Pros and cons of Miami Marlins taking Ole Miss baseball's Kemp Alderman in 2023 MLB Draft
OXFORD — Ole Miss baseball's Kemp Alderman was selected by the Miami Marlins with the 47th pick in the second round of the 2023 MLB Draft.
Since joining the Rebels in 2021, Alderman's progression as a hitter has been considerable, struggling as a freshman before a strong 2022 gave way to an elite 2023 showing, when he led the Rebels with a 1.149 OPS and 19 home runs.
The signing bonus slot value for the selection is $1,825,300.
The positives
There weren't many more imposing hitters in college baseball last season than Alderman, who seemed to post values above 110 miles per hour on Swayze Field's exit velocity radars with regularity.
The Decatur, Mississippi, native frequently hit baseballs where they don't often go, including one monster home run that cleared Swayze Field's batter's eye. Notably, he was strong against good pitching, posting a 1.024 OPS in SEC play. Ole Miss coach Mike Bianco often praised him for his ability to think the game, especially at the plate, where he showcased a strong ability to read pitchers.
You might expect to see a 6-foot-3, 250-pound player like Alderman to have his name appear in pen on the lineup card at DH or one of the corner infield spots, but he's an athletic presence with a strong arm, fashioning himself into a good outfield defender in 2023.
That he has some limited experience catching for Ole Miss could also prove intriguing at the next level, though he was never trusted to do that full time in Oxford.
TRANSFER TRACKER: Ole Miss baseball transfer tracker: Who's in and who's out for Mike Bianco's Rebels?
The concerns
Like most power bats, Alderman will suffer his fair share of strikeouts, with a 20.5% whiff rate in 2023.
Turning 21 in August with a filled-out frame, it also seems fair to wonder whether there's much room for physical development.
Final thoughts
In a power-hitting category that often produces limited players, Alderman will be more complete than many of the other prospects in this draft class. He uses all fields with authority, has shown ability to hit for average and can even run a bit with some potential to improve as a defender with more reps in the outfield. He pairs his brawn with brains, too, making him a very interesting prospect.
David Eckert covers Ole Miss for the Clarion Ledger. Email him at deckert@gannett.com or reach him on Twitter @davideckert98.
This article originally appeared on Mississippi Clarion Ledger: Miami Marlins pick Ole Miss' Kemp Alderman in 2023 MLB Draft
