MLB · 1 year ago

2024 MLB Mock Draft – Picks 1-30: Predicting Prospects’ New Teams

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30. Texas Rangers: Kellon Lindsey – SS – (Hardee HS, FL)
Kellon Lindsey is a high school shortstop with exceptional speed and athleticism. A former quarterback, Lindsey has focused his talents on baseball, showing potential at the plate and in the field. The Rangers, who value versatile athletes, would find Lindsey’s quickness and defensive capabilities an exciting addition to their farm system.
1. Cleveland Guardians: JJ Wetherholt – SS/2B – (West Virginia)
Starting the season as a top contender for the first overall pick, JJ Wetherholt's journey took an unexpected turn with a six-week absence due to a hamstring injury. Upon his return, Wetherholt showcased his potential, displaying improved exit velocities and an impressive walk-to-strikeout ratio. The Guardians might opt for Travis Bazzana or Charlie Condon, but Wetherholt’s versatility and the opportunity to leverage the largest draft pool in MLB history could make him their choice.

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2. Cincinnati Reds: Travis Bazzana – 2B – (Oregon State)
The Reds have had a successful run with college picks recently, and Travis Bazzana fits their mold perfectly. Known for his exceptional hitting skills, Bazzana has added power to his game, evidenced by his 28 home runs this season. His combination of hitting prowess and power potential makes him an exciting prospect for the Reds, who can envision his impact at Great American Ballpark.

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3. Colorado Rockies: Hagen Smith – LHP – (Arkansas)
Linked to top pitching prospects, the Rockies are likely to choose Hagen Smith if he is available. Smith stands out with his frontline starter potential, complementing the Rockies' previous success with pitchers like Chase Dollander. With a preference for left-handed pitchers with unique release mechanics, Smith fits the Rockies' profile and could be their next standout arm.

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4. Oakland Athletics: Jac Caglianone – 1B – (Florida)
Jac Caglianone's strong finish to the season, paired with improved plate discipline, has solidified his status as a top-five pick. The Athletics, looking for powerful bats, might prefer Caglianone over Charlie Condon. With his standout postseason performance, Caglianone is unlikely to fall beyond the Athletics or White Sox.

