Five Georgia Bulldogs—Brian Curley, Leighton Finley, Kolten Smith, Tre Phelps, and Alton Davis II—will participate in the MLB Draft Combine in Phoenix, showcasing their talents to scouts and teams.

The transition from college baseball to the professional ranks is a pivotal moment for any aspiring player. The MLB Draft Combine serves as a crucial platform where prospects showcase their skills, athleticism, and baseball IQ to scouts, general managers, and decision-makers from every MLB organization. For the Georgia Bulldogs, a program renowned for producing talented baseball players who go on to professional careers, having five athletes participate in the upcoming MLB Draft Combine in Phoenix is a testament to the program’s ongoing development and the individual talent of these five prospects: Brian Curley, Leighton Finley, Kolten Smith, Tre Phelps, and Alton Davis II.

This article provides an in-depth look into each player, their journey, strengths, and what their participation in the combine signifies for their careers and Georgia’s baseball program as a whole.

The Significance of the MLB Draft Combine

The MLB Draft Combine, held annually in Phoenix, Arizona, is a showcase event that gathers college and high school prospects, international players, and top emerging talent. Unlike the MLB Draft itself, which is a formal selection process, the combine offers players an opportunity to perform physical assessments, batting practice, defensive drills, and athletic testing in front of scouts and team executives.

The event provides an invaluable opportunity for players to elevate their draft stock, demonstrate their athleticism, and make a lasting impression. For scouts, it offers additional data points beyond game performance—measuring speed, arm strength, agility, and overall athleticism—that can be decisive in draft decisions.

For college players like the five Georgia Bulldogs, participation signifies recognition of their talent and potential, and it can be a turning point in their professional aspirations.

Georgia Bulldogs’ Baseball Program: A Proven Pipeline to the Pros

Georgia’s baseball program has gained recognition for developing talented players who transition successfully into professional baseball. The Bulldogs have a history of producing MLB draft picks, including recent first-round selections and numerous players who have signed as free agents or minor leaguers.

The program’s emphasis on recruiting athletic, versatile players and providing them with a competitive environment has contributed to its reputation as a breeding ground for future MLB talent. The participation of five Bulldogs at this year’s combine underscores the strength of the program and highlights the individual promise of these prospects.

Spotlight on the Prospects

1. Brian Curley – Outfielder with Defensive Prowess and Power Potential

Brian Curley, a gifted outfielder, has garnered attention for his exceptional defensive skills, speed, and developing power at the plate. Standing out with his ability to cover ground in the outfield, Curley’s athleticism is evident both in his defensive range and baserunning ability.

At the combine, scouts will likely focus on his speed and arm strength, which are critical tools for his position. Additionally, batting practice sessions will allow him to showcase his swing mechanics and power potential. If he performs well, his stock could rise as a leadoff hitter or a center fielder with all-around tools.

2. Leighton Finley – Right-Handed Pitcher with Strikeout Ability

Leighton Finley, a talented right-handed pitcher, is known for his high-velocity fastball and sharp secondary pitches. His command and ability to generate swings and misses have made him a prospect to watch.

At the combine, Finley’s performance in the velocity drills, command assessments, and live pitching evaluations will be crucial. Scouts will analyze his mechanics, endurance, and pitch movement to determine his ceiling as a starter or reliever. A strong showing could elevate his draft position, especially if he demonstrates consistency and adaptability during the athletic testing.

3. Kolten Smith – Utility Player with Versatility and Contact Hitting

Kolten Smith is recognized for his versatility, good contact ability, and baseball IQ. Capable of playing multiple positions, Smith’s adaptability makes him an attractive prospect. His approach at the plate emphasizes contact, with the potential to develop additional power.

At the combine, scouts will observe his defensive drills across different positions and his batting practice sessions. His athleticism and positional versatility could give him an edge, especially if he shows quick reflexes and strong arm strength in defensive evaluations.

