Jacob Gilles Hurtubise Bio
Jacob Gilles Hurtubise is an American professional baseball outfielder who has played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Cincinnati Reds. Born on December 11, 1997, in Zionsville, Indiana, Hurtubise attended Zionsville Community High School before pursuing higher education at the United States Military Academy, where he played for the Army Black Knights. He made his MLB debut in May 2024, becoming only the second United States Military Academy graduate to reach the major leagues. Following his time with the Reds, Hurtubise has been affiliated with the Seattle Mariners and Houston Astros organizations.
Early Life and Background
Hurtubise grew up in Zionsville, Indiana, attending Zionsville Community High School. His athletic abilities were evident from an early age, setting the foundation for his future collegiate career. After high school, he received an appointment to the United States Military Academy at West Point, where he balanced his military obligations with his passion for baseball.
At West Point, Hurtubise quickly established himself as a standout player for the Army Black Knights. Despite playing only three full seasons due to the COVID-19 pandemic, he managed to set remarkable career records in the Patriot League. His combination of speed on the basepaths and plate discipline made him a formidable opponent throughout his collegiate career.
Path to Professional Baseball
During his collegiate summers, Hurtubise refined his skills in the prestigious Cape Cod Baseball League. In 2019, he played for both the Harwich Mariners and the Orleans Firebirds, two teams known for developing future professional talent. His performance during these summer seasons demonstrated his ability to compete against top college players from across the country.
Despite his collegiate success, Hurtubise was not selected in the earlier rounds of the 2019 MLB Draft. The Seattle Mariners chose him in the 39th round, but he did not sign, opting to return to Army for additional development. This decision allowed him to continue building his craft while serving his military commitments.
Jacob Gilles Hurtubise Career
College Career and Military Service (2017–2020)
Hurtubise’s tenure with the Army Black Knights produced impressive statistics. He retired as the Patriot League’s all-time leader in both stolen bases and walks, accomplishments that earned him recognition throughout the conference. His excellence was acknowledged with two selections to the All-Patriot League First Team and the 2019 Patriot League Defensive Player of the Year award.
His combination of athletic ability and leadership qualities positioned him for a unique opportunity. In July 2020, following the cancellation of the minor league season due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Hurtubise signed with the Cincinnati Reds as an undrafted free agent. He became one of the first athletes granted a delay in military service to pursue a professional sports career under a new policy, alongside fellow service academy athletes.
Minor League Development (2021–2023)
Hurtubise began his professional career in 2021 with the High-A Dayton Dragons, the Reds’ affiliate. He appeared in 102 games and posted a .283 batting average with a .413 on-base percentage, showcasing his plate discipline. He recorded 33 runs batted in and demonstrated his speed by stealing 39 bases, immediately establishing himself as a threat on the basepaths.
The 2022 season saw him advance to Double-A Chattanooga, where he played 63 games. His statistics included a .250 batting average, .385 on-base percentage, one home run, nine RBI, and 16 stolen bases. The following year proved to be his breakthrough campaign, as he split time between Double-A Chattanooga and Triple-A Louisville. In 119 games across both levels, he hit an impressive .330 with a .479 on-base percentage, seven home runs, 46 RBI, and 45 stolen bases.
His outstanding 2023 season earned him the Cincinnati Reds Minor League Position Player of the Year award. Following the regular season, the Reds added him to their 40-man roster on November 14, 2023, protecting him from the Rule 5 draft and signaling their belief in his future contributions.
Cincinnati Reds Breakthrough (2024)
Hurtubise began the 2024 season with Triple-A Louisville before receiving his first major league promotion on May 13. He made his MLB debut that evening as an eighth-inning pinch runner for Mike Ford against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field. This milestone was particularly significant, as Hurtubise became only the second United States Military Academy graduate to play in MLB, following in the footsteps of those who bridged military service and professional athletics.
Throughout his rookie campaign with the Reds, Hurtubise appeared in 29 games. He batted .185 with a .297 on-base percentage and .241 slugging percentage, driving in four runs and stealing two bases. His brief major league exposure came to an end following the 2024 season as he worked to solidify his place at the highest level.
