Sean Gamble, SS/OF, IMG Academy (FL): Rising Star Showcases Versatility Ahead of 2025 Draft
Sean Gamble is quietly building a reputation as one of the most intriguing MLB draft prospects in the class of 2025. The 6’1″, 188-pound shortstop/outfielder from IMG Academy brings an athletic frame and a left-handed bat that scouts are increasingly taking notice of. With his versatile defensive skills and developing power, Gamble has positioned himself as a potential early-round selection when the draft rolls around next summer.
At just 18 years old (born July 6, 2006), Gamble has shown impressive production at the plate for the IMG Academy Ascenders. His offensive contributions have been notable, as he ranks 310th nationally in a key statistical category and has demonstrated the ability to drive in runs consistently. The son of a former major leaguer, baseball bloodlines run deep for the talented Des Moines, Iowa native who has thrived since transferring to the Florida baseball powerhouse.
Gamble throws right-handed but bats from the left side, giving him an advantage that professional teams covet. His 185-pound frame suggests room for additional strength development, something that will be closely monitored as he continues to refine his game. While he splits time between shortstop and outfield, many evaluators believe his athleticism and projectability might ultimately make center field his long-term defensive home at the next level.
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Sean Gamble’s Athletic Profile
Sean Gamble has established himself as one of the top high school baseball prospects in the country through his exceptional skills and versatility on the diamond. His athletic frame and polished abilities have drawn significant attention from scouts and college programs alike.
High School Career at IMG Academy
At IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida, Gamble has flourished in one of the nation’s premier baseball development programs. The son of former MLB player Oscar Gamble, Sean has capitalized on both his genetics and the elite training environment at IMG.
Standing 6’1″ and weighing 180-190 pounds, Gamble has put up impressive numbers for the Silver Ascenders. His .803 slugging percentage ranks 68th in Florida, showcasing his power potential.
The left-handed hitter has demonstrated a mature approach at the plate, consistently making solid contact and displaying excellent bat-to-ball skills.
Positional Versatility: SS and OF
Gamble’s defensive versatility makes him particularly valuable as a prospect. He splits time between shortstop and outfield, showing comfort and skill at both positions.
At shortstop, he displays soft hands, good range, and a plus arm that could also play at third base if needed. His instincts and baseball IQ are evident in his positioning and decision-making.
In the outfield, particularly center field, Gamble’s athleticism truly shines. He covers significant ground with smooth routes and shows the arm strength necessary to keep runners honest.
| Position | Bats | Throws | Height | Weight | Age |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SS/OF | Left | Right | 6’1″ | 180-190 lbs | 18 |
Athletic Strengths and Skills
Gamble’s athletic profile is highlighted by his smooth, repeatable swing with excellent barrel control. He drives the ball to all fields with authority, showing both contact skills and developing power.
His approach at the plate demonstrates maturity beyond his years. Gamble controls the strike zone well and makes consistent hard contact, suggesting he’ll hit for both average and power.
Speed and body control are additional assets. His athletic frame and build offer “plenty of projection” according to Perfect Game evaluations.
Gamble is widely projected as a potential early-round MLB draft selection in 2025, though he maintains college options. His combination of present skills and future projection makes him one of the more intriguing prep prospects in his class.
Scouting Report
Sean Gamble brings an impressive toolset to the table with his combination of hitting ability, athleticism, and baseball IQ. The IMG Academy standout has steadily risen up draft boards thanks to his advanced approach and projectable frame.
Offensive Abilities
Gamble possesses a smooth, repeatable left-handed swing with exceptional barrel control. What stands out most is his ability to drive the ball to all fields with authority, showing impressive pitch recognition for his age. His approach at the plate is mature – he rarely chases outside the zone.
Standing 6’1″ and 190 pounds, Gamble has room to add strength while maintaining his athleticism. His power numbers project to improve as he physically matures, potentially developing into a 20+ home run threat at the next level.
| Batting Stats | Value |
|---|---|
| Bats/Throws | L/R |
| Hit Tool | 55/60 |
| Power | 50/55 |
| Speed | 55/55 |
Unlike some of his draft class peers like Ethan Holliday, Gamble isn’t just a one-dimensional hitter. He combines above-average speed with excellent baserunning instincts.
Defensive Capabilities
Defensively, Gamble has shown versatility that enhances his draft stock. He’s primarily played shortstop but has also gotten reps in center field, demonstrating the athleticism to handle both premium positions. His plus arm plays well at both spots.
His actions at shortstop are smooth and efficient, with good range to both sides. While not as flashy as Dean Moss, Gamble makes the routine plays consistently and shows occasional brilliance on tougher chances.
