2024 MLB Mock Draft: First round predictions and pick projections

We’re just days away from the 2024 MLB Draft, kicking off at the Cowtown Coliseum in Fort Worth, Texas. The excitement from the Men’s College World Series has baseball fans buzzing about the upcoming draft and its top prospects.

From July 14-16, 600 picks will be made over 20 rounds. The Cleveland Guardians have the honor of the first pick for the first time ever, followed by the Cincinnati Reds, Colorado Rockies, Oakland Athletics, and Chicago White Sox.

This year’s draft is less predictable than last year’s, which saw LSU teammates Paul Skenes and Dylan Crews go top two. This draft class has five or six guys who are almost interchangeable at the top of the pile, so it could be a weekend of twists and turns.

Here is the way we here at Diario AS USA think that it will shake out.

2024 MLB Draft Mock Draft Roundup

1. Cleveland Guardians

Travis Bazzana, 2B, Oregon State

Most experts see the Guardians snagging Travis Bazzana, a standout from Oregon State who could be the second Beaver to go No. 1 overall, after Adley Rutschman. Bazzana’s been a force with his .902 OPS as a freshman, showing off his speed and power.

2. Cincinnati Reds

Charlie Condon, 3B, Georgia

Charlie Condon, fresh off winning the Golden Spikes Award, seems like a lock for the Reds. He crushed 37 homers and hit .433 last season, making him a powerful and consistent presence at the plate.

3. Colorado Rockies

Chase Burns, RHP, Wake Forest

The Rockies could go either way with top pitcher Chase Burns or two-way star Jac Caglianone. Burns led the NCAA in strikeouts, while Caglianone was a powerhouse hitter and solid pitcher, even winning the John Olerud Award.

4. Oakland Athletics

Jac Caglianone, 1B/RHP, Florida

The A’s are eyeing some serious power at the plate with either Caglianone, Montgomery, or Bazzana. Montgomery brings added versatility and a 96 mph fastball, despite his recent ankle injury.

5. Chicago White Sox

Hagen Smith, LHP, Arkansas

The White Sox are split between Hagen Smith’s top-tier pitching and Wetherholt’s elite bat. Smith’s fastball hits 100 mph, while Wetherholt’s hitting skills are unmatched.

6. Kansas City Royals

Nick Kurtz, 1B, Wake Forest

The Royals could grab Kurtz, who led the NCAA in walks and posted a .531 on-base percentage, or high school standout shortstop Bryce Rainer, who’s being compared to stars like Corey Seager and Christian Yelich.

7. St. Louis Cardinals

Braden Montgomery, RF, Texas A&M

The Cardinals seem keen on top pitchers like Smith or Burns, though Montgomery’s athleticism and power also make him a tempting choice.

8. Los Angeles Angels

JJ Wetherholt, 2B/SS, West Virginia

The Angels are looking to add quick-rising talent, whether it’s Wetherholt’s bat, Montgomery’s versatility, Burns’ pitching prowess, or Tibbs III’s power at the plate.

9. Pittsburgh Pirates

Konnor Griffin, OF/INF, Jackson Prep (MS)

Griffin’s MLB-ready frame and speed make him a top prep pick, while Tibbs III and Kurtz bring power-hitting capabilities.

10. Washington Nationals

Bryce Rainer, SS, Westlake HS (CA)

Rainer and Griffin offer potential star power at the plate, while Yesavage stands out as a polished college pitcher with a strong four-pitch repertoire.

11. Detroit Tigers

Cam Caminiti, LHP, Saguaro HS (AZ)

This lefty reclassified for the 2024 draft and is a top prep pitching prospect. His fastball hits high-90s, and he’s got a developing curve, slider, and changeup. USA Today points out his connection to former NL MVP Ken Caminiti, adding to his appeal.

12. Boston Red Sox

Christian Moore, 2B, Tennessee

All sources agree: Moore is one of the best hitters from the NCAA’s top offense. He broke records at Tennessee, including 60 career homers and an impressive performance in the College World Series.

13. San Francisco Giants

Vance Honeycutt (OF, North Carolina)

Known for his defense, Honeycutt also posted strong hitting stats in 2024. MLB.com sees him as a repeat draftee for the Giants, bringing both power and speed to the table.

14. Chicago Cubs

Trey Yesavage (RHP, East Carolina)

He has a four-pitch arsenal and a fastball that tops out at 98 mph. Yesavage was the American Athletic Conference Pitcher of the Year, making him a solid pick for the Cubs.

