Boston College Baseball: Luke Gold Readies for the MLB Draft

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Playing for a college baseball team that struggles through its season is not something any player wants to do. Luke Gold of Boston College can attest to that. This past spring edition of the Eagles had a rough go of it both in ACC conference play and out-of-conference action. They finished with an overall record of 19-34 and a league mark of 5-25. However, it did not stop Gold from having a season that should earn him a pretty good consolation prize, being drafted by an MLB organization this weekend. On Sunday night, from the site of this year’s All-Star game in Los Angeles, California, Major League Baseball will conduct its annual draft. Over three days, 20 rounds will take place as teams try to reload their farm systems with draft eligible players from the college and high school ranks.

Gold is one such draft-eligible prospect. The second baseman of the Eagles had a solid year both at the plate and in the field. At season’s end, he was named second-team All-ACC by hitting .308, nine home runs, 37 RBI, and 38 runs scored. His 62 hits tied for the team lead, and his 21 doubles not only were a team-best but also led the Atlantic Coast Conference. It was the fourth-highest total in Boston College baseball history. His name was put in the lineup for all 53 games that Boston College played. Gold had a team-leading 20 multi-hits games in those 53 appearances. He became the third fastest Eagle to reach 100 hits at BC reaching that milestone in 80 games. For his career at the Heights, Gold is a .303 career hitter, with 132 hits, 40 doubles, 19 home runs, 97 runs batted in, and a slugging percentage of .540.

As a second baseman, Luke had a .962 fielding percentage (209 chances, eight errors). He helped the BC infield turn 30 double plays this spring while amassing 122 assists and 79 putouts. Gold’s all-around play was noticed by scouts of MLB teams who followed him all spring long by attending his games at home as well as on the road. As of this writing, the six-foot 200-pound right-handed hitting and throwing infielder is ranked 87th by the MLB draft pipeline. His scouting grades are as follows: Hit 55, Power 50, Run,45, Arm 50, Field 45. His overall grade is 45. The grade is based on a system that maxes out at 60. Luke has spent some time playing in the Cape Cod Summer League while waiting for the draft. In 27 games on the Cape, Luke slugged six home runs and drove in 23 runs showing he has pop using wood bats. Something scouts are looking for when evaluating talent. If there’s a knock against Gold it could be a lack of speed, though that can be made up for by good positioning on the field as well as running the bases correctly.

Bottom line is before Tuesday night’s All-Star Game is played, Luke Gold should hear his name called by a MLB organization and start his journey toward the major leagues.