2024 MLB Draft Picks: Are residing Crew-by-Crew Day 1 Grades and Analysis

Welcome to Bleacher Recount’s 2024 MLB draft tracker!

As soon as further, the draft is being held proper by plan of the MLB All-Famous person festivities, with this yr’s match spanning three days and 20 rounds. On Sunday, the main 74 selections will probably be revamped the main and 2nd rounds, as properly as a result of the aggressive stability and compensatory picks slotted in between.

The 2024 draft class skews closely towards school means, considerably hitters, with Oregon Yell infielder Travis Bazzana, Georgia outfielder Charlie Condon, Florida slugger Jac Caglianone and West Virginia infielder JJ Wetherholt thought-about as a result of the tip general avid gamers.

Wake Woodland upright-hander Poke Burns and Arkansas left-hander Hagen Smith are the cream of the school pitching slice, whereas prep hitters Bryce Rainer and Konnor Griffin are anticipated to be the main excessive school avid gamers off the board.

Withhold it locked upright right here as Sunday’s draft unfolds for scouting opinions, grades and decide prognosis for each Day 1 totally different.

Current: My last Mock Draft, revealed Saturday, could be came upon right here.

First Spherical (No. 29 Whole): Slade Caldwell, OF, Valley Leer HS (AR)

An undersized 5’9″, 182-pound spark breeze with an advanced hit instrument and plus roam, Caldwell has drawn comparisons to Unique York Mets prospect Jett Williams. He has ample bat roam and energy to be a double-digit dwelling roam threat, however he profiles best as a desk-surroundings coronary heart fielder who makes use of your complete area and works the rely to maximise his have an effect on on the sinful paths.

Grade: A

This all the time appeared like a logical match with Caldwell prone to be the tip excessive school hitter on the board on the tip of the main spherical and the D-backs protecting two further picks appropriate by plan of the Excessive 35. Ask them to race with a safer, extra inexpensive school participant with their subsequent totally different.

Prospect Incentive Decide (No. 31 Whole): Ryan Waldschmidt, OF, Kentucky

Waldschmidt began his school occupation at Charleston Southern, the impact he had a 1.043 OPS as a freshman. He held his have as a sophomore after transferring to Kentucky. He was on his methodology to a breakout efficiency within the Cape Cod League closing summer season season when he suffered a torn ACL, however Waldschmidt returned this spring to hit .333/.469/.610 with 17 doubles, 14 dwelling runs, and 25 steals whereas registering a few of the great exit tempo numbers within the nation.

Grade: A+

Waldschmidt was getting some buzz within the mid-teenagers, so right here is gigantic heed. This was the decide the D-backs obtained for having NL Rookie of the twelve months winner Corbin Carroll on the Opening Day roster.

Steadiness Spherical A (No. 35 Whole): JD Dix, SS, Whitefish Bay HS (WI)

Slowed on the showcase circuit closing summer season season by a labrum harm that ultimately required shoulder surgery, Dix has carried out a pleasant job rebuilding his stock with a stable senior season. He may probably per likelihood silent create further in-sport vitality as his 6’2″, 180-pound physique fills out, and he already has an advanced functionality and proper pitch-recognition skills. He has your complete instruments to remain at shortstop however in general is a match everywhere in the infield.

Grade: A

All-around very great work by the D-backs with their three early picks, getting an accurate combination of upside, playable instruments and spreading out their cash properly. Dix may probably per likelihood want been a first-round decide with an extended roam on the showcase circuit closing summer season season.

2nd Spherical (No. 64 Whole): Ivan Luciano, C, El Shaddal HS (P.R.)

Luciano is a left-handed hitting catcher with appropriate contact skills and a stable defensive profile within the help of the plate. He would not flip 18 years earlier besides Nov. 24, and his stable arm and plus receiving skills give him a excessive floor as a doable defensive-minded backup. His upside will hinge on how worthy vitality he develops.

Grade: C+

This was for certain a attain, nonetheless the excessive school catching slice was terribly skinny this yr and there may be nothing coarse with a high-ground prep catcher.

First Spherical (No. 24 Whole): Cam Caminiti, LHP, Saguaro HS (AZ)

Caminiti gives an superior combination of future projection and most as loads because the second pitchability with a 6’2″, 195-pound physique and 4 pitches that every one flash plus and will probably per likelihood very properly be reliable gargantuan league selections in due course. He additionally has some stable baseball bloodlines as a result of the cousin of used NL MVP Ken Caminiti.

First and useful a member of the 2025 draft, he reclassified to this yr and is one among the youthful avid gamers within the draft attributable to this, together with his 18th birthday not besides Aug. 8. He additionally performs coronary heart area when he is not pitching, and his plus athleticism serves him properly on the mound the impact he repeats his provide and throws a ton of strikes.

Grade: A+

Leaving the Braves with their decide of the excessive school pitching slice seems like a mistake these first 23 teams are going to feel sorry about. Caminiti was assuredly linked to the Tigers (No. 11) and Giants (No. 13) and is broadly considered the great excessive school arm on this class.

2nd Spherical (No. 62 Whole): Carter Holton, LHP, Vanderbilt

Holton had a productive three-year occupation at Vanderbilt, making 39 complete begins and posting a 4.10 ERA, 1.20 WHIP and 251 strikeouts in 200 innings. He has an undersized 5’11”, 191-pound physique with a cool, crossfire provide that hides the ball properly and helps his frequent stuff play up. He’s roughly maxed out bodily, however his word doc as a actual performer within the SEC gives him a steady floor on the subsequent diploma.

Grade: B+

Nothing coarse with holding a longtime SEC standout in SEC nation. The Braves may probably per likelihood very properly be able to squeeze a bit of further out of him than different organizations given their lengthy historical previous of growing palms.

First Spherical (No. 22 Whole): Vance Honeycutt, OF, North Carolina

With an elite combination of vitality and roam, Gold Glove-caliber safety in coronary heart area and an alarmingly excessive strikeout value, Honeycutt may probably per likelihood very properly be essentially the most polarizing prospect within the 2024 draft. He hit .318/.410/.714 with 28 dwelling runs and 28 steals in 32 makes an attempt this spring, however he additionally struck out 83 cases in 62 video games at a 27.5 % clip. His playable instruments give him a excessive floor, nonetheless the fluctuate of doable outcomes right here is big.

Grade: A

The Orioles can have the funds for to gamble on upside higher than probably each different personnel, because of their enviable younger core and loaded farm gadget, so Honeycutt is exactly the make of participant they’ll silent be specializing in.

Prospect Incentive Decide (No. 32 Whole): Griff O’Ferrall, SS, Virginia

O’Ferrall was a 3-year starter at shortstop for the Faculty of Virginia, and he additionally gained the beginning shortstop job for Crew USA closing summer season season when he batted .463 over 10 video games. He hit .344/.408/.443 with unbiased 88 strikeouts in 911 plate appearances proper by plan of his school occupation, and whereas he would not present worthy vitality, he is aware of the right method to grind out at-bats. A traditional complete is bigger than the sum of its elements prospect on each facet of the ball.

Grade: B

O’Ferrall is all floor with a stable glove and playable instruments proper by plan of the board. A pleasant, protected decide to pair with the additional bid-or-bust Honeycutt to kick points off.

2nd Spherical (No. 61 Whole): Ethan Anderson, C, Virginia

Anderson hit .375/.469/.649 with 26 doubles, 15 dwelling runs and 66 RBI proper by plan of his sophomore season, and teams had fairly a great deal of options to discover him whereas scouting 2023 first-round decide Kyle Teel. The swap-hitter batted .331/.435/.508 this spring and seen semi-regular motion within the help of the plate after catching in excessive school, although his gargantuan 6’2″, 215-pound physique and raw receiving skills may probably per likelihood suggest first sinful is his handiest viable design.

