Slade Caldwell, an Ole Miss commit, was chosen by the Arizona Diamondbacks in the first round of the 2024 MLB Draft. He will now need to choose between going straight to the pros and starting his college career immediately, or going the collegiate path and joining the Rebels in 2025.
Caldwell recently concluded his final year as a senior at Valley View High School in Arkansas. This past season, he assisted in leading the Blazers to the 5A state championship, and he plans to build on that accomplishment as he advances in his career.
Caldwell hit.485 with 18 RBI, 58 runs scored, and 51 stolen bases to win the Arkansas High School Gatorade Player of the Year award. With 170 stolen bases, he finished his career as the state’s all-time leader.
In 2023, Caldwell was also named the Gatorade Player of the Year, making him the first Valley View High School player to get the honor in history. USA Today placed him as the nation’s No. 4 high school baseball prospect this year.
He obviously elevates his hitting ability to a new level. The only question that remains is whether he would keep his committment to a Rebels team that went 27-29 in the previous season, or if he will immediately move to the MLB.
The opinions of MLB Draft experts regarding Slade Caldwell
Caldwell’s game was further examined by MLB.com in a scouting report on his player profile. Despite being a shorter player (5 feet 9 inches), it was mentioned that he still has some hitting power.
It also mentioned his defensive aggression, which ought to carry over to the next level.
According to the study, Caldwell is an advanced hitter who consistently produces line-drive contact to all fields and has a mature approach. “Compared to most prospects, he has a narrower strike zone and shorter levers due to his 5-foot-9 size, which he uses to his advantage to produce a rapid left-handed swing and on-base ability. He won’t be a slugger, but his strength and bat speed will allow him to hit at least 15 home runs a season.
“A player with above-average speed and constant energy, Caldwell is aggressive and makes things happen on the bases.” The Mississippi prospect will have no trouble staying in center field in the major leagues because he is a strong defender who covers a lot of territory there. He has sufficient fringy arm strength at center.
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