Murf Gray has an opportunity to achieve something uncommon at Fresno State. The junior third baseman is one of the top prospects for July’s MLB draft, with the potential to be a first-round selection.
If Gray hears his name called in the early rounds, it would mark a significant milestone for the program. Fresno State hasn’t produced a top-three-round draft pick since right-hander Ryan Jensen went in the first round of the 2019 draft. The last position player to earn that distinction was Taylor Ward, another first-round pick, in 2015.
Scouts rave about Gray’s present skill set and future potential. The 6-foot-4, 235-pound right-handed hitter excels offensively with above-average hitting ability, consistent hard contact and power to all fields. He has a strong approach at the plate, rarely swinging and missing, as evidenced by his impressive 95% overall in-zone contact rate.
Gray has focused on sharpening his defensive skills this offseason, aiming to demonstrate growth at the hot corner this spring and solidify his long-term future at the position. He possesses above-average arm strength and has worked diligently to improve his footwork and range at the hot corner.
Learn about Gray’s development throughout college, expectations for the 2025 season and his overall experiences in college.
This interview is sponsored by Nan’s Naughty and Nice cocktail mix. Make sure to check out their award-winning Bloody Mary mix and newly released margarita mixes by visiting their website.
Dan Zielinski III has covered the MLB draft for 10 years. He has interviewed 580 of the top draft prospects in that period, including four No. 1 overall picks. Multiple publications, including Baseball America, USA Today, MLB.com, The Arizona Republic and The Dallas Morning News, have quoted his work, while he has appeared on radio stations as a “MLB draft expert.” Follow him on Twitter @DanZielinski3.
