Slade Caldwell, a 2024 first-round pick, and the Arizona Diamondbacks have reached an agreement, the team announced on Saturday.
In Arizona’s clubhouse, Caldwell had a locker, interacted with a number of possible teammates, and practiced batting on the field. He caught up with Corbin Carroll, whom he had met at a January workout, and had the opportunity to speak with a number of Diamondbacks veterans. Given that Caldwell grew up as a St. Louis Cardinals fan, speaking with Randal Grichuk was very interesting.
The 18-year-old outfielder from Valley View High School in Arkansas said it was an exciting day, but he added that it was not clear why he chose to play professionally rather than go to college.
It was somewhat difficult for me. Although I think I made the right choice in the end, Caldwell added, “I have a pretty good connection with all the coaches and all the new teammates and former teammates I played with over there at Ole Miss.”
“We came to an agreement, and in the end, I believe it was best for me to move on and launch my career right away.”
Jim Callis of MLB Pipeline reports that Caldwell accepted a signing bonus of $3,087,000, which is slightly more than slot value.
He stated that he will soon go to Salt River Fields to settle in as he awaited the next move.
The Diamondbacks welcome Slade Caldwell.
Before the draft, Caldwell claimed to have had excellent talks with the D-backs and to have a gut feeling about where he would end up.
With the 29th overall choice, the Diamondbacks selected the 5-foot-9 outfielder who has exceptional speed, defensive prowess, and a hit tool over average.
It was consoling to sign with a team that produced short-statured outfielders like Alek Thomas, Carroll, and Daulton Varsho, who was a catcher at first.
“Observing these guys playing in the World Series and everything, with almost the same build, gives me hope,” Caldwell remarked. “Coming out here and competing with everyone gives me hope as a smaller guy.”
“I can hit the ball just as hard as anyone else,” No matter your size, I believe it all comes down to work ethic and hard labor.
Before batting practice, Torey Lovullo, the manager of the Diamondbacks, had a conversation with Caldwell in his office.
He carried himself with such maturity and awe. It could be a little scary to step into the office of a major league manager, but Lovullo said, “He looked me straight in the eye.”
We thoroughly vet everything here, so I spoke with him about some of our guiding principles and the things he will fit in with. Simply showing up, being authentic, asking questions, and having faith in his teaching to help you grow… He agreed to take that on.
Out of the 22 players in their draft class, the Diamondbacks have signed the first 18, which includes fellow first-round selections Ryan Waldschmidt, JD Dix, and Ivan Luciano.
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