Scouting Report

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Scouting grades: Hit: 55 | Power: 45 | Run: 65 | Arm: 45 | Field: 60 | Overall: 50

Gatorade's Arkansas high school Player of the Year as a junior in 2023, Caldwell continued to play well on the showcase circuit before he broke a fibula during the USA Baseball 18-and-under trials in August. Though he lacks size, he's a dynamic player who's an outfield version of the Mets' Jett Williams. Williams played his way into the first round in 2022 and Caldwell may have done the same in 2024 after leading Valley View HS (Jonesboro) to the Arkansas 5-A championship and repeating as Gatorade's top player in the state.

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.

Scouting grades: Hit: 55 | Power: 45 | Run: 65 | Arm: 45 | Field: 60 | Overall: 50

Gatorade's Arkansas High School Player of the Year as a junior in 2023, Caldwell continued to play well on the showcase circuit before he broke a fibula during the USA Baseball 18-and-under trials in August. Though he lacks size, he's a dynamic player who's an outfield version of the Mets' Jett Williams. Williams played his way into the first round in 2022, and Caldwell did the same in 2024 after leading Valley View HS (Jonesboro) to the Arkansas 5-A championship and repeating as Gatorade's top player in the state. The D-backs selected the outfielder with the 29th overall pick and signed him for $3,087,000.

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. Arizona had success developing another short center fielder in Corbin Carroll and will look to follow a similar blueprint with its latest first-rounder.

Transactions

Team	Date	Transaction
	08/05/2024	OF Slade Caldwell assigned to ACL D-backs.
	07/27/2024	Arizona Diamondbacks signed OF Slade Caldwell.
	06/16/2024	College Workout activated OF Slade Caldwell.
	06/05/2024	OF Slade Caldwell assigned to College Workout.
	01/16/2024	OF Slade Caldwell assigned to College Workout.
	09/29/2023	OF Slade Caldwell assigned to High School Workout.
	08/16/2023	OF Slade Caldwell assigned to High School Workout.
	07/06/2023	American activated OF Slade Caldwell.