The 2024 MLB Draft is almost here. Yet the Guardians' choice for the No. 1 overall pick remains up in the air.
Two prospects cemented themselves as the consensus top players in the draft with stellar 2024 seasons: Oregon State second baseman Travis Bazzana and Georgia slugger Charlie Condon.
But, as is always the case with the MLB Draft, it's not always about selecting the best player. The bonus pool situation means teams will have to consider how to allocate their funds. For Cleveland, that could mean looking at taking a different player at the top of the draft to save some bonus pool money.
Do you take the best player on the board? Or do you spread your money around to bolster your farm system? Every team will need to make such decisions, and that's what can make predicting the draft such a challenging endeavor.
That isn't stopping Sporting News from giving its picks for how the first three rounds of the 2024 MLB Draft will unfold. Take a look at the last mock draft before the 2024 MLB Draft.
MLB DRAFT BIG BOARD: Top 100 prospect rankings for 2024 draft
MLB Mock Draft 2024
Round 1
1. Guardians
- JJ Wetherholt, 2B/SS, West Virginia
The Guardians will have a decision to make at the top of the draft: go big with Bazzana or Condon, or save a bit of money with another selection. Wetherholt was once considered the favorite to go first overall, but hamstring injuries knocked him down a bit. Given Cleveland's historic preference for taking up-the-middle players, his ability to play shortstop, his talent upside and the potential to save some money for later spending makes Wetherholt a strong choice to go No. 1.
2. Reds
- Charlie Condon, 3B/OF, Georgia
Everything suggests the Reds will take Condon if he is still on the board. His explosive power and pro-ready bat could allow him to be a quick riser through the minors to join the youth movement in Cincinnati. Bazzana could be a consideration, as might Jac Caglianone, but so long as Condon is available at No. 2, he'll be difficult for Cincinnati to pass up.
MORE: Meet Charlie Condon, the slugger who set an NCAA HR record
3. Rockies
- Chase Burns, RHP, Wake Forest
The Rockies continue their search for the elusive pitcher capable of handling Coors Field. Last year, they took Tennessee right-hander Chase Dollander, who has pitched well so far in the minors. Here, we have them passing over other top hitters to take Dollander's former teammate and the best pitcher in this class. Burns' high-octane stuff and filthy slider could be just what Colorado needs, and his ace upside should be enticing when picking this high.
4. Athletics
- Travis Bazzana, 2B, Oregon State
It's hard to imagine Bazzana, who many consider the best player in the draft class, will fall much farther than fourth. The Athletics have a tendency to take advanced college hitters, and the idea of pairing Bazzana up the middle with 2023 pick Jacob Wilson, who has been among the minors' best hitters, should be an exciting prospect for the future in Las Vegas.
MORE: Australian prospect Travis Bazzana rockets up MLB Draft boards
5. White Sox
- Jac Caglianone, 1B/LHP, Florida
The White Sox need impact players in the farm system. The organization doesn't have many star prospects on the horizon past Colson Montgomery and Noah Schultz. Selecting Caglianone not only brings into the system a slugging college player who has addressed concerns about his strikeouts, but someone whose exciting style of play could make him the focal point of the White Sox future and a fan favorite from Day 1.
6. Royals
- Braden Montgomery, OF, Texas A&M
Montgomery's broken ankle has clouded what had otherwise been a prospect rising up into top five consideration. As long as the medicals clear, he should still wind up going in the top 10, and the Royals make sense as a landing spot. Kansas City has liked going the college route in recent years, and it has largely worked out.
7. Cardinals
- Hagen Smith, LHP, Arkansas
St. Louis has long been in search of an ace. It just so happens there are two clear top pitching prospects in this class, and one of them lands here at No. 7. Smith brings a high-octane fastball that the Cardinals haven't had out of a rotation in years, and he has the potential to be a fast riser through the minors. This fit makes a lot of sense for the Cardinals, who also prefer to draft college arms.
8. Angels
- Nick Kurtz, 1B, Wake Forest
The Angels put Nolan Schanuel on the fast track from the 2023 MLB Draft to the majors a year ago and did the same with Zach Neto the year before. If Los Angeles is looking to do that again, Kurtz could be exactly the type of process for that movement. He combines an advanced approach with explosive power and Gold Glove-caliber defense at first base.
