From the Hip: Early Helium (MLB Draft)

Preseason action has given way to gameplay all over the country including a full month of Division 1 baseball which has provided for an ample evaluation period for updating Prep Baseball’s DraftHQ Draft Board. Whether an eye-opening performance at the Super 60, stout opening month play, or a string of impressive weekends at the collegiate level, these prospects have each elevated their status as future MLB Draft picks.

Below, a look at 10 marquee helium prospects (and 5 buzzy sleepers) who have made an impact on early spring action:

+ #21 ATH Theo Gillen (TX)
Once in strong consideration as the top player in the class early on, some freak injuries curtailed Gillen’s ascension the past couple of years, but he appears to be in elite form thus far this spring. Few, if any, look the part like the 6-foot-2, 195-pound Adonis who features lean, defined strength throughout a twitchy, high-waisted frame. Electric bat speed from the left side has provided equal part hit and power potential with top of the class grades for each. Maintaining his infield positioning this spring, a shift to center field is highly likely where Gillen will be able to put his plus-speed to use while still providing key defensive value to go along with what is one of, if not THE, top prep bat in the class.

2024 SS Theo Gillen@TheoGillen | @WHSChapBaseball

Gillen hits this 1B hard through the right side and gets a chance to show off his speed as the ball gets all the way to the wall. #MLBDraft @ShooterHunt | @PBRGowins pic.twitter.com/zrEJijctgx

— Prep Baseball Texas (@PBR_Texas) February 7, 2024