Day 1 of the 2024 MLB draft is over, with the Cleveland Guardians kicking issues off by taking Travis Bazzana with the No. 1 general choose on Sunday evening.
The Cincinnati Reds adopted by deciding on Chase Burns with the second choose, the Colorado Rockies went with Charlie Condon, the Oakland Athletics with Nick Kurtz and Chicago White Sox rounded out the highest 5 by taking Hagen Smith. Historical past was made as faculty gamers have been taken with the primary eight picks of the draft; it was the newest with no highschool participant being chosen for the reason that MLB draft was created in 1965, in line with ESPN Stats & Info.
The draft will proceed on Monday at 2 p.m. ET with Spherical 3.
Observe alongside for pick-by-pick protection, with ESPN MLB consultants David Schoenfield and Dan Mullen breaking down every thing it’s worthwhile to learn about who your favourite staff took within the first spherical because the picks got here off the board.
Last mock draft | Draft rankings: Prime 250 | Large query for all 30 groups
Who’s Bazzana? The Australian-born Bazzana had a monster season for the Beavers, hitting .407/.568/.911 with 28 residence runs and greater than twice as many walks as strikeouts (76-37). The 28 residence runs set a college report and the general numbers are a bit higher than Adley Rutschman had for the Beavers when he went No. 1 general in 2019. A left-handed hitter, Bazzana’s hit software charges a bit higher than his uncooked energy, though he realized to faucet into that this season, enhancing from 11 residence runs as a sophomore. He is a pure second baseman who may doubtlessly transfer to middle area as nicely.
Passan: Inside Bazzana’s rise to the highest of the MLB draft
Why the Guardians took him right here: There was numerous pre-draft dialogue about what Cleveland would do with this choose, together with hypothesis the Guardians may decide to chop a take care of a barely lesser prospect — however in Bazzana they’re getting one of many consensus high gamers on this draft class. The Oregon State star pushed himself to the highest of draft boards by packing energy and hitting capacity into his compact body, which makes him precisely the kind of participant Cleveland has thrived at getting essentially the most of in recent times. He additionally offers off some Jose Ramirez vibes with the swagger that comes along with his capacity. — Mullen
2. Cincinnati Reds: Chase Burns, RHP, Wake Forest
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The performs that helped make Chase Burns the second choose within the MLB draft
Try the highlights that helped make Chase Burns the second choose within the 2024 MLB draft by the Reds.
Who’s Burns? The newest within the Wake Forest pitching pipeline, Burns transferred from Tennessee for his junior season and turns into the fifth Demon Deacon hurler taken within the first spherical since 2018, becoming a member of Rhett Lowder, Ryan Cusick, Jared Shuster and Griffin Roberts. He additionally joins Lowder (seventh general final 12 months to the Reds) and Kyle Sleeth (third general in 2003) because the earliest picks in program historical past. Burns begins with a 98 mph fastball that may contact 101, with a tough, high-spin slider that helped him report the best strikeout charge in Division I at almost 49% (191 Okay’s in 100 IP). There’s some concern about his supply, however he averaged lower than 3.0 walks per 9 all three seasons in faculty.
Why the Reds took him right here: The Reds can dream on Burns turning into the subsequent Paul Skenes given his fastball velocity and strikeout charge in faculty. He is not projected to advance to the majors as rapidly as Skenes, however there isn’t any denying Burns is a possible ace if every thing comes collectively. With Hunter Greene, Nick Lodolo and Andrew Abbott already main a a lot improved Cincinnati rotation, the Reds may have a fearsome foursome in a few years. — Schoenfield
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Why new Rockie Charlie Condon was price a excessive draft choose
Kiley McDaniel describes what makes new Colorado Rockie Charlie Condon a high prospect.
Who’s Condon? Condon had one of the vital prolific seasons in NCAA historical past as a redshirt sophomore, hitting .433 with 37 residence runs and a 1.565 OPS — changing into the primary Division I hitter this century to hit 35 residence runs and posting higher numbers than Wyatt Langford and Dylan Crews put up in the identical convention final season. At 6-foot-6, he attracts comparisons to Kris Bryant and Alec Bohm for his lanky body. He is performed all around the area for Georgia and has the arm to get a shot at third base, though he may find yourself as a nook outfielder.
Why the Rockies took him right here: The No. 1 participant on ESPN draft professional Kiley McDaniel’s board, this looks like a simple selection for Colorado at No. 3. A staff that, regardless of enjoying at excessive altitude, is in determined want of offensive upgrades will get a slugger who earned nationwide participant of the 12 months honors by placing up unimaginable numbers within the nation’s hardest convention. And Condon’s polished sport ought to have him aiming for the Coors Subject fences in Colorado’s lineup sooner reasonably than later. — Mullen
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The performs that helped land Nick Kurtz on the Athletics
Try the highlights that helped make Nick Kurtz the fourth choose by the Oakland Athletics.