9. Pirates
- Konnor Griffin, SS/OF, Jackson Prep (MS)
The draft has been a bit of a mixed bag in recent years for the Pirates, who hit a home run on Paul Skenes but have seen mixed results with Henry Davis and Termarr Johnson. After college players go one through eight, it makes sense for Pittsburgh to take the big swing on Griffin, who has the highest upside of any player in the draft, boasting a five-tool ceiling. If he hits consistently, he'd join Skenes in the home run category.
MORE: Why 2023 No. 1 pick Paul Skenes should start 2024 All-Star Game
10. Nationals
- Bryce Rainer, SS, Harvard-Westlake (CA)
Washington is in a comparable situation to Pittsburgh in that it might be tempted to go the college route if any of the top eight slide but could go upside if they're off the board. Rainer has a higher floor than Griffin, though not as high of a ceiling. The potential for a five-tool shortstop at No. 10 is plenty enticing for a team like Washington that is starting to see an exciting group of young players reach the big leagues.
11. Tigers
- Cam Caminiti, LHP, Saguaro (AZ)
The last time Detroit drafted the best prep pitcher in his draft class, that player was Jackson Jobe, who has since progressed to become the top pitching prospect in baseball. Caminiti has separated himself as the top high-school arm, a rarity for a southpaw. As with many high-school arms, he comes with considerable risk. But of all teams, Detroit has seen the upside to rolling the dice on a high-upside pitcher.
12. Red Sox
- James Tibbs, OF, Florida State
A year ago, the Red Sox selected a bat-first catcher in Kyle Teel. Here, they keep the trend going with a bat-first player, this time in outfielder James Tibbs. Boston has a track record of going batters in the first round, and Tibbs' polished approach and above-average power make him a top bat to select in the class, even if there are questions about how effective he'll be as a defender.
13. Giants
- Trey Yesavage, RHP, East Carolina
The Giants have had a bit of a mixed bag in first rounds in recent years, but college pitchers have been a strong area for San Francisco, with Carson Whisenhunt, Hayden Birdsong and Reggie Crawford all coming from the NCAA ranks. With Caminiti off the board, San Francisco might go back to the well to select the clear third-best collegiate pitcher in Yesavage, who brings a well-rounded arsenal.
14. Cubs
- Christian Moore, 2B, Tennessee
It could be a big win for Chicago if Moore is still available at No. 14, as his strong College World Series performance has helped push him up boards. The slugging second baseman follows Chicago's trend of preferring college hitters, and if he's still on the board, it would be hard to let him keep sliding.
MORE: Tennessee's Christian Moore makes history at College World Series
15. Mariners
- Brody Brecht, RHP, Iowa
Seattle has gone high-school bats with the first pick in three straight years. But the Mariners could go with a bit of a surprising pick at No. 15 in Brecht, whose upside on the mound might top all but Burns and Smith. He's earned Skenes comparisons for his fastball and slider, but his poor control has been a major barrier. Seattle has developed pitchers extremely well and could work wonders on the high-octane hurler.
16. Marlins
- Seaver King, 3B/OF, Wake Forest
Over the past three drafts, four of Miami's five top-35 picks have been high-school players. The Marlins could use a safer prospect with the potential to ascend to the top of the farm system, and King offers that combination of upside and floor. He's a super-utility player defensively with a bit of power, an advanced approach and plenty of speed.
17. Brewers
- Vance Honeycutt, OF, North Carolina
Honeycutt might have earned himself some money during the NCAA tournament as he put on the superman cape for North Carolina, even if much of his performance was exactly what scouts have seen for years: power, speed, defense and strikeouts. The Brewers have taken several standout college outfielders over the years and might be intrigued by Honeycutt, who has four-tool upside and a sky-high ceiling — if he can cut the chase rates down enough in the pros to maximize his other tools at the plate.
18. Rays
- Carson Benge, OF, Oklahoma State
Picking nearly in this same spot a year ago, the Rays took TCU's Brayden Taylor. How about going back down the collegiate ranks, this time in the outfield? Tampa hasn't drafted a first-round outfielder since 2015, and the Rays will covet the approach and exit velocities of Benge. Add in his exceptional defense and rocket arm, and he feels exactly like the type of player the Rays would target in the first round.