15. Seattle Mariners

James Tibbs III (RF, Florida State)

The Mariners might end their streak of high school hitters with Tibbs, a powerful and consistent college player.

16. Miami Marlins

Cam Smith, 3B, Florida State

Staying in Florida, Smith offers a strong OBP and power potential. He has a 225-pound frame that suggests even more power development.

17. Milwaukee Brewers

Carson Benge (OF, Oklahoma State)

After recovering from Tommy John surgery, Benge shows elite exit velocity and versatility, a profile similar to successful Brewers’ picks like Garrett Mitchell and Sal Frelick.

18. Tampa Bay Rays

Tommy White (3B, LSU)

White’s elite power should fit well with the Rays. He’s a versatile infielder with consistent home run stats.

19. New York Mets

Jurrangelo Cijntje (RHP/LHP, Mississippi State)

A switch pitcher with potential as both a starter and reliever, Cijntje’s versatility is appealing despite his smaller frame.

20. Toronto Blue Jays

Ryan Waldschmidt (OF, Kentucky)

With impressive contact rates and exit velocity, Waldschmidt has surged up draft boards. His well-rounded skill set makes him a good fit for the Blue Jays.

21. Minnesota Twins

Billy Amick, 3B, Tennessee

The Twins’ potential picks are a mix of power and consistency. Billy Amick, the power-hitting 3B from Tennessee, smashed 23 home runs for the College World Series champs, though he needs to work on his plate discipline. Kaelen Culpepper, a SS from Kansas State, offers excellent bat speed and projects as a Gold Glove 3B, but not necessarily a slugger. Caleb Lomavita and Ryan Waldschmidt are consistent hitters who could add stability to the Twins’ lineup.

22. Baltimore Orioles

Malcolm Moore, C, Stanford

The Orioles have a solid selection of prospects, including consistent hitters like Ryan Waldschmidt and Caleb Lomavita, and a top defender in Vance Honeycutt. Stanford’s catcher Moore is a solid hitting anchor of that infield and with a loaded farm system, the Orioles can afford to swing for high-upside picks.

23. Los Angeles Dodgers

Kash Mayfield, LHP, Elk City HS (OK)

The Dodgers are eyeing prep pitchers, with Kash Mayfield and William Schmidt both standing out. Mayfield’s high-90s fastball and impressive changeup make him one of the top lefties, while Schmidt boasts a killer fastball and curveball combo. The Dodgers will likely prioritize upside, especially with their next pick not until No. 98.

24. Atlanta Braves

Brody Brecht, RHP, Iowa

The Braves have their sights on pitchers like Brody Brecht and the versatile switch-pitcher Jurrangelo Cijntje. Catcher Walker Janek, known for his defensive skills and power, is also a top prospect. Atlanta’s strong track record in pitcher development could be key for Cijntje.

25. San Diego Padres

Dakota Jordan, OF, Mississippi State

The Padres might go for Dakota Jordan, who offers elite bat speed and strength but needs better plate discipline, or Theo Gillen, a prep SS with raw power and a solid frame. The Padres typically avoid college picks in the first round, focusing on high-upside high school talent.

26. New York Yankees

Kaelen Culpepper, SS, Kansas State

The Yankees’ picks range from SS Kaelen Culpepper, a solid infielder with both pop and speed, to power hitters like Tommy White and Dakota Jordan. Jurrangelo Cijntje’s unique switch-pitching could also be an intriguing option.

27. Philadelphia Phillies

Caleb Lomavita, C, Cal

The Phillies have consistent catcher Caleb Lomavita and power hitter Tommy White on their radar. Pitchers Kash Mayfield and William Schmidt are also in the mix, continuing Philadelphia’s trend of drafting prep players.

28. Houston Astros

Walker Janek, C, Sam Houston

The Astros’ potential picks include prep standout Theo Gillen and power hitters like Tommy White and Walker Janek. Gillen’s disciplined approach and potential for power growth make him a solid choice, while White’s offensive impact is hard to ignore.

29. Arizona Diamondbacks

Slade Caldwell, OF, Valley View HS (AZ)

Arizona could go for Slade Caldwell’s athleticism and bat speed or Billy Amick’s power. Malcolm Moore, a top catching prospect with impressive metrics, and Kellen Lindsey, a developing athlete at shortstop, are also strong candidates.

30. Texas Rangers

Theo Gillen, SS, Westlake High School (TX)

The Rangers might pick Theo Gillen or Walker Janek, both strong candidates for first-round selections. Billy Amick and Malcolm Moore also bring impressive speed and power to the table, fitting the Rangers’ recent trend of drafting college players.