Post-2024 MLB Draft Top 15 Prospect Rankings: Baseball’s Futures Stars

1. 2B Travis Bazzana, Cleveland Guardians

2024 MLB Draft: Selected 1st Overall by Guardians

Travis Bazzana, standing at 5'9" and 170 pounds, was selected as the top pick in the 2024 MLB Draft. He showcased his potential with a standout junior season at Oregon State, hitting 28 homers in 60 games. Bazzana's performance in the Cape Cod League solidified his status, boasting a .375/.456/.581 slash line. Despite concerns about his defensive value, Bazzana's offensive prowess, work ethic, and makeup make him a top prospect with significant upside.

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14. 1B Nick Kurtz, Oakland A's

2024 MLB Draft: Selected 4th Overall by A's

Nick Kurtz, a 6’6″, 230-pound first baseman, bats and throws left-handed and is 21 years old. Kurtz is known for his imposing figure and power at the plate, hitting 61 home runs in 164 collegiate games. Despite his size, he maintains above-average contact rates and is extremely patient, leading Division I in walks last season. Kurtz’s power extends foul pole to foul pole, and his defensive skills at first base are also notable. Although he took a slight step back offensively last year, his ability to draw walks and his strong defensive skills make him a valuable prospect.

13. OF Slade Caldwell, Arizona Diamondbacks

2024 MLB Draft: Selected 29th Overall by Diamondbacks

Standing at 5’9″ and 170 lbs, Slade Caldwell, 18 years old, bats and throws left-handed. Caldwell’s game is defined by his explosive athleticism and polished skills. Despite his smaller stature, he boasts a quick, compact swing, allowing him to handle high velocity pitching effectively. His 70-grade speed makes him an exceptional defender in center field. Caldwell’s keen baseball instincts and excellent strike zone awareness make him a standout prospect. Although he might lack raw power, his ability to consistently make strong swing decisions and his defensive skills could make him an above-average regular in the major leagues. He could wind up the steal of the first round.

12. SS/OF Konnor Griffin, Pittsburgh Pirates

2024 MLB Draft: Selected 9th Overall by Pirates

Konnor Griffin, a 6’4″, 210-pound athlete, bats and throws right-handed and is just 18 years old. Griffin offers immense upside, showcasing plus speed and strong defensive skills at both shortstop and center field. He stole an impressive 85 bases in 43 games this spring. Although his hit tool needs refinement, Griffin’s progress over the past year is encouraging. His physical build suggests he could add strength, potentially leading to plus power. Despite his swing needing more fluidity, Griffin's defensive prowess and speed make him a promising prospect, offering a blend of power and speed that teams find tantalizing.

11. OF Carson Benge, New York Mets

2024 MLB Draft: Selected 19th Overall by Mets

Carson Benge stands 6’1″ and weighs 184 lbs, batting left and throwing right. At 21.5 years old, Benge is a dynamic two-way prospect for Oklahoma State. He impressed as a swingman, boasting a low 90s fastball and a mix of secondary pitches. After recovering from Tommy John surgery in 2022, Benge had a standout sophomore season, cutting his ground ball rate significantly and more than doubling his home runs to 18. His athleticism shines in the batter’s box, demonstrating great hand-eye coordination and a high contact rate. Defensively, Benge is versatile, primarily playing right field but showing potential as a centerfielder with his speed and strong arm.

10. RHP Trey Yesavage, Toronto Blue Jays

2024 MLB Draft: Selected 20th Overall by Blue Jays

Trey Yesavage, standing at 6'4" and 225 pounds, is a polished right-handed pitcher with a solid four-pitch mix. His 93-95 MPH fastball and effective slider are complemented by an improved splitter, making him a strikeout machine. While his high release point raises some concerns about fastball performance, Yesavage's ability to limit damage and strike out hitters at a high rate makes him a promising prospect. His potential as a mid-rotation starter or high-leverage reliever adds to his appeal.

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9. SS/RHP Bryce Rainer, Detroit Tigers

2024 MLB Draft: Selected 11th Overall by Tigers

Bryce Rainer, a 6'3", 185-pound two-way prospect, offers exciting tools and a projectable frame. As a shortstop, he showcases plus power and a double-plus arm. On the mound, Rainer features a mid-90s fastball and quality secondary pitches. While he needs to refine his swing mechanics, his potential as a power-hitting shortstop or a pitcher with above-average command makes him a top high school prospect with a high ceiling.

