Arizona Diamondbacks select Ole Miss outfielder commit Slade Caldwell in 2024 MLB Draft

The Arizona Diamondbacks have selected Ole Miss outfielder commit Slade Caldwell in the first round of the 2024 MLB Draft. Now he will have to decide whether he wants to begin his pro career now or go the college route and play for the Rebels in 2025.

Caldwell just finished up his senior season at Valley View (AR) High School. He helped lead the Blazers to the 5A state championship this past season and will aim to carry over that success as his career moves forward.

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Caldwell was named the Arkansas High School Gatorade Player of the Year after batting .485 with 18 RBI, 58 runs scored and 51 stolen bases. He ended his career as the state’s all-time leader with 170 stolen bases.

Caldwell also won the Gatorade Player of the Year in 2023 and is the first player in the history of Valley View High School to win the award. He ranked as the No. 4 high school baseball prospect in the country this year according to USA Today.

He clearly brings talent as a hitter to the next level. Now the only question remains whether he will jump to the MLB right away or honor his commitment to a Rebels team that finished 27-29 this past season.

What MLB Draft analysts are saying about Slade Caldwell

MLB.com provided some further analysis on Caldwell’s game in a scouting report on his player profile. It noted that while he is a smaller player at 5-foot-9, that works to his advantage and he still packs some power as a hitter.

Additionally, it noted his aggression defensively, which should translate at the next level.

“Caldwell is an advanced hitter with a mature approach who makes consistent line-drive contact to all fields,” the report read. “His 5-foot-9 frame means he has shorter levers and a smaller strike zone than most prospects, and he parlays them into a quick left-handed stroke and on-base ability. While he won’t be a slugger, he has impressive bat speed and enough strength to provide 15 or more homers per season.

“An aggressive player who delivers constant energy, Caldwell has well-above-average speed and makes things happen on the bases. The Mississippi recruit is a quality defender who covers a lot of ground in center field and will have no problems remaining there in pro ball. His fringy arm strength is fine for center.”

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