John Peck’s journey in baseball has marked him as a noteworthy talent, culminating in his selection by the Detroit Tigers in the 7th round of the 2023 MLB Draft. This achievement is a testament to Peck’s consistent performance and dedication throughout his amateur career, particularly during his time at Pepperdine University. His profile as an all-around player with a strong bat and solid collegiate record positions him as an exciting prospect within the Tigers organization.
Early Career and Draft to Detroit Tigers
The 2023 MLB Draft was a pivotal moment for John Peck, officially launching his professional baseball career. Selected as the 200th overall pick, Peck’s drafting by the Detroit Tigers acknowledged his potential and performance at the college level. This marked the beginning of a new chapter for Peck, transitioning from a successful college athlete to a professional prospect within a historic MLB franchise.
College Baseball Star at Pepperdine University
John Peck was a consistent presence and key player for the Pepperdine Waves over three seasons, starting in every one of the 134 games he played. His college career is distinguished by a .295 batting average, accumulated through 31 doubles, four triples, and 20 home runs. He drove in 89 runs and scored 107, demonstrating his ability to both get on base and contribute to scoring.
2023 Junior Season: All-WCC Honors
In his junior year, John Peck continued to be a vital component of the Pepperdine lineup. Starting in all 49 games, he earned All-WCC second team honors. His offensive output included a .272 batting average with 55 hits, 12 doubles, two triples, and six home runs. He was second on the team with 37 RBIs and demonstrated clutch hitting, including a walk-off home run against UC Santa Barbara. His performance against San Francisco, where he achieved a season-high four hits, and his two-triple game against Cal Poly highlighted his offensive capabilities. His recognition as WCC Player of the Week on April 10 further solidified his impactful season.
2022 Sophomore Season: Breakout Year
Peck’s sophomore year was particularly impressive, earning him All-WCC first team honors. He led the team and ranked second in the West Coast Conference with a .361 batting average and a .578 slugging percentage. Starting in 40 games, he also topped the team in on-base percentage (.417), hits (60), total bases (96), and stolen bases (seven). Key highlights from this season include a home run and four RBIs in the season opener against Villanova, and a grand slam against UCLA. His game against Texas A&M-Corpus Christi, where he hit two triples, was a rare feat, showcasing his speed and power. Reaching his 100th career hit and maintaining a 15-game hitting streak underscore the consistency and high level of play he exhibited throughout the season.
2021 Freshman Season: Promising Start
As a freshman, John Peck immediately stepped into a starting role, playing all 45 games. He batted .256, hitting eight doubles, seven home runs, and driving in 19 runs. Notable performances include a 4-for-4 game against UC Davis with two doubles and a home run, and a 3-for-5 game against San Francisco featuring two home runs and six RBIs. He also hit home runs in consecutive games against BYU, indicating his power potential early in his college career.
High School and Club Ball
Prior to his successful college career, John Peck built a solid foundation at Moorpark High School in California. Graduating in 2020, he played three years of varsity baseball, achieving a .350 career batting average. His senior year was particularly strong, batting .457 and earning Division 2 All-County first team honors. Further honing his skills, Peck played club baseball for the SoCal Giants from 2018 to 2020, gaining valuable experience and exposure.
Personal Life and Background
John Peck is currently majoring in sport administration, blending his passion for athletics with academic pursuits. He is the son of John and Jill Peck and older brother to Jameson. His decision to attend Pepperdine was influenced by the university’s “excellent culture and beautiful location,” as well as the baseball program and coaching staff. Outside of baseball, Peck’s favorites include baseball legend Derek Jeter, the Los Angeles Dodgers, the book “To Kill a Mockingbird,” the movie “The Sandlot,” and surfing. These personal details offer a glimpse into the influences and interests that shape John Peck both on and off the baseball field.