Grade: B+

Or not it’s important he was drafted as a catcher since most assume he was destined for first sinful, however Anderson hasn’t had many reps to point himself within the help of the plate and will probably per likelihood shock. There may be further stress on the bat if he winds up on the beginning impact sinful, however it for certain may probably per likelihood silent play.

First Spherical (No. 12 Whole): Braden Montgomery, OF, Texas A&M

Montgomery was the No. 85 prospect on the Baseball The US Excessive 500 for the 2021 draft as a two-methodology standout from the Mississippi prep ranks, however a stable school dedication resulted in him going undrafted and he raised his stock with three productive collegiate seasons.

After hitting 35 dwelling runs in two years at Stanford, he transferred to Texas A&M and batted .322/.454/.733 with 27 dwelling runs this spring. He has a few of the great in-sport vitality within the draft and an arm that bumped 98 mph on the mound, giving him the prototypical upright fielder profile. He trimmed his strikeout value from 26.6 % as a freshman to twenty.0 % this spring, however there’ll all the time be some swing-and-omit to his sport.

Grade: A+

I had Montgomery going No. 4 general in my last mock draft, and he appeared like a lock to race someplace within the Excessive 10, so here’s a intensive internet for the Crimson Sox. Ask him to crush low-minor pitching and fleet climb prime prospect lists.

2nd Spherical (No. 50 Whole): Payton Tolle, LHP, TCU

Tolle was one among the great two-methodology avid gamers within the nation at Wichita Yell in 2023, posting a 4.62 ERA with 97 strikeouts in 85.2 innings on the mound and hitting .311/.361/.538 with 13 dwelling runs on the plate. He transferred to TCU for his junior season and enthusiastic in pitching, successful Mountainous 12 Pitcher of the twelve months honors whereas going 7-4 with a 3.21 ERA, 1.16 WHIP and 125 strikeouts in 81.1 innings. The 6’6″, 250-pound southpaw leans closely on his fastball, and he’ll should improve his secondary stuff to remain as a starter.

Grade: A

There may be typically eager upside in a two-methodology participant who’s determined to flip his fleshy consideration to 1 facet of the ball, and Tolle was one among the great school pitchers within the nation this spring.

First Spherical (No. 14 Whole): Cam Smith, 3B, Florida Yell

A stable dedication to Florida Yell resulted in Smith going undrafted out of excessive school, although he was the No. 81 prospect on the Baseball The US Excessive 500 for the 2022 draft. After a correct-not-enormous freshman season, he gained Most Successfully-known Professional Prospect honors within the Cape Cod League closing summer season season after which backed it up by hitting .387/.488/.654 with 16 dwelling runs and 57 RBI this spring. The 6’3″, 224-pound slugger is a draft-eligible sophomore and gives further untapped upside than the frequent school hitter.

Grade: A

It may probably per likelihood probably had been clever to discover which Florida Yell slugger they might’ve taken if James Tibbs III was silent on the board. Smith will take a bit of longer to achieve the majors, however he has a elevated ceiling and matches the profile the Cubs get hold of centered by means of the years.

2nd Spherical (No. 54 Whole): Cole Mathis, 1B, Faculty of Charleston

One of the tip two-methodology avid gamers within the nation proper by plan of his sophomore season, Mathis centered solely on hitting as a junior whereas coping with an elbow situation. The 6’1″, 210-pound slugger had a 1.048 OPS with 11 dwelling runs in 38 video games within the Cape Cod League closing summer season season after which hit .335/.472/.650 with 14 dwelling runs and 57 RBI this spring to solidify his draft stock. His assist-of-the-rotation starter doable on the mound gives an eager fallback realizing.

Grade: B+

The manufacturing swinging wooden bats within the Cape Cod League is extraordinarily promising, and the Cubs cherish their school hitters.

First Spherical (No. 5 Whole): Hagen Smith, LHP, Arkansas

Smith threw seven no-hitters his senior yr of excessive school and handiest went undrafted attributable to a stable dedication to Arkansas the impact he has progressively improved over three years, peaking this spring with a document-surroundings season. He went 9-2 with a 2.04 ERA, 0.89 WHIP and 161 strikeouts in 84 innings, environment the NCAA single-season heed with 17.3 strikeouts per 9 innings.

The 6’3″, 225-pound southpaw sits within the mid-90s and touches 100 mph together with his fastball, and he backs it with a swing-and-omit slider and an accurate splitter, giving him the watch of a future entrance-line starter. A defective arm slot and crossfire provide abet his electrical stuff play up even further, although he does get hold of some refining to internet together with his general uncover.

Grade: A

Jac Caglianone would had been a terribly enjoyable participant to rebuild round, considerably if he obtained a actual shot to be a two-methodology participant. Soundless, it is laborious to argue with getting the SEC Pitcher of the twelve months and a doable future ace.

2nd Spherical (No. 43 Whole): Caleb Bonemer, SS, Okemos HS (MI)

Bonemer had an inconsistent spring, however his electrical bat roam and a stable showcase circuit closing summer season season heed it straightforward to dream of his long-term upside. He has an aggressive, pull-heavy functionality and there may be only a few swing-and-omit to his sport, however he has proven the flexibleness to crush prime value tempo. Even with out elite quickness, he may probably per likelihood very properly be prepared to remain at shortstop because of relaxed fingers and a stable arm.

Grade: C

I had Bonemer within the help of fairly a great deal of totally different prep infielders silent on the board, nonetheless the offensive upside is eager.

Steadiness Spherical B (No. 68 Whole): Blake Larson, LHP, IMG Academy (FL)

An Iowa prep prospect who transferred to IMG Academy for his senior yr after a stable efficiency on the showcase circuit, Larson is a 6’3″, 180-pound southpaw with spectacular most as loads because the second stuff and hundreds last upside. His mid-90s fastball and high-dart slider are each plus pitches and he has an accurate for certain really feel for his changeup, however uncover stays to be a work-in-development.

Grade: B

Larson was trending within the upright course together with his uncover this spring, and whereas he silent has a options to race, the payoff right here in general is a first-round means.

First Spherical (No. 2 Whole): Poke Burns, RHP, Wake Woodland

After hanging out 217 batters in 152.1 innings over two seasons at Tennessee, Burns transferred to Wake Woodland and solidified his internet narrate as one among the elite pitchers in a thin 2024 draft class. He went 10-1 with a 2.70 ERA, 0.92 WHIP and a NCAA-main 191 strikeouts in 100 innings this spring.

The 6’3″, 210-pound upright-hander was bumping 100 mph together with his fastball in excessive school, and it has touched 102 mph in school, however his swing-and-omit slider is his best pitch. Fastball uncover may probably per likelihood probably be the determining factor in whether or not he reaches his ceiling as a major-of-the-rotation starter, and there’s a little of reliever threat attributable to this.

Grade: A-

Throughout the event that they didn’t favor to provide Charlie Condon the $10 million-plus bonus that he’ll doubtless uncover, strolling away with the great pitcher within the draft is a pleasant consolation prize.

2nd Spherical (No. 51 Whole): Tyson Lewis, SS, Millard West HS (NE)

Lewis boosted his draft stock proper by plan of the Tall 60 Professional Showcase in February when he posted the great 60-yard roam (6.4 seconds) and examined terribly properly proper by plan of the board. Then, he went on to build up Nebraska’s Gatorade Participant of the twelve months honors this spring. The 6’2″, 195-pound infielder has cleaned up his hitting mechanics and proven an accurate combination of hit instrument and vitality whereas additionally displaying the defensive chops to remain at shortstop.

