Diamondbacks confirm 2nd round pick Caden Grice will focus on pitching

Clemson's Caden Grice (31) throws a pitch during a NCAA baseball regional game between Tennessee and Clemson held at Doug Kingsmore Stadium in Clemson, S.C., on Saturday, June 3, 2023.

With the 64th pick of the MLB Draft, the Arizona Diamondbacks selected two-way star Caden Grice out of Clemson University.

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With the 64th pick in the 2023 #MLBDraft, the #Dbacks select pitcher Caden Grice from @ClemsonBaseball.

Welcome to Arizona, @CadenGrice3! #ArizonaBorn pic.twitter.com/hC2wH4oqfZ

— Arizona Diamondbacks (@Dbacks) July 10, 2023

At Clemson, not only did Grice go 8-1 with a 3.35 ERA in his senior season, but he also finished with a .307 batting average at the plate.

When the 21-year-old was not pitching, Grice was in the batting lineup for 60 games, where he primarily played first base. His 18 home runs last season left many speculating on whether the Diamondbacks would continue to pursue Grice as a two-way player.

However, shortly after the draft, Diamondbacks scouting director Ian Rebhan said that the organization will put its focus on transitioning Caden Grice into a full-time pitcher, per Jesse Friedman.

Now, whether or not that will change over the years is still up in the air. After all, it is hard to ignore this pop.

The Arizona Diamondbacks have selected 6’6” 1B/LHP Caden Grice (8-1, 3.35 ERA). True two-way talent. Blossomed on the mound this spring where he proved he could start. FB up to 94 with a CH that flashes plus. Hit .307 with 34 XBH. 70-grade raw power. pic.twitter.com/qpfanW6dnb

— Peter Flaherty III (@PeterGFlaherty) July 10, 2023

Ian Rebhan also spoke about the Diamondbacks first-round pick, Tommy Troy. 

A player that the D-backs have been scouting since his high school days.

Diamondbacks scouting director Ian Rebhan on selecting Tommy Troy at No. 12 overall:

"We think he profiles really well as a hit-and-power, defending, up-the-middle player." pic.twitter.com/92woLGH8gq

— PHNX Diamondbacks (@PHNX_Dbacks) July 10, 2023

The 2023 MLB Draft will conclude on Tuesday, with rounds 11–20 still to go. Stay tuned for further updates.