The Los Angeles Dodgers made only one pick on the first day of the 2024 MLB Draft, selecting shortstop Kellon Lindsey out of Hardee High School in Florida at No. 23 overall.
Lindsey is a former quarterback with excellent speed and athleticism. He has a run grade of 75 and is often compared to former Dodgers shortstop Trea Turner as his peak outcome.
Lindsey is still just 18 and likely years away from contributing to the Dodgers if they are able to sign him. 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, via Bill Shaikin of the L.A. Times:
“Trust me, we feel your pain,” Gasparino said. “We know, with all the injuries going on at the big league level. I think it’s tempting at times to try to think like that, but we just haven’t.
“Andrew and (general manager) Brandon Gomes have been really steady on: Do what’s best long-term for the organization. We’ll figure out the short term. Don’t let that impact the decision.”
Few teams have drafted a player to have them make their MLB debut in the same season, but it has been done. Garrett Crochet is one of the most notable to make the jump from college to the Majors in the same year.
Nolan Schanuel became one of the rare hitters to make the jump from college to the Major Leagues last season for the Los Angeles Angels, and he is the most recent to do it.
For the Dodgers, Paco Rodriguez was the last player to make his MLB debut in the same year he was drafted, which happened in 2012.
L.A. will likely address their pitching staff before the MLB trade deadline, which is just over two weeks away.
Dodgers 2024 MLB Draft pick Kellon Lindsey plans to sign
Lindsey is verbally committed to attend the University of Florida but plans to forego college in order to sign with the Dodgers.
The No. 23 pick in the 2024 MLB Draft comes with a $3,676,400 slot value, but the Dodgers will likely try to sign Lindsey below that amount to improve their chances of inking other selections.
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