MLB Draft 2024 Kickoff: Historic Picks and Memorable Moments
Sunday night marked the commencement of the 2024 MLB Draft at the Cowtown Coliseum in Fort Worth, Texas, setting the stage for a series of rounds boasting high-ceiling prospects and unique talents. As the dust settled on Rounds one and two, 74 players had their names etched in the annals of this year's draft, with notable selections and unexpected turns capturing the attention of fans and analysts alike.
A First for the Cleveland Guardians
The Cleveland Guardians made headlines by using their first No. 1 selection in franchise history to draft Travis Bazzana, an infielder from Oregon State. Bazzana, the first Australian-born player ever picked in the first round, brings a formidable offensive presence. Slashing .407/.568/.911 with 28 home runs during the spring season, his performance speaks volumes about his potential impact. One 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."
Power Hitters Take Center Stage
Another significant pick came from the Colorado Rockies, who chose Charlie Condon at No. 3. Condon, who hit an impressive .433/.556/1.009 with 37 home runs at Georgia, was hailed by an insider: "The draft's top power hitter in Coors Field? You have to love it." Meanwhile, Nick Kurtz was picked fourth by the Athletics and is set to receive a signing bonus of $8,370,800. An observer noted the mixed feelings of this drafting: "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."
Top Prospects and Notable Talents
Wake Forest stood out with three of its players being selected within the top ten picks, a feat last achieved by Rice University in 2004. RHP Chase Burns went No. 2 to the Reds, 1B Nick Kurtz to the Athletics at No. 4, and IF Seaver King rounded out the top ten, going to the Nationals. This impressive trio showcases the depth of talent emerging from Wake Forest this year.
Intriguing and Unique Picks
The draft wasn't short on unique stories either. The Blue Jays' No. 20 pick, East Carolina righty Trey Yesavage, has recently dealt with a partially collapsed lung, making his selection noteworthy. "College pitchers with Yesavage's deep arsenal and track record don’t make it outside the top 15 very often," observed a source.
The Braves' selection at No. 24, Arizona high school lefty Cam Caminiti, was likened to a "Max Fried starter kit" by an expert. Meanwhile, the Orioles' choice of North Carolina outfielder Vance Honeycutt at No. 22 was seen as a brilliant match of skill set and organization, with an expert noting, "Perhaps the best draft match of skill set and organization is North Carolina outfielder Vance Honeycutt going to the Orioles."
In selecting Jac Caglianone at No. 6, the Royals have pinned their hopes on a player who will start his career as a two-way talent. "Headlined by Florida’s Jac Caglianone, a few two-way talents were selected in the first round," remarked an insider, highlighting the rarity and potential of such players.
The Mariners added another layer of intrigue by selecting Jurranglo Cijntje at No. 15. Cijntje, a switch-pitcher, elicited high praise: "It's legit stuff from both sides," commented an analyst, underlining his dual-threat capability.
Draft Pace and Future Rounds
The draft process itself also drew comments, particularly regarding its pace. With approximately five minutes allocated between picks in the first round, the structure aimed for efficiency, though some found it challenging to endure. As one observer joked, "Speaking as someone who loves the pitch clock -- it is the best rule change since the DH -- the pace of the draft is agonizing."
As the 2024 MLB Draft progresses, the anticipation builds for rounds three through ten scheduled for Tuesday and rounds eleven through twenty on Wednesday. With a blend of high-ceiling prospects and unique talents, this year's draft promises to usher in a new era of exciting baseball talent.