19. Mets
- Cam Smith, 3B, Florida State
There's a chance Smith could be off the board by this point, but if he's not, the Mets could be a landing spot for him at No. 19. Smith has an advanced hit tool and standout defense at third, which could help him move quickly through the minors. New York has often been more apt to go prep players in recent years, but Smith's high floor and solid upside could lead them to change that trend for him.
MORE: Where is the 2024 MLB All-Star Game?
20. Blue Jays
- Malcolm Moore, C, Stanford
Toronto hasn't picked a first-rounder out of college since 2021, when it concluded three straight years of going college three straight years. Moore brings a well-rounded hitting profile that will entice some teams, especially those who think he can stick behind the plate. The Blue Jays have developed catchers exceptionally well — see: Danny Jansen, Gabriel Moreno and Alejandro Kirk — and could be the team to roll the dice on Moore's questionable defensive profile.
21. Twins
- Kaelen Culpepper, SS, Kansas State
The Twins are a model-heavy team that have certain profiles that work best for them early in the draft. Culpepper, a disciplined hitter with lightning-fast bat speed, would be a solid fit for Minnesota at this point in the draft. Even if he doesn't stick at shortstop, the bat should carry over to third, where he would profile as an excellent defender.
22. Orioles
- Jurrangelo Cijntje, RHP/LHP, Mississippi State
Cijntje is a difficult player to place in the draft. Some could be enticed by the prospect of developing a true both-handed pitcher. Others will like what he did right-handed and keep him on that side of the mound. The Orioles have consistently struck gold drafting batters at the top of the draft, but the time might be now to go with a college pitcher. Cijtnje has the type of upside that could land him well earlier than this spot, so him landing at No. 22 would be a win for Baltimore.
23. Dodgers
- William Schmidt, RHP, Catholic (LA)
The Dodgers are a haven for high-school pitchers as their development of baseball's riskiest demographic has been exceptional in recent years. Schmidt has tons of upside with perhaps the best curveball in the draft and a mid-90s fastball, but the usual risk that comes with any prep hurler. In Los Angeles' system, however, it's a lot easier to see that ace upside.
24. Braves
- Ryan Waldschmidt, OF, Kentucky
Atlanta hasn't drafted a first-round hitter since Shea Langeliers and Braden Shewmake, both in 2019. Waldschmidt would be an exciting player to break that trend, however. He's got a steady hit tool and plenty of power and speed, even if he needs some major work on the defensive side. Atlanta is set for years in center and right, potentially taking pressure off the need for Waldschmidt to develop as anything more than serviceable defensively.
25. Padres
- Ryan Sloan, RHP, York (IL)
The Padres are all about upside, and they have drafted high-school players with every first-round pick since 2016. Like most high-school pitchers, Sloan combines plenty of upside with risk. He has a well-rounded arsenal, highlighted by a fastball that can hit 99 and two above-average pitches. Maybe the Padres will surprise and go the college route. But it's more likely that trend of prep players keeps going.
26. Yankees
- Billy Amick, 3B, Tennessee
The college route has worked out well for the Yankees in recent years, with players like Spencer Jones, Trey Sweeney and Austin Wells all coming from the collegiate ranks. Amick has risen up boards in his first season with a 23-homer season in his first year with the Volunteers. There are chase concerns, and though he might have to move to first at some point, that power is legit and could fit in well with a thunderous Yankee lineup.
27. Phillies
- Kash Mayfield, LHP, Elk City (OK)
Philadelphia has taken a high-school player with its first pick in the draft in each of the past four selections, two of which were pitchers who have since ascended to be the team's top pitching prospects. Mayfield, a southpaw, is a bit on the older side at 19 years old, but he has advanced command, a filthy changeup and a mid-90s heater that makes him an exciting pitching prospect.
MORE: Who is participating in the 2024 Home Run Derby?
