2023 MLB Draft Profile: Arjun Nimmala

Position: SS

Height: 6’1″

Weight: 185 pounds

School: Strawberry Crest HS (FL)

Commitment: Florida State

Arjun Nimmala is a 6’1”, 185-pound middle infielder out of the talent-rich Central Florida region. Nimmala is one of the highest-ranked prospects in the 2023 MLB Draft class. On MLB Pipeline, Nimmala is the 14th-ranked overall draft prospect and the third-ranked shortstop. Nimmala is also the top-ranked prep middle infield prospect in the class. On Perfect Game, Nimmala is the third-ranked prospect and the #1 shortstop in the country. He’s also the #1 prospect in the state of Florida. 

Nimmala is an all-around talent prospect with good hitting and defensive tools with above average speed. During his senior season, Nimmala slashed .479/.573/.904 with 35 hits, seven doubles, six home runs, fourteen walks, and a 1.477 OPS. 

Strengths

• Good contact hitter
• Can drive to ball to all fields
• Aggressive hitter
• Projects to play shortstop at the next level 
• Raw power potential 
• Plus range

Weaknesses

• Has some swing-and-miss
• Inconsistent results against tough competition at the plate

Pro Comparison: Didi Gregorius 

Projection: Top 15 pick

Bottom Line

Arjun Nimmala is being viewed as one of the top talents in this draft class. He has stood out in an area filled with D1 or pro-level talent. That's despite being exceptionally young for a draft-eligible player—Nimmala won't turn 18 until October.

If the "safest" college bats are already off the board when it's time for the Marlins to pick in the #10 spot, Arjun Nimmala could be an option.

Featured image courtesy of arjunnimmala99/Instagram