4. Tre Phelps – Left-Handed Pitcher with Crafty Off-Speed Pitches

Tre Phelps, a left-handed pitcher, boasts a repertoire that includes effective off-speed pitches and command. His ability to keep hitters off balance and his composure on the mound have garnered attention from professional scouts.

During the combine, Phelps will showcase his mechanics and pitching intelligence. His ability to repeat delivery, control his pitches, and perform under pressure will be key factors in how scouts evaluate his potential as a reliever or back-end starter.

5. Alton Davis II – Power Hitter with Defensive Skills

Alton Davis II is a powerful hitter with raw strength that can translate into home run potential. His swing mechanics and ability to drive the ball are his standout attributes. Defensively, he has shown promise at multiple positions, adding to his value.

At the combine, Davis’s batting practice will be closely watched for power potential, while his athletic testing will reveal his speed, agility, and arm strength. A strong performance could see him climb draft boards as a premium power bat with defensive flexibility.

The Potential Impact of Combine Participation

For each of these prospects, performing well at the MLB Draft Combine could significantly influence their draft position and future career trajectory. The combine offers a platform to demonstrate athleticism that might not always be fully evident in college game statistics.

Key areas of focus include:

• Physical Testing: 60-yard dash, vertical leap, broad jump, arm strength, and bat speed.
• Defensive Drills: Fielding, throwing accuracy, and agility tests for position players.
• Pitching Evaluations: Fastball velocity, command, secondary pitch effectiveness, and endurance.
• Interviews and Analytics: Player interviews, biometric data, and scouting reports, which can influence team decisions.

A standout performance in these areas can lead to increased draft interest, higher selection in the draft order, and better signing bonuses.

Georgia’s Investment in Player Development and Recruitment

The fact that five Bulldogs are attending the combine underscores Georgia’s commitment to developing players capable of competing at the highest levels. The coaching staff’s focus on athleticism, skill refinement, and mental preparation prepares prospects for the rigors of professional baseball.

Georgia’s facilities, coaching staff, and competitive environment foster growth, enabling players to refine their skills and showcase their talents effectively. The success of past players transitioning to MLB adds credibility to the program and makes it an attractive destination for aspiring athletes.

Future Outlook for the Prospects and Georgia Baseball

For the Players:

• Draft Prospects: Their performances at the combine could secure them opportunities to be drafted, possibly in the early rounds if they excel, or as priority undrafted free agents if they show exceptional athleticism and potential.
• Development Path: Regardless of draft position, participation in the combine is a stepping stone, offering exposure, experience, and feedback to refine their skills further.

For Georgia’s Program:

• The participation of multiple prospects at the combine enhances Georgia’s reputation as a program that develops professional-ready talent.
• Success stories from these prospects can attract future recruits eager to follow a similar path.
• The exposure gained from the combine can also open doors for the program’s recruiting efforts, demonstrating the caliber of players Georgia produces.

The Broader Impact on College Baseball and MLB

The presence of five Bulldogs at the combine reflects the increasing talent level in college baseball and the integral role of these showcases in bridging the gap between college and professional baseball. It exemplifies how college programs like Georgia play a vital role in developing future MLB stars and how these prospects leverage the combine to maximize their draft potential.

As Brian Curley, Leighton Finley, Kolten Smith, Tre Phelps, and Alton Davis II prepare for the MLB Draft Combine in Phoenix, their participation symbolizes more than individual ambitions—they represent Georgia’s ongoing legacy of nurturing talent capable of excelling at the highest levels. Their performances in Phoenix could be pivotal in shaping their professional trajectories, and their success will further elevate Georgia’s reputation as a powerhouse in college baseball.

The upcoming combine offers a stage for these athletes to showcase their talents, impress scouts, and take significant steps toward fulfilling their dreams of playing in Major League Baseball. For fans of Georgia baseball, supporters, and the prospects themselves, this is an exciting chapter—one filled with promise, potential, and the pursuit of greatness.