The SS position at Ole Miss has been a staple of the program. From Errol Robinson, Grae Kessinger, Anthony Servideo, and Jacob Gonzalez, this most important position on the infield has been in good hands for quite some time. However, the 2024 Rebels lacked one.
Following the departure of Gonzalez to the MLB Draft at the culmination of the 2023 season and having potential superstar high school signee Cooper Pratt (Now a top 100 prospect in baseball) ripped from their hands by the Brewers in the 6th round, the Rebels looked to Arizona State transfer Luke Hill to man the SS position. After an incredibly rocky start to his OM career both on and off the field, Hill was moved to the other middle infield spot, which is much more suitable to his defensive profile and thrived.
Other than Hill, Freshman Brayden Randle made 20 starts at SS, and while I think there might be a player in Randle, he certainly didn’t make the position his own. At the plate, Randle slashed .204/.316/.310, certainly not inspiring. Compound that with the fact he was not good defensively, with 11 errors, the SS spot is wide open heading into next season.
Next, we move to the newcomers. Bianco attacked the transfer portal this offseason, looking to infuse some talent into this roster. However, it was light in terms of infield options. The only middle infield addition is Illinois State transfer Luke Cheng, who will be entering his fifth season of college ball., Cheng appears to offer a higher floor and lower ceiling option for the position.
Over his career, Cheng has put up a .270/.376/.317 slash line and a fielding percentage of .944. There is virtually no pop in his bat, as he has only hit one homerun in his career. These numbers are ok overall but keep in mind that they are also at a lower level, and it is unclear if he will be able to perform at the same level against SEC competition. Another thing to note about Cheng is that he has battled numerous injuries over the last two seasons, only appearing in a total of 45 games between the two campaigns. However, in only 16 starts in 2024, he was putting together the best year of his career before an injury ended his season prematurely. Cheng was slashing .373/.522/.431 and a fielding percentage of .984.
By far, the highest ceiling option and the player with the best chance to be a star with the Rebels both next season and throughout their career is incoming Freshman Owen Paino. Paino hails from Dutchess County, New York, and Bianco and the staff considered it a real victory to get him on campus instead of having him swept away to the professional ranks. Paino was ranked as a top 150 prospect for the 2024 MLB Draft (No. 142), according to MLB.com, and according to Perfect Game, he is the 21st-best recruit in the nation.
Physically, Paino is a great comp to Jacob Gonzalez. His 6’3, 200-pound frame is nearly identical to former Ole Miss star and first-rounder. There is also chatter, as there was with Gonzalez, about whether his long-term position will be 3B or even corner outfield due to his size. However, many scouts think he has a good shot to stick at the position. He has a great arm to make all the throws, smooth and fundamental footwork, and solid anticipation to make the plays.
Another thing Paino has going for him that so many scouts gush about is his high baseball IQ, both offensively and defensively. I think this is something that this Ole Miss baseball program can undoubtedly use an infusion of. He also has a very fundamentally sound and balanced swing. He showcases excellent signs of gap power, but given his size, there is potential for him to develop more into a homerun hitter over time.
In his senior season, he hit .532 and posted a .722 OBP. While there might be some growing pains, as is accustomed with freshmen, I believe that it will only be a matter of time until not only is Paino the starting SS for the Rebels but also a star.