Arizona State outfielder Gage Canning named a midseason All-American

It’s been six years since the Arizona State baseball program produced an All-American. As of now, junior Gage Canning is on pace to change that.

Canning’s third season as a Sun Devil has been memorable, as he was most recently named a midseason First Team All-American by Perfect Game.

The junior has been white-hot at the plate this season, leading Arizona State in nearly every offensive category while serving as the team’s defensive backbone in center field.

Nationally, Canning is among the top hitters with a .431 batting average. and .740 slugging percentage. He has a NCAA-leading nine triples and his 53 hits are the second most in the country.

With 23 career triples under his belt, it is quite possible that Canning could break the NCAA record of 32.

Bob Zeihen of Indiana State set the mark between 1985-1988 over 232 games. By comparison Canning has played 141 games with up to a season and a half of eligibility remaining.

The success of Canning translates beyond collegiate honors as he is eligible for the 2018 MLB Draft and has a rising stock. Baseball America listed him among the players rising on draft boards.

Canning is listed at 5-foot-11, 178 pounds and does not project to hit for above-average power, somewhat limiting his potential. But by proving he can play center field and cutting down his strikeouts, he is showing he can fit the profile of a speedy, top-of-the-order center fielder. If he continues his strong start, he figures to fit somewhere in the second or third round.

Follow @zachpekale