Who’s Kurtz? A 3-year star for the Demon Deacons, Kurtz hit .306/.531/.763 with 22 residence runs in 54 video games in 2024 whereas additionally posting the best stroll charge in Division I. A load at 6-foot-5 and 235 kilos, Kurtz brings some Anthony Rizzo vibes for his mixture of energy, hit software, strike zone judgment and plus protection at first base. With a compact swing, he has an opportunity to maneuver up rapidly to the majors.
Why the A’s took him right here: Taking Kurtz over Jac Caglianone is a minor shock if the A’s wished a primary baseman, however Kurtz might need the higher hit software and positively has the higher plate self-discipline proper now, so he can maybe be considered as a little bit of a safer choose. It is also attainable that Kurtz will signal for a bit under slot, giving the A’s extra pool cash to spend later within the draft. — Schoenfield
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The performs that helped land Hagen Smith on the White Sox
Try the highlights that helped make Hagen Smith the fifth choose by the White Sox.
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Who’s Smith? Perhaps the subsequent left-handed starter from Arkansas, following within the footsteps of Cy Younger winners Cliff Lee and Dallas Keuchel in addition to Drew Smyly. Following Tommy John surgical procedure in highschool, Smith switched between beginning and relieving throughout his first two seasons with the Razorbacks earlier than breaking out in 2024, changing into the SEC pitcher of the 12 months after going 9-2 with a 2.04 ERA and hanging out 161 in 84 innings — together with a 17-strikeout efficiency in six innings in opposition to Oregon State. He sat within the mid-90s with a wipeout slider, though he averaged barely 5 innings per begin, so there could be some reliever danger right here.
Why the White Sox took him right here: The large query right here is that if the White Sox will find yourself regretting making this choose with Jac Caglianone nonetheless on the board. The White Sox have had numerous success going with left-handed beginning pitching within the draft currently (Garrett Crochet and Noah Schultz) and Smith is a lefty with nasty stuff — particularly a depraved slider — who ought to transfer rapidly by the minors. The Arkansas ace has drawn comparisons to Carlos Rodon and even had some evaluators mentioning Chris Sale — and he has frontline starter upside if all of it comes collectively. — Mullen
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What makes Jac Caglianone worthy of a excessive draft choose?
Kiley McDaniel describes what makes new Royal Jac Caglianone a high prospect.
Who’s Caglianone? Nicknamed “Jactani” after Shohei Ohtani and for his two-way play, Caglianone profiles greatest as a hitter within the professionals — and with good cause. An enormous presence at 6-foot-5 and 250 kilos, he grew to become one of many biggest sluggers in NCAA historical past the previous two seasons, main the nation with 33 residence runs as a sophomore after which following up with an much more dominant junior season, hitting .419 with 35 residence runs. (He went 5-2 with a 4.76 ERA as a pitcher, hitting 100 mph.) It is grade 80 uncooked energy on the 20-to-80 scale. His 58-to-26 strikeout-to-walk ratio seems to be spectacular, however 31 of these walks have been intentional and he has a really excessive chase charge that he’ll have to enhance as a professional.
Why the Royals took him right here: Think about Bobby Witt Jr. batting in entrance of a 40-homer-hitting Caglianone? That is what the Royals are hoping for — and that is positively an offense that wants some juice in addition to Witt, Salvador Perez and Vinnie Pasquantino. Observe that the Royals introduced Caglianone as a two-way participant, so it is attainable they’ll attempt to develop him as a two-way participant. With Pasquantino at first base, Jactani may flip right into a DH/SP … sound acquainted? — Schoenfield
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The attributes that make JJ Wetherholt worthy of a excessive choose by the Cardinals
Kiley McDaniel describes what makes West Virginia’s JJ Wetherholt worthy of a excessive choose within the MLB draft.
Who’s Wetherholt? He started the season as ESPN’s No. 1 prospect in February, then missed two months with a hamstring damage — the identical damage that hampered him final summer time after he had hit .449 with 16 residence runs and 36 stolen bases for WVU. He returned from the damage this season to hit .331/.472/.589. Scouts nonetheless love his left-handed swing, bat velocity, contact capacity and method. He is been a plus runner when wholesome and whereas he performed shortstop in faculty, he may find yourself at second base. He turns into the highest-drafted participant in WVU historical past. (Alek Manoah and Chris Enochs each went eleventh general.)
Why the Cardinals took him right here: This simply appears like a Cardinals choose. In Wetherholt, St. Louis will get a really polished faculty participant who’s above common at every thing from hit software and energy to protection (whether or not he stays at shortstop within the professionals stays to be seen). Wetherholt may not have the star potential of among the different gamers picked round him, however he is without doubt one of the most secure bets to be a strong main leaguer. — Mullen
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The performs that helped make Christian Moore an Angel
Try the highlights that helped make Christian Moore the eighth choose by the Angels within the 2024 MLB draft.
Who’s Moore? Probably the most prolific slugger in the most effective lineup in faculty baseball this 12 months, Moore helped the Vols bash their method to this system’s first Faculty World Sequence title. Moore confirmed off his well-rounded sport by changing into the second participant in MCWS historical past to hit for the cycle throughout Tennessee’s first sport in Omaha and hit .375 with 34 residence runs on the season — doubling his residence run complete from the earlier 12 months.
