The 2024 MLB Draft commenced with a flourish on Sunday night at the historic Cowtown Coliseum in Fort Worth, Texas. Over the course of this event, fans and insiders witnessed a blend of anticipation and excitement as Rounds one and two saw a total of 74 players being selected. The drafting spree is set to continue through Tuesday and Wednesday, with Rounds three through ten, and eleven through twenty, respectively, keeping the momentum going.
A Milestone for the Cleveland Guardians
The Cleveland Guardians made waves by using the franchise’s first-ever No. 1 overall selection to draft Oregon State infielder Travis Bazzana. This decision not only marked a historic moment for the Guardians but also for Bazzana himself, as he became the first Australian-born player ever picked in the first round. Boasting an impressive spring season with a slash line of .407/.568/.911 and 28 home runs, Bazzana was a worthy pick for the coveted spot. An unnamed expert expressed confidence in the Guardians' decision: "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 Picks and Big Hits
The Cincinnati Reds selected RHP Chase Burns at No. 2, followed by the Colorado Rockies who picked Charlie Condon at No. 3. Condon, who produced astonishing numbers at Georgia with a .433/.556/1.009 slash line and 37 home runs, was a pick that an insider described excitedly: "The draft's top power hitter in Coors Field? You have to love it."
The Oakland Athletics secured Nick Kurtz with their No. 4 choice, and despite the celebratory atmosphere for Kurtz and his family, one observer couldn’t help but comment on the challenges ahead: "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." Kurtz is set for a significant signing bonus of $8,370,800.
The Royals added Florida’s Jac Caglianone to their ranks at No. 6, with plans for him to launch his career as a two-way player. This year's draft featured several two-way talents, and an insider highlighted Caglianone: "Headlined by Florida’s Jac Caglianone, a few two-way talents were selected in the first round."
Significant Picks and Unique Talents
At No. 15, the Mariners went for Jurranglo Cijntje, a switch-pitcher, a rare breed in modern baseball. An analyst succinctly captured his potential with: "It's legit stuff from both sides." RHP Trey Yesavage from East Carolina went to the Blue Jays at No. 20, with insights suggesting that talent like his doesn't typically last beyond the top 15: "College pitchers with Yesavage's deep arsenal and track record don’t make it outside the top 15 very often." However, Yesavage’s recent history of a partially collapsed lung might have contributed to his later selection.
The Braves secured Arizona high school lefty Cam Caminiti at No. 24. Known for his prowess, he was described by an expert in endearing terms: "Max Fried starter kit." One of the most intriguing fits of the night was North Carolina outfielder Vance Honeycutt going to the Orioles at No. 22, with an expert lauding the match: "Perhaps the best draft match of skill set and organization is North Carolina outfielder Vance Honeycutt going to the Orioles."
Wake Forest's Impressive Showing
Wake Forest University had a remarkable showing with three players drafted within the top ten picks. Chase Burns (No. 2 by the Reds), Nick Kurtz (No. 4 by the A's), and Seaver King (No. 10 by the Nationals) all represented their university with pride. This particular accomplishment hasn’t been seen since Rice University achieved the same feat back in 2004.
Pacing and Potential
The draft's pace remains a topic of discussion every year, with approximately five minutes allocated between picks in the first round. One observer echoed the sentiments of many: "Speaking as someone who loves the pitch clock -- it is the best rule change since the DH -- the pace of the draft is agonizing." Despite this, the enthusiasm surrounding the high-ceiling prospects and unique players in the 2024 MLB Draft remains undiminished.