The inevitable happened at the MLB Draft yesterday, with the top signee for Ole Miss baseball heading to the pros. The Arizona Diamondbacks selected Slade Caldwell with the 29th overall pick.
Valley View All-American OF Slade Caldwell picked by the Diamondbacks in the 1st Round of the 2024 MLB Draft. He's the 29th overall selection.
— Chris Hudgison (@ChrisHudgison) July 15, 2024
1st Arkansas HS baseball player in 24 years to be selected in 1st Round
Video: MLB Network
More: https://t.co/o10vxHK7yq pic.twitter.com/zpRHN3XNiT
It's a massive blow for head coach Mike Bianco, who lost a significant player from the team's 2024 recruitment class. Ranked a first-round prospect for some time, Bianco likely planned for this scenario in his head.
The Rebels still have a solid 2024 class, with Owen Paino heading the recruiting class after withdrawing his name from the MLB Draft on Saturday. Bianco also has top-100 prospects in Kaiden Lopez and Ethan Surowiec.
Ole Miss is still waiting on the decision of another top-100 prospect, Cade Townsend. The California native was the No. 150 overall prospect in the MLB Draft. Townsend will have a decision to make when he is drafted on whether he will play for the Rebels.
Arizona Diamondbacks are getting a stud in Slade Caldwell
Slade Caldwell was expected to go in the first round of the MLB Draft, with many predicting it would be the Arizona Diamondbacks to do it. Winner of back-to-back Gatorade high school Player of the Year awards in Arkansas, with a scouting report that is glowing.
MLB Website Scouting report for Slade Caldwell
Caldwell is an advanced hitter with a mature approach who makes consistent line-drive contact to all fields. 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.
He may lack some stature, but Slade Caldwell has the goods to be a monster. One of my favorite swings in the class. Crazy bat speed, absolutely motors, great approach and can go get it in centerfield. Expected to go in the first round, but still think he's a bit underrated. pic.twitter.com/aWgNUT7Nyj
— Aram Leighton (@AramLeighton8) July 14, 2024
We wish Slade Caldwell the best of luck as he heads to the Arizona Diamondbacks.