Why the Angels took him right here: The Angels like to take faculty gamers who seem near the majors and Moore suits that mould, changing into their sixth straight faculty choice within the first spherical. The final two of these — Zach Neto and Nolan Schanuel — are already within the majors, so if Moore follows their path, he could possibly be one of many first gamers from this draft to achieve MLB. He is restricted to second base due to his arm, however his contact charge ought to permit him to maneuver rapidly by the minors. — Schoenfield
9. Pittsburgh Pirates: Konnor Griffin, SS, Jackson Prep (Mississippi) HS
Bazzana goes No. 1 in 2024 MLB draft
Cleveland took Oregon State’s Travis Bazzana with the primary choose, as faculty gamers proved to be extremely sought-after within the first spherical.
Inside Bazzana’s rise » | Comps »
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Who’s Griffin? A dynamic two-way expertise, Griffin earned Gatorade nationwide participant of the 12 months honors after hitting .559 with 9 residence runs and 87 stolen bases in 43 video games and posting a 10-0 report with a 0.72 ERA this spring. Regardless of these gaudy pitching statistics, his ceiling as a place participant is what obtained him drafted right here with some evaluators saying Griffin might need the best ceiling on this draft class.
Why the Pirates took him right here: A 12 months after getting the most effective pitcher within the draft in Paul Skenes at No. 1 general, the Pirates land the place participant who might need essentially the most upside of any participant on this 12 months’s draft with the No. 9 choose. If Griffin can repair a hitch in his swing that scouts have pointed to this spring, his ceiling is perennial All-Star and MVP candidate. It is a fairly large if, however one the Pirates are betting heavy on with this choice. Whereas he is unlikely to be a two-way pitcher within the professionals, his pitching capacity does give him a fallback if his swing would not work out. — Mullen
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The performs that helped make Seaver King a Washington Nationwide
Try the highlights that helped make Seaver King the tenth choose of the 2024 MLB draft by the Nationals.
Who’s King? King arrived at Wake Forest as a switch from Division II Wingate, the place he hit .411 and had a 47-game hitting streak as a sophomore earlier than proving himself in opposition to high competitors with a standout summer time within the Cape Cod League. Although his numbers declined barely with the transfer to the ACC, King nonetheless hit .308 with a career-best 16 residence runs as certainly one of three first-round prospects on Wake Forest’s roster this spring.
Why the Nationals took him right here: Hey, how will you cross on a participant named “Seaver”? With James Wooden simply referred to as up, Dylan Crews (final 12 months’s No. 2 general choose) in Triple-A and Jacob Younger wanting like a Gold Glove middle fielder, possibly it is smart the Nationals would go infielder right here over one of many faculty outfielders who could be ranked greater on the draft boards. He has the velocity and arm to play all around the infield, and, as ESPN analyst Chris Burke says, King’s all-around athleticism offers him a very excessive ceiling. — Schoenfield
11. Detroit Tigers: Bryce Rainer, SS, Harvard-Westlake (California) HS
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New Tiger Bryce Rainer’s MLB draft profile
Try the highlights which have helped make Bryce Rainer the eleventh choose of the MLB draft by the Detroit Tigers.
Who’s Rainer? The newest high draft prospect out of nationwide energy Harvard-Westlake in Los Angeles, Rainer was a two-way star throughout his prep profession however is predicted to maneuver by the minors as a place participant. Rainer is the top-ranked highschool prospect on this draft class, in line with ESPN’s Kiley McDaniel, and as a 6-foot-3 left-handed-hitting shortstop — with an actual likelihood to stay on the place as a professional — he has been in comparison with Texas Rangers star Corey Seager.
Why the Tigers took him right here: It is normally a superb signal anytime a draft prospect is drawing comparisons to the reigning World Sequence MVP like Ranier does to Seager. And Rainer really appears extra more likely to keep at shortstop as a professional than Seager did when he was drafted. In fact, a complete lot has to go proper between now and the majors for Ranier to method that type of manufacturing. And since he’s outdated for his class — having already turned 19 years outdated — there are some questions on how his highschool efficiency will translate to the subsequent degree. — Mullen
12. Boston Crimson Sox: Braden Montgomery, RF, Texas A&M
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New Crimson Sox OF Braden Montgomery’s MLB draft profile
Try the highlights that helped make Braden Montgomery the twelfth choose within the MLB draft by the Crimson Sox.
Who’s Montgomery? After starring for 2 years at Stanford, Montgomery landed at A&M for his draft season and hit .322/.454/.733 with 27 residence runs. The Aggies reached the Faculty World Sequence, shedding within the championship to Tennessee, though Montgomery injured his leg within the tremendous regional win over Oregon and missed the CWS. He is a switch-hitter with an enormous arm (he pitched a bit in faculty) and plus-plus uncooked energy, though he is in all probability restricted to proper area. He is improved his method and swing, though he profiles as energy over hit.
