Former FSU slugger James Tibbs III won't be in Triple A ball long if he keeps this up

Florida State baseball had two first-round draft picks who went back-to-back in the 2024 MLB Draft. James Tibbs III went No. 13 overall to the San Francisco Giants, and Cam Smith went No. 14 overall to the Houston Astros.

Cam Smith made his MLB debut last year with the Astros after only 32 games in the minors. Tibbs spent last year in the minors between three teams in A+ and AA ball. He hit .243 with 20 home runs and 71 RBI, which wasn’t enough for the San Francisco Giants to believe in him as a first-rounder, so they traded him to the LA Dodgers.

Tibbs started his season at Triple-A, and it’s only been nine games, but it looks like the Giants may have made a crucial mistake trading him away. Tibbs is hitting .474, with seven home runs and 13 RBI. His on-base percentage is .478, and he’s slugging 1.194.

Tibbs has never been thought of as an elite defensive outfielder, but he's also getting done on that side of the ball too.

It'll be so cool to see another former Florida State player to make his Major League Debut.

Tibbs has already proven that the power he displayed at FSU translates to professional ball. His ticket to “The Show” will be how well he performs at the plate, and what he’s doing right now will not keep him in Triple-A ball long. He only struck out in about 21 percent of his at-bats last year, and his on-base percentage was .373.

If he can get that strikeout percentage there or lower, keep the power, and find a few more base hits here and there? There should be a spot for him at the next level. Stay tuned to Chopchat as we keep track of Tibb’s journey to make his Major League debut.