2023 MLB Draft: Jack Mahoney is first Gamecock off the board

South Carolina baseball had no players selected on Day 1 (rounds one and two) of the 2023 MLB Draft. That changed on Day 2. Starting pitcher Jack Mahoney was taken with the draft’s 77th-overall pick by the Colorado Rockies.

Mahoney is a bulldog on the mound, and he will need that toughness to pitch in Colorado. If he makes his way to the Big League club, Coors Field is one of the toughest venues to pitch in as balls fly out of the yard, and the vast outfield allows a lot of balls to fall for hits.

Mahoney was a smart pick for Colorado as the Rockies are in desperate need of good pitching. Mahoney was a starter for the Gamecocks in 2023, but if things don’t go as planned, he will have a second chance to make his way through the system. His strikeout potential indicates that a move to the bullpen could be in the cards for Mahoney if he doesn’t dominate early in his pro career.

After a Freshman All-American campaign in 2021, Mahoney did not pitch in 2022 due to Tommy John surgery. He bounced back in 2023 with an All-SEC performance as the only starting pitcher for South Carolina baseball that was part of the rotation the entire season. Coming into the season as the team’s 3rd starter, Mahoney outpitched expectations in 2023.

Mahoney is a big strikeout threat on the mound as he struck out over 9 batters per 9 innings for his Carolina career. His control is also one of his best strengths as he walked just 37 batters in his entire time in garnet and black that spanned more than 125 innings.

Strikeout stuff and solid control make Mahoney a dynamic prospect on the mound for the Rockies. He has the chance to end up as a great value for Colorado as the 77th pick of the 2023 MLB Draft.

Despite having more college eligibility, he is expected to sign and become a professional.