Why the Crimson Sox took him right here: As a consensus top-10 participant on most draft boards, the Crimson Sox merely could not cross up on Montgomery’s 70-grade energy and 80-grade arm. He’ll need to make sufficient contact as a professional and he is recovering from that damaged ankle, however with a pleasant group of younger gamers within the majors — plus some highly-rated prospects of their farm system — the Crimson Sox could possibly be creating a formidable lineup of place gamers to construct right into a constant winner. — Schoenfield
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New Large James Tibbs III’s MLB draft profile
Try the highlights that helped make James Tibbs III the thirteenth choose by the Giants within the 2024 MLB draft.
Who’s Tibbs? Arguably essentially the most polished hitter on this draft class not named Travis Bazzana, Tibbs hit .363 with a 1.264 OPS whereas main the Seminoles to their first Faculty World Sequence look since 2019. The left-handed hitter adopted up on a robust Cape Cod League displaying by taking his energy sport to a different degree this season at Florida State, highlighted by a three-homer, six-RBIs tremendous regional efficiency to ship the Noles to Omaha. `
Why the Giants took him right here: He is polished on the plate, and that ought to translate to a fast rise to the majors for the left-handed outfielder. The disadvantage is his ceiling is probably going extra strong participant than star, as a corner-only outfield prospect with 20 to 25 residence run upside. — Mullen
14. Chicago Cubs: Cam Smith, 3B, Florida State
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New Cub Cameron Smith’s MLB draft profile
Try the highlights which have helped make Cameron Smith the 14th choose of the 2024 MLB draft by the Cubs.
Who’s Smith? A draft-eligible sophomore, Smith made enormous beneficial properties in his second 12 months with the Seminoles, enhancing from a .258 common and .843 OPS to .387 and 1.142, with almost as many walks (44) as strikeouts (48). He has already made some mechanical changes on the plate, however it’s attainable extra could possibly be to be able to totally faucet into his plus uncooked energy from his 6-foot-3, 220-pound body. (He nonetheless hit 16 residence runs this season.)
Why the Cubs took him right here: It is a energy sport within the majors and the Cubs are close to the underside of the Nationwide League in residence runs this season, in order that they’re betting on Smith making additional enhancements on his swing to faucet into his energy. He had a 52% groundball charge in faculty, so there are nonetheless changes to make — that charge is not going to work within the professionals. It is a choose with 30-homer upside if the swing comes collectively. — Schoenfield
15. Seattle Mariners: Jurrangelo Cijntje, RHP/LHP, Mississippi State
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New Mariner Jurrangelo Cijntje’s MLB draft profile
Try the highlights that helped make Jurrangelo Cijntje the fifteenth choose by the Mariners within the 2024 MLB draft.
Who’s Cijntje? Cijintje rose to notoriety as a switch-pitcher at Mississippi State, however is a significant league prospect due to his capacity from the fitting aspect and took off this season when he centered totally on that. (He went 8-2 with a 3.67 ERA and 113 strikeouts in 90â…” innings.) A member of Curacao’s 2016 Little League World Sequence staff, Cijntje has drawn comparisons to Marcus Stroman due to his stuff and smaller body.
Why the Mariners took him right here: Cijntje was one of many hottest names on draft boards within the last weeks forward of Sunday, and he will a franchise that has performed very nicely at creating beginning pitchers in recent times. Sure, being a switch-pitcher has garnered him consideration through the years, however it’s no coincidence that his rise has coincided with throwing from the left aspect much less often to concentrate on his extra highly effective right-handed supply. That possible performed an enormous position within the Mariners leaping on him right here. — Mullen
16. Miami Marlins: PJ Morlando, RF/1B, Summerville (South Carolina) HS
2024 MLB draft: Full protection
We’ve every thing it’s worthwhile to know for the draft, from mock drafts and prospect rankings to participant evaluation, draft outcomes and extra.
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Who’s Morlando? A left-handed hitter with a pleasant mixture of energy potential and hit software, Morlando impressed scouts final summer time along with his all-around abilities on the plate, though he did not have the most effective of highschool seasons as a senior. He has below-average velocity, which limits him to an outfield nook (though the Marlins introduced him as a middle fielder) and will finally land him at first base.
Why the Marlins took him right here: Look, there isn’t any doubt the Marlins want hitting and Morlando has reputable upside, however that is actually the most important shock up to now. As Jeff Passan reported, the Marlins will signal him to a below-slot bonus and use that cash later within the draft, however it’s a dangerous technique — and Morlando’s lack of defensive profile is a downside for a first-round choose. — Schoenfield
17. Milwaukee Brewers: Braylon Payne, CF, Elkins (Texas) HS
Who’s Payne? Payne is without doubt one of the youngest gamers — and one of many quickest runners — on this 12 months’s draft as a 17-year-old prep outfielder out of Texas who will not flip 18 for an additional month.
