Get ready, Seattle, because the MLB Draft is just days away, set to go down on July 11 or 12, and one name making serious noise is Codey Gauff. This switch-hitting catcher, famously known as Coco Gauff's younger brother, just crushed it at the MLB Draft Combine in Phoenix, and his on-base average, which approached an insane .500 this season, combined with a premium 79 mph catcher velocity, has scouts talking big. Could he be the kind of blue-collar talent we see shaking things up in the league soon? You better believe it.
This Catcher's Skills Are Legit, No Joke
We're talking about a serious talent here. Codey Gauff isn't just riding on his sister's fame; he's carved out his own path, playing at Elite Squad Baseball Academy in Delray Beach and earning league MVP honors. His on-base average this season was nearly .500, which is just ridiculous. Scouting reports aren't holding back, either, citing his "impressive raw bat speed and aggressive intent." And for a catcher? He's got elite speed, clocking 6.6 seconds in the 60-yard dash. That "premium arm that clocks a 79 mph catcher velocity" means he's a "major threat to control the running game." Former MLB pitcher Sean Burnett, who coached against Gauff, put it simply: "Really good hitter, tough out, good athlete." Burnett added that Codey "blocks everything" and "can shut down the running game." This kid's resume includes playing for top travel teams, including the San Diego Padres scout team, and appearing in national showcases. He even committed to Missouri after attracting interest from a number of Division I schools.A Family Legacy Built on Hard Work and Support
The Gauff family has sports running deep in their veins, with roots in Palm Beach County going back over half a century. His grandfather, Eddie “Red” Odom Jr., played three seasons of minor league baseball and started a Little League for Black children during segregation. His father, Corey, played basketball at Georgia State, and his mother, Candi, was a track athlete at Florida State. Even his 13-year-old brother, Cameron, is excelling in football. Codey prides himself on being a “blue-collar guy” and “one of the hardest-working guys in the draft,” drawing inspiration from his sister. He noted how hard Coco "works, goes day in and day out, and conducts herself like a professional athlete." His sister, Coco, even told The Associated Press, "I go to his games when I'm in town," though she admits baseball is "a bit of a slower, more boring sport." Despite the jokes, their bond is real. Codey shared with MLB.com, “We were taught to be your siblings' biggest supporter. So that's what we do.” It's clear the drive to be great is a family affair. The MLB Draft is upon us, Seattle, and while we just watched our Mariners fall 0-2 to the Miami Marlins, it’s a good reminder that new talent is always coming through the pipeline. Who will the Mariners pick up? Will we see a switch-hitting catcher with incredible speed and an arm like Codey Gauff on our radar? We'll be watching July 11 and 12 to see what the future holds for baseball in the Emerald City.This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.