The Diamondbacks have signed first rounder Slade Caldwell. Jim Callis of MLB Pipeline reports that Caldwell will receive a $3.087 million bonus.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!1st-rder Slade Caldwell signs w/@Dbacks for $3,087,000 (slot 29 = $3,045,500). Arizona prep OF, dynamic guy w/well above-average speed, on-base ability, makes things happen on bases and in center field. @OleMissBSB recruit. @MLBDraft pic.twitter.com/9YPerajsGv
— Jim Callis (@jimcallisMLB) July 27, 2024
Arizona targeted Caldwell, a 5’9″ outfielder with an advanced hitting approach, plus-plus speed, and underlying power. He profiles as a leadoff hitter and an everyday center fielder at the major league level. He currently ranks seventh in my most recent list of top prospects in the organization, but will likely get a significant bump in the next update.
That’s a type of player that has worked out for the Diamondbacks in the past, with the selections of Daulton Varsho, Alek Thomas, and Corbin Carroll in successive years. They’ve also taken that approach with infielders with last year’s selection of Tommy Troy. They strayed from that archetype a few years, taking Pavin Smith, Bryce Jarvis, Jordan Lawlar, and Druw Jones in the first round in other drafts.
The $3.087 million is noteworthy, as that was the remainder of the team’s signing bonus pool. That likely signals that Caldwell is the final player Arizona will sign out of their 2024 draft class who will count towards their pool. They drafted three high school players with their final three picks, but all three will go on to college. 17th rounder Drake Frize has yet to sign, although as a college senior it’s not a question of if.
Here are all the reported signings:
Diamondbacks sign JD Dix, Travis Garnett to under-slot deals
Diamondbacks sign first rounder Ryan Waldschmidt for full 31 slot
Diamondbacks sign fifth rounder Connor Foley to $1 million bonus
4th rounder Tytus Cissell becomes first drafted player to sign with Diamondbacks
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Michael McDermott covers the Arizona Diamondbacks, Arizona Cardinals, and more for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on X via @MichaelMcDMLB