What separates Gamble defensively is his baseball IQ. He positions himself well, gets excellent jumps on balls, and consistently makes the right decision with the baseball. His arm strength rates as above-average, allowing him to make all the necessary throws from deep in the hole.
Projected Development
Gamble’s decision to attend IMG Academy as a sophomore has accelerated his development. The advanced training environment has refined his natural tools into more polished skills, particularly his swing mechanics and defensive fundamentals.
MLB scouts project Gamble as a potential first-round selection in the 2025 draft, with his stock rising steadily. Unlike Kruz Schoolcraft, who relies more on raw athleticism, Gamble combines solid tools with advanced baseball skills.
His ceiling projects as an everyday MLB shortstop with All-Star potential if his power develops as expected. At minimum, his defensive versatility, speed, and hit tool give him a high floor as a valuable utility player who can impact games in multiple ways.
Notable Games and Statistics
Sean Gamble has established himself as a standout performer at IMG Academy with impressive numbers at the plate and game-changing performances. His statistical profile reveals a player with elite potential who consistently delivers in key moments.
Benchmark Performances
Gamble has turned heads with several standout performances during his time at IMG Academy. In one notable game, he demonstrated his run-producing ability by driving in multiple RBIs, contributing to his ranking as 310th nationally in runs batted in.
Against top competition, the left-handed batter has shown his ability to deliver in clutch situations. His performance has been particularly impressive considering the high-caliber opponents IMG Academy regularly faces.
MLB scouts have taken notice of these benchmark games, which have helped solidify his position as a prospect to watch in the 2025 draft class.
Statistical Analysis
Gamble’s numbers tell the story of a multi-dimensional talent. The 6’1″, 188-pound prospect has recorded impressive metrics that back up the eye test.
| Category | Measurement | Date Recorded |
|---|---|---|
| Hand Speed | 22.8 (max) | 2/24/21 |
| Bat Speed | 74.7 (max) | – |
| Bats/Throws | L/R | – |
| Frame | 6’1″, 188 lbs | – |
His batting statistics at IMG Academy show consistent production, ranking him top 59 in Florida and top 1 in Independent schools for key metrics.
The Perfect Game evaluation describes him as having “an athletic frame and build with plenty of projection,” suggesting there’s even more potential to be unlocked as he develops.
Recruitment and Commitment Status
Sean Gamble has established himself as one of the top prospects in the 2025 class, drawing attention from both collegiate and professional scouts. His commitment to Vanderbilt and rising draft stock reflect his exceptional talent and potential.
College Prospects
Gamble’s recruitment journey culminated in a commitment to baseball powerhouse Vanderbilt. The Commodores secured his talent early, adding the IMG Academy standout to their future roster. This commitment speaks volumes about his abilities, as Vanderbilt consistently produces MLB-caliber talent.
Perfect Game has awarded Gamble a grade of 10, their highest evaluation mark. This rating places him among the elite prospects in his class.
His decision to transfer from Iowa to IMG Academy as a sophomore demonstrates his dedication to development. The move positioned him in one of the nation’s premier baseball programs, enhancing his visibility to college recruiters.
| Player Profile | Details |
|---|---|
| Bats | Left |
| Throws | Right |
| Height | 6’1″ |
| Weight | 188 lbs |
| Position | SS/OF |
| School | IMG Academy (FL) |
Interest from Professional Scouts
Professional scouts have taken significant notice of Gamble’s abilities. His development at IMG Academy has accelerated his national scouting exposure. This positions him as a potential early-round selection in the 2025 MLB Draft.
Gamble’s left-handed bat and defensive versatility at shortstop and outfield make him particularly valuable to pro evaluators. His 6’1″, 188-pound frame provides both current ability and projectable growth.
The Florida 2025 rankings show Gamble among the state’s top prospects. This is particularly impressive given Florida’s reputation for producing elite baseball talent. His performance against high-level competition has only strengthened his draft positioning.
MLB pipeline has already begun tracking Gamble, assigning him prospect status well ahead of the 2025 draft. His combination of present skills and future projection has scouts maintaining close tabs on his development through his final high school season.
Comparison with Peers
Sean Gamble stands among the elite prospects in the 2025 MLB Draft class. His combination of athleticism, power potential, and baseball IQ puts him in rarefied air when measured against his contemporaries.
Profile Alignments
Gamble’s skill set most closely aligns with top-tier dual-threat prospects like Ethan Holliday and Xavier Neyens. All three possess exceptional bat-to-ball skills and defensive versatility that makes scouts drool.
