Los Angeles Dodgers select Florida shortstop commit Kellon Lindsey in 2024 MLB Draft
The Los Angeles Dodgers have selected Florida Gators shortstop commit Kellon Lindsey with the No. 23 overall pick in the 2024 MLB Draft.
Kellon Lindsey is just 18 years old coming out of high school in Hardee High School in Wauchula, Florida. He already has excellent size, standing at six-foot-two inches and 175 lbs. While in high school, he was a two-sport athlete, also playing quarterback for his football team.
Both a right-handed hitter and a right-handed batter, Kellon Lindsey missed time being scouted due to injuries. However, he did become a quick riser at one of baseball’s vital positions. Still, his stock rose quickly with his athleticism being a key factor. He also has versatility in regards to what position he plays. However, he still has to prove it with the bat.
The Florida Gators have been coached by Kevin O’Sullivan since 2008. During that time, he’s gone 717-349 with a win in the College World Series back in 2017. Just this past season, Florida again returned to Omaha for the second season in a row.
With his selection in the MLB Draft, Kellon Lindsey now has a decision to make. Either he can sign to go play professional baseball and skip college, or he could head to Florida and continue to develop as a prospect while playing in college.
What scouts said about Kellon Lindsey before the draft
Going into the MLB Draft, Kellon Lindsey was ranked as the 29th-best available prospect overall, according to MLB.com, which was very high in its write-up of Lindsey.
“Lindsey has already taken a big step forward in all facets of the game after deciding to stop playing football and focus on the diamond. He has a better feel for the game than some might think based on his multisport background. He has a short, right-handed swing geared to making contact and sending line drives up the middle. He may never be a huge power guy, and he does need to add strength, but as he’s started to catch the ball out front, he’s impacting the ball more, with some pop to come. He has solid strike zone awareness with good swing decisions and takes walks against lesser competition,” MLB.com wrote.
“Lindsey’s defensive polish has also improved considerably this spring. He should be given every chance to stick at shortstop with at least an average arm and more than enough range to make all the plays. Even those not convinced about the premium spot know he’ll stick up the middle on the dirt, and the University of Florida recruit’s name was popping up in first-round conversations as the spring season wore on.”