8. OF Braden Montgomery, Boston Red Sox

2024 MLB Draft: Selected 12th Overall by Red Sox

Braden Montgomery, standing at 6'2" and 201 pounds, is a twitchy and explosive athlete with impressive bat speed from both sides of the plate. His significant leap in exit velocities and improved performance against high velocity in 2024 make him a standout. While he needs to improve his recognition of spin and adjust his swing path, Montgomery's raw power and strong outfield arm make him a promising outfield prospect with 30+ home run potential.

7. 3B Cam Smith, Chicago Cubs

2024 MLB Draft: Selected 14th Overall by Cubs

Cam Smith, a 6'3", 215-pound third baseman, combines effortless power with good bat-to-ball skills. His strong plate discipline and ability to play a quality third base make him a well-rounded prospect. While his flatter swing path and elevated ground ball rate are areas for improvement, Smith's ability to adjust and his solid performance in the Cape Cod League showcase his potential. His profile is reminiscent of Josh Jung, adding to his appeal.

6. RHP Chase Burns , Cincinnati Reds

2024 MLB Draft: Selected 2nd Overall by Reds

Chase Burns, standing at 6'4" and 195 pounds, boasts a fastball that reaches triple digits and a pair of impressive breaking balls. His slider is particularly effective, maintaining a high strike rate and chase rate. Despite some concerns about his high-effort delivery and fastball performance, Burns' elite breaking pitches and physical talent give him No. 2 starter upside. Continued development of his fastball command will be key to his success.

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5. LHP Hagen Smith, Chicago White Sox

2024 MLB Draft: Selected 5th Overall by White Sox

Hagen Smith, a 6'3", 215-pound left-handed pitcher, features a mid-90s fastball and a wipeout slider. His unique release and improved command make him a high-floor arm. While he needs to develop a more consistent third pitch, Smith's fastball-slider combination is already effective against both lefties and righties. With a potential future as a high-leverage reliever or a mid-rotation starter, Smith is a versatile and promising pitching prospect.

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4. OF Charlie Condon, Colorado Rockies

2024 MLB Draft: Selected 3rd Overall by Rockies

Charlie Condon, standing at 6'6" and 211 pounds, had a breakout season, hitting .433 with 37 homers in 60 games. Known for handling high velocity well, Condon has shown impressive contact rates against fastballs. While he has room to improve against secondary pitches, his power potential and versatility in the outfield and third base make him a valuable prospect. Condon's strong plate discipline further enhances his offensive profile.

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3. 1B Jac Caglianone, Kansas City Royals

2024 MLB Draft: Selected 6th Overall by Royals

Jac Caglianone, a 6'5", 217-pound slugger, possesses elite raw power, making him one of the most exciting prospects. He recorded exit velocities up to 120 MPH and hit 68 home runs in 137 games since his sophomore year. While his aggressive approach at the plate raises some concerns, Caglianone's feel for hitting and ability to make in-zone contact is impressive. Though primarily a first baseman, his power potential makes him a standout in the draft.

2. SS/2B JJ Wetherholt, St. Louis Cardinals

2024 MLB Draft: Selected 7th Overall by Cardinals

JJ Wetherholt, a 5'10", 190-pound infielder, rivals Bazzana for the best hit tool in his class. Known for his plus bat speed and strong plate discipline, Wetherholt has shown impressive performance against left-handed pitchers. Despite dealing with hamstring issues that limited his time at shortstop, his offensive profile remains strong with plus contact rates and potential for average power. Wetherholt's defensive versatility adds to his appeal, making him a promising prospect.

1. 2B Travis Bazzana, Cleveland Guardians

2024 MLB Draft: Selected 1st Overall by Guardians

Travis Bazzana, standing at 5'9" and 170 pounds, was selected as the top pick in the 2024 MLB Draft. He showcased his potential with a standout junior season at Oregon State, hitting 28 homers in 60 games. Bazzana's performance in the Cape Cod League solidified his status, boasting a .375/.456/.581 slash line. Despite concerns about his defensive value, Bazzana's offensive prowess, work ethic, and makeup make him a top prospect with significant upside.

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