Kendall George brings unique speed to 2023 MLB Draft
Editor’s note: The Los Angeles Dodgers selected OF Kendall George with the No. 36 pick in the first round of the 2023 MLB Draft on July 9.
HUMBLE, Texas (BVM) 鈥� When scouts evaluate prospects, they typically break down each of their tools and grade them on a 20-80 scale, with 80 being top-of-the-line. Texas high schooler Kendall George has consensus 80-speed.
鈥�23 Kendall George (TX) continues to have a stellar summer. Speed ALWAYS applying the pressure on the defense.
Leads off the game with this bunt single:
3.6 down the line鈥� recruit ||
— Shooter Hunt (@ShooterHunt)
The Atascocita High School outfielder is arguably the fastest player in the 2023 MLB Draft and will likely be taken pretty early in July. has George as the No. 48 player in the class.
George however has more tools in his bag than just his speed. He has a nice, left-handed swing that is fairly advanced for the high school level. He also covers a lot of ground in center field being able to track down plenty of fly balls.
Prep OF Kendall George (TX) has been a popular name in scouting circles this spring. Electric bat speed and one of the most underrated performers all summer last year. Kid can absolutely fly too.
— Joe Doyle (@JoeDoyleMiLB)
He was not able to show off his skills as a high school freshman due to the COVID-19 pandemic canceling his season, but George was able to flash his 6.4 60-yard dash speed the following summer.聽
He committed to the University of Arkansas that fall.
https://twitter.com/kendallgeorge0/status/1319773615592755200
鈥淚t鈥檚 just a great college baseball atmosphere. One of the best in the country,鈥� George said. 鈥淭hey have some of the best facilities in the country and definitely the best fans.鈥�
George has improved furthermore over the past couple of seasons and is now in the position where he may go right to pro ball depending on the results of the MLB draft.聽
He has somehow managed to get faster also, being clocked at a 6.16 60-yard dash time at a last July.聽
Now he will have a decision to make next month.
鈥淚鈥檓 really just trying to stay in the moment,鈥� George said. 鈥淩eally just enjoying the moment while I have it.鈥�
George finished out his prep career with all the eyes on him due to his highly coveted status, but for him, he鈥檚 just playing baseball.
鈥淭he pressure鈥檚 always there,鈥� George said. 鈥淏ut knowing the preparation that has gone into what鈥檚 got me here and just trusting in my abilities. It鈥檚 really just going out there and playing the same game you鈥檝e played all your life.鈥�
That preparation will give him a chance to be a dynamic, table-setting player in a major league lineup one day, similar to six-time All-Star Kenny Lofton, who George models his game after.
鈥�23 CF Kendall George (TX) is a ++ runner who has turned in some great ABs so far. Simple setup w/ relaxed approach that allows quick hands to work.
Turning in great times down the line including this 3锔忊儯.8锔忊儯7锔忊儯 on a full swing 2-strike tapper. recruit
— Shooter Hunt (@ShooterHunt)
Kendall George committed to Arkansas in Oct. 2020. (Courtesy: @_kendallgeorge/Instagram)
Lofton retired a few years after George was born, but he was put onto his game by one of his summer coaches who saw the similarities early on.
鈥淭he more I started watching, I was mesmerized by his game and the way he played,鈥� George said.
George is hoping to not only mimic Lofton鈥檚 abilities but his longevity as well. He would love to come close to Lofton鈥檚 17 seasons in the big leagues.
鈥淭here鈥檚 nothing that I鈥檇 rather be doing than playing baseball, the game that I love.”
