The 2024 MLB Draft kicked off with a bang on Sunday night at the Cowtown Coliseum in Fort Worth, Texas, marking a series of firsts and notable selections. The draft, known for highlighting high-ceiling prospects and unique players, has already seen its fair share of excitement, especially during the first two rounds that saw 74 players selected.
Cleveland's Historic First Pick
Making history in more ways than one, the Cleveland Guardians used their first overall No. 1 selection in the franchise's history to draft Oregon State infielder Travis Bazzana. Not only is Bazzana the Guardians' top pick, but he is also the first Australian-born player ever to be picked in the first round of the MLB Draft. Bazzana, who slashed a remarkable .407/.568/.911 with 28 home runs during the spring season, caught the eye of many scouts and experts. One expert commented, "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."
Top Power Hitters Among Early Selections
The Colorado Rockies followed by selecting Charlie Condon with the No. 3 pick. Condon, who delivered an eye-popping .433/.556/1.009 with 37 home runs at Georgia, is expected to add considerable power to the Rockies' lineup. An insider noted, "The draft's top power hitter in Coors Field? You have to love it."
Meanwhile, Nick Kurtz, chosen No. 4 by the Athletics, is another significant addition, particularly given his signing bonus of $8,370,800. However, not everyone is entirely optimistic about his future, considering the team ownership. One observer remarked, "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."
Noteworthy Picks and High Potential
The Blue Jays made headlines by selecting East Carolina righty Trey Yesavage at No. 20, despite his recent health scare involving a partially collapsed lung. "College pitchers with Yesavage's deep arsenal and track record don’t make it outside the top 15 very often," said a source familiar with the draft prospects.
The Braves’ selection of Arizona high school lefty Cam Caminiti at No. 24 also turned heads. The young pitcher was described by an expert as having a "Max Fried starter kit," hinting at his potential to develop into a star.
Another significant selection came from the Orioles, who picked North Carolina outfielder Vance Honeycutt at No. 22. An expert commented, "Perhaps the best draft match of skill set and organization is North Carolina outfielder Vance Honeycutt going to the Orioles."
Intriguing and Unique Talents
The Royals added a versatile player to their roster by selecting Florida’s Jac Caglianone with the No. 6 pick. Caglianone is intended to start his career as a two-way player, emphasizing his multifaceted talent. As noted by an insider, "Headlined by Florida’s Jac Caglianone, a few two-way talents were selected in the first round."
At No. 15, the Mariners opted for Jurranglo Cijntje, a switch-pitcher whose ability to pitch with both hands makes him a unique addition. An analyst enthused, "It's legit stuff from both sides."
Wake Forest's Impressive Showing
Wake Forest University made an indelible mark on the draft with three players selected within the top ten picks. RHP Chase Burns was picked No. 2 by the Reds, 1B Nick Kurtz went No. 4 to the A’s, and IF Seaver King was chosen at No. 10 by the Nationals. The impressive accomplishment of having three top-ten picks from the same university was last achieved by Rice University in 2004.
Draft Dynamics and Pace
The draft’s first round allows approximately five minutes between picks, a pace that some find exasperating. One observer wryly commented, "Speaking as someone who loves the pitch clock -- it is the best rule change since the DH -- the pace of the draft is agonizing."
With rounds three through ten scheduled for Tuesday and rounds eleven through twenty set for Wednesday, the excitement surrounding the 2024 MLB Draft is far from over. This draft is already shaping up to be memorable, filled with significant picks, historic moments, and the promise of future stars making their debut in Major League Baseball.