The top-ranked player in Florida baseball’s 2024 signing class, Hardee Senior shortstop Kellon Lindsey, heard his name called in the first round of the MLB draft on Sunday.
The Los Angeles Dodgers selected Lindsey with the 23rd overall pick, all but guaranteeing the beginning of his professional career. Lindsey shot up draft boards this spring after scouts got wind of him on their way to spring training. He quickly moved up the class rankings and became an expected loss from Florida’s signing class.
Lindsey would have been a nice addition to the Gators’ roster, giving the team some depth in the middle infield. Shortstop [autotag]Colby Shelton[/autotag] is a draft-eligible sophomore and second baseman [autotag]Cade Kurland[/autotag] should depart in next year’s draft. With potential 80-grade speed and the arm/range to stay at shortstop, Lindsey could have been the future of Florida’s infield.
The good news is that Florida’s 15-man signing class features two more shortstops. Both have draft hopes but might not get the deals they seek.
Toronto-based Academy shortstop Brendan Lawson is ranked No. 57 overall in the 2024 recruiting class, according to Perfect Game, and the No. 156-ranked recruit in the draft class, per MLB Pipeline.
Jacksonville St.John’s Country Day shortstop Koly Myers is the lowest-ranked shortstop of the trio signed to UF, but he’s still ranked inside the national top 150. He possesses all the tools to be an elite infielder in the SEC.
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