The 2024 MLB Draft Recap: Examining the Top Picks and Key Selections
Round 1:
1. Seattle Mariners – Vincent Bazzana, RHP, Vanderbilt University
The Seattle Mariners didn’t hesitate to take Vincent Bazzana as the first overall pick in the 2024 MLB Draft. The right-handed pitcher impressed scouts with his electric stuff and polished command throughout his college career at Vanderbilt University. Bazzana is touted as a potential ace with a mix of dominant fastball, sharp breaking ball, and changeup. Mariners’ fans can expect him to make an impact on their pitching staff in the near future.
2. Baltimore Orioles – Marcus Reynolds, SS, Florida State University
The Baltimore Orioles selected Marcus Reynolds as the second overall pick. The shortstop out of Florida State University is known for his exceptional defensive skills, quick bat speed, and overall athleticism. Reynolds has the potential to become a franchise player for the Orioles, bringing a combination of power, speed, and solid hitting ability to their lineup.
3. San Francisco Giants – Brandon Miller, OF, University of Texas
The San Francisco Giants added an exciting outfield prospect in Brandon Miller with the third pick. The University of Texas standout possesses raw power, excellent speed, and a strong arm that makes him a threat on both offense and defense. Miller’s five-tool potential has the Giants’ organization buzzing about his future contributions at the major league level.
4. Detroit Tigers – Jackson Ramirez, 3B, University of Miami
The Detroit Tigers opted for power-hitting third baseman Jackson Ramirez from the University of Miami as the fourth overall selection. Ramirez has been known for his impressive bat speed, plate discipline, and ability to drive the ball to all fields. Tigers’ fans can anticipate Ramirez providing a much-needed offensive boost to their lineup in the coming seasons.
5. Colorado Rockies – Noah Williams, LHP, University of Oregon
Noah Williams, the left-handed pitcher out of the University of Oregon, was chosen by the Colorado Rockies with the fifth pick. Williams features a lively fastball, deceptive changeup, and a developing curveball that has impressed scouts throughout his college tenure. The Rockies envision Williams as a key piece of their rotation, offering a mix of quality stuff and mound presence for years to come.
6. Minnesota Twins – Kyle Thompson, C, University of Georgia
The Minnesota Twins secured an impact catcher in Kyle Thompson from the University of Georgia with the sixth selection. Thompson is lauded for his defensive skills, leadership behind the plate, and knack for handling pitching staffs effectively. His offensive upside and ability to contribute both offensively and defensively make him a valuable addition to the Twins’ organization.
7. San Diego Padres – Ethan Chang, RHP, Stanford University
The San Diego Padres added a promising right-handed pitcher in Ethan Chang from Stanford University as the seventh overall pick. Chang’s impressive arsenal includes a powerful fastball, sharp breaking ball, and an improving changeup that could help him thrive at the professional level. The Padres see Chang as a future rotation piece with the potential to become a reliable starter in the majors.
8. Los Angeles Angels – Jordan Mendez, SS, University of Arizona
The Los Angeles Angels bolstered their infield depth by selecting shortstop Jordan Mendez from the University of Arizona with the eighth pick. Mendez stands out for his defensive prowess, solid hitting approach, and speed on the basepaths. His versatility and advanced defensive skills could give the Angels added defensive stability and offensive potential down the road.
9. Chicago White Sox – Isaiah Thompson, OF, Mississippi State University
Isaiah Thompson, an outfielder from Mississippi State University, was chosen by the Chicago White Sox with the ninth pick. Thompson’s combination of power, speed, and defensive versatility caught the attention of White Sox scouts, who see him as a potential impact player in all facets of the game. White Sox fans can look forward to Thompson’s development as a well-rounded outfield prospect for the organization.
10. Kansas City Royals – Ryan Jenkins, RHP, University of Florida
The Kansas City Royals rounded out the top ten picks by selecting right-handed pitcher Ryan Jenkins from the University of Florida. Jenkins brings a blend of power and finesse to the mound, showcasing a lively fastball, sharp breaking ball, and advanced command that has impressed scouts. The Royals envision Jenkins as a future frontline starter who can anchor their rotation for years to come.
The 2024 MLB Draft featured an array of talented prospects across different positions and skill sets. Fans and organizations alike eagerly await the development of these top picks and key selections as they embark on their professional baseball journeys. With a blend of promising pitchers, power hitters, and defensive stalwarts, the future of MLB is bright with the infusion of talent from the 2024 draft class.