2024 MLB Draft Profile: Kaelen Culpepper

[Hector Rodriguez]

The Miami Marlins are expected to take a college hitter with their first-round selection in the 2024 MLB Draft. Kaelen Culpepper is coming off another excellent season and could be the future shortstop for the Fish. 

Overview

Position: SS

Height: 6’0″

Weight: 185 pounds

School: Kansas State

Kaelen Culpepper is a 6’0”, 185-pound middle infielder who plays for the Kansas State Wildcats. Culpepper was one of the top middle infielders in college baseball. He had a big junior season and almost led the Kansas State Wildcats to the College World Series.

Coming out of high school, Culpepper was a quality high school prospect. Culpepper didn’t receive a ton of national attention, but did play for an elite program with the East Cobb Astros. On Perfect Game, Culpepper was the 500th-ranked prospect in his class.

During his freshman season, Culpepper earned a starting role at third base for the Wildcats. Culpepper batted .283 with 47 hits, nine doubles, five home runs, and 22 RBIs in 51 games. He was named to the Big 12 All-Freshman team.

As a sophomore, Culpepper had a breakout season and was one of the top infielders in the conference. Culpepper slashed .325/.423/.579 with 49 hits, eight doubles, ten home runs, 41 RBIs, nine stolen bases, and a .999 OPS.

During the 2024 season, Culpepper had another highly productive junior season. Culpepper slashed .328/.422/.573 with 79 hits, fourteen doubles, six triples, eleven home runs, 58 RBIs, 17 stolen bases, and a .994 OPS.

Culpepper is a line-drive hitter with a disciplined approach at the plate and can drive the ball to all fields. He has plus speed and is an excellent defensive player. While he might not play shortstop at the next level, Culpepper could be an excellent defensive third baseman.

 

Strengths

• Advanced plate approach
• Drives ball to all fields
• Plus defensive third baseman
• Good bat speedRuns very well

 

Weaknesses

• Flat swing
• Limited power hitter

 

Pro Comparison: Tim Anderson

Projection: First-round pick (33rd on the 2024 MLB Mock Draft Consensus Board as of June 10)

 

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Bottom Line

Kaelen Culpepper was one of the best players in the Big 12 Conference last season. He also has a chance to be the first Kansas State player to be selected in the first round of the MLB Draft.

The Marlins desperately need to add more hitters to their farm system. They have one of the worst farm systems in baseball and have struggled to develop hitters in the past. Miami could be an option for Culpepper. He’s a high-floor prospect who can develop into a better power hitter if he starts to loft the ball.

 

Check out the rest of our 2024 MLB Draft Profile series.

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