Why the Brewers took him right here: This can be a shocking choose by the Brewers at this juncture of the primary spherical as Payne’s earliest potential touchdown spots appeared extra possible within the late-20s than mid-teens. His velocity is his calling card and his hit software is creating rapidly, however there is a good likelihood the reasoning for this choose will turn out to be clearer when the Brewers begin spreading bonus cash round in upcoming rounds. — Mullen
18. Tampa Bay Rays: Theo Gillen, 2B, Westlake (Texas) HS
Who’s Gillen? Gillen has lengthy been considered as among the best pure hitters within the 2024 highschool class, with above-average general instruments and up-the-middle defensive worth. The 6-foot-2 lefty swinger did have shoulder surgical procedure in 2022 and a knee damage as a junior, however hit .416 as a senior to turn out to be a first-round expertise. His arm energy possible necessitates a transfer to second base, though he additionally has the velocity to strive middle.
Why the Rays took him right here: The Rays have centered closely on place gamers within the first spherical in recent times (seven of their final eight first-round or supplemental first-round picks) and so they go that route once more regardless of all the present accidents to the pitching employees. Gillen could also be the most effective highschool hitter on this draft, and whereas he was an infielder in highschool, the Rays introduced him as an outfielder. — Schoenfield
19. New York Mets: Carson Benge, RF, Oklahoma State
Who’s Benge? Benge redshirted his first season at OSU as he recovered from Tommy John surgical procedure and whereas he did pitch the previous two seasons (primarily in reduction this 12 months) and charges as a prospect as a pitcher who can hit 96 mph, his professional future is within the outfield after hitting .335/.444/.665 with 18 residence runs. A left-handed hitter with good plate self-discipline and plus exit velocity, Benge profiles greatest in proper area along with his arm energy.
Why the Mets took him right here: The primary choose of the David Stearns period, Benge hits the ball exceptionally exhausting whereas additionally managing to regulate the strike zone and make constant contact. Whereas he has pro-level pitching potential, the Mets are anticipated to attempt to faucet into that hitting capacity and concentrate on creating Benge as an outfielder from right here. — Mullen
20. Toronto Blue Jays: Trey Yesavage, RHP, East Carolina
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New Blue Jays pitcher Trey Yesavage’s MLB draft profile
Try the highlights that helped make Trey Yesavage a first-round choose by the Blue Jays.
Who’s Yesavage? Yesavage first confirmed off his promising arm with a 15.9 Okay/9 charge as a freshman at East Carolina earlier than shifting into the rotation as soon as he improved his command as a sophomore and went 18-2 with a 2.28 ERA over his last two seasons with the Pirates. Yesavage was hospitalized with {a partially} collapsed lung throughout the 2024 season however returned to the mound lower than two weeks later and defeated fellow first-round prospect Chase Burns of Wake Forest in an NCAA regional elimination sport.
Why the Blue Jays took him right here: He is the highest faculty pitcher remaining on the board and appears like good worth at this spot. He could also be extra flooring than ceiling, however with Yusei Kikuchi a free agent and Chris Bassitt attainable commerce bait, Yesavage’s polished repertoire may imply he strikes rapidly by the minors to fill a right away want. If he provides even a bit extra velocity, he may find yourself being one of many steals of the primary spherical. — Schoenfield
21. Minnesota Twins: Kaelen Culpepper, SS, Kansas State
Who’s Culpepper? A 3rd baseman early in his faculty profession who has shined since shifting to shortstop, Culpepper’s final professional place stays a bit unclear. What is obvious although is the Okay-State star can hit to all fields. Unheralded out of highschool, Culpepper put himself on draft radars by posting a .934 OPS throughout his three seasons within the Large 12 and main a U.S. collegiate nationwide staff that includes a number of of this draft’s high prospects in batting common, on-base share and slugging final summer time.
Why the Twins took him right here: Culpepper was one of the vital dynamic hitters in faculty baseball this season and solely helped his draft inventory by making the transfer from third base to shortstop. He put up enormous numbers at Okay-State, together with hitting for the cycle in an NCAA regional sport and taking No. 5 general choose Hagen Smith deep the subsequent day, and has proven himself in opposition to high competitors within the summers. In the end, his professional ceiling will possible be determined by whether or not he can stick at shortstop or if he strikes to 3rd base on his method to the majors. — Mullen
22. Baltimore Orioles: Vance Honeycutt, CF, North Carolina
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New Orioles OF Vance Honeycutt’s MLB draft profile
Try the highlights that helped make Vance Honeycutt a first-round choose by the Orioles within the 2024 MLB draft.
Who’s Honeycutt? Probably the most polarizing prospect on this draft class, Honeycutt leaves North Carolina as one of the vital embellished gamers within the historical past of the storied program. He batted .318 with 28 residence runs and 28 stolen bases in main the Tar Heels to the Faculty World Sequence this 12 months and is a possible Gold Glove winner in middle area. The large query is how a lot Honeycutt’s excessive strikeout charges will maintain him again in opposition to upper-level pitching.
