Scouting Report

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Scouting grades: Hit: 60 | Power: 55 | Run: 60 | Arm: 40 | Field: 50 | Overall: 50

Gillen emerged as one of the top talents in Texas' 2024 high school class three years ago, only to be slowed by a torn labrum that required shoulder surgery as a sophomore and a knee injury as a junior. Finally healthy again this spring outside of a minor groin ailment, he has pushed his way ahead of the rest of the Lone Star State prepsters. He projects to become the first first-rounder from Westlake HS (Austin) since Kelly Gruber went 10th overall in 1980.

Gillen may have the best bat of any high schooler in this Draft. He has a disciplined approach, quick hands and a sweet left-handed swing that combine to produce line drives to all fields. His hitting ability will allow him to get to most of his plus raw power, giving him a 20-homer floor, and he should develop more pop as he adds more strength to his physical 6-foot-2 frame.

Scouts get run times from solid to well-above-average on Gillen, who looks more dynamic than he did last summer now that his knee injury is further behind him. The Texas recruit has better range to his left than his right at shortstop, but his arm hasn't bounced back from labrum surgery and will dictate a position change at the next level. He could become an offensive second baseman, his quickness makes center field a possibility and at worst he should produce enough offense to profile in left field.

Scouting grades: Hit: 60 | Power: 55 | Run: 60 | Arm: 40 | Field: 50 | Overall: 50

Gillen emerged as one of the top talents in Texas' 2024 high school class three years ago, only to be slowed by a torn labrum that required shoulder surgery as a sophomore and a knee injury as a junior. Finally healthy again this spring outside of a minor groin ailment, he pushed his way ahead of the rest of the Lone Star State prepsters. He became the first first-rounder from Westlake HS (Austin) since Kelly Gruber went 10th overall in 1980 when the Rays selected him 18th overall. Tampa Bay signed Gillen for full slot at $4,372,900.

Gillen may have had the best bat of any high schooler in this Draft, and Tampa Bay evaluators certainly felt that way. He has a disciplined approach, quick hands and a sweet left-handed swing that combine to produce line drives to all fields. His hitting ability will allow him to get to most of his plus raw power, giving him a 20-homer floor, and he should develop more pop as he adds more strength to his physical 6-foot-2 frame.

Scouts get run times from solid to well-above-average on Gillen, who looks more dynamic than he did last summer now that his knee injury is further behind him. The former Texas recruit has better range to his left than his right at shortstop, but his arm hasn't bounced back from labrum surgery and will dictate a position change at the next level. The Rays have already said they plan to transition Gillen to the outfield in pro ball, hoping to get the most out of his speed on the grass.

Transactions

Team	Date	Transaction
	08/27/2024	OF Theo Gillen assigned to Charleston RiverDogs from FCL Rays.
	08/05/2024	OF Theo Gillen assigned to FCL Rays.
	07/26/2024	Tampa Bay Rays signed OF Theo Gillen.
	06/16/2024	College Workout activated SS Theo Gillen.
	06/13/2024	SS Theo Gillen assigned to College Workout.
	08/09/2023	SS Theo Gillen assigned to High School Workout.