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) – 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.
‘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…@RazorbackBSB recruit #MLBDraft || @PBR_Texas pic.twitter.com/QNpxyYzHXC
— Shooter Hunt (@ShooterHunt) August 11, 2022
The Atascocita High School outfielder is arguably the fastest player in the 2023 MLB Draft and will likely be taken pretty early in July. Joe Doyle of Future Star Series 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. https://t.co/weZ2OqJP7r
— Joe Doyle (@JoeDoyleMiLB) April 3, 2023
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.
He committed to the University of Arkansas that fall.
https://twitter.com/kendallgeorge0/status/1319773615592755200
“It’s just a great college baseball atmosphere. One of the best in the country,” George said. “They have some of the best facilities in the country and definitely the best fans.”
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.
He has somehow managed to get faster also, being clocked at a 6.16 60-yard dash time at a Perfect Game Event last July.
Now he will have a decision to make next month.
“I’m really just trying to stay in the moment,” George said. “Really just enjoying the moment while I have it.”
George finished out his prep career with all the eyes on him due to his highly coveted status, but for him, he’s just playing baseball.
“The pressure’s always there,” George said. “But knowing the preparation that has gone into what’s got me here and just trusting in my abilities. It’s really just going out there and playing the same game you’ve played all your life.”
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.
‘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 3️⃣.8️⃣7️⃣ on a full swing 2-strike tapper.@RazorbackBSB recruit@PBR_Texas pic.twitter.com/GZsUalzdsz
— Shooter Hunt (@ShooterHunt) August 13, 2021
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.
“The more I started watching, I was mesmerized by his game and the way he played,” George said.
George is hoping to not only mimic Lofton’s abilities but his longevity as well. He would love to come close to Lofton’s 17 seasons in the big leagues.
“There’s nothing that I’d rather be doing than playing baseball, the game that I love.”
