Billy Gasparino: Dodgers Not Drafting Elite Speed Players ‘On Purpose’

The Los Angeles Dodgers selected high school shortstop Kellon Lindsey with the 23rd overall pick in the 2024 MLB Draft on Sunday. It was the highest the team has picked since 2017 when they selected Jeren Kendall 23rd overall as well.

Lindsey is a two-sport athlete out of Hardee High School in Wauchula, Florida. He was committed to play baseball at the University of Florida, but plans to sign with the Dodgers.

Lindsey’s value lines up pretty well where the Dodgers drafted him, he is rated as the 29th overall prospect in this draft class according to MLB Pipeline and is seen as one of the best shortstops in the class.

With the fastest 30-yard sprint at the MLB Draft Combine, clocking in at 3.538 seconds, his most prominent tool is his speed and is what makes him standout in this class. Coincidentally, it is the second consecutive year that the Dodgers have taken a prep bat whose calling card was speed as they took outfielder Kendall George with No. 36 pick in 2023.

The Dodgers seem to be taking a page out of the old Oakland Raiders’ playbook and placing a premium on speed, but L.A. has plenty of other things they like about their past two draft choices, Dodgers vice president of amateur scouting Billy Gasparino said according to Bill Plunkett of the Southern California Newsgroup:

“Not on purpose,” Dodgers vice president of baseball operations Billy Gasparino said with a laugh after the Dodgers took Lindsey with the 23rd overall pick Sunday. “But if we ever do have to run a track event, we’re going to be pretty good at it.

“I would also argue I think (Lindsey’s) defense is really good too. As both Kendall and Kellon … they both have additional skills to go with that. It’s a bat we like. It’s defense at a premium position. And then the run tool is definitely their signature strength but just one of many.”

Speed has largely been an underrated tool in baseball, but it is gaining some momentum in recent years as the game shifts to a place where having speed on your team can provide a lot of value. It is a skill that is highly transferable outside of just being able to run fast.

It is also very valuable to have on defense, especially for a premium position like shortstop. The increased advantage given to base stealers and banning of the shift gives an opportunity for highly athletic players to make an impact on the base paths and on defense.

A former quarterback, Lindsey’s time was split between football and baseball but the Dodgers see a lot of room for him to drastically improve as a full-time baseball player and that started during his most recent baseball season:

“Part of his progression started in January when football was over. But his last two months once his baseball season was over was pretty impressive,” Gasparino said. “The strength he’s gained, the swing work he’s done, the power he’s shown, the defensive ability – we saw huge gains the last two months. So I think we’re already seeing signs of, once he commits to baseball only, how good a player he can be.”

Being a multi-sport athlete can also have its advantages as it can offer different perspectives and lessons on how to move your body in space.

Although it is the opposite route as Lindsey, a good example of this is Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes, who uses his baseball background when he makes his sidearm passes on the gridiron.

Dodgers focused on long-term in MLB Draft

Lindsey is still just 18 and likely years away from contributing to the Dodgers. Given L.A.’s need for pitching, some wondered if the club would select a college arm who could potentially be called up in the second half.

However, Gasparino said the front office focused on making finding the best long-term fit for the organization.