D-backs sign first-round pick Caldwell

PHOENIX -- It was a whirlwind day for Slade Caldwell, the high school outfielder who the D-backs selected with their first-round pick (No. 29 overall) two weeks ago in the 2024 MLB Draft.

Caldwell officially signed his contract, which is worth $3,087,000 per MLB Pipeline’s Jim Callis, and got a chance to take batting practice with the D-backs prior to their game Saturday night against the Pirates.

Caldwell is a dynamic ball of energy coming from a 5-foot-9 frame. While he may never produce above-average power at the professional level, Caldwell brings an advanced approach given his age (18) and should prove to be a valuable player in several categories. On the 20-80 scouting scale, MLB Pipeline gives Caldwell a 55-hit grade, 60-grade fielding ability and 65-grade speed.

Prior to signing his contract, Caldwell had committed to attend the University of Mississippi. The D-backs went above the slot for the No. 29 pick ($3,045,500) to get the deal done.

In the end, Caldwell wanted to get his professional career started as quickly as possible.

“It was a pretty tough [decision] for me,” Caldwell said. “I have a pretty good connection over there at Ole Miss with all the coaches and all the new teammates and former teammates that I played with, but ultimately I think I made the best decision.”

While at Chase Field, Caldwell got the chance to sit down and talk with manager Torey Lovullo, as well as players like outfielder Corbin Carroll whom he had met previously.

Lovullo talked with Caldwell about the organization’s core beliefs and shared some of his beliefs on what would make the youngster successful.

“He’s a young man, he's 18 years old but he handled himself unbelievably,” Lovullo said. “Very mature. You walk into a Major League manager's office, it can be a little intimidating, but he looked me square in the eye and we had a good conversation.”

With Caldwell’s signing the D-backs have signed their first 18 picks with four remaining unsigned.