Why the Orioles took him right here: Given the energy of the most important league staff, the Orioles may afford to roll the cube right here and that is what they did with maybe the most important boom-or-bust participant within the first spherical. Chris Burke dropped a George Springer comp on his upside, however can Honeycutt overcome the swing-and-miss (83 Okay’s in 62 video games)? On condition that gamers this late within the first spherical not often hit it large anyway, you need to love the Orioles going for a house run right here and trusting their participant growth system, which has actually excelled in producing hitters. — Schoenfield
23. Los Angeles Dodgers: Kellon Lindsey, SS, Hardee (Florida) HS
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Who’s Lindsey? Some of the athletic prospects on this draft class, Lindsey has drawn comparisons to Phillies star Trea Turner (and to Padres rookie Jackson Merrill). His 80-grade velocity is his calling card, which may finally result in a transfer from shortstop to middle area. As a multisport athlete in highschool (he performed quarterback), he is surprisingly polished, with a superb method and phone abilities. The most important query is how a lot energy he can develop.
Why the Dodgers took him right here: Instruments. Instruments. Instruments. In the case of athleticism and explosiveness, Lindsey is without doubt one of the elite prospects on this class. The draw back of his profile is that he merely has not confronted the identical degree of competitors as most of the gamers who’ve come off the board earlier than him. However, just like the Orioles taking Honeycutt with the earlier choose, it is a case the place the group issues as a lot because the draft spot, and the Dodgers touchdown a participant drawing Turner comps right here is horrifying for the remainder of the league. — Mullen
24. Atlanta Braves: Cam Caminiti, LHP, Saguaro (Arizona) HS
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New Braves P Cam Caminiti’s MLB draft profile
Try the highlights which have helped make Cam Caminiti a first-round choose by the Braves within the 2024 MLB draft.
Who’s Caminiti? A cousin of the late NL MVP Ken Caminiti, Cam reclassified from the category of 2025 and will not flip 18 till August. A two-way star in highschool, he’s the top-ranked prep pitcher, sitting within the mid-90s along with his fastball and pumping it as much as 98. His breaking ball wants to enhance and whereas he did not throw his changeup a lot, it tasks as a plus pitch. Scouts love his athleticism and his crossfire supply creates some deception. He has an LSU dedication.
Why the Braves took him right here: It will not have been shocking to see Caminiti go as much as a dozen picks earlier than this, so this could possibly be a steal at 24. Caminiti was lengthy considered the highest prep pitching prospect on this draft class and he lands with a corporation that turns expertise into topflight main league pitching in addition to anybody within the sport. Braves followers will must be affected person although, as he reclassified to the 2024 draft class — and as a 17-year-old, his days pitching at Truist Park are in all probability a minimum of a number of years away. — Mullen
25. San Diego Padres: Kash Mayfield, LHP, Elk Metropolis (Oklahoma) HS
Who’s Mayfield? The 2-time Gatorade Oklahoma highschool participant of the 12 months, Mayfield noticed his inventory soar this spring after skipping the summer time showcases final 12 months. His fastball climbed from the higher 80s to the 92 to 95 mph vary, touching 97, with a plus changeup and creating slider. He turned 19 in February, in order that was a flip off for model-heavy groups, however he has a pleasant, straightforward supply that tasks to good management.
Why the Padres took him right here: Mayfield is a high-upside highschool beginning pitcher and that could be a sort of participant that the Padres crave as a lot as any franchise within the majors, so it is no shock they might seize him — particularly after Caminiti went one choose prior. There’s some clear want for enchancment in Mayfield’s supply and the event of his pitches, however selecting late within the first spherical, San Diego needs to be completely satisfied to land a possible mid-to-front-of-the-rotation starter. — Mullen
Who’s Hess? A giant-framed right-hander, Hess struggled with command and completed the 2024 season with a 5.80 ERA at Alabama — although he posted a 3.22 ERA in seven 2023 begins. He’s Alabama’s all-time chief in Okay/9 ratio with 13.3 for his profession, together with a 14.0 charge this season.
Why the Yankees took him right here: The Yankees clearly imagine that these eye-popping strikeout charges are extra indicative of Hess’ true expertise than his less-than-stellar 2024 ERA and stroll charge. He throws within the mid-90s and has a real beginning pitcher construct with a strong slider, so there’s loads to work with right here. New York appears assured it may develop the most effective model of the Bama pitcher. — Mullen
27. Philadelphia Phillies: Dante Nori, CF, Northville (Michigan) HS
Who’s Nori? Some of the embellished gamers to come back out of Michigan in latest reminiscence, Nori gained a state championship and the state’s Mr. Baseball award as a middle fielder this spring hitting .477 with 20 stolen bases. His father, Micah, is an assistant coach for the NBA’s Minnesota Timberwolves.
Why the Phillies took him right here: Nori is the oldest highschool prospect on this class, which is a flip off to many draft model-focused groups — however not the Phillies. Philadelphia is banking on the middle fielder’s method, contact capacity and quick left-handed swing translating to success as he steps up in competitors from enjoying highschool baseball in a northern state to the professionals. — Mullen
28. Houston Astros: Walker Janek, C, Sam Houston State
Who’s Janek? After hitting .300 all three years at Sam Houston State, topped by a .364 mark this 12 months with 1.185 OPS, Janek gained the Buster Posey Award as faculty baseball’s high catcher. He is considered the highest defensive catcher within the draft with a fast launch and powerful arm and gained Convention USA defensive participant of the 12 months honors. His protection alone ought to get him to the massive leagues, however the bat has an opportunity as nicely.
