Reaching for the stars is easy - hanging on to them, not so much

Schools that recruit highly ranked prep stars clearly understand the risk v reward percentages of actually getting those stars to campus. For the most part, they are not good. Schools like Vanderbilt, Texas and UCLA have seen classes pillaged in the MLB Draft. Oregon State also has experienced draft day losses – coaching staffs anticipate it, but it is a huge disappointment for fans. The Beavers were incredibly fortunate to have Gavin Turley enroll this fall, not so fortunate with RHP Tyler Gough who is now a Mariner.


A year ago, Jesuit RHP Noble Meyer was a relatively safe recruit for Oregon – not anymore. The 6-5, 195 flamethrower had a phenomenal summer, dialing up his blistering fastball to 97-98 consistently, showing a plus slider and an improved change-up. Scouts easily made Mick Abel comparisons with some holding the idea his ceiling is higher than Abel’s was at this stage. Some scouts believe he will be the first high school pitcher off the board in the 2023 Draft. The recruiting services have him ranked as the best prep pitching prospect in the country. Here is a recent sample;

RHP Noble Meyer (Jesuit HS, OR), an Oregon recruit, has emerged as the top right-handed arm in the class. The wiry, long-limbed 6-foot-5, 200-pounder has steadily matured on the mound as the pure stuff has made an electric leap. Now equipped with a fastball that reaches into the upper 90s along with feel for a potential wipeout slider with 3000+ rpm and a faded changeup, Meyer’s confidence has grown to new heights, and there is a strong chance that he is ultimately the first pitcher taken off the board next summer. Hailing from the same high school as 2020 Phillies 1st Round Pick, RHP Mick Abel, Meyer might have an even higher ceiling than what the future big leaguer showed at this age.

In 2020 OSU lost Mick Abel. There is no immunity, welcome to the club, UO.