Codey Gauff Set to Shine in MLB Draft

From Tennis Courts to Baseball Diamond

Codey Gauff, the younger brother of two‑time Grand Slam champion Coco Gauff, is turning heads on a different surface. The 22‑year‑old catcher—who plays for the Elite Squad Baseball Academy in Delray Beach—was invited to the MLB Draft Combine in Phoenix, leaving many to wonder if his name will be called on July 11 or 12. His journey from the family’s Palm Beach County roots to a potential big‑league contract mirrors the athletic heritage that runs deep in his family.

Despite never matching Coco’s 2023 Wimbledon upset of Venus Williams at age 15, Codey has built a reputation among scouts. He earned league MVP honors with an on‑base average near .500 this season and boasts elite speed—6.6 seconds in the 60‑yard dash—along with a 79 mph catcher velocity that makes him a menace on the bases. Scouts have praised his “impressive raw bat speed and aggressive intent,” while former MLB pitcher turned coach Sean Burnett notes, “Really good hitter, tough out, good athlete. (Defensively), he blocks everything. He can shut down the running game.”

College Commitment and Draft Dreams

Codey originally pledged to play college baseball at Missouri, announcing his decision on National Signing Day with his family in attendance. His sister Coco shared her pride on social media, underscoring the tight bond between the siblings. “That’s kind of our bond,” Codey told MLB.com. “It doesn’t matter how many followers she has or how much fame I have, that’s just how close we’ve been since we were young. We were taught to be your siblings’ biggest supporter. So that’s what we do.”

Now, his plans could change if a team selects him in the upcoming draft. “I want to play in the big leagues, whichever route that takes me,” he said, signaling a focus that goes beyond college baseball. The uncertainty adds excitement for fans who have watched his development at the Elite Squad Academy, the San Diego Padres’ scout team, and national showcases.

Family Legacy Runs Deep

Codey’s drive is rooted in a multigenerational sports tradition. His grandfather, Eddie “Red” Odom Jr., played minor league baseball and later founded a Little League for Black children in Delray Beach during segregation. His father, Corey, chased basketball dreams at Georgia State, while his mother, Candi, ran track at Florida State. Even his 13‑year‑old brother Cameron excels in football, proving that talent runs in the Gauff household.

Codey describes himself as a “blue‑collar guy” and “one of the hardest‑working guys in the draft,” crediting his sister’s work ethic: “She wants me to go as far as I can,” he told The Athletic. “It’s a blessing to have siblings playing at the next level and striving for the same dreams. A lot of guys don’t have the same opportunity as their siblings. We’re both striving to be something great.”

The Constant Question of Relation

At every game, coaches, players, and scouts still ask the same thing: Are you related to Coco Gauff? Codey smiles at the curiosity. “At the end of the day, I’m myself,” he said. “I want to keep doing my name for myself. She’s worldwide, so obviously people are going to ask. I’m not ashamed of it or anything. If anything, it’s just being the next up in the family.”

Coco, for her part, is one of his biggest fans, though not a baseball enthusiast. “I go to his games when I’m in town,” she told The Associated Press. “It’s a bit of a slower, more boring sport. … I definitely think he gets more enjoyment watching tennis than I do watching baseball. If he wasn’t playing, I don’t think I would be watching as much.”

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