Arizona Diamondbacks select Ole Miss signee Slade Caldwell in 2024 MLB Draft
Slade Caldwell is officially heading to the next level. The Arizona Diamondbacks selected him in the first round with the No. 29th overall pick in the 2024 MLB Amateur Draft.
Last year’s Gatorade Player of the Year won the award again this season. The 5-foot-9, 185 pound outfielder led Valley View (Ark.) to a 26-2 record and 5A state championship in 2024. Caldwell hit .485 with 18 RBI, 58 runs scored and 51 stolen bases, becoming the state’s career leader with 170 steals. He was also 5-0 on the mound with a 1.63 earned run average. He punched out 53 with just seven walks in 34.1 innings.
The two-time Gatorade Player of the Year signed with Ole Miss in the 2024 class, but will now head to the professional ranks.
Slade Caldwell is an attractive prospect due to explosive play and traits defensively.
“An aggressive player who delivers constant energy, Caldwell has well-above-average speed and makes things happen on the bases,” an MLB scout said. “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.”
As a junior, Caldwell hit .512 with five home runs and 31 runs batted. He also had 40 steals and 40 walks. On the mound, he was quite the weapon, going 7-1 with a 2.31 earned run average and 72 strikeouts.
“Though he lacks size, he’s a dynamic player who’s an outfield version of the Mets’ Jett Williams,” an MLB scout said. “Williams played his way into the first round in 2022 and Caldwell could do the same in 2024.”
