The Los Angeles Dodgers continued to build for the future on Day 2 of the 2025 MLB Draft, selecting shortstop Aidan West out of Long Reach High School (Columbia, Maryland) with the 135th overall pick in the fourth round. West, a highly touted left-handed hitting infielder, marks the Dodgers’ first prep selection of the draft after focusing on college talent with their initial picks.
West’s selection at pick #135 carries a slot value of $544,900, and the Dodgers will likely need to go above that figure to sign him away from his commitment to NC State, where he was considered a top incoming freshman. However, West has expressed strong interest in starting his professional career, reportedly telling sources that hearing “Long Reach High School” called during the draft was a moment of immense pride.
Standing at 6-foot-2 and 210 pounds, West boasts a smooth left-handed swing that generates good bat speed and a flat path, projecting for solid power, both in the gaps and potentially over the fence. Scouts have noted his added strength since summer showcase circuits. While there are some reports of swing-and-miss concerns and a tendency to get locked up on breaking balls, his overall hitting profile is considered high-upside.
West was a standout for Long Reach High School, where he played varsity baseball since his freshman year. In his senior season, he posted an impressive .538 batting average with 14 extra-base hits (including five homers), 30 RBI, and was a perfect 34-for-34 on stolen base attempts, earning Washington Post First Team All-Met honors. He was also considered the top draft prospect from Maryland, high school or college, after a strong showing at the MLB Draft Combine.
Scouting Reports:
Hitting:
- Swing: West possesses a smooth left-handed swing with good bat speed and a relatively flat path, allowing him to routinely hit the ball hard. He has added strength, indicating solid future power that projects for both gap doubles and potentially home runs.
- Concerns: Some evaluators have noted swing-and-miss concerns and a tendency to get “locked up” on breaking balls. His approach may need fine-tuning at the professional level.
- Rankings: ESPN ranked West as the No. 97 prospect in the 2025 MLB Draft, while MLB.com had him at 123rd and Future Stars slotted him at No. 183. Perfect Game ranked him as the best shortstop and No. 4 overall player from Maryland, and No. 38 shortstop and No. 102 overall nationally for the class of 2025.
Defense:
- Hands and Arm: He has decent hands and an average arm.
- Position: While he played shortstop in high school, most scouts believe his range might be a bit shy for him to stick at the position long-term in professional baseball. A move to third base is considered the most likely outcome, where his hitting and power tool would profile well. He has good enough actions to stay on the infield.
- Running: West is considered an above-average runner.
Overall:
- West is a high-upside prospect with a strong left-handed bat and potential for power. His defensive future is likely at third base, but he has the tools to be a solid infielder. He impressed at the MLB Draft Combine.
The selection of Aidan West highlights the Dodgers’ commitment to acquiring high-ceiling talent, even if it comes with the challenge of signing away a strong college commitment. His blend of offensive potential and defensive versatility makes him an intriguing prospect to watch as he begins his professional journey within the deep Dodgers farm system.
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