Drafted in the 15th round (462nd overall) by the Houston Astros in 2018 (signed for $125,000).
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Dawson began his college career at Lousiana State, transferred to Chipola (Fla.) JC, then ended up at Kentucky where he's been the team's everyday shortstop in 2018. Dawson is a solid athlete with the range and hands to stick at shortstop in pro ball. He's an above-average runner. Scouts are less enamored with his swing and hitting ability, which is why he may end up as a utility infielder in pro ball.
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Dawson has a wiry, projectable body, and shows outstanding actions at shortstop, with plus range and smooth glove work. He has at least an average arm, and scouts see him developing into a premium all-around defensive talent. At the plate, Dawson is far from his ceiling, but he has loose wrists and can drive the ball over the fence, though he looked overmatched against high quality competition last summer. Dawson has not faced exceptional competition this spring, and he was also a star basketball player until late in March, so evaluators haven't quite gotten the best scouting experience with him. Still, Dawson's raw athleticism gives him a high ceiling. His defense is good enough for him to play at LSU immediately, and if his bat comes along, he could develop into a star.
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