The Los Angeles Dodgers began their 2024 MLB Draft by selecting shortstop Kellon Lindsey out of Hardee High School in Florida as the No. 23 overall pick.
The 18-year-old Lindsey is graded with a 75 run on the 20-80 scale, which has drawn some comparisons to All-Star Trea Turner. However, that is a best case scenario and there are questions about his hit tool.
Still, the Dodgers believe they can help him unlock the next part of his game, and the former quarterback rose up draft boards after committing to baseball full-time.
He has been expected to sign with the Dodgers rather than playing college baseball despite his verbal commitment to the University of Florida. According to Jim Callis of MLB Pipeline, Lidnsey is signing with the Dodgers for an underslot deal of $3.3 million, compared to the $3,676,400 value of the No. 23 pick:
1st-rd pick Kellon Lindsey signs with @Dodgers for $3.3 million (slot 23 = $3,676,400). Largest LAD @MLBDraft bonus since 2010. Florida HS SS, one of fastest prospects in the class, premium athlete improved offensively & defensively this spring. @GatorsBB recruit. pic.twitter.com/jSM4p8H48E
— Jim Callis (@jimcallisMLB) July 23, 2024
As Callis also points out, it’s the largest signing bonus the Dodgers have given to a player since Zach Lee set a franchise record, signing for $5.25 million as their top pick in the 2010 Draft. Lee of course did not work out, but he was able to bring back Chris Taylor in a trade.
Signing Lindsey to an underslot deal allows the Dodgers to spread some more of their bonus pool around to other players, which could potentially get other players to sign as well.
Overall, the Dodgers have a bonus pool of $6,114,700 for the 2024 Draft, which is 29th among all teams and ahead of only the Houston Astros.
The Dodgers made a total of 18 picks in the 2024 MLB Draft after losing their second and fifth round picks as a penalty for signing Shohei Ohtani.
Lindsey hit .403/.567/.597 in 25 games as a senior this year, but still needs to address the offensive side of his game as a professional player. He did improve defensivley, and the expectation is he will be able to stick at shortstop for the long term.
He now joins Joendry Vargas and Emil Morales as highly regarded shortstop prospects in the organization, which is beneficial for the Dodgers because it may be the biggest long-term need on their roster.
Dodgers looked for long-term value in MLB Draft
Given L.A.’s need for pitching, some wondered if the club would select a college arm who could potentially be called up in the second half.
However, Dodgers vice president of amateur scouting Billy Gasparino said the front office focused on making finding the best long-term fit for the organization.
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