Why the Astros took him right here: Janek is considered because the most secure of the catchers on this draft and turns into the primary one off the board — and, nicely, you possibly can by no means have an excessive amount of catching. Yainer Diaz is extra of an offense-first catcher, however the Astros lived for years with the offensively poor Martin Maldonado, so Janek offers them an opportunity to improve defensively whereas additionally giving them depth at a place that has been their weakest throughout their long-running dynasty. — Schoenfield
29. Arizona Diamondbacks: Slade Caldwell, CF, Valley View (Arkansas) HS
Who’s Caldwell? Caldwell gained back-to-back Gatorade state participant of the 12 months awards in Arkansas, hitting .485 with 51 stolen bases whereas main his staff to a state championship. Listed at 5-foot-9, his strengths are his capacity to make contact and get on base constantly.
Why the Diamondbacks took him right here: Caldwell’s sport reminded some within the business of Corbin Carroll earlier than the Diamondbacks took him right here and it is simple to see why: undersized, explosive athlete with velocity and phone/on-base capacity. In fact, that is not saying Caldwell will flip right into a future Rookie of the 12 months winner in Arizona, however getting a man who reminds a few of a franchise cornerstone on the finish of the primary spherical is rarely a nasty factor. — Mullen
30. Texas Rangers: Malcolm Moore, C, Stanford
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New Rangers catcher Malcolm Moore’s MLB draft profile
Try the highlights that helped make Malcolm Moore a first-round choose by the Rangers within the 2024 MLB draft.
Who’s Moore? Seen as one of many high highschool hitters in 2022, Moore as a substitute elected to attend Stanford and was a draft-eligible sophomore. He hit .311 with 15 residence runs to earn freshman All-America honors, however hit simply .255 with 16 residence runs as a sophomore. He did enhance his plate self-discipline (7% stroll charge to 18%) and he suffered from a low BABIP, however scouts view him as a cultured hitter with an opportunity to hit for common and energy. He is a fringe defensive catcher proper now, so may transfer to a nook.
Why the Rangers took him right here: After drafting fourth, third and second up to now three drafts, respectively, the Rangers are on the backside of the primary spherical after successful the World Sequence — however they stick to a university choice, their sixth in a row within the first spherical. Whereas that run has come below two completely different high baseball executives (Jon Daniels and now Chris Younger), Kip Flagg has remained the scouting director and Moore suits the same profile as Josh Jung, Justin Foscue and Wyatt Langford: bat over glove. With Moore, we’ll see if he can stick at catcher. — Schoenfield
Prospect Promotion Incentive picks
Who has hit — and missed — on high draft picks?
Some golf equipment have struck gold with their high picks, whereas others have not had comparable luck. What can this 12 months’s groups study from latest historical past?
David Schoenfield »
31. Arizona Diamondbacks: Ryan Waldschmidt, LF, Kentucky(for Corbin Carroll successful ROY)
A breakout star for a Kentucky staff that reached the Faculty World Sequence for the primary time in class historical past, Waldschmidt rocketed up draft boards by posting a 1.079 slash line this season after coming back from a torn ACL suffered throughout Cape Cod League play final summer time. Waldschmidt began his faculty profession at Charleston Southern earlier than proving his bat may play in the most effective convention within the nation throughout his two seasons in Lexington.
32. Baltimore Orioles: Griff O’Ferrall, SS, Virginia(for Gunnar Henderson successful ROY)
The most effective professional prospect in a potent Virginia lineup, O’Ferrall is among the many most polished hitters on this draft class. He slashed .324/.367/.454 throughout this time at Virginia and what he lacks in energy (solely eight residence runs in three faculty seasons), he makes up for involved capacity (simply 24 strikeouts in 284 at-bats this season.)
Compensation picks
33. Minnesota Twins: Kyle DeBarge, SS, Louisiana(Compensation for Sonny Grey)
The Solar Belt Convention participant of the 12 months, DeBarge had an enormous season, hitting .356/.418/.699 with 21 residence runs and 72 RBIs in 62 video games. Regardless of the facility numbers, his contact capacity tasks as his greatest ability (simply 30 strikeouts) and he has the instruments to stay at shortstop (regardless of being a catcher in highschool). He did battle with wooden bats within the Cape Cod League final summer time, slugging simply .297.
Aggressive Steadiness Spherical A
34. Milwaukee Brewers: Blake Burke, 1B, Tennessee(Acquired from Orioles in Corbin Burnes commerce)
A potent energy hitter in the course of the lineup for nationwide champion Tennessee, Burke put up enormous numbers for the Vols: .378 batting common, 20 residence runs and a 1.151 OPS. He’s possible restricted to first base professionally, so the bat goes to need to proceed to hold him as he progresses by the minors.
