- Full name Theodore Gillen
- Born 09/12/2005 in
- Profile Ht.: 6'3" / Wt.: 200 / Bats: L / Throws: R
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Drafted in the 1st round (18th overall) by the Tampa Bay Rays in 2024 (signed for $4,370,400).
View Draft Report
School: Westlake HS, Austin, Tex.
Commit/Drafted: Texas
Age At Draft: 18.9
BA Grade: 55/Extreme
Tools: Hit: 55. Power: 55. Run: 60. Field: 50. Arm: 45.
Gillen developed an early reputation as one of the most talented hitters in the 2024 class as an underclassman, but he has missed time during the last few seasons with a handful of injuries, including right shoulder surgery in 2022. He made up for some of that lost time this spring with Westlake High, where the 6-foot-3, 198-pound shortstop and lefthanded hitter consistently showcased a great swing with power, plus speed and advanced physicality for a high schooler. Gillen has a balanced and relaxed setup in the box with a quick and level swing that he fires through the zone with impressive bat speed. He makes tons of contact and is learning to tap into his raw power more consistently in games, but he has the potential for above-average pure hitting ability and above-average game power. Gillen is a plus runner who should be able to stick at a premium defensive position, though he is a risk to slide off shortstop to either second base or center field because of questionable arm strength in the wake of his injuries. His speed would fit nicely at either position, and he has the agility, body control and actions to give himself a chance to stick on the dirt. Gillen is committed to Texas, but he has been scouted heavily enough this spring to expect a selection at some point in the middle or back-third of the first round.
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School: Westlake HS, Austin, Tex. Committed: Texas
Age At Draft: 18.9
Gillen stood out from an early age as one of the most talented players in the 2024 class, though he had right shoulder surgery in April 2022, so he missed much of the year. Gillen has long been an impressive athlete, but he has added more size and strength to his 6-foot-3 frame, with his tools taking another jump too. He has a strong offensive track record, using a line-drive stroke with a knack for going the opposite way. He’s still learning to fully tap into his power, but he has fast bat speed and is driving the ball with more extra-base damage now than he was before. Still working his way back from his shoulder injury, Gillen previously has shown good agility, body control and actions at shortstop. Depending on what happens with his arm, his athleticism and plus-plus speed would translate well in center field too. He is committed to Texas.