Grade: B+

Lewis was getting some buzz within the help of the main spherical, and he was fragment of a cluster of prep shortstops ranked within the help of Bryce Rainer and Konnor Griffin. Acceptable instruments proper by plan of the board and a pleasant decide to pair with Burns.

Steadiness Spherical B (No. 71 Whole): Luke Holman, RHP, LSU

A high-ground school starter with some eager bodily projection last in his 6’4″, 190-pound physique, Holman went 9-4 with a 2.75 ERA, 0.98 WHIP and a 127-to-33 strikeout-to-trot ratio in 91.2 innings this spring after transferring from Alabama. With a fastball that sits within the low 90s and touches 94 mph, his pitchability will probably be his heed to advancing by plan of the minors.

Grade: A

The great school pitcher left on the board at this stage and one which might probably per likelihood very properly be prepared for the gargantuan leagues within the near future—even when his ceiling locations him within the help of the rotation. He may probably per likelihood very properly be an early standout within the low minors, because of his advanced pitchability.

First Spherical (No. 1 Whole): Travis Bazzana, 2B, Oregon Yell

Bazzana has been one among the great pure hitters within the nation since his freshman season, and he solidified his internet narrate as one among the tip potentialities within the 2024 draft cycle by successful 2023 Cape Cod League MVP honors closing summer season season when he hit .375/.456/.581 with 14 extra-sinful hits and 14 steals in 33 video games.

The Australia-born infielder adopted that up with an all-time monumental junior season this spring, hitting .407/.568/.911 with 28 dwelling runs and 66 RBI in 60 video games and successful Pac-12 Participant of the twelve months honors. He has the athleticism and arm energy to be a ravishing 2nd baseman, although he may even be a slot in coronary heart area with plus roam and proper instincts.

Grade: A

Excessive floor, excessive ceiling, may probably per likelihood silent be within the majors briefly dispute. What’s to not like? Nevertheless will we be speaking about how they left Charlie Condon on the board years from now?

Steadiness Spherical A (No. 36 Whole): Braylon Daring, RHP, Chaparral HS (CA)

Daring has as worthy unhurried helium as any prep pitcher after taking medicine on the draft radar unhurried within the showcase circuit closing summer season season after which backing it up with an superior spring. His 6’1″, 196-pound physique would not present worthy projection, however with a fastball that sits within the mid-90s, a intensive for certain really feel for dart on two particular breaking pitches, and a growing changeup, his most as loads because the second stuff and talent to persistently throw strikes has his arrow pointing straight up.

Grade: A+

This might more and more probably per likelihood doubtlessly take an above-slot bonus to internet a deal carried out, so the Guardians doubtless get hold of a quantity lined up with Bazzana that’s beneath the $10.6 million slot heed. One of the tip prep palms to a personnel that develops pitching in addition to any particular person.

2nd Spherical (No. forty eight Whole): Jacob Cozart, C, NC Yell

A steady all-around catching prospect with a stable arm, appropriate receiving skills and 20-homer doable, Cozart hit .305/.437/.601 with 19 dwelling runs in 61 video games this spring. He was a 3-year starter at NC Yell and performed for Crew USA closing summer season season, so scouts get hold of had astronomical totally different to discover him. There are some swing-and-omit issues, however whilst an affect-over-contact backstop with appropriate procure-and-throw skills, he gives a excessive floor.

Grade: B+

Cozart was not fragment of the “Mountainous Three” amongst school catchers, however he was not a methods within the help of that group in any respect and will probably per likelihood probably get hold of gone 10 picks elevated. He has beginning catcher upside.

First Spherical (No. 3 Whole): Charlie Condon, OF, Georgia

After redshirting as a freshman trot-on after which hitting .386 with 25 dwelling runs in 2023, Condon had a season for the ages this spring en path to 2024 Golden Spikes honors. He hit .433/.556/1.009 with an NCAA-main 37 dwelling runs whereas showcasing celeb upside with a 60-hit, 70-energy offensive profile.

The 6’6″, 216-pound slugger has a extraordinarily environment friendly, compact stroke, and whereas he lacks plus roam, he is an accurate athlete for his dimension. He performed third sinful and all three outfield spots this spring, however he’ll be dinky to an outfield nook on the subsequent diploma. He has drawn some comparisons to Kris Bryant as a long-levered vitality hitter with huge school numbers.

Grade: A+

Condon is the participant from this draft class almost definitely to create into an MVP winner, and he will purchase barely only a few enjoyable at Coors Self-discipline. The Rockies will all the time want pitching, no subject whether or not they took an arm right here, so may probably per likelihood as properly snatch the performance celeb.

Steadiness Spherical A (No. 38 Whole): Brody Brecht, RHP, Iowa

A two-sport athlete who additionally performed enormous receiver at Iowa, Brecht has the great pure stuff within the 2024 class. He can dial his fastball as loads as 101 mph with explosive unhurried life and backs it with a 70-grade slider, which is his best pitch. The search recordsdata from is his uncover, and whereas he trimmed his trot value from 18.4 to 14.2 % this spring, there stays to be barely only a few reliever threat. His athleticism and the strides he has already made internet current some optimism that he may probably per likelihood unlock further of his huge doable in professional ball.

Grade: A+

Brecht has the great pure stuff within the draft, and the Rockies get hold of obligatory pitching since their inaugural season in 1993. Impact they include the developmental capabilities to maximise his doable? We will discover.

2nd Spherical (No. 42 Whole): Jared Thomas, OF, Texas

Thomas has a Cody Bellinger-esque defensive profile as a standout defender on the beginning impact sinful who may even play a steady coronary heart area. After hitting .321/.398/.484 with 4 dwelling runs as a freshman, he confirmed further playable vitality as a draft-eligible sophomore, posting a .349/.435/.635 line with 16 dwelling runs, 47 RBI and 18 steals in 60 video games. His advanced hit instrument and defensive heed give him a excessive floor.

Grade: B+

If he can play coronary heart area, this in general is a steal for the Rockies. Though he winds up at a nook, his hit instrument may probably per likelihood elevate his heed. I’m fleet to criticize the Rockies, however this was a intensive Day 1 of the draft.

First Spherical (No. 11 Whole): Bryce Rainer, SS, Harvard-Westlake HS (CA)

After displaying first-round doable as each a shortstop and pitcher on the showcase circuit and with Crew USA closing summer season season, Rainer made it determined his future is as a design participant this spring whereas displaying greater energy, roam and general athleticism.

He has a rocket arm at shortstop and his fluctuate has improved to the extent that there’s absolute self perception he can cope with the design on the subsequent diploma. The search recordsdata from is whether or not or not he’ll outgrow it as quickly as his 6’3″, 195-pound physique fills out, however his arm and vitality doable would match unbiased beautiful at third sinful. He has drawn some comparisons to Corey Seager.

Grade: A+

The Tigers are one among the few teams which had been persistently tied to prep avid gamers, and moreover they stop up with arguably the great within the class. He may probably per likelihood probably get hold of gone as excessive as No. 6, and now joins Max Clark as a doable future offensive cornerstone.

2nd Spherical (No. 49 Whole): Owen Corridor, RHP, Edmond North HS (OK)

Corridor was one among the standouts of the showcase circuit closing summer season season, hanging out 10 of the 18 batters he confronted on the House Code Video video games and displaying an elite, high-dart fastball that works properly up within the zone. The 6’3″, 185-pound upright-hander has some work to internet smoothing out his mechanics and bettering his secondary stuff, and he in general is a tense heed a methods from a Vanderbilt commit.

