Sunday night's 2024 MLB Draft at the Cowtown Coliseum in Fort Worth, Texas, marked the beginning of an eventful roster overhaul for Major League Baseball teams. Over the course of the evening, 74 players found new homes, kicking off the annual tradition of teams betting on the future stars of the sport. While rounds three through ten are set for Tuesday and rounds eleven through twenty scheduled for Wednesday, the early rounds yielded compelling stories and notable selections.
The Cleveland Guardians made franchise history with the first overall pick, selecting Oregon State infielder Travis Bazzana. This is the first time the Guardians have held the top pick, and they used it on a player whose talents have not only been acknowledged in the United States but globally. Bazzana is the first Australian-born player ever selected in the first round of the MLB Draft, a testament to his standout performance. During the spring season, he slashed an impressive .407/.568/.911 with 28 home runs, showcasing his offensive prowess. One unnamed expert said, "Bazzana was our second-ranked prospect but he was a worthy pick at No. 1, and he brings needed power to an organization that develops bat-to-ball ability very well."
The Colorado Rockies made waves at pick No. 3 by selecting Georgia's Charlie Condon, a batter who sports a .433/.556/1.009 line with 37 home runs. Such numbers have naturally led to high expectations. An insider commented, "The draft's top power hitter in Coors Field? You have to love it."
Meanwhile, the Oakland Athletics picked Nick Kurtz at No. 4, securing his talents with a signing bonus of $8,370,800. An observer noted the curious situation Kurtz might find himself in: "To be clear, Sunday was a wonderful day for Kurtz and his family... but the poor kid is stuck playing for John Fisher, the worst owner in baseball."
Another intriguing pick came from the Blue Jays, who selected East Carolina's Trey Yesavage at No. 20. Despite a recent partially collapsed lung, Yesavage's potential couldn't be ignored. According to a source, "College pitchers with Yesavage's deep arsenal and track record don’t make it outside the top 15 very often."
The Atlanta Braves, picking at No. 24, took a chance on Arizona high school lefty Cam Caminiti, prompting an expert to describe him as a "Max Fried starter kit."
At No. 22, the Orioles added a major asset to their roster by selecting North Carolina outfielder Vance Honeycutt. Another expert weighed in, saying, "Perhaps the best draft match of skill set and organization is North Carolina outfielder Vance Honeycutt going to the Orioles."
With the sixth pick, the Royals grabbed Florida's Jac Caglianone, who is slated to start as a two-way player, adding to the rarity and excitement of the draft. As an insider famously summarized, "Headlined by Florida’s Jac Caglianone, a few two-way talents were selected in the first round."
A highlight of the draft comes from Jurranglo Cijntje, selected at No. 15 by the Mariners. As a switch-pitcher, Cijntje brings a unique skill set to the table. Reflecting on his capabilities, an analyst noted, "It's legit stuff from both sides."
Wake Forest players particularly stood out, with three selected within the top ten picks. The Reds took RHP Chase Burns at No. 2, the A's selected 1B Nick Kurtz at No. 4, and IF Seaver King went to the Nationals at No. 10. This feat hadn’t been accomplished since Rice University had three top-ten picks back in 2004.
The draft's initial rounds, with approximately five minutes allocated between picks, moved at what some noted was a slow pace. An observer remarked, "Speaking as someone who loves the pitch clock – it is the best rule change since the DH – the pace of the draft is agonizing."
The 2024 MLB Draft has already unveiled a mix of high-ceiling prospects and uniquely talented players, setting the stage for an exciting future in Major League Baseball.