Tampa Bay Rays select Texas SS commit Theo Gillen in 2024 MLB Draft

The state of Texas is known for producing great baseball talents and another one has been picked at the 2024 MLB Draft. Theo Gillen, a shortstop out of Westlake High School in Austin, was selected by the Tampa Bay Rays with the No. 18 overall pick.

Unfortunately, injuries have been a part of Gillen’s story thus far. Shoulder surgery was required as a sophomore in high schoo,l and the following year, a knee injury occurred. Gillen was able to play during his senior season at Westlake and looks to be back to full health.

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His exact position could be determined due to the shoulder problem, limiting his range at shortstop. Second base is a possibility too, at least at the Major League level.

College is still an option for Gillen, though. He is slated to play for the hometown Texas Longhorns but gave his commitment when David Pierce was still in charge of the program. Jim Schlossnagle has since taken over after moving to Austin from the arch-rival Texas A&M Aggies.

Gillen will certainly have a decision to make regarding his future. Being a high draft pick is certainly a lucrative route to go but you know Schlossnagle would love to have the middle infielder on his roster for the next few seasons.

Either way, a special moment for Gillen and his family after being picked in the 2024 MLB Draft.

What MLB scouts are saying about Theo Gillen

Heading into the draft, MLB.com gave a scouting report of Theo Gillen, talking about the offensive upside the youngster has. In fact, they believe the Westlake High School product might have the best prep bat in the entire class. Easy to see why the Rays wanted to get their hands on him.

“Gillen may have the best bat of any high schooler in this Draft,” the MLB.com scouting report said. “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.”

During the 2024 season, Gillen batted. 416 with 38 runs, 30 RBI, four doubles, six triples, and seven home runs. MaxPreps named him to the All-American team for his performances.