28. Astros
- Walker Janek, C, Sam Houston
Will the Astros also keep their drafting trend going as well? They've taken a college player in the first round of five straight drafts. Janek launched 17 homers with a 1.185 OPS, and evaluators believe the power and plate approach should help make him an above-average bat for a catcher. He's a solid defender, who's exceptional at catching base-stealers. Being just north of Houston, the local catcher could be the latest standout collegiate product selected by the Astros.
29. Diamondbacks
- Theo Gillen, 2B/SS, Westlake (TX)
The Diamondbacks last four first-round high-school players have been Druw Jones, Jordan Lawlar and Corbin Carroll. Two have reached the majors and another is a top prospect. Gillen is one of the top offensive performers in the prep rankings, combining impressive on-base abilities with power and speed, albeit with an uncertain defensive profile. Arizona's track record of developing high-upside, power-speed prep players could make this a standout pairing.
30. Rangers
- Slade Caldwell, OF, Valley View (AR)
It has been five straight first-round college players for the Rangers, but picking at the back of the draft instead of a third straight top five pick could be the chance to go for an upside pick. Caldwell still being on the board offers that type of upside as he combines an advanced hit tool with blazing speed and standout defense, even if more limited power from the 5-9, left-handed hitter. The Rangers could benefit from having a toolsy outfielder in the system, particularly one who's likely to be highly sought after early in the draft.
Prospect promotion incentive picks
31. Diamondbacks
- Caleb Lomavita, C, California
There are four college catchers that all have a chance to be the first at their position drafted. Lomavita has the most power with an explosive swing that comes with the downside of some strikeouts. His defense is solid, though there's a chance he could move to third or the outfield.
32. Orioles
- Jacob Cozart, C, NC State
College catchers go back-to-back. Cozart is the best defensive catcher of the three collegiate backstops and he's got some power in his bat. He makes consistent contact, and could be the latest standout bat the Orioles develop.
Compensation pick
33. Twins
- Tommy White, 3B, LSU
The Twins double down on college players likely to move off their positions. White is an offensive force who has a rare ability to combine high contact rates with explosive power, but he's all but certain to be heading to first base as a pro.
Competitive Balance Round A
34. Brewers
- Dakota Jordan, OF, Mississippi State
Another high-risk, high-reward college outfielder for the Brewers. Jordan has elite exit velocities and has plenty of speed, but he has struggled with chase rates and strikeouts. He's not as sharp defensively, but a path to improvement is easy to see.
35. Diamondbacks
- Luke Dickerson, 2B/OF, Morris Knolls (NJ)
Dickerson has been a late riser in draft circles, and could be tough to pry from a Virginia commit. He's fast and powerful, but comes with some questions about his ability to make consistent contact and his future defensive home.
36. Guardians
- Carter Johnson, SS, Oxford (AL)
The pick of Wetherholt could help Cleveland save some money and allow them to put together a strong offer to keep the Alabama commit Johnson from leaving for college. His advanced approach and balanced skillset fit well into Cleveland's drafting approach.
37. Pirates
- Kellon Lindsey, SS, Hardee (FL)
There might be not a larger set of home run swings than going Griffin and Lindsey. The Florida prep shortstop is among the fastest players in the draft with the potential for power in his 6-2 frame. Pittsburgh would have to decide whether to try him staying at shortstop or if the speed would work best in center.
38. Rockies
- Luke Holman, RHP, LSU
Fourteen of the Rockies' 21 picks in 2023 were pitchers, and they might opt to go pitching-heavy again in 2024 as they continue to look for the answers in Coors Field. Holman's high floor would be a nice pairing with the ceiling of Burns.
39. Royals
- Braylon Doughty, RHP, Chaparral (CA)
Potentially saving some money by selecting Montgomery in the first round, the Royals then spend some of that bonus pool money on Doughty, whose well-rounded repertoire could land him a solid signing bonus to pry him away from an Oklahoma State commit.