Grade: B

Proper right here is for certain an upside decide. There’ll probably be some developmental time, nonetheless the fastball has a threat to be elite.

Steadiness Spherical B (No. 72 Whole): Ethan Schiefelbein, LHP, Corona Senior HS (CA)

Schiefelbein would not get hold of electrical stuff or a extraordinarily projectable physique, however he has been a hard and fast performer on the showcase circuit and began for Crew USA in worldwide opponents closing summer season season. The 6’2″, 180-pound lefty has 4 high quality pitches and proper uncover, however it for certain’s his means to assault hitters and for certain really feel for pitching that elevates his general sport.

Grade: B

Fairly of a attain relative to predraft rankings, however it for certain’s laborious to argue with the mounted outcomes towards prime-tier opponents.

First Spherical (No. 28 Whole): Walker Janek, C, Sam Houston

Broadly considered the great defensive catcher within the 2024 draft, Janek backed up his 60-grade arm and stable receiving skills with the great offensive season of his school occupation in 2024. He hit .364/.476/.709 with 15 doubles, 17 dwelling runs and 58 RBI in 58 video games this spring and took dwelling Conference USA Defensive Participant of the twelve months honors. He additionally gained the Buster Posey Award given to school baseball’s prime catcher.

Grade: A

The Astros had been assuredly linked to the school catching slice, and Janek seems similar to the great all-around selection of the bunch. He right away turns into the great catching prospect in a gadget that was terribly skinny at that design.

First Spherical (No. 6 Whole): Jac Caglianone, 1B/LHP, Florida

With a 6’5″, 250-pound physique and legit 70-grade raw pop, Caglianone is the great vitality hitter within the 2024 class. He led the nation with 33 dwelling runs as a sophomore after which hit .419/.544/.875 with 35 dwelling runs and further walks (58) than strikeouts (26) this spring. He has higher than ample hit instrument to persistently internet to his vitality, and he raised his trot value from 5.3 to 18.4 % this spring.

He additionally gained the John Olerud Award given to the great two-methodology participant within the nation after posting a 4.76 ERA and 83 strikeouts in 73.2 innings on the mound. He assuredly touches triple digits together with his fastball and has the makings of three high quality off-roam selections, however his uncover is inconsistent and his ceiling is loads elevated as a hitter.

Grade: A+

I LOVE that the Royals are going to provide him a shot at being a two-methodology man, and even when he would not stick as a pitcher, he in general is a heart-of-the-dispute staple. Anybody has to abet Bobby Witt Jr., and Salvador Perez is not going to be for certain going to be round endlessly.

2nd Spherical (No. 41 Whole): David Shields, LHP, Mt. Lebanon HS (PA)

Shields would not flip 18 years earlier besides Sept. 9 after reclassifying closing summer season season, and he was additionally a standout quarterback sooner than turning his stage of curiosity to baseball. The 6’2″, 210-pound lefty is already touching 94 mph together with his fastball, and there stays to be room for that to tick up further as he continues to create. His slider and changeup additionally flash plus, and his athleticism displays up in his clear, repeatable mechanics.

Grade: A

Shields was linked to the Royals appropriate by plan of the predraft course of, and even after shopping for and promoting away the No. 39 decide to internet Hunter Harvey only a few days sooner than the draft, that they had been silent able to internet their man.

First Spherical (No. 8 Whole): Christian Moore, 2B, Tennessee

No participant did further to raise his draft stock proper by plan of this yr’s Faculty World Sequence than Moore, who turned unbiased the 2nd participant in historical previous to hit for the cycle on the annual match whereas serving to to e-book the Volunteers to a nationwide championship.

With a stable 6’1″, 210-pound physique and massive bat roam, he hit .375/.451/.797 with a school-document 34 dwelling runs and an NCAA-main 111 hits in 72 video games. He has an aggressive functionality and his swing can internet lengthy at cases, however he made further mounted contact this spring and seems like a doable 25-30 homer threat on the subsequent diploma.

Grade: A

The Angels proceed to stage of curiosity on avid gamers who could be fleet to the majors, and whereas he may probably per likelihood not heed his MLB debut in a month as Nolan Schanuel did in 2023, he may probably per likelihood for certain be one among the main avid gamers from the 2024 class to the gargantuan leagues.

2nd Spherical (No. 45 Whole): Chris Cortez, RHP, Texas A&M

Cortez pitched largely out of the bullpen in his three years at Texas A&M, and he raised his stock proper by plan of the 2024 postseason with a 1.18 ERA and 29 strikeouts in 15.2 innings. The 6’1″, 205-pound upright-hander has {an electrical} fastball-slider combination, and whereas he may probably per likelihood internet a threat to create as a starter, inconsistent uncover and the dearth of a reliable third pitch heed him a greater match as a doable unhurried-inning reliever.

Grade: A+

If the Angels favor to spend him as a reliever, he may probably per likelihood very properly be the main participant from this draft class to achieve the majors. However once more, that matches their philosophy of unhurried, so it is a intensive match.

Compensation Spherical (No. 74 Whole): Ryan Johnson, RHP, Dallas Baptist

Johnson gained Conference USA Pitcher of the twelve months honors this spring whereas ending 11-3 with a 2.21 ERA, 0.92 WHIP and a 151-to-14 strikeout-to-trot ratio in 106 innings. The 6’6″, 215-pound upright-hander has elite uncover and a intensive repertoire of pitches, however with main effort in his provide, his future is probably going within the bullpen. His plus slider and triple-digit fastball give him a unhurried-inning upside.

Grade: A

One different polished school participant who may probably per likelihood cruise by plan of the minors in a reduction aim. Props to the Angels for having a realizing and sticking to it. This was the decide they obtained as compensation for shedding Shohei Ohtani in free firm.

First Spherical (No. 23 Whole): Kellon Lindsey, SS, Hardee HS (FL)

A prime value athlete, Lindsey was a two-sport huge title at Hardee Excessive Faculty the impact he additionally served as quarterback on the soccer personnel. The 6’2″, 175-pound speedster has been one among the most important pop-up potentialities within the 2024 prep class this spring after an harm saved him out of the showcase circuit closing summer season season. He may probably per likelihood by no means be a prolific vitality threat, however his prime-of-the-scale roam, growing hit instrument and last upside give him have an effect on doable.

Grade: A

The Dodgers internet not decide one other time besides No. 98 general, so a prep participant with upside made sense right here and Lindsey was the great excessive school design participant left on the board. They not assuredly omit with their prime decide.

First Spherical (No. 16 Whole): PJ Morlando, OF, Summerville HS (SC)

Morlando has an extended historical previous of manufacturing towards prime-tier opponents. He performed for the 18U Crew USA squad each of the previous two summers and gained MVP honors on the Excessive Faculty All-American Sport closing July. Nevertheless, he failed to amass the senior yr many had been waiting for. He’s already 19 years earlier, and he may probably per likelihood lastly stop up with a first-sinful-handiest defensive profile. That locations barely only a few stress on his bat, and he’ll should completely understand his raw vitality doable.

Grade: C+

If Morlando was their man, he doubtlessly wasn’t going to be there at No. 56 general, in convey that they’d to heed their breeze now. The Marlins need to internet this one upright given their complete lack of offense up and down the group, and his stock was transferring within the coarse course this spring, however he was anticipated to race upright round this fluctuate heading into the spring.

