Multiple Gamecocks ready to compete at MLB Draft Combine this week
The future is in their hands now.
Starting on Tuesday, the MLB Draft Combine is set to get underway at Chase Field in Phoenix, home of the Arizona Diamondbacks. The combine will feature 319 draft-eligible prospects, with a few current and future Gamecocks sprinkled in, and will last from June 18-23.
This year, South Carolina will send Eli Jones, Eli Jerzembeck, Roman Kimball and Cole Messina to participate in the combine. In addition, signees Brandon Clarke, Beau Hollins, Carson Messina and PJ Morlando will also be on hand for the event.
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The combine will provide an opportunity for players to showcase their skills and climb up the draft board ranks. Players will be able to go through medical testing, on field training, and interview process with General Manager’s and scouts.
There will also be a Combine High School Game, giving high school draft prospects the opportunity to show their talent and play against the top talent from around the country.
MLB Network will be broadcasting the combine beginning at 1 p.m. on Tuesday. The 2024 MLB Draft is set for July 14-16 in Arlington, Texas.
Before things get going in Phoenix, here’s a breakdown of each current Gamecock that will be participating this week.
Eli Jones
In three seasons at South Carolina, Jones has pitched in various roles. He came onto the scene late in his freshman year after recovering from Tommy John surgery and pitched as a midweek starter. In his first full season in 2023, he pitched to a 3.95 ERA in 54.2 innings with 63 strikeouts to 17 walks. He made six starts in 22 total appearances.
Heading into 2024, Jones was named South Carolina’s Opening Day starter and got off to a strong start. But he hit some rough patches in both April and May, which took a hit on his overall numbers. He finished the year 3-4 with a 5.24 ERA in 15 starts (17 appearances). He struck out 56 batters and walked 20.
Eli Jerzembeck
A highly-touted high school prospect, Jerzembeck came to South Carolina with a lot of potential. He showed glimpses of what he could be for the Gamecocks as a freshman but also went through some struggles. Overall, 2023 was a solid year for him. He finished with a 2.84 ERA in 31.2 innings, making three starts in 16 appearances.
However, his freshman year was cut short as he underwent Tommy John surgery. He last pitched in a game on May 7, 2023. But the upside is definitely there. He turned 21 years old on June 17, making him draft eligible this year. Whether he stays or goes will all depend on multiple factors, including where pro teams project him, how much money he could be making, etc.
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Roman Kimball
After helping Notre Dame reach the College World Series in 2022, Kimball transferred to South Carolina. But he missed the entire 2023 campaign while recovering from Tommy John.
In his first full year as a Gamecock, Kimball went 2-2 with a 6.32 ERA in 31.1 innings. He struck out 42 and walked 32. The potential has always been there for him to be great, but free passes have been an issue that were prevalent this year. However, he showed flashes of dominance and has been said to have some of the best stuff on this year’s team.
It was worth noting that Kimball was one of a few Gamecocks to publicly show their support for new head coach Paul Mainieri on social media. And he was in attendance for Mainieri’s introductory press conference last Thursday. But it would make sense to go through the combine process to get further evaluation from pro teams and scouts.
Cole Messina
As a freshman, Messina played sparingly with former Gamecock catcher Colin Burgess behind the plate in 2022. But he took on full-time catching duties in 2023 and never looked back.
Over the next two seasons, including 2024, Messina hit .317 with 38 homers and 136 RBI in 121 games. He’s shown to have a rocket of an arm behind the plate, throwing out 13 runners in 41 attempts in 2024.
Depending on how the combine goes, it’s very likely Messina turns pro. He had a phenomenal junior year and has a lot of stock right now. He does have the option to come back for his senior year, especially with the opportunity to play with his brother next season in mind. But that decision will come within the next few weeks before the draft.
