The 2024 MLB Draft commenced on a high note Sunday night at the Cowtown Coliseum in Fort Worth, Texas. The event drew substantial attention as rounds one and two unfolded, with 74 players hearing their names called. The draft festivities will continue on Tuesday and Wednesday, encompassing rounds three through ten and eleven through twenty, respectively.
One of the most striking moments came early on when the Cleveland Guardians, owning the first No. 1 selection in franchise history, opted for Oregon State infielder Travis Bazzana. This pick was historic; not only for the franchise but also because Bazzana is the first Australian-born player to be selected in the first round. Despite being the Guardians' second-ranked prospect, an unnamed expert noted, "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." Bazzana's collegiate performance was nothing short of extraordinary, slashing .407/.568/.911 with 28 home runs in the spring season.
The Colorado Rockies followed this by selecting Georgia's Charlie Condon with the No. 3 pick. Condon’s impressive stats of .433/.556/1.009 with 37 home runs undoubtedly influenced their choice. "The draft's top power hitter in Coors Field? You have to love it," an insider commented.
The Oakland Athletics picked at No. 4, choosing Wake Forest's Nick Kurtz, who is set to receive a hefty signing bonus of $8,370,800. While this adds to Kurtz's memorable day, one observer couldn't help but remark, "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."
Continuing down the draft board, the No. 20 pick saw the Toronto Blue Jays select East Carolina righty Trey Yesavage. Known for his deep pitching arsenal, Yesavage's recent bout with a partially collapsed lung didn't deter the Blue Jays. "College pitchers with Yesavage's deep arsenal and track record don’t make it outside the top 15 very often," a source confirmed.
The Baltimore Orioles made an intriguing pick at No. 22 by choosing North Carolina outfielder Vance Honeycutt. His selection drew praise from experts. "Perhaps the best draft match of skill set and organization is North Carolina outfielder Vance Honeycutt going to the Orioles," said one expert.
The Atlanta Braves eyed high school talent, selecting Arizona lefty Cam Caminiti at No. 24. Described succinctly as a "Max Fried starter kit" by an unnamed analyst, Caminiti is expected to evolve under the Braves' development system.
In another noteworthy pick, the Kansas City Royals chose Florida’s Jac Caglianone at No. 6. Caglianone stands out as a two-way player, a rarity at this level. "Headlined by Florida’s Jac Caglianone, a few two-way talents were selected in the first round," observed an insider. His dual-role capabilities should add much-needed flexibility to the Royals' roster.
The Seattle Mariners took Jurranglo Cijntje at No. 15, a switch-pitcher capable of delivering off both mounds. An analyst remarked, "It's legit stuff from both sides," highlighting the sheer talent and versatility Cijntje brings to the table.
Wake Forest's Historic Achievement
Wake Forest cemented its impressive pedigree by having three of its players selected within the top ten picks. The university saw RHP Chase Burns go No. 2 to the Reds, 1B Nick Kurtz taken at No. 4 by the A’s, and IF Seaver King chosen at No. 10 by the Nationals. This remarkable feat was last achieved by Rice University in 2004, further solidifying Wake Forest's standing in college baseball.
The draft agenda allocated approximately five minutes between picks in the first round, a pace that left some expressing frustration. "Speaking as someone who loves the pitch clock -- it is the best rule change since the DH -- the pace of the draft is agonizing," one observer noted. Yet, it's undeniable that the 2024 MLB Draft has already introduced a blend of high-ceiling prospects and unique players that promise to make their mark in the majors.