Scouting Report

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Scouting grades: Hit: 55 | Power: 40 | Run: 75 | Arm: 50 | Field: 50 | Overall: 50

The 2023 Draft was a good one for athletic high school shortstops in Florida, with Arjun Nimmala, George Lombard Jr. and Adrian Santana all going in the top 31 picks. The 2024 crop might not be as top heavy, but Lindsey has burst on the scene this spring to create buzz as a player with as much helium as any in the class. A former quarterback, Lindsey missed the summer showcase circuit because of injury but had scouts of all levels running to Hardee Senior High School to see him action.

A premium athlete who can record 80-grade run times, Lindsey has already taken a big step forward in all facets of the game after deciding to stop playing football and focus on the diamond. He has a better feel for the game than some might think based on his multisport background. He has a short, right-handed swing geared to making contact and sending line drives up the middle. He may never be a huge power guy, and he does need to add strength, but as he’s started to catch the ball out front, he’s impacting the ball more, with some pop to come. He has solid strike zone awareness with good swing decisions and takes walks against lesser competition. 

Lindsey’s defensive polish has also improved considerably this spring. He should be given every chance to stick at shortstop with at least an average arm and more than enough range to make all the plays. Even those not convinced about the premium spot know he’ll stick up the middle on the dirt, and the University of Florida recruit’s name was popping up in first-round conversations as the spring season wore on.

Scouting grades: Hit: 55 | Power: 40 | Run: 80 | Arm: 50 | Field: 55 | Overall: 50

Lindsey missed most of the major showcase events last summer because of a leg injury, and he couldn't make it to World Wood Bat Association World Championship in October because he was quarterbacking Hardee HS (Wauchula, Fla.). But he didn't fly under the radar for long this spring, when he gave up off serious Trea Turner vibes as one of the fastest players and best shortstop prospects in the Draft. The Dodgers drafted him 23rd overall, their earliest pick since 2017, and signed him for $3,297,500, their largest bonus since 2010.

Lindsey has posted sub-6.3-second times in the 60-yard dash, and that top-of-the-scale speed should allow him to wreak havoc on the bases. He improved significantly at the plate this year, using his compact right-handed swing to consistently barrel balls. He needs to get stronger and currently projects to provide 12-15 homers per year, but Turner was built similarly at the same stage and has exceeded his initial power projections.

Like Turner also did as an amateur, Lindsey faces some questions about his average arm at shortstop. He has the actions, range and quick hands to remain at short and looked better defensively this spring than he had in the past. If he does have to move, he could be a standout defender at second base or in center field.

Transactions

Team	Date	Transaction
	08/05/2024	SS Kellon Lindsey assigned to ACL Dodgers.
	07/24/2024	Los Angeles Dodgers signed SS Kellon Lindsey.
	06/16/2024	College Workout activated OF Kellon Lindsey.
	05/29/2024	College Workout activated OF Kellon Lindsey.
	05/29/2024	OF Kellon Lindsey assigned to College Workout.
	09/26/2023	OF Kellon Lindsey assigned to High School Workout.