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5. Chicago White Sox: Charlie Condon – OF – (Georgia)
The abundance of bat-first college prospects makes the top five picks unpredictable. If Charlie Condon slips past the Guardians, he could be an excellent fit for the White Sox. Linked to various prospects, including prep bats and pitchers, the White Sox might find it hard to pass up on a talent like Condon.
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6. Kansas City Royals: Chase Burns – RHP – (Wake Forest)
Chase Burns could be an ideal selection for the Royals, who are open to various options. If the Rockies select Hagen Smith, Burns might be available for Kansas City. Known for his impressive pitching skills, Burns would be a valuable addition to the Royals' roster.
7. St. Louis Cardinals: Bryce Rainer – SS/RHP – (Harvard-Westlake HS, CA)
Bryce Rainer is gaining traction as a top-five contender due to his exceptional defensive skills. The Cardinals, rarely picking in the top 10, have a unique opportunity to select one of the best prep prospects. Rainer’s versatility and potential make him a strong candidate for the Cardinals.
8. Los Angeles Angels: Braden Montgomery – OF – (Texas A&M)
Braden Montgomery fits the Angels' preference for collegiate bats who can quickly ascend through the ranks. With standout performances in the Cape Cod League, Team USA, and the SEC, Montgomery is a proven talent. Despite an ankle injury, he is expected to be ready for Spring Training, aligning with the Angels' needs.
9. Pittsburgh Pirates: Konnor Griffin – OF/SS – (Jackson Prep, MS)
The Pirates have been tied to both Bryce Rainer and Konnor Griffin as much as any team, and if the latter falls into their lap, his ridiculous tools at multiple premium positions would be welcomed to the fold. Plus speed and power with a huge frame and natural ability at both shortstop and in center field, the concern remains around Griffin’s hit tool, an area where he has showed signs of improvement.
10. Washington Nationals: Trey Yesavage – RHP – (East Carolina)
Trey Yesavage is one of those players who could make sense going to any team. The 6-foot-4 right-hander is as safe as they come, but not without exciting potential. He possesses a quality fastball in the mid 90s along with a splitter and slider that look like potential plus pitches.
11. Detroit Tigers: Nick Kurtz – 1B (Wake Forest)
With the Tigers having multiple options, Nick Kurtz stands out for his offensive prowess. The Tigers, under Scott Harris, might lean towards Kurtz due to his excellent plate discipline and power. While college pitcher Trey Yesavage and high school lefty Cam Caminiti are viable options, Kurtz's ability to command the strike zone could make him the preferred choice for Detroit.
12. Boston Red Sox: James Tibbs III – OF (Florida State)
James Tibbs III has skyrocketed up the draft boards after a stellar season at Florida State, earning the ACC Player of the Year. Tibbs addressed any concerns about his hitting by batting .303 in the Cape Cod League and reducing his strikeout rate to 11% while hitting 28 home runs in his junior year. Although the Red Sox might consider high school lefty Cam Caminiti, Tibbs’ polished collegiate profile seems more appealing to Boston’s front office.
13. San Francisco Giants: Cam Caminiti – LHP (Saguaro HS, AZ)
Cam Caminiti, a top-tier high school lefty, could be an attractive pick for the Giants. At just 17, Caminiti's stock has been rising steadily, and he could go earlier if other teams like the Tigers or Red Sox show interest. With a need to bolster their pitching prospects, the Giants might seize the opportunity to secure this promising young arm.
14. Chicago Cubs: Cam Smith – 3B (Florida State)
Cam Smith has made a significant impression with his powerful bat and solid contact skills. His breakout season at Florida State and strong performance in the Cape Cod League have made him a top prospect. The Cubs could look at Seaver King or Christian Moore, but Smith’s combination of hitting and power potential makes him the standout choice.
15. Seattle Mariners: Carson Benge – OF (Oklahoma State)
Carson Benge has caught the attention of several teams in the mid-first round due to his exceptional defensive skills in center field. In a draft emphasizing defensive value, Benge's ability to cover ground and his solid bat make him a prime candidate for the Mariners, possibly ahead of other notable bats like Christian Moore or Ryan Waldschmidt.
16. Miami Marlins: Seaver King – SS (Wake Forest)
Seaver King brings big tools and versatility to the table, capable of playing multiple infield positions. After proving his mettle against ACC pitching, King’s transfer from Division II Wingate to Wake Forest has been successful. The Marlins, seeking middle infield depth, would likely be excited to see King available at this spot, giving him every chance to stick at shortstop.
17. Milwaukee Brewers: Christian Moore – 2B (Tennessee)
Christian Moore has consistently posted an OPS above 1.000 during his college career, showcasing his elite hitting ability. His performance at Tennessee, especially during their National Championship run, has seen his draft stock soar. Though primarily a second baseman, Moore's impressive contact rates and power make him a valuable pick for the Brewers.
18. Tampa Bay Rays: Vance Honeycutt – OF (North Carolina)
Vance Honeycutt is arguably the best defensive outfielder in the draft, with excellent power but some concerns about his strikeout rate. Despite collegiate hitters with high strikeout rates often struggling in the majors, Honeycutt’s physical talent is undeniable. The Rays, known for their savvy scouting, might see a diamond in the rough and take a chance on his potential.
