Dodgers Sign First-Round Draft Pick to Under-Slot Deal
![Apr 28, 2024; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; A hat and glove of an Los Angeles Dodgers player durng a game against the Toronto Blue Jays at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports Apr 28, 2024; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; A hat and glove of an Los Angeles Dodgers player durng a game against the Toronto Blue Jays at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,w_6000,h_3375,x_0,y_0/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images/ImagnImages/mmsport/inside_the_dodgers/01j3gkym7c98ccak3fsn.jpg)
The Los Angeles Dodgers have signed their 2024 MLB first-round draft pick, shortstop Kellon Lindsey. J.P. Hoornstra of Dodgers Nation was first to report the news Tuesday.
Lindsey's minor league deal with the Dodgers comes with a $3.3 million signing bonus.
The Dodgers drafted Lindsey with the No. 23 overall pick right out of high school, and he is coming off an incredible senior season. Lindsey slashed .403/.567/597 in 25 games at Hardee High School in Wauchula, Florida.
Dodgers vice president of baseball operations Billy Gasparino spoke highly of their draft pick in a statement.
"He's a dynamic athlete, and shortstops are so hard to find," said Gasparino. "We also love his work ethic, and we think he's going to be a very prototype Dodger player that we all like and are rooting for in the future."
The 18-year-old is a premium athlete and has all the tools to be a big leaguer one day. He has a short, right-handed swing heard to make contact and send line drives up the middle, according to MLB.com.
According to Jonathan Mayo of MLB.com, Lindsey recorded the fastest 30-yard sprint at the MLB Draft Combine, clocking in at 3.538 seconds. The $3,3 million bonus is the most significant bonus the Dodgers have given to a first-round draft pick since Zach Lee in 2010 ($5.25 million).
Lindsey was committed to the University of Florida before signing with the Dodgers.