Gavin Kelly, a sophomore catcher/second baseman from West Virginia, has emerged as one of the most talked‑about prospects heading into the 2027 MLB Draft.
During the recent season he posted a .382 batting average, hit 19 home runs and drove in 63 runs, numbers that earned him All‑American honors and a semifinalist spot for both the Golden Spikes Award and the Dick Howser Trophy.
Draft buzz and analyst expectations
Perfect Game’s early mock draft places Kelly at the seventh overall selection, and many analysts now see him as a potential top‑10 pick, with some even suggesting he could be the first player taken if his current trajectory continues.
The consensus among scouts is that Kelly will be selected somewhere inside the top ten, reflecting confidence in his blend of hitting ability and defensive versatility.
Versatility and future role
Beyond the raw statistics, Kelly’s capacity to play both catcher and second base adds value for teams looking for a flexible piece in their lineup. Some experts have floated the idea of using him primarily at middle infield to preserve his knees while still capitalizing on his bat.
A recent power surge in the final month and a half of the season has raised expectations that his home‑run totals could climb even higher if he maintains this momentum into the next campaign.
With a strong collegiate background from West Virginia University and continued development, Kelly is shaping up to be a cornerstone prospect for any franchise aiming to bolster its catching or infield depth.