Drafted in the 13th round of the 2023 MLB draft, Caleb Hobson wasn’t on many peoples’ radar going into the year. Coming out of Tennessee-Martin, a small major in the Ohio Valley Conference. The journey for Hobson has been remarkable up to this point. Despite being a late round pick from a smaller college, Hobson has been nothing short of a spark plug for the Fresno Grizzlies this season.
Scouting Report
A defensive minded center fielder, Hobson spent his childhood learning from his father, Neal Hobson, who was a defensive first shortstop when he played. Being an elite athlete meant he played mostly shortstop, but the eventual switch to center field was easy because he played football most of his life as well (check out Hobson’s high school Hudl page here).
This multi-sport upbringing has made Hobson an absolute highlight machine in center field. His defense is effortless. As Stephen Rice puts it, Hobson is “graceful as a gazelle.” His defense is the main selling point, but he has potential to be a productive player with the bat. He will always be a batting average over power hitter, as he never broke double-digit home runs during his collegiate career and his max recorded exit velocity in 2023 was just 104.4 mph (most collegiate draftees record an exit velocity of 108+ mph).
He possesses the skills to become an on-base machine, but is currently struggling with a 27% strikeout rate. When he’s on the bases, he is one of the best in the Rockies minor league system, with 24 stolen bases. Hobson is capable of getting up the line in 4 seconds or less, indicating he’s got legit 70-grade speed or better. Hobson is a gamer who will always find a way to be a productive player even if it means fulfilling a more limited role that prioritizes his speed and defensive ability.
Timeline
2021-2022 Northwest Mississippi Community College
Despite receiving interest from Jackson State and multiple MAAC Conference teams, Hobson decided to stay closer to home, going to Northwest Mississippi Community College, a school that was just a short drive from his hometown.
At NWCC, Hobson was immediately productive in a freshman season that saw him play mainly in the outfield. He was the teams’ leader in batting average (.344) and stole a team high 17 bases. With this display at the plate and a perfect fielding percentage, Caleb Hobson put himself on multiple teams’ radar going into his sophomore season.
In his second and final at NWCC, he only got more dominant, boosting an already impressive batting average to a scorching .355 and recording another season with a perfect fielding percentage. This was enough to earn him a spot on the First Team All-MACCC.
Despite only playing there for two seasons, Hobson left an everlasting effect on the program. He still ranks third in program history with 33 stolen bases, and ninth for most runs scored in a season at 55.
When asked about Caleb Hobson, Northwest coach Mark Carson said “I am so proud for Caleb and his family….He is one of the hardest workers and most talented players we have had here in my 26 years. I can’t wait to watch him and his growth as a professional baseball player.”
via Northwest Mississippi Community College website
2023 University of Tennessee-Martin
After dominating the MACCC for two seasons, Hobson finally got his shot at Division I baseball, and he didn’t squander the opportunity. In his first and only season he started in 56 games, a new school record, he stole 36 bases, obliterating the school record, and he once again had a perfect fielding percentage. On a team level, he led the UT Martin Skyhawks to a school record 14 conference wins. Caleb Hobson didn’t just have a good season, he had one of, if not the best in school history.
Despite this dominant season, scouts still doubted him because of the lower competition level and limited power, meaning Hobson had to wait until day three to get the phone call he’s been working towards.
In the 13th round of the 2023 MLB Draft, the Colorado Rockies selected Hobson with the 382nd pick in the draft, making him the highest selected player in UT Martin history.
After getting drafted, the emotions got to him, in an interview earlier in the season he said,
“when they called my name we had a little bit of a crying session”
via Stephen Rice’s pregame interview
2024 Fresno Grizzlies
After getting drafted, he played a bit in the remaining Complex League season, but was always waiting for 2024 to finally get going in a full season. At the beginning of this season, he was assigned to the Fresno Grizzlies to start his affiliated career. In 63 games, Hobson has been primarily in center field for the Grizzlies and has produced a couple of web gems with his glove.
On the hitting side. Hobson is still getting acclimated to full season professional baseball. He currently has a .250 average with an OPS of .701. This performance is about average in the California League, a good start for a prospect who can play good defense in center field. Though the power is not his calling card, Hobson did make a dent in the side of the Fresno Grizzlies scoreboard when he hit a deep shot a couple of weeks ago.
What’s Next?
Hobson is a fun, energetic prospect, who will always have a role in the Rockies organization because of his glove-first skill set. There is a good chance he stays in Fresno for the whole season to further develop his bat. When asked about his future, Hobson said:
“What I’m doing now, just 10 times better”
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