MLB · 1 year ago

2024 MLB Draft Recap: The Best 12 First-Round Selections Ranked

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Arizona Diamondbacks Select: Slade Caldwell (Round 1, Pick 29)
The Arizona Diamondbacks selected Slade Caldwell with the 29th pick. Caldwell, a left-handed outfielder from Valley View High School in Arkansas, is known for his speed and quick hands at the plate. Despite his smaller stature, he excels in contact ability and strike zone awareness. Caldwell’s profile of speed, contact skills, and a smooth left-handed swing aligns well with the Diamondbacks’ roster strategy.
Cleveland Guardians Select Travis Bazzana (Round 1, Pick 1)
The Cleveland Guardians had the first overall pick and chose Travis Bazzana, the dynamic second baseman from Oregon State. Despite initial buzz around J.J. Wetherholt, the Guardians couldn't pass on Bazzana's impressive stats. In 2024, Bazzana posted a remarkable slash line of .407/.568/.911, demonstrating both power and contact skills. His 216 wRC+ in 60 games is a testament to his dominance at the plate. Bazzana's excellent plate discipline, combined with his ability to handle high velocity, made him the perfect choice for Cleveland.

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Colorado Rockies Select Charlie Condon (Round 1, Pick 3)
Charlie Condon, the power-hitting outfielder from the University of Georgia, was picked third overall by the Colorado Rockies. Known for his record-breaking home run totals, Condon's 37 homers in 2024 showcased his immense power. Despite some swing and miss concerns, his 90% Z-Contact rate highlights his ability to make consistent contact. Condon's fit in Coors Field, a hitter's paradise, makes him an exciting addition to the Rockies' lineup.
Kansas City Royals Select Jac Caglianone (Round 1, Pick 6)
The Kansas City Royals selected Jac Caglianone, a two-way player from the University of Florida, with the sixth pick. Caglianone's power is undeniable, with 35 home runs in 2024 and top marks in various batted-ball metrics. However, his high chase rates and need for improved plate discipline are areas of concern. While his pitching skills are notable, his future likely lies as a power-hitting first baseman.
St. Louis Cardinals Select J.J. Wetherholt (Round 1, Pick 7)
The St. Louis Cardinals struck gold at the seventh pick with J.J. Wetherholt from West Virginia. Known for his exceptional contact skills, Wetherholt posted a 90% Z-Contact rate in 2024. Despite a hamstring injury limiting his playtime, his potential as a versatile infielder with plus hitting abilities made him a valuable selection. Wetherholt's speed and base-stealing prowess add another dimension to his game.
Detroit Tigers Select Bryce Rainer (Round 1, Pick 11)
The Detroit Tigers continued their trend of selecting top high school talent by picking Bryce Rainer from Harvard Westlake HS. Rainer's powerful swing and strong arm make him a promising shortstop prospect. Although his contact rates need improvement, his overall skill set and projectable frame give him a high ceiling. Rainer fits well into the Tigers' strategy of building through high-upside prep players.

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Boston Red Sox Select Braden Montgomery (Round 1, Pick 12)
Braden Montgomery, a switch-hitting outfielder from Texas A&M, was selected 12th overall by the Boston Red Sox. Montgomery showed significant improvement in 2024, increasing his power output while reducing his strikeout rate. His ability to hit from both sides of the plate and his strong arm make him an ideal candidate for right field. Montgomery's continued development will be crucial for his success in the majors.
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Chicago Cubs Select Cam Smith (Round 1, Pick 14)
Cam Smith from Florida State was a standout pick for the Chicago Cubs at 14. Known for his well-rounded hitting skills, Smith excelled across all pitch types and zones. His 17% swing and miss rate and 90% Z-Contact rate underscore his ability to make consistent contact. Smith's quick hands and raw strength enable him to hit for both average and power, making him a versatile addition to the Cubs' lineup.

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Seattle Mariners Select Jurrangelo Cijntje (Round 1, Pick 15)
The Seattle Mariners made a unique selection with Jurrangelo Cijntje, a switch-pitching phenom. Cijntje's ability to pitch with both arms and his impressive fastball-slider combination make him a fascinating prospect. His low slot delivery and mature pitch selection suggest a bright future, either as a starter or a versatile bullpen arm. The Mariners' track record with pitchers bodes well for Cijntje's development.
New York Mets Select Carson Benge (Round 1, Pick 18)
Carson Benge from Oklahoma State was a safe and balanced pick for the New York Mets at 18. Benge's ability to hit for power and average, combined with his defensive versatility, makes him an appealing prospect. His gap-to-gap power and impressive arm strength suggest he could be a future fixture in the Mets' outfield. Benge's well-rounded skill set should translate well to the professional level.
Baltimore Orioles Select Vance Honeycutt (Round 1, Pick 22)
The Baltimore Orioles took a chance on Vance Honeycutt, a powerful outfielder from UNC, with the 22nd pick. Honeycutt's plus power and speed make him a dynamic prospect, despite concerns about his high strikeout rate. His potential Gold Glove defense in center field and ability to steal bases add significant value. The Orioles' strong player development system could help Honeycutt reach his full potential.

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Atlanta Braves Select: Cam Caminiti (Round 1, Pick 24)
The Atlanta Braves drafted left-handed pitcher Cam Caminiti with the 24th overall pick. Caminiti, from Saguaro High School in California, was ranked 15th by Just Baseball. His fastball reaches 97 MPH, complemented by a sweeping slider at 79 MPH and a powerful changeup at 87-90 MPH. With the Braves' proven success in developing pitchers, Caminiti’s dynamic arsenal could make him a future MLB standout.
Arizona Diamondbacks Select: Slade Caldwell (Round 1, Pick 29)
The Arizona Diamondbacks selected Slade Caldwell with the 29th pick. Caldwell, a left-handed outfielder from Valley View High School in Arkansas, is known for his speed and quick hands at the plate. Despite his smaller stature, he excels in contact ability and strike zone awareness. Caldwell’s profile of speed, contact skills, and a smooth left-handed swing aligns well with the Diamondbacks’ roster strategy.
Cleveland Guardians Select Travis Bazzana (Round 1, Pick 1)
The Cleveland Guardians had the first overall pick and chose Travis Bazzana, the dynamic second baseman from Oregon State. Despite initial buzz around J.J. Wetherholt, the Guardians couldn't pass on Bazzana's impressive stats. In 2024, Bazzana posted a remarkable slash line of .407/.568/.911, demonstrating both power and contact skills. His 216 wRC+ in 60 games is a testament to his dominance at the plate. Bazzana's excellent plate discipline, combined with his ability to handle high velocity, made him the perfect choice for Cleveland.

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2024 MLB Draft Recap: The Best 12 First-Round Selections Ranked

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