With three draft picks grouped at the bottom of the first round and in the comp rounds, the Diamondbacks were stuck making selections based partially on who had previously been selected.
The trajectory of the night changed at pick #16, when the Marlins selected PJ Morlando, the first player chosen who had been mocked to the Diamondbacks, but also the first player who was definitely an attempt to sign underslot. The Brewers at #17 followed suit. And with that, it became clear that some of the more highly regarded prep pitching would drop to the Diamondbacks at #29. And if the Diamondbacks didn’t like any of the prep pitching available, there would be a really good college bat available.
The Padres selecting Kash Mayfield was a bit disappointing, but it also guaranteed that the Diamondbacks would be able to pick one of the college bats who was expected to go in the early 20s, and have their pick of the catchers. The Yankees followed by taking Ben Hess, who no one had going in the first round. The Phillies picked Dante Nori. This left an incredible group of players from which to choose. There were two of the top three college catchers (Malcolm Moore, Caleb Lomavita) and a bumper crop of college bats (Ryan Waldschmidt, Tommy White, Billy Amick, Dakota Jordan, Griff O’Ferrall.) There was one of the top prep bats in Slade Caldwell and one of the top arms in Ryan Sloan. They chose to go with Caldwell.
He fits well with what the Diamondbacks have done in recent years. Left handed bat, a bit undersized, excellent runner. His arm is weaker, just like many of the outfielders selected in recent years. But he’s got a high upside, should be an on-base threat, and might have decent gap power, although 10-15 home runs is probably his ceiling.
Caldwell slots in behind Druw Jones as the second-best outfield prospect in the system.