The 2024 MLB Draft kicked off on Sunday night at the historic Cowtown Coliseum in Fort Worth, Texas, setting the stage for a thrilling week of baseball future stars finding their professional homes. Rounds one and two were completed with 74 players selected, and the subsequent rounds are scheduled for the days to follow. Tuesday will see rounds three through ten, and the draft will conclude on Wednesday with rounds eleven through twenty.
One of the most notable moments of Sunday’s event was the Cleveland Guardians’ selection of Oregon State infielder Travis Bazzana with the No. 1 pick. This marks the first time in franchise history that the Guardians have had the top pick, and they used it to draft the first Australian-born player ever chosen in the first round. Bazzana, who posted impressive numbers with a .407/.568/.911 slash line and 28 home runs during the spring season, was lauded by experts. "Bazzana was our second ranked prospect but he was a worthy pick at No. 1," an unnamed expert noted, emphasizing his powerful bat, a skill the Guardians are known for honing exceptionally well.
The draft’s high drama continued as the Colorado Rockies picked Charlie Condon at No. 3 after an astounding season at Georgia where he hit .433/.556/1.009 with 37 home runs. “The draft's top power hitter in Coors Field? You have to love it,” an insider remarked, hinting at the potential fireworks Condon might bring to the hitter-friendly conditions of Denver.
On the West Coast, the Athletics made a splash by drafting Nick Kurtz at No. 4, who will receive a signing bonus totaling $8,370,800. While Sunday was a milestone for Kurtz and his family, fans and observers alike have mixed feelings about his new team. “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,” lamented one observer.
At the 20th pick, the Blue Jays added East Carolina’s Trey Yesavage to their roster. Concerns surfaced when it was revealed that Yesavage had recently suffered a partially collapsed lung, highlighting the inherent risks and physical demands faced by players. An unnamed source stated, "College pitchers with Yesavage's deep arsenal and track record don’t make it outside the top 15 very often."
Moving forward, the Braves selected Arizona high school lefty Cam Caminiti at No. 24, drawing comparisons to MLB star Max Fried. An expert described Caminiti as a "Max Fried starter kit," acknowledging his promising skill set.
At No. 22, the Orioles secured North Carolina outfielder Vance Honeycutt, a move praised as perhaps the "best draft match of skill set and organization." Honeycutt seems destined to fit perfectly into Baltimore's developmental system.
A milestone pick for the Kansas City Royals involved Florida’s Jac Caglianone, who will begin his professional career as a two-way player. Caglianone’s unique ability to contribute both on the mound and at the plate adds a versatile weapon to the Royals' arsenal.
Meanwhile, the Mariners made waves with their No. 15 selection of Jurrangelo Cijntje, a rare switch-pitcher capable of throwing with both arms. “It's legit stuff from both sides,” an analyst noted, underlining the exceptional talent Cijntje brings to the table.
This year's draft was also historic for Wake Forest University, which saw three of its players selected within the top ten. RHP Chase Burns went No. 2 to the Reds, 1B Nick Kurtz was picked No. 4 by the A's, and IF Seaver King was taken at No. 10 by the Nationals. It’s a remarkable achievement, last matched by Rice University back in 2004.
The first round is known for its rapid pace, with only five minutes allotted between picks, a feature some find challenging. “Speaking as someone who loves the pitch clock -- it is the best rule change since the DH -- the pace of the draft is agonizing,” observed one commentator.
As the draft proceedings continue, several high-ceiling prospects and unique talents will find their places in various MLB organizations, setting the foundation for the next generation of baseball greatness. The blend of standout individual performances and historic firsts promises to make the 2024 MLB Draft one to remember.