2nd Spherical (No. 56 Whole): Carter Johnson, SS, Oxford HS (AL)

With 55-hit and 50-energy instruments, Johnson has one among the additional clever offensive profiles from a thin class of prep infielders, although it is unlikely he’ll stick at shortstop with an absence of quickness and fluctuate. There may be projection last in his 6’2″, 180-pound physique, and he may probably per likelihood create into an offensive-minded 2nd baseman with the arm to additionally cope with a shift to 3rd sinful. His pure hitting means will stress his heed.

Grade: A

I similar to the Marlins’ prioritization of offensive upside over defensive profile, and moreover they’re for certain swinging for the fences of their look have an effect on bats.

Steadiness Spherical B (No. 70 Whole): Aiden Would possibly probably probably, RHP, Oregon Yell

Would possibly probably probably began his school occupation at Pima Neighborhood Faculty, then struggled to a 6.33 ERA in 75.1 innings at Arizona as a sophomore sooner than not directly discovering success this spring within the Oregon Yell rotation with a 3.05 ERA and 84 strikeouts in 73.2 innings. The 6’2″, 196-pound righty is really a two-pitch pitcher with a mid-90s fastball and a wipeout slider that may even very properly be an accurate out pitch. He throws ample strikes to internet a shot at beginning, however he may probably per likelihood breeze fleet as a reliever

Grade: B

A productive school arm with a excessive reliever floor is a pleasant methodology to notice up a pair of bid-or-bust prep hitters.

First Spherical (No. 17 Whole): Braylon Payne, OF, Elkins HS (TX)

Payne has three plus instruments with elite roam, an superior glove in coronary heart area and a steady hit instrument that provides him a major-of-the-dispute, desk-setter profile. His bat roam and the bodily projection last in his 6’2″, 186-pound physique suggest there may probably per likelihood very properly be some vitality to achieve, however he has a flat swing path and can doubtless by no means be higher than a 10-12 homer man. That acknowledged, he makes use of his roam properly and is aware of his strengths.

Grade: C+

Given his anticipated draft design, right here is sort of for certain going to be a under-slot deal, so the grade right here will probably be tied to what they internet with that subsequent decide. Payne has three playable instruments and matches the make of athletic, toolsy participant the Brewers get hold of in general centered.

Steadiness Spherical A (No. 34 Whole): Blake Burke, 1B, Tennessee

Burke hit .379/.449/.702 with 30 doubles, 20 dwelling runs and 61 RBI in 72 video games this spring for the Faculty World Sequence champions, and he ripped off a 31-sport hitting budge to house a Tennessee school doc. The 6’3″, 240-pound slugger has a few of the great raw vitality within the 2024 class, and since he may probably per likelihood not current worthy secondary heed within the sphere or on the bases, his left-handed pop will probably be his heed to the gargantuan leagues.

Grade: B

Burke is bigger than unbiased an all-or-nothing slugger with a steady hit instrument, and he may probably per likelihood probably get hold of snuck into the main spherical. This does not mainly heed a ton of sense with the attain at No. 17 general, however they’ll get your hands on a method to spend that monetary financial savings ultimately.

2nd Spherical (No. 57 Whole): Bryce Meccage, RHP, The Pennington Faculty (NJ)

Meccage vaulted up draft boards with an superior junior season within the Unique Jersey prep ranks, and steady work on the showcase circuit solidified his internet narrate as one among the higher prep pitchers from the frigid climate states. The 6’4″, 210-pound righty works persistently within the mid-90s and displays an accurate for certain really feel for spinning a slider. An improved changeup and further reliable uncover may probably per likelihood probably be the important thing to unlocking his upside.

Grade: A+

Meccage is probably the great prospect the Brewers drafted just lately, so take that for what it is value. Or not it’s going to heed above slot heed to heed him, however they already get hold of their monetary financial savings lined up.

Steadiness Spherical B (No. 67 Whole): Chris Levonas, RHP, Christian Brothers HS (NJ)

One of the headliners from a gifted group of Unique Jersey prep palms this spring, Levonas has electrical stuff and last projection in his 6’2″, 170-pound physique. He has been as loads as 96 mph together with his fastball and will probably per likelihood dart a pair of particular breaking balls which get hold of each registered 3,000 plus rpm dart charges. With effort in his provide and inconsistent uncover, there may be reliever threat, however his stuff will play on the subsequent diploma in some means.

Grade: A

I’m sorry I doubted you early on, Brewers. A big internet to Day 1 with two of the higher prep pitchers within the class and a intensive methodology to reallocate the cash they’ll absolute self perception connect from reaching with No. 17 general.

First Spherical (No. 21 Whole): Kaelen Culpepper, SS, Kansas Yell

After a breakout sophomore season, Culpepper was one among the great avid gamers on Crew USA closing summer season season, and he further raised his profile this spring by making a successful shift from third sinful to shortstop. He hit .328/.419/.574 with 11 dwelling runs, 59 RBI and 17 steals in 61 video games, and whereas he lacks an accurate plus instrument, he is a well-rounded prospect who will stick someplace on the left facet of the infield.

Grade: A

The great school infielder left on the board, and he matches a profile the Twins get hold of carried out a intensive job growing in recent years as a well-rounded infielder with some versatility. There had been greater upside performs silent on the board, however I cherish the participant and personnel match right here.

Compensation Spherical (No. 33 Whole): Kyle DeBarge, SS, Louisiana-Lafayette

With a .356/.418/.699 line and 21 dwelling runs this spring, DeBarge put up numbers that belie his undersized 5’9″, 175-pound physique. He homered unbiased 10 cases in his first two seasons and hit .267 with three extra-sinful hits in 114 plate appearances within the Cape Cod League closing summer season season, so his vitality outburst may probably per likelihood not be sustainable. Elite contact skills, appropriate roam and a steady glove that can probably per likelihood probably heed him a plus defender everywhere in the infield give him a excessive floor.

Grade: B

There was some buzz in regards to the Twins being a personnel that can probably per likelihood probably drift a excessive school arm on an above-slot deal to this house, however I like what Minnesota did, getting guys they know they’re going to create properly. This was the decide obtained for shedding Sonny Grey in free firm.

2nd Spherical (No. 60 Whole): Billy Amick, 3B, Tennessee

After seeing unbiased 19 plate appearances as an accurate freshman, Amick exploded for a .413/.464/.773 line with 13 dwelling runs proper by plan of his sophomore season at Clemson sooner than coming into the change portal. He landed at Tennessee and helped lead the Volunteers to a Faculty World Sequence title, hitting .306/.387/.639 with 23 dwelling runs whereas additionally searching greater than anticipated defensively at third sinful after enjoying first sinful and designated hitter for the Tigers.

Grade: A+

Amick was assuredly talked about as fragment of the 2nd-tier of college bats anticipated to race within the unhurried youngsters or early 20s, so he is an absolute steal at this house. One of the great hitters on the nationwide champions this spring.

Steadiness Spherical B (No. 69 Whole): Dasan Hill, LHP, Grapevine HS (TX)

A big, lanky left-hander with eager most as loads because the second stuff and a ton of projection, Hill has a 6’4″, 170-pound physique and the makings of a four-pitch arsenal. He sits within the low 90s together with his fastball and has bumped 96 mph this spring, additionally displaying a high-dart slider, a slower curveball and an accurate for certain really feel for a changeup. An uptick in his stuff has made it much less doubtless he’ll heed it to campus, although he is silent very worthy a developmental prospect.

Grade: A

After three straight school bats, one among the tip last prep palms and a extraordinarily projectable one at that’s the appropriate methodology for the Twins to cap off an very great beginning to their draft.

