The Dodgers made a statement with their first pick of the 2023 amateur draft: they’ve bought into the new rules designed to make speed a more integral part of the game.
High school outfielder Kendall George was not projected to be a first-round draft selection leading into this year’s event. Yet the Dodgers tabbed the 18-year-old with their first selection, 36th overall, on Sunday.
George, from Atascocita High School in the suburbs of Houston, hit .445 with 32 stolen bases, a .581 on-base percentage, nine doubles, seven triples and 45 runs scored in 39 games during his senior season. “George was the perfect fit,” Dodgers amateur scouting director Billy Gasparino said. “He can hit. We’re going to add power. He just checked so many boxes for us.”
Gasparino said he is “very confident” that he will be able to sign George. The slot value for the number-36 pick is $2.36 million. The Dodgers and George are “still working through the details,” Gasparino said.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Dodgers take speedy high school outfielder Kendall George with 36th pick in MLB draftKendall George of Atascocita High in Humble, Texas, could become the Dodgers' highest-drafted high school position player signee since Gavin Lux in 2016.
Read more »
Dodgers scouting director tackles unique challenge: guiding his son, Will Gasparino, on eve of MLB draftBilly Gasparino, the Dodgers' director of amateur scouting, has worked to support his son, draft prospect Will Gasparino, while avoiding conflicts.
Read more »
Dodgers, Angels close out 2023 first half at Dodger StadiumEntering Saturday, the Dodgers had beaten the Angels nine games in a row.
Read more »
Dodgers demote Miguel Vargas after poor first halfThe rookie started the season as the Dodgers’ every-day second baseman, but he has hit .195 and lost playing time over the past few weeks.
Read more »
Yankees take Vanderbilt commit George Lombard Jr. in MLB Draft’s first roundIt is unlikely the Yankees would select the 6-foot-3 infielder from Gulliver Prep in Florida if they were not confident they would sign him.
Read more »
Mookie Betts, Dodgers’ All-Stars lead way in 9th straight victory over AngelsBetts hits two homers, while Freddie Freeman, J.D. Martinez and Will Smith hit one apiece, driving in nine runs in an 11-4 win. The Angels’ nine-game losing streak in the Freeway Series is the long…
Read more »