19. New York Mets: Ryan Waldschmidt – OF (Kentucky)
Ryan Waldschmidt is a well-rounded college hitter with a good mix of power, speed, and plate discipline. His balanced skill set makes him an attractive option for the Mets, who could also consider players like Caleb Lomavita or Tommy White. Waldschmidt's overall profile, however, might make him the top choice for New York.
20. Toronto Blue Jays: Caleb Lomavita – C (California)
Caleb Lomavita is regarded as one of the best catchers in this draft, combining solid defensive skills with good bat-to-ball contact and average power. While his aggressive approach at the plate may be a concern for some, many see Lomavita as a complete package behind the dish. If the Mets pass on him, the Blue Jays would likely be thrilled to secure him as a future cornerstone behind the plate.
21. Minnesota Twins: Kaelen Culpepper – SS – (Kansas State)
The Twins have a penchant for college bats, and Kaelen Culpepper fits the mold perfectly. A versatile shortstop from Kansas State, Culpepper has demonstrated consistent offensive prowess with strong back-to-back seasons. Ending his college career on a high note, he combines solid hitting with reliable defense, making him a valuable addition to Minnesota's future infield.
22. Baltimore Orioles: Theo Gillen – SS – (Westlake HS, Austin, TX)
Theo Gillen brings a lot of potential despite his injury history. The high school shortstop from Texas has a smooth swing and impressive athleticism. Though past shoulder and knee injuries have caused some concerns, his upside is undeniable. The Orioles, with their deep farm system, can afford to take a chance on Gillen, who could become a standout player if he stays healthy.
23. Los Angeles Dodgers: Brody Brecht – RHP – (Iowa)
Brody Brecht is a power pitcher who found his groove late in his draft year. Known for his triple-digit fastball and sharp slider, Brecht's command issues have improved significantly. The Dodgers, who prioritize raw talent and athleticism on the mound, would be an ideal team to further develop Brecht's potential, turning him into a dominant force in their rotation.
24. Atlanta Braves: Jurrangelo Cijntje – RHP/LHP – (Mississippi State)
Jurrangelo Cijntje is one of the most unique prospects, capable of pitching effectively with both arms. With a mid-90s fastball from the right and low-90s from the left, he offers versatility and reliability. The Braves, known for their focus on pitching talent, would likely jump at the chance to add this ambidextrous pitcher to their ranks.
25. San Diego Padres: Slade Caldwell – OF – (Valley View HS, AR)
Slade Caldwell is a high school outfielder known for his exceptional speed and hitting ability. The Padres have a trend of selecting prep talent in the first round, and Caldwell fits their criteria perfectly. His combination of quickness and contact hitting makes him a dynamic addition to San Diego’s prospect pool.
26. New York Yankees: William Schmidt – RHP – (Catholic HS, LA)
William Schmidt, a right-handed pitcher from Louisiana, is gaining traction as the draft approaches. With a mid-90s fastball and a high-spin curveball, Schmidt's metrics have made him a favorite among scouts. The Yankees, always on the lookout for promising arms, would be thrilled to secure Schmidt, who has the potential to rise quickly through their system.
27. Philadelphia Phillies: Ryan Sloan – RHP – (York HS, IL)
Ryan Sloan is a towering high school pitcher with an impressive arsenal. Standing at 6-foot-5, the Illinois native can reach the upper 90s and has a mature changeup. The Phillies, who have had success with high school pitchers like Andrew Painter and Mick Abel, are likely to continue this trend by adding Sloan to their collection of young arms.
28. Houston Astros: Walker Janek – C – (Sam Houston State)
Walker Janek is a standout catcher who might slip to the Astros due to a run on other prospects. Known for his defensive skills and solid bat, Janek could provide Houston with a reliable backstop for the future. His ability to handle pitchers and contribute offensively makes him a valuable pick late in the first round.
29. Arizona Diamondbacks: Tommy White – 3B – (Louisiana State)
Tommy White is a power-hitting third baseman from LSU. Despite not replicating his explosive freshman year, White has shown consistent power throughout his college career, hitting 75 home runs. The Diamondbacks, looking for a strong bat, would benefit from White's offensive prowess and potential to develop into a key player.
30. Texas Rangers: Kellon Lindsey – SS – (Hardee HS, FL)
Kellon Lindsey is a high school shortstop with exceptional speed and athleticism. A former quarterback, Lindsey has focused his talents on baseball, showing potential at the plate and in the field. The Rangers, who value versatile athletes, would find Lindsey’s quickness and defensive capabilities an exciting addition to their farm system.
1. Cleveland Guardians: JJ Wetherholt – SS/2B – (West Virginia)
Starting the season as a top contender for the first overall pick, JJ Wetherholt's journey took an unexpected turn with a six-week absence due to a hamstring injury. Upon his return, Wetherholt showcased his potential, displaying improved exit velocities and an impressive walk-to-strikeout ratio. The Guardians might opt for Travis Bazzana or Charlie Condon, but Wetherholt’s versatility and the opportunity to leverage the largest draft pool in MLB history could make him their choice.

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2024 MLB Mock Draft – Picks 1-30: Predicting Prospects’ New Teams

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