First Spherical (No. 19 Whole): Carson Benge, OF, Oklahoma Yell

Benge was one among the great two-methodology avid gamers within the nation this spring, hitting .335/.444/.665 with 24 doubles, 18 dwelling runs and 64 RBI as an outfielder and posting a 3.16 ERA and 10.7 Good ample/9 with three saves in 37 innings. He prefers to hit, and his combination of vitality and arm energy makes him an accurate slot in upright area, although he is additionally athletic ample to sort out coronary heart area. He’s a 5-instrument prospect unbiased beginning to unlock his fleshy doable.

Grade: A-

I realizing the Mets would had been a pleasant landing house for Trey Yesavage as he continues to trot down the board, however they stop up with a terribly productive school bat that has further room to develop as quickly as he turns his fleshy consideration to hitting.

2nd Spherical (No. 46 Whole): Jonathan Santucci, LHP, Duke

Santucci earned an invite to examine out out for Crew USA the summer season season after his freshman season and flashed first-round upside as a sophomore with 50 strikeouts in 29.1 innings sooner than surgery to remove bone chips in his elbow and slice his season quick. He appeared inspiring in non-convention play this spring however was inconsistent as a result of the season unfolded sooner than missing time in Would possibly probably probably with a rib harm. He achieved with a 3.41 ERA, 1.31 WHIP and 90 strikeouts in 58 innings, and whereas his uncover is spotty at cases, his stuff is electrical.

Grade: A+

After passing on Yesavage within the main spherical, the Mets ended up with a person who many thought-about as fragment of the tip-tier of college pitchers heading into the spring. Or not it’s going to take some tinkering, however this in general is a serious steal.

First Spherical (No. 26 Whole): Ben Hess, RHP, Alabama

Hess stayed healthful this spring after missing time proper by plan of his freshman and sophomore seasons, and whereas his uncover was spotty, he confirmed swing-and-omit stuff. With a fastball that touches 99 mph and a plus slider from a sturdy 6’5″, 255-pound physique, he racked up 106 strikeouts in 68.1 innings. He additionally had a 5.80 ERA with 35 walks and 12 hit batters, however he has heart-of-the-rotation upside if his protect a watch on improves.

Grade: B-

The outcomes didn’t match the stuff this spring, however there’s a ton of untapped doable if he can include healthful. 2nd-tier school palms had been inevitably going to be picked above their draft rating just because there was any such gap between the tip 4 and all individuals else, however his ceiling is value the attain.

2nd Spherical (No. fifty three Whole): Bryce Cunningham, RHP, Vanderbilt

After an inconsistent first two seasons at Vanderbilt, Cunningham turned a nook closing summer season season within the Cape Cod League with a 2.38 ERA and a 25-to-7 strikeout-to-trot ratio in 22.2 innings. The 6’5″, 230-pound upright-hander turned a rotation common this spring and went 7-4 with a 4.36 ERA, 1.22 WHIP and 96 strikeouts in 84.2 innings. Three high quality pitches, appropriate uncover and a sturdy physique give him No. 3 starter upside.

Grade: A

After a high-risk, high-reward first decide the Yankees race for a safer, further polished arm whereas sticking within the SEC. A steady functionality to bolstering their pitching means.

First Spherical (No. 4 Whole): Prick Kurtz, 1B, Wake Woodland

In 164 video games over three seasons at Wake Woodland, Kurtz hit .333/.510/.725 with 61 dwelling runs and 182 RBI as one among the great hitters in ACC historical previous. With a stable 6’5″, 240-pound physique and fleet left-handed stroke, he is constructed for vitality. He additionally has a 60-grade hit instrument and an particularly advanced functionality, important the nation with 78 walks in 54 video games this spring whereas silent doing ample harm to publish a 1.294 OPS and 22 dwelling runs.

If there’s a knock on his sport, it is his bottom-of-the-scale roam and athleticism, however he is a top quality defender on the beginning impact sinful and can breeze as fleet by plan of the minors as any participant within the 2024 draft class.

Grade: B+

His heed will attain completely from his bat, so he is not the subsequent Matt Olson, however he may probably per likelihood very properly be that make of heart-of-the-dispute threat. Face of the franchise for the Las Vegas A’s?

2nd Spherical (No. 40 Whole): Tommy White, 3B, LSU

White has been on the draft radar since posting a 1.182 OPS with 27 dwelling runs as an accurate freshman at NC Yell in 2022. He transferred to LSU for his sophomore season and continued to rake, hitting .355/.419/.704 with 75 dwelling runs in 187 video games proper by plan of his three-year school occupation. The 6’1″, 228-pound slugger is a bat-handiest prospect who will almost for certain breeze to first sinful in professional ball, however his word doc of elite manufacturing within the SEC is tense to disregard.

Grade: A+

The troubles about his defensive heed had been value speaking about when he was getting buzz within the teenagers, however here’s a mountainous heed decide to kick off the 2nd spherical. Strolling away with two of the great vitality hitters within the nation is a ravishing methodology to kick points off.

Steadiness Spherical B (No. 73 Whole): Gage Soar, LHP, LSU

Soar was the No. 57 prospect on the Baseball The US Excessive 500 for the 2021 draft, however a stable dedication to UCLA left him undrafted. He pitched unbiased 16.1 innings proper by plan of his first two years on campus, missing all of 2023 recuperating from Tommy John surgery. He re-emerged this spring after transferring to LSU, posting a 3.47 ERA and 101 strikeouts in 83 innings. An undersized 6’0″, 197-pound physique components to only a few reliever threat, however he has delicate mechanics and a developed four-pitch repertoire.

Grade: B+

The A’s ended up with three extraordinarily productive school avid gamers who may probably per likelihood attain the gargantuan leagues fleet, and on a roster that assuredly resembles a Triple-A personnel, that’s for certain not a irascible factor.

First Spherical (No. 27 Whole): Dante Nori, OF, Northville HS (MI)

Already 19 years earlier and house to flip 20 in October, Nori is on the coarse stop of the prep age scale. That alters his developmental curve a bit of, and his 5’10”, 190-pound physique is already maxed out, however it for certain would not detract from his high quality hit instrument, elite roam and stable outfield safety. He has drawn some comparisons to Diamondbacks outfielder Alek Thomas on the identical stage in his sample.

Grade: C

The Phillies took a 19-year-previous prep in Aidan Miller closing yr and that has labored out properly to this stage, in convey that they are not a personnel that was going to be shrinking off by his age. This was for certain a attain with under-slot doable, so include tuned for what they internet with No. 63 general.

2nd Spherical (No. 63 Whole): Griffin Burkholder, OF, Freedom HS (VA)

With a 50-energy, 70-roam profile, Burkholder has one among absolutely the top ceilings in a thin excessive school class, although a nagging hamstring harm this spring saved him from completely showcasing his prime-of-the-scale roam. His wheels give him a steady probability to remain in coronary heart area defensively, and he can crush the ball when he finds the barrel, however his future have an effect on will hinge on the attain of his hit instrument.

Grade: A-

I mediate Burkholder is a greater prospect than Nori, so all points considered as a steady means haul. Given the success they’ve had with growing Justin Crawford as a prep outfielder, the Phillies may probably per likelihood want came upon a model recent favorite draft profile.

First Spherical (No. 9 Whole): Konnor Griffin, SS, Jackson Prep (MS)

The 2024 Gatorade Nationwide Participant of the twelve months, Griffin is a reliable 5-instrument prospect who initiatives as a doable 30/30 threat offensively with the athleticism to remain at shortstop and the quickness to sort out coronary heart area if he outgrows a coronary heart infield house.