Seattle Mariners and Houston Astros (2025)
The 2025 season brought significant roster movement for Hurtubise. He began the year with the Reds but appeared in only 12 games, collecting one hit in 12 at-bats (.083 average) with one walk. Following the acquisition of Ryan Vilade on June 14, 2025, the Reds designated Hurtubise for assignment.
On June 17, 2025, the Seattle Mariners claimed him off waivers, providing another opportunity. He was removed from their 40-man roster and sent outright to Triple-A Tacoma on July 9. In 12 games with Tacoma, he went 4-for-24 with three RBI and three stolen bases before being released on July 22.
Hurtubise signed with the Houston Astros organization on July 24, joining their Triple-A affiliate, the Sugar Land Space Cowboys. In 10 games with Sugar Land, he batted .207 with a .395 on-base percentage, two RBI, and three stolen bases. The Astros released him on September 7, 2025, concluding his journeyman season across three organizations.
Playing Style and Strengths
Hurtubise is primarily known for his speed and baserunning ability, qualities that have defined his game throughout his development. His plate discipline stands out as a significant tool, evidenced by his career records in walks at the collegiate level and his consistently high on-base percentages in the minor leagues. He profiles as a contact-oriented hitter with the ability to manufacture runs through stolen bases and productive outs rather than power hitting.
Notable Milestones
His most significant career achievement remains his MLB debut on May 13, 2024, a milestone that represented years of dedication balancing military service with athletic aspirations. As only the second USMA graduate to reach the major leagues, Hurtubise carved a unique path through college baseball and into professional baseball that few have accomplished.
Jacob Gilles Hurtubise Career Statistics
Throughout his professional career, Hurtubise has demonstrated consistent ability to get on base and create scoring opportunities through his speed. His minor league numbers show progressive improvement, particularly his standout 2023 season that earned him organizational recognition.
MLB Career Highlights
Across parts of two MLB seasons with the Cincinnati Reds, Hurtubise appeared in 41 total games. He compiled a .167 batting average with no home runs and four runs batted in. His major league career has been limited in sample size, but his brief appearances demonstrated the tools that helped him excel in the minor leagues.
Minor League Career Summary
Before reaching the majors, Hurtubise established himself as a productive minor league player. His best professional season came in 2023 when he hit .330 across 119 games between Double-A and Triple-A, earning the Reds’ Minor League Position Player of the Year award. He stole 45 bases that season while demonstrating excellent plate discipline with a .479 on-base percentage.
| Level | Games | Batting Avg | OBP | SB |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High-A Dayton (2021) | 102 | .283 | .413 | 39 |
| Double-A Chattanooga (2022–2023) | Various | .250–.330 | .385–.479 | 16–45 |
| Triple-A Louisville (2023–2024) | Various | .330 | .479 | 45 |
| MLB (2024–2025) | 41 | .167 | .297 | 5 |
Family and Personal Life
Military Service Background
Hurtubise’s path to professional baseball is distinguished by his commitment to military service. His attendance at the United States Military Academy reflects a dedication to duty that paralleled his athletic career. The delay granted to him and other service academy athletes represented a significant policy development that enabled military personnel to pursue professional sports opportunities.
Education
His educational background includes graduation from Zionsville Community High School in his hometown of Zionsville, Indiana. Following high school, he received an appointment to the United States Military Academy, where he completed his college baseball career while pursuing his military education. This combination of academic and athletic excellence shaped the discipline and work ethic that characterized his professional development.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season represented a challenging year for Hurtubise as he navigated roster transactions across three organizations. After beginning the year with the Cincinnati Reds organization, he was claimed by the Seattle Mariners in June and then signed with the Houston Astros in July. Limited playing time at each level prevented him from building momentum, as he appeared in a combined 34 games across MLB and Triple-A affiliates.
His brief MLB stint with the Reds produced minimal results, as he went 1-for-12 with one walk in 12 games before being designated for assignment. The subsequent trades and signings provided opportunities but also highlighted the competitive challenges of maintaining a roster spot at the major league level. His time with Tacoma and Sugar Land offered occasional production but not enough to secure a longer-term role.
Looking ahead, Hurtubise signed a minor league contract with the Milwaukee Brewers in February 2026, representing a fresh start with a new organization. His continued presence in professional baseball reflects his resilience and determination to establish himself at the major league level. The Brewers opportunity allows him to work within a new player development system while showcasing the skills that made him a standout minor leaguer.