A Historic Night at the 2024 MLB Draft
Sunday night marked the beginning of the 2024 MLB Draft, held at the Cowtown Coliseum in Fort Worth, Texas. The event saw a flurry of activity with 74 players being selected over the course of rounds one and two. The remaining rounds are scheduled for later this week, with rounds three through ten on Tuesday and rounds eleven through twenty on Wednesday.
Breaking New Ground
The Cleveland Guardians made headlines by using the first No. 1 selection in the franchise's history to draft Oregon State infielder Travis Bazzana. Bazzana's selection is notable not only for the team but also for his heritage, being the first Australian-born player ever picked in the first round. Batting an impressive .407/.568/.911 with 28 home runs during the spring season, Bazzana’s prowess promises to inject significant power into Cleveland’s lineup. An unnamed expert called Bazzana "a worthy pick at No. 1," adding that he "brings needed power to an organization that develops bat-to-ball ability very well."
The Colorado Rockies followed by selecting Charlie Condon with the No. 3 pick. Condon, who hit a remarkable .433/.556/1.009 with 37 home runs at Georgia, is expected to adapt well to his new home. "The draft's top power hitter in Coors Field? You have to love it," an insider commented.
Key Selections and Surprises
Rounding out the top selections, Nick Kurtz went No. 4 to the Athletics, a move that promises him a signing bonus of $8,370,800. “Sunday was a wonderful day for Kurtz and his family," noted an observer, though he couldn’t help but add, "but the poor kid is stuck playing for John Fisher, the worst owner in baseball."
The Toronto Blue Jays made a bold move at No. 20, selecting East Carolina righty Trey Yesavage, who recently suffered a partially collapsed lung. Despite his recent health issues, Yesavage's deep pitching arsenal and established track record made him a rare find outside the top 15, according to a source.
Diverse Talents on Display
The Braves picked Cam Caminiti, an Arizona high school lefty, at No. 24. An expert described Caminiti's skillset akin to a "Max Fried starter kit," hinting at the young pitcher’s high ceiling. Meanwhile, the Orioles grabbed North Carolina outfielder Vance Honeycutt at No. 22. His well-rounded capabilities earned high praise, with one expert stating, "Perhaps the best draft match of skill set and organization is North Carolina outfielder Vance Honeycutt going to the Orioles."
Showing their penchant for intriguing players, the Kansas City Royals picked Florida's Jac Caglianone at No. 6, who will start his career as a two-way player. Headlined by Caglianone, multiple two-way talents were picked in the first round, reflecting a growing trend in the league.
The Mariners picked Jurranglo Cijntje at No. 15, a switch-pitcher who brings a unique dynamic to the team. "It's legit stuff from both sides," remarked one analyst about Cijntje’s dual capabilities.
Historical Feats
A notable moment came when Wake Forest had three players selected within the top ten picks, a feat that hasn’t been achieved by a university since Rice University did so in 2004. Wake Forest's RHP Chase Burns went No. 2 to the Reds, 1B Nick Kurtz was picked No. 4 by the Athletics, and IF Seaver King rounded out the trio by going No. 10 to the Nationals.
Pacing the Event
The pace of the draft itself has drawn some mixed reactions. The event allocates around five minutes between picks in the first round, which some have found slow. "Speaking as someone who loves the pitch clock -- it is the best rule change since the DH -- the pace of the draft is agonizing," an observer remarked, expressing the sentiment of many who were following the event closely.
As the draft unfolds, the 2024 MLB Draft is shaping up to be one of the most intriguing in recent years, filled with high-ceiling prospects and unique talents that promise to take the league by storm.