The Georgia Bulldog raked in 2024, and now joins the Rockies as a third base/outfield hopeful.
The Colorado Rockies have drafted their corner outfield bat of the future, as they selected Univeristy of Georgia third baseman/outfielder Charlie Condon with the third-overall pick.
With the 3rd pick in the 2024 Draft, the @Rockies select @BaseballUGA OF Charlie Condon, No. 2 on the Top 250 Draft Prospects list.
Watch LIVE: https://t.co/eLMJAXDe7Z pic.twitter.com/SuZXYGCIdJ
— MLB Draft (@MLBDraft) July 14, 2024
Despite seemingly being overlooked early on in his career, the young slugger set the record straight in 2024.
Condon absolutely raked in Division-I baseball in 2024, slashing .433/.566/1.009 and leading D-I in homers, tallying 37 big flys. The Golden Spikes Award-winner will doubtless be enticed by the prospect of sending balls into orbit at Coors Field.
NORTHWOODS LEAGUE HISTORY
Charlie Condon is drafted with the Number 3 Overall Pick by the @Rockies !
The 2022 NWL All-Star Game MVP becomes the highest draft pick in Northwoods League history!
Take a look at @CharlieCondon14 best moments in St. Cloud! pic.twitter.com/kOGzTIA11a
— Northwoods League Baseball (@NWLbaseball) July 14, 2024
Condon’s power is a boon for Colorado fans, and his ability to lift the ball has drawn comparisons to Kris Bryant and Aaron Judge. That he fell to third in the Draft could be considered a surprise, as some experts assessed the 21-year-old as the best overall talent available.
It’s no wonder that some fans are already feeling the excitement.
How much excitement?
Well, Senior Director of Scouting Operations Marc Gustafson had this to say about his new outfielder:
“We see him as the ‘face of the franchise’-type player,” Gustafson said. “He’s got the the skill set, he’s got the mindset, the work ethic… just a really solid player on and off the field. Most importantly, the hit/power combination is hard to come by. It was a no-brainer when he became available.”
That’s some high praise.
Charlie Condon in Coors Field pic.twitter.com/XTURn17WkB
— Addison (@YankeeWRLD) July 14, 2024
It’s not just his play, though. Vice President and Assistant General Manager of Scouting Danny Montgomery spoke about Condon’s professionalism off the field as well.
“Outside of his talent, once we got to know him – as (good) as he is a ball player, he’s a better person, and that means a lot to us,” Montgomery said.
While he played a good amount of third base last season, including landing a spot on the First-Team All-SEC at the position, the Rockies may decide to focus Condon’s talents in the outfield (he was announced as such during his official selection).
His 70-grade power will be a significant benefit to a Colorado offense that has had trouble scoring runs in recent seasons.
I’ll let Gustafson summarize Condon’s pick thusly:
“We were jumping with joy.”
Charlie Condon in Coors Field could get really, really dangerous once he comes up.
He had a 1.009 slugging percentage in 2024 in 231 ABs. His OPS was 1.565 (!!!!!)
— Luke Arcaini (@ArcainiLuke) July 14, 2024
★ ★ ★
Are you jumping with joy about the pick? Let us know in the comments!