Dodgers get 'main target' at No. 40, and the prep star likes Freddie comp

LOS ANGELES -- Bo Lowrance has long tried to emulate Freddie Freeman while developing his game. Now that the prep shortstop has been drafted by the Dodgers, it's quite the full-circle comparison.

Lowrance, MLB Pipeline’s No. 21 Draft prospect, has been one of the hottest names in Draft circles this spring. In a class relatively light on high school position players, Lowrance ranks as MLB Pipeline’s sixth-best prep hitter, fifth if you consider two-way prospect Jared Grindlinger (No. 12 to Angels) is perhaps most likely to stick on the mound.

That's why the Dodgers were happy Lowrance was still on the board when they selected him with the No. 40 overall pick in the 2026 MLB Draft on Saturday. Amateur scouting director Zach Fitzpatrick described Lowrance as the organization's "main target" coming into Day 1 of the Draft -- although the Freeman comp was not top of mind for L.A.

"For Bo, it's a good player to model his game after, so we're happy about that," Fitzpatrick said on a Zoom call with the media on Saturday. "We didn't have any Freddie Freeman comps necessarily as we went and scouted him. … But we do think Bo can hit, and we like his swing and starting point and foundation from that standpoint. So if he's anywhere close to Freddie, that would be a great outcome for us."

The Dodgers’ first overall pick was dropped 10 places to No. 40 because they exceeded the second surcharge threshold of the Competitive Balance Tax. They also lost their second-, third-, fifth- and sixth-round picks as a penalty for signing closer Edwin Díaz and right fielder Kyle Tucker, who both declined qualifying offers, this past offseason.

Lowrance, a towering lefty-swinging infielder rocketed into first-round projections thanks in part to dominant performances on showcase circuits. He also displayed exit velocities consistently in the upper 90s and triple digits at this summer’s MLB Draft Combine.

Given 55 grades for both hit and power tools, Lowrance’s 6-foot-5 frame has earned him favorable comparisons to Freeman. The South Carolina product has a naturally long swing, but he hits the ball in the air and makes consistent contact to all fields. More frequently pulling the ball could unleash additional raw power, and there’s plenty of time for the 18-year-old to add strength and make adjustments to get there.

"Definitely just trying to get more physical," Lowrance said on a Zoom call with the media on Saturday. "I'm 6-foot-5. I have a big frame, but I'm definitely not filled out, and I definitely haven't tapped into the power that I think is coming. So just trying to find the balance between getting big and getting stronger, but also staying athletic so I can stay at shortstop and be a productive infielder as well."

Defensively, Lowrance has played shortstop in the prep ranks but profiles more as a third baseman in professional ball. He moves well for his size -- given a 50 running grade -- but only has average quickness. First base or right field could also be future homes for him. His arm is unlikely to be a concern with a strong 55 grade.

That's where Lowrance sees the Freeman comp ending. He would like to remain at shortstop.

"I believe I'm capable of it," he said. "I think I have the glove skills and the athleticism. … As of right now, and where I see myself playing and developing, it's going to be at shortstop."

The Dodgers are planning on giving Lowrance the opportunity to stick at shortstop, believing that his agility relative to his size will be an asset in that regard.

"We're going to run that play out," Fitzpatrick said. "Obviously, as he develops and adds size and strength, those things can change, but for now we're optimistic on the shortstop probability and ways we can help him and keep him there."

Lowrance holds a commitment to Virginia as a highly rated prospect, though his Draft position means it’s unlikely he plays for the Cavaliers. On Draft day, he was already envisioning how the Dodgers could help him continue to get better and become the player he wants to be.

"I've definitely been making pretty huge strides, but really, nothing is going to be comparable to the Dodgers," Lowrance said. "I mean, it's going to be an unbelievable setup, and I really can't wait to see how far I can go with everything."