Dodgers Draft 18-Year-Old Florida High School Stand Out

The Los Angeles Dodgers selected 18-year-old Kellon Lindsey from Hardee High School in Florida with the 23rd pick in the first round of the 2024 MLB draft on Sunday.

Among the best shortstops in his class, Lindsey ranked 29th overall as a prospect going into the draft based on the MLB Pipeline Top 250 this year.

“Kellon was one of the few players we had targeted in the Draft,” said Dodgers Vice President of Baseball Operation, Billy Gasparino. “The excitement level our player development staff has is through the roof. We really found someone who is going to be a great Dodger and we’re excited to have as part of the organization.”

During his two years of high school, the 18-year-old batted.429 in his junior year and .403 in his senior year (in 97 plate appearances). His best quality, though, is his speed, which should help him advance through the Minor League ranks. Lindsey is one of the fastest players in this year’s draft class, with a run grade of 75.

“Yeah, the speed is definitely one of the biggest roles and it really helps translate to other parts of the field,” said Lindsey in an interview with MLB’s Juan Toribio. “I think my glove has always been pretty good. I think this year, fundamentally and rhythm-wise, it really improved and I think that was big for this past season. On the hitting side of things, I feel like I can pretty much put the ball in play whenever I want and I think that’s an important tool to have.”

In addition to his work on the diamond, Lindsey was a quarterback for the football team at Hardee High School. He made the decision to hang up the helmet and devote all of his attention to baseball during his senior year. It was a smart move, considering that he was a top-30 prospect and the Dodgers selected him 23rd overall.

Lindsey believes that giving up football to concentrate on baseball during his senior year was a major factor in his growth.

“Just putting football aside and putting baseball in mind and focusing on that, focusing on the fundamental stuff, I think that was really big for me this season,” said Lindsey. “I think it helped with my growth as a player and off the field as well.”

Although Lindsey intends to forgo his college career in order to sign with the Dodgers, he is currently committed to playing at the University of Florida .

The 2024 MLB will continue until July 16 and each draft day is set to begin at 4 p.m. PT.

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