35. Arizona Diamondbacks: JD Dix, SS, Whitefish Bay (Wisconsin) HS
Dix comes from the identical highschool program that produced former main league shortstop and present Cubs supervisor Craig Counsell. Dix, a switch-hitting infielder, was hampered by a shoulder damage throughout final summer time’s showcase season, however he has a compact swing to all fields and the flexibility to stay at shortstop defensively when wholesome.
36. Cleveland Guardians: Braylon Doughty, RHP, Chaparral (California) HS
A breakout performer on the summer time circuit final 12 months, Doughty adopted up with a dominant senior season this spring. He is been as much as 96 mph and has two potential plus breaking balls with a high-spin energy curveball and exhausting slider within the mid-80s. He is 6-1, a bit quick for a first-round right-hander, however scouts like his make-up and supply.
37. Pittsburgh Pirates: Levi Sterling, RHP, Notre Dame (California) HS
The 6-foot-4 right-hander is extra projection over stuff proper now, sitting at 89 to 92 mph, however he had among the greatest command in the highschool ranks — and he has three different potential plus pitches in a slider, curveball and changeup. He performed shortstop when not pitching, so he comes with good general athleticism as nicely.
38. Colorado Rockies: Brody Brecht, RHP, Iowa
A two-sport athlete for the Hawkeyes, Brecht caught 9 passes as a redshirt freshman large receiver in 2022 earlier than giving up soccer and specializing in baseball this 12 months. He has among the greatest arm energy within the draft with triple-digit velocity (he struck out 128 batters in 78â…“ innings), plus an enormous, 6-foot-4 body and the plain athleticism. His slider is a wipeout providing and he’ll have to enhance his command, however the upside right here made him Iowa’s first first-round choose since Tim Costo in 1990.
39. Washington Nationals: Caleb Lomavita, C, Cal(Acquired from Royals in Hunter Harvey commerce)
A local of Hawai’i, Lomavita continued to cement himself as among the best hitting catching prospects on this draft class by posting a .322/.395/.586 slash line with 15 residence runs for the Golden Bears this season. Anticipated to stay on the place all through his professional profession, Lomavita has additionally confirmed himself in opposition to the most effective competitors by hitting over .300 in consecutive summers within the Cape Cod League.
Second spherical
40. Oakland Athletics: Tommy White, 3B, LSU41. Kansas Metropolis Royals: David Shields, LHP, Mt. Lebanon (Pennsylvania) HS42. Colorado Rockies: Jared Thomas, OF, Texas43. Chicago White Sox: Caleb Bonemer, SS, Okemos (Michigan) HS44. Washington Nationals: Luke Dickerson, SS, Morris Knolls (New Jersey) HS45. Los Angeles Angels: Chris Cortez, RHP, Texas A&M46. New York Mets: Jonathan Santucci, LHP, Duke47. Pittsburgh Pirates: Wyatt Sanford, SS, Independence (Texas) HS48. Cleveland Guardians: Jacob Cozart, C, NC State49. Detroit Tigers: Owen Corridor, RHP, Edmond North (Oklahoma) HS50. Boston Crimson Sox: Payton Tolle, LHP, TCU51. Cincinnati Reds: Tyson Lewis, SS, Millard West (Nebraska) HS52. San Diego Padres: Boston Bateman, LHP, Adolfo Camarillo (California) HS53. New York Yankees: Bryce Cunningham, RHP, Vanderbilt54. Chicago Cubs: Cole Mathis, 3B, Faculty of Charleston55. Seattle Mariners: Ryan Sloan, RHP, York Group (Illinois) HS56. Miami Marlins: Carter Johnson, SS, Oxford (Alabama) HS57. Milwaukee Brewers: Bryce Meccage, RHP, The Pennington Faculty (New Jersey)58. Tampa Bay Rays: Emilien Pitre, 2B, Kentucky59. Toronto Blue Jays: Khal Stephen, RHP, Mississippi State60. Minnesota Twins: Billy Amick, 3B, Tennessee61. Baltimore Orioles: Ethan Anderson, C, Virginia62. Atlanta Braves: Carter Holton, LHP, Vanderbilt63. Philadelphia Phillies: Griffin Burkholder, OF, Freedom (Virginia) HS64. Arizona Diamondbacks: Ivan Luciano, C, El Shaddai Christian Academy (Puerto Rico)65. Texas Rangers: Dylan Dreiling, OF, Tennessee
Aggressive Steadiness Spherical B
66. Tampa Bay Rays: Tyler Bell, SS, Lincoln-Approach East (Illinois) HS67. Milwaukee Brewers: Chris Levonas, RHP, Christian Brothers Academy (New Jersey)68. Chicago White Sox: Blake Larson, LHP, IMG Academy (Florida)69. Minnesota Twins: Dasan Hill, LHP, Grapevine (Texas) HS70. Miami Marlins: Aiden Might, RHP, Oregon State71. Cincinnati Reds: Luke Holman, RHP, LSU72. Detroit Tigers: Ethan Schiefelbein, LHP, Corona (California) HS73. Oakland Athletics: Gage Bounce, LHP, LSU
Compensation picks
74. Los Angeles Angels: Ryan Johnson, RHP, Dallas Baptist