He went 87-for-88 on stolen sinful makes an attempt this spring and generates huge raw vitality thanks to simply a few of the great bat roam within the draft. The great actual search recordsdata from heed is his hit instrument with a swing that will get lengthy and a few timing components, however he confirmed the flexibleness to heed changes this spring. His elite upside is properly value the danger.

Grade: B

There may be only a few bid-or-bust doable right here given the hit instrument questions, and the Pirates can not have the funds for to omit at this stage of their rebuilding cycle. Nevertheless, he may probably per likelihood stop up being the great participant on this draft in case your complete objects fall into design.

Steadiness Spherical A (No. 37 Whole): Levi Sterling, RHP, Notre Dame HS (CA)

Sterling is one among the youngest avid gamers within the 2024 draft class, and he is not going to flip 18 besides Sept. 2. He was a two-methodology participant on the showcase circuit and with Crew USA closing summer season season, and he continued to play shortstop when he wasn’t pitching this spring. The 6’5″, 200-pound upright-hander makes use of his athleticism properly on the mound, the spend of clear, repeatable mechanics and throwing a ton of strikes.

Grade: A

Sterling is a prospect comparable to Bubba Chandler by methodology of athleticism, projectable physique and upside. He’ll make an effort to create, nonetheless the Pirates know the right method to breeze these guys up the ladder. They’re going to doubtless need to race under-slot to shut out Day 1.

2nd Spherical (No. 47 Whole): Wyatt Sanford, SS, Independence HS (TX)

Sanford is arguably the great defensive shortstop within the 2024 draft class, with relaxed fingers, fleet-twitch instincts, monumental fluctuate and higher than ample arm to heed your complete main throws. The 6’1″, 175-pound Texas prep is a line-pressure hitter who makes use of your complete area properly, however it for certain stays to be seen how worthy of an offensive have an effect on he’ll heed. His glove gives him a stable ample basis to roll the cube on his offensive sample.

Grade: B

Would get hold of beloved to amass seen yet one more pitcher right here given how properly the Pirates had been growing high-ceiling palms of unhurried, however by no means a irascible factor to lift shut a no-doubt shortstop and hope his offensive sport develops.

First Spherical (No. 25 Whole): Kash Mayfield, LHP, Elk Metropolis HS (OK)

Mayfield led his Elk Metropolis Excessive Faculty personnel to the relate semifinals as a junior after which took the summer season season showcase circuit off to rest his arm. When he confirmed up this spring bumping 97 mph with a fastball that had beforehand operated within the higher 80s, his draft stock soared. With a 6’4″, 200-pound physique, clear mechanics and two appropriate secondary selections, he is polished for a prep pitcher, and that helps offset the indeniable reality that he turned 19 in February.

Grade: A

The Padres haven’t taken a college participant within the main spherical since Cal Quantrill in 2016, so no shock they went with one among the prep palms. Or not it’s a coin toss between him and Illinois upright-hander Ryan Sloan for best excessive school pitcher on the board at this stage.

2nd Spherical (No. 52 Whole): Boston Bateman, LHP, Camarillo HS (CA)

With a powerful 6’8″, 240-pound physique, Bateman has vitality stuff from the left facet, together with a mid-90s fastball and a high-dart curveball that stands as his handiest viable secondary providing at this stage. He was one among the tip-performing pitchers within the California prep ranks this spring, serving to reinforce his stock, however there stays to be some reliever threat with inconsistent uncover and his most as loads because the second two-pitch arsenal.

Grade: A+

One different prep lefty for the Padres, and one who may probably per likelihood very properly be totally overpowering with some sample. Tall upside play at this house.

First Spherical (No. 13 Whole): James Tibbs III, OF, Florida Yell

Tibbs hit .363/.488/.777 with 28 dwelling runs and 95 RBI this spring, tallying further walks (58) than strikeouts (37) whereas organising himself as arguably essentially the most polished school bat in your complete draft class. The 6’0″, 205-pound slugger has bat-to-ball skills to determine his raw vitality, and his advanced functionality on the plate permits him to maximise his instruments.

He’ll be dinky to first sinful or left area defensively and has under-common roam, however his floor is excessive ample to guess on his left-handed bat, and there may be ample ceiling for him to be an every day, heart-of-the-dispute bat.

Grade: B

There was some perception that Prick Kurtz may probably per likelihood journey this a methods, nonetheless the Giants silent trot away with a well-organized school vitality hitter. Given their means to create pitching means, the ties to prep left-hander Cam Caminiti had been eager. He would had been further of an upside play for a personnel that does not decide one other time besides No. 116 general.

First Spherical (No. 15 Whole): Jurrangelo Cijntje, SHP, Mississippi Yell

Cijntje was a breakout title on the 2022 draft mix attributable to his eager profile as a swap-pitcher, and he raised his profile significantly this spring by going 8-2 with a 3.67 ERA, 1.10 WHIP and 113 strikeouts in 90.2 innings in a yr the impact a number of prime school palms underperformed.

The consensus seems to be that he is a first-round means with a Marcus Stroman-kind profile from the upright facet, and further of a reliever with a Day 2 profile from the left facet. He may probably per likelihood very properly be requested to stage of curiosity on growing solely as a upright-handed pitcher in professional ball, although his eager means house positively gives some further heed if handiest as a fallback realizing.

Grade: A

I figured the Mariners may probably per likelihood probably be the personnel to pounce on the Trey Yesavage trot, and he for certain has a elevated floor. The upside right here is terribly only a few enjoyable, although. Cijntje is in appropriate fingers with a company that does a intensive job growing pitching means.

2nd Spherical (No. 55 Whole): Ryan Sloan, RHP, York HS (IL)

The Illinois prep ranks get hold of produced steady pitching means in recent years, and Sloan is essentially the most as loads because the second to flip heads. His sturdy 6’5″, 225-pound physique gives dinky last projection, however his most as loads because the second stuff is terrific with a full of life fastball that touches 99 mph, one among the higher changeups within the draft and the makings of a plus slider. He may probably per likelihood want the great combination of stuff, upside and signability amongst the excessive school palms.

Grade: A+

I mediate there’s a terribly actual probability the Mariners had been deciding on between Cijntje or Sloan with the No. 15 general decide, so it would not internet considerably greater than strolling away with each of them. They’re going to should internet some maneuvering to heed the cash work, however they do not get hold of taken him right here within the event that they didn’t get hold of a realizing.

First Spherical (No. 7 Whole): JJ Wetherholt, SS, West Virginia

Wetherholt introduced himself as a result of the great pure hitter in his draft class when he led the nation in batting frequent as a sophomore, hitting .449/.517/.787 with 16 dwelling runs, 60 RBI and 36 steals in 55 video games. He then performed properly for Crew USA and within the Cape Cod League closing summer season season to emerge as a candidate to race on the tip of the 2024 draft.

Sadly, a nagging hamstring situation derailed his junior season and robbed him of a threat to exhibit scouts what he can internet at shortstop after enjoying mainly 2nd sinful his first two years. The long-term outlook clearly ticks up if he can man a prime value design, however his elite hit instrument and plus roam give him All-Famous person doable even when he does lastly stop up at 2nd sinful.

Grade: A

The wonderful-case situation for the Cardinals would had been Poke Burns or Hagen Smith slipping to them, however here’s a detailed 2nd. Wetherholt was the favorite to race No. 1 general when the spring began, and as lengthy as a result of the hamstring situation is within the rearview, he has a threat to be each bit as appropriate as No. 1 decide Travis Bazzana.

