything. If Flores can make his way to the Majors, the potential to hit 20+ home runs is there, in their opinion.
“Flores remains an aggressive right-handed hitter who looks to launch balls to his pull side,” the scouting report said. “While his swing-and-miss and chase rates are up from a year ago, he’s making more consistent contact and driving the ball with much more authority. He has the bat speed, strength and leverage to produce 20 or more homers per season, though he probably won’t hit for a high average or draw many walks.”
The scouting report also provides some doubt about Flores being able to stick at shortstop long-term. MLB.com says teams might like him better at third base due to “quick hands and plus arm strength.” Defense can always be figured out if the bats shows up on a nightly basis.