When examining the numbers, Gamble’s left-handed stroke produces exit velocities comparable to Holliday, though with a slightly different approach:
| Player | Bats/Throws | Commit | Power Grade | Run Grade | Arm Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sean Gamble | L/R | Vanderbilt | 60 | 65 | 55 |
| Ethan Holliday | L/R | Oklahoma State | 60 | 60 | 60 |
| Xavier Neyens | R/R | LSU | 55 | 70 | 55 |
Like Holliday, Gamble profiles as a potential first-round selection. Both players have major league bloodlines that give them a distinct advantage in understanding the game.
Differences in Athletic Trajectories
While Gamble shares top-prospect status with peers like Brady Ebel and Seth Hernandez, his development curve appears steeper based on recent showcases.
Gamble’s fast, aggressive swing distinguishes him from contact-oriented prospects like Eli Willits. And unlike Kayson Cunningham, who relies heavily on raw speed, Gamble brings a more complete package of tools.
The IMG Academy environment has accelerated Gamble’s progress compared to prospects like Coy James and Kruz Schoolcraft. While those players have impressive ceilings, Gamble’s floor appears higher thanks to his advanced approach at the plate.
As a Vanderbilt commit, Gamble’s stock continues to rise. Many scouts now project him as a potential top-15 selection, ahead of several peers who were previously ranked higher.
Training and Work Ethic
Sean Gamble’s rise as one of the nation’s top high school baseball prospects stems from his rigorous training regimen and the elite coaching he receives at IMG Academy. His development combines structured practice routines with personalized instruction that has elevated his game to professional-caliber levels.
Daily Regimen and Practice Routine
Gamble’s typical day at IMG Academy begins well before most teenagers even consider getting out of bed. The 6-2, 185-pound shortstop/outfielder starts with early morning strength training focused on explosive movements that translate directly to baseball skills.
His practice sessions are meticulously structured, with mornings dedicated to fielding drills that hone his versatility between the infield and outfield.
Gamble spends at least two hours daily on defensive work, taking hundreds of ground balls at shortstop and tracking fly balls in the outfield.
Batting practice occupies another significant portion of his day, with Gamble reportedly taking 300+ swings daily between live BP, cage work, and tee drills. What separates him is his analytical approach—he often studies video of his swing between sessions.
| Skill Focus | Daily Time Investment | Key Development Areas |
|---|---|---|
| Hitting | 2-3 hours | Bat speed, plate discipline |
| Fielding | 2+ hours | Infield/outfield versatility |
| Strength | 90 minutes | Explosiveness, durability |
| Film Study | 45 minutes | Mechanical adjustments |
Mentorship and Coaching at IMG Academy
At IMG Academy, Gamble benefits from elite coaching that few high school programs can match. The staff includes former MLB players and development specialists who provide individualized instruction tailored to his unique skill set.
His primary hitting coach has implemented specific drills to maximize Gamble’s already impressive bat speed while improving his plate discipline. The defensive coaching focuses on enhancing his versatility, allowing him to project as both a shortstop and outfielder at higher levels.
What truly distinguishes Gamble’s development is his mentorship relationships. He’s reportedly formed a strong bond with the program’s coordinators who have connections to several MLB organizations, providing insights that transcend typical high school coaching.
Beyond the Field
Sean Gamble’s talents extend well beyond his impressive stats on the baseball diamond. The IMG Academy standout has built a reputation as a well-rounded student-athlete who excels in multiple areas of his life.
Academic Achievements
Gamble maintains a strong academic record at IMG Academy, balancing rigorous coursework with his demanding baseball schedule. His disciplined approach to studies mirrors his work ethic on the field, consistently earning honor roll recognition despite the challenges of attending one of the nation’s premier sports academies.
Teachers describe him as attentive and engaged, particularly excelling in mathematics and sciences. This academic foundation will serve him well as he prepares for collegiate academics.
College recruiters have taken notice of Gamble’s classroom performance, an important factor as top programs seek athletes who can succeed both on the field and in lecture halls. His academic profile enhances his already impressive baseball resume.
Community Involvement
Despite his packed schedule, Gamble finds time to give back to the Bradenton community. He volunteers regularly with youth baseball clinics. Here, he shares his knowledge with the next generation of players in Florida.
His community service extends to local food drives and environmental cleanup efforts around campus. These activities demonstrate a maturity that scouts and college coaches value highly in prospective recruits.
Gamble has worked with IMG Academy’s community outreach program. Here, he participated in reading initiatives at nearby elementary schools. His teammates describe him as someone who leads by example. They often say that he is the first to volunteer for community projects.
This commitment to service complements his baseball skills and academic achievements. It creates the well-rounded profile that major programs and MLB scouts increasingly prioritize in their evaluations of young talent.