First Spherical (No. 18 Whole): Theo Gillen, OF, Westlake HS (TX)

Gillen handled a torn labrum that required shoulder surgery as a sophomore and a knee harm as a junior, however he despatched his stock hovering with a healthful senior season. The 6’3″, 200-pound infielder has one among the great hit instruments on this yr’s prep class and plus raw vitality that he is silent working to completely faucet into in video games. Questions on his arm energy within the wake of his shoulder components may probably per likelihood land him at 2nd sinful or in coronary heart area.

Grade: A

I like that the Rays are sending him out as an outfielder from the leap, as that can permit him to stage of curiosity further on growing his offensive sport. His hit instrument is as appropriate as any within the prep class, and the Rays all the time like a prospect with a stable carrying instrument.

2nd Spherical (No. 58 Whole): Emilien Pitre, 2B, Kentucky

After homering unbiased as quickly as in 281 plate appearances proper by plan of his sophomore season, Pitre hit .301/.420/.519 with 20 doubles, 10 dwelling runs, 58 RBI and 26 steals in 62 video games this spring to raise his stock drastically. The Canadian-born infielder may probably per likelihood match best as an offensive-minded utility participant who may even add heed on the bases.

Grade: C

I mediate there’s a appropriate probability he would get hold of silent been on the board with their subsequent decide, and even probably into Day 2. That acknowledged, he has a excessive floor and an accurate probability to be an MLB contributor.

Steadiness Spherical B (No. 66 Whole): Tyler Bell, SS, Lincoln Intention East HS (IL)

One of the great defensive shortstops within the 2024 class, Bell has delicate actions and fleet-twitch athleticism that provides him plus fluctuate even with frequent roam. There may be upside in his offensive sport because of appropriate bat roam and a projectable 6’1″, 180-pound physique, however he struggled on the showcase circuit and had an inconsistent spring.

Grade: B

The Rays heed safety as worthy as any group, and Bell can decide it at shortstop in addition to any particular person on this class. Will he hit ample to be higher than a utility participant?

First Spherical (No. 30 Whole): Malcolm Moore, C, Stanford

Moore hit unbiased .255 this spring and his surface-diploma numbers regressed after a standout 2023 season, however he for certain raised his OPS because of a spike in his trot value from 7.0 to 18.0 %. His profile as a left-handed hitting catcher with 50-hit, 50-energy doable makes it straightforward to fail to notice the batting frequent, and whereas there may be only a few threat that he’ll lastly stop up on the beginning impact sinful, his doable upside as an offensive-minded catcher is extraordinarily excessive.

Grade: A

An beautiful aquire-low breeze right here by the Rangers. He may probably per likelihood probably get hold of simply gone within the mid-teenagers and entered the spring as a candidate to race even elevated. The uncomfortable batting frequent masked a stable general junior season.

2nd Spherical (No. 65 Whole): Dylan Dreiling, OF, Tennessee

Dreiling gained Most Successfully-known Participant honors on the 2024 Faculty World Sequence, homering in all three video games towards Texas A&M to abet lead the Volunteers to a nationwide championship. After performing properly in a platoon aim as a freshman, he hit .342/.459/.715 with 19 doubles, 23 dwelling runs and 75 RBI this spring, elevating his profile by proving he can hit left-handed pitching. He has a well-rounded offensive sport however will probably be dinky to left area.

Grade: B+

Whereas Malcolm Moore seen his stock take profitable this spring, Dreiling was the totally different, elevating his profile drastically upright up besides the Volunteers hoisted the Faculty World Sequence trophy. He may probably per likelihood hit his methodology by plan of the minors fleet.

First Spherical (No. 20 Whole): Trey Yesavage, RHP, East Carolina

A high-ground starter and the consensus No. 3 pitcher on this draft class, Yesavage progressively improved appropriate by plan of his three years at East Carolina after flashing plus tempo however a raw general profile in excessive school. He made a steady transition to the rotation as a sophomore after which went 11-1 with a 2.03 ERA, 0.87 WHIP and 145 strikeouts in 93.1 innings this spring.

With a 6’4″, 225-pound physique and 4 polished pitches, he is a no-doubt starter, and he throws fairly a great deal of strikes even with dinky athleticism and a bit of of effort in his provide. He may probably per likelihood very properly be one among the main avid gamers from the 2024 class to achieve the majors.

Grade: A+

This seems similar to the great heed decide of the main spherical to this stage, and whereas there may be probably further floor than ceiling, he may probably per likelihood probably get hold of gone regardless of each factor 10 picks elevated. He may probably per likelihood breeze an area within the Toronto rotation within the near future.

2nd Spherical (No. 59 Whole): Khal Stephen, RHP, Mississippi Yell

After two forgettable seasons at Purdue, Stephen began within the Cape Cod League closing summer season season after which transferred to Mississippi Yell. He put collectively an superior junior marketing campaign, ending 8-3 with a 3.28 ERA, 1.01 WHIP and 107 strikeouts in 96 innings to ship his stock hovering. With a sturdy 6’4″, 215-pound physique and a intensive for certain really feel for his four-pitch repertoire, he seems to be similar to the fragment of a future assist-of-the-rotation starter.

Grade: B+

One of the higher school palms left on the board, and a participant who was trending up all spring with doable untapped upside.

First Spherical (No. 10 Whole): Seaver King, SS, Wake Woodland

King raked for two years at D-II Wingate Faculty sooner than impressing within the Cape Cod League and with Crew USA closing summer season season, after which he transferred to Wake Woodland for his junior season and solidified his standing as a first-round prospect. He hit .308/.377/.577 with 16 dwelling runs and 11 steals this spring, and he has seen time at 2nd sinful, shortstop, third sinful and coronary heart area, with the outfield his almost definitely long-term dwelling.

Grade: B

The Nationals heed pure athleticism as worthy as any group, so he matches their philosophy, however in a bubble, this was a bit of of a attain. Withhold an peep out for an above-slot breeze at No. 39 general now, as King may probably per likelihood connect them some cash.

Steadiness Spherical A (No. 39 Whole): Caleb Lomavita, C, California

Lomavita hit .322/.395/.586 with 15 dwelling runs this spring, and he has made actual improvement defensively in his three years on campus. If there’s a purple flag, it is his 4.7 % trot value, and his aggressiveness may probably per likelihood very properly be exploited towards greater pitching. Nevertheless, he hit .323 with 14 extra-sinful hits in 49 video games within the Cape Cod League the closing two summers, so he has a steady word doc towards high quality pitching and swinging a wooden bat.

Grade: B+

This was the decide the Nationals unbiased obtained from the Kansas Metropolis Royals within the Hunter Harvey alternate. Truly similar to the participant, however with Keibert Ruiz locked up long-term and a determined want for added pitching means within the gadget there had been palms on the board that can probably per likelihood want been a greater spend of this decide.

2nd Spherical (No. 44 Whole): Luke Dickerson, SS, Morris Knolls HS (NJ)

A traditional frigid-weather prospect with unhurried helium, Dickerson made it much more troublesome for scouts to discover him this spring when he obtained a unhurried beginning to his senior season whereas serving to the hockey personnel accumulate a relate championship. The 5’11”, 197-pound infielder may probably per likelihood not get hold of the arm to remain at shortstop, however he may probably per likelihood silent match properly at 2nd sinful or in coronary heart area. He has a compact swing and an eager combination of vitality and roam with fairly a great deal of untapped upside.

Grade: A

Dickerson was taking medicine within the main spherical of mock drafts, significantly to the Yankees, so there may be only a few good heed right here. This matches properly with what they did with their first two picks, and this was a well-rounded first day general.