Gamecock MLB Draft Profile: OF Alex Destino

MLB Draft Result: 14th Round, Pick 417 Chicago White Sox

When he came to campus Alex Destino already had left behind quite a career in the prep ranks at North Buncombe High School in Weaverville, NC. He was one of the 50 best high school players in the country and was a gold medalist on the U-18 national team.

Coming into this season Destino was a preseason All-American and had earned the reputation as one of the most feared hitters in the SEC. However his production took a major dip in 2017 — Destino’s OPS dropped from .882 in 2016 to .779 in 2017. While he did draw more walks, the hits weren’t as abundant as they were in his sophomore season.

Even with the junior slump, Destino is still a good power hitter whose plate discipline had gradually improved over his three years at SC. If he can learn to cut down on the strikeouts, Destino should have the makings of a solid professional hitter given his nice frame of six-foot-two, 225 pounds.