MORE: Five snubs from 2024 MLB All-Star Game starting lineups
Round 2
40. Athletics
- Jonathan Santucci, LHP, Duke
41. Royals
- Dasan Hill, LHP, Grapevine (TX)
42. Rockies
- Tyson Lewis, SS, Millard West (NE)
43. White Sox
- Levi Sterling, RHP, Notre Dame (CA)
44. Nationals
- Griff O'Ferrall, SS, Virginia
45. Angels
- Ryan Johnson, RHP, Dallas Baptist
46. Mets
- Ben Hess, RHP, Alabama
47. Pirates
- Ryan Prager, LHP, Texas A&M
48. Guardians
- PJ Morlando, OF, Summerville (SC)
49. Tigers
- Wyatt Sanford, SS, Independence (TX)
50. Red Sox
- Drew Beam, RHP, Tennessee
51. Reds
- David Shields, LHP, Mt. Lebanon (PA)
52. Padres
- Joey Oakie, RHP, Ankeny Centennial (IA)
53. Yankees
- Blake Burke, 1B, Tennessee
54. Cubs
- Bryce Cunningham, RHP, Vanderbilt
55. Mariners
- Caleb Bonemer, 3B/SS, Okemos (MI)
56. Marlins
- Griffin Burkholder, OF, Freedom (VA)
57. Brewers
- Gage Ziehl, RHP, Miami
58. Rays
- Boston Bateman, LHP, Camarillo (CA)
59. Blue Jays
- Dante Nori, OF, Northville (MI)
60. Twins
- Bryce Meccage, RHP, The Pennington School (NJ)
61. Orioles
- Kavares Tears, OF, Tennessee
62. Braves
- Dylan Dreiling, OF, Tennessee
MORE: Why Dylan Dreiling won CWS Most Outstanding Player award
63. Phillies
- Jared Thomas, OF, Texas
64. Diamondbacks
- Gage Jump, LHP, LSU
65. Rangers
- Kevin Bazzell, C, Texas Tech
66. Rays
- Dax Whitney, RHP, Blackfoot (ID)
Competitive Balance Round B
67. Brewers
- Mike Sirota, OF, Northeastern
68. White Sox
- Josh Hartle, LHP, Wake Forest
69. Twins
- Kyle DeBarge, SS, Louisiana-Lafayette
70. Marlins
- Carter Holton, LHP, Vanderbilt
71. Reds
- Carson DeMartini, 3B , Virginia Tech
72. Tigers
- Owen Hall, RHP, Edmond North (OK)
73. Athletics
- Carson Wiggins, RHP, Roland (OK)
Compensation pick
74. Angels
- Tristan Smith, LHP, Clemson
Round 3
75. Athletics
- JD Dix, SS, Whitefish Bay (WI)
76. Royals
- Ethan Anderson, C/1B, Virginia
77. Rockies
- Peyton Stovall, 2B, Arkansas
78. White Sox
- Braylon Payne, OF, Elkins (TX)
79. Nationals
- Sawyer Farr, SS, Boswell (TX)
80. Cardinals
- Gage Miller, 3B, Alabama
81. Angels
- Michael Massey, RHP, Wake Forest
82. Mets
- Cole Mathis, 1B, College of Charleston
83. Pirates
- Cole Messina, C, South Carolina
84. Guardians
- Khal Stephen, RHP, Mississippi State
85. Tigers
- Will Taylor, OF, Clemson
86. Red Sox
- Colby Shelton, SS, Florida
87. Reds
- Nick McLain, OF, Arizona State
88. Padres
- Ethan Schiefelbein, LHP, Corona (CA)
89. Yankees
- Payton Tolle, LHP, TCU
90. Cubs
- Jared Jones, 1B, LSU
91. Mariners
- Aiden May, RHP, Oregon State
92. Marlins
- Chase Mobley, RHP, Durant (FL)
93. Brewers
- Chris Levonas, RHP, Christian Brothers (NJ)
94. Rays
- Ryan Forcucci, RHP, UC San Diego
95. Blue Jays
- Tyson Neighbors, RHP, Kansas State
96. Twins
- Dmarion Terrell, OF, Thompson (AL)
97. Orioles
- Connor Foley, RHP, Indiana
98. Dodgers
- Garrett Shull, OF, Enid (OK)
99. Braves
- Duncan Marsten, RHP, Harvard-Westlake (Ca)
100. Phillies
- Connor Gatwood, RHP, Baker (AL)
101. Astros
- Jalin Flores, SS, Texas
102. Diamondbacks
- Chris Cortez, RHP, Texas A&M
103. Rangers
- Daniel Eagen, RHP, Presbyterian
