The Major League Baseball’s 2024 Draft concluded on Tuesday, just hours before the All-Star Game, after three days of team selections. The event commenced on Sunday night with the Cleveland Guardians choosing Oregon State’s second baseman, Travis Bazzana, marking their first No. 1 pick in franchise history. By the end, over 600 picks were made across 20 rounds.
Grading the 2024 MLB Draft: Methodology and Insights
Unlike other sports drafts such as the NFL and NBA, MLB draft picks usually spend considerable time in the minor leagues before debuting at the highest level. Even most first-round picks will not immediately play in the major leagues. Nonetheless, evaluating and grading draft classes can still be an engaging exercise. My grading approach focuses less on the immediate impact of the picks and more on interesting trends and potential future contributions. The main criteria for these grades were:
- Did the picks align with expectations?
- Is there a clear pathway for the picks to succeed?
With most teams now adept at drafting, expect a majority of grades to be in the A, B, and C range. Now, let’s delve into the specifics for each team.
Arizona Diamondbacks
The Diamondbacks had five of the first 102 picks, starting with Slade Caldwell, an undersized but talented outfielder, at No. 29. Their notable selections include Ryan Waldschmidt, an SEC outfielder with strong analytics, shortstop JD Dix, catcher Ivan Luciano, and righty Daniel Eagen. Despite a late start, they managed to assemble a promising group of draftees. Grade: A.
Atlanta Braves
Lefty Cam Caminiti, who was initially expected to go in the top 15 picks, fell to the Braves at 24. A physical southpaw with good velocity, Caminiti has the potential to become an impressive pitching prospect if he refines his breaking balls. The Braves also picked college pitchers Carter Holton and Luke Sinnard, both with mid-rotation potential despite some arm troubles. Caminiti’s upside at 24 makes this draft successful. Grade: A.
Baltimore Orioles
The Orioles adopted a college-heavy strategy, selecting Vance Honeycutt, reminiscent of past picks like Jud Fabian and Dylan Beavers, due to his potential despite needing improvement in his hitting tool. They also selected Virginia players Griff O’Ferrall and Ethan Anderson, along with third-round outfielder Austin Overn, one of the fastest players in the class. The key will be the Orioles’ player development to realize this potential. Grade: B.
Boston Red Sox
Outfielder Braden Montgomery, picked at No. 12, presents right-tail possibilities but also has enough swing-and-miss to justify his draft position. The Red Sox stayed with college players until the eighth round, including lefty Peyton Tolle, reliever Brandon Neely, and outfielder Zach Ehrhard. The Red Sox may have secured valuable future assets. Grade: B.
Chicago Cubs
Florida State third baseman Cam Smith, chosen by the Cubs, followed a similar arc to their last summer’s pick, Matt Shaw. Smith’s reduced strikeout rate and arm strength make him a valuable prospect, though he might need to move from third base. The Cubs also selected analytics darling Cole Mathis and athletic Ty Southisene, showing a promising draft outcome. Grade: B.
Chicago White Sox
First-round pick Hagen Smith, known for his swing-and-miss ability despite a high walk rate, and second-rounder Caleb Bonemer, a fast bat with infield potential, were the highlights for the White Sox. Lefty Blake Larson, with his intriguing arm, rounds out a draft class with interesting prospects. Grade: B.
Cincinnati Reds
The Reds secured a collection of “name” players, including top pitcher Chase Burns and athletic shortstop Tyson Lewis. They also selected first-round candidates Luke Holman and Mike Sirota, along with low-frills SEC-vetted second baseman Peyton Stovall. This draft class has the potential for significant future impact. Grade: A.
Cleveland Guardians
Picking first overall, the Guardians selected Travis Bazzana, noted for his excellent swing decisions and barrel feel. They also chose intriguing prep righties Braylon Doughty and Joey Oakie, Miami lefty Rafe Schlesinger, and catcher Jacob Cozart. This strong draft class should benefit the team significantly. Grade: A.
Colorado Rockies
Charlie Condon, the best player on the list, was picked at No. 3, guaranteeing an A grade. The Rockies also selected Iowa righty Brody Brecht, who has immense upside despite command issues. The successful development of these picks could yield impressive results. Grade: A.
Detroit Tigers
The Tigers’ aggressive approach focused on high-school talent, including top prepster Bryce Rainer at No. 11. They also selected high-school pitchers Owen Hall and Ethan Schiefelbein, and live-armed reliever Michael Massey. This draft class has a promising future if developed well. Grade: A.
Houston Astros
With only one top-100 pick, the Astros selected catcher Walker Janek, known for his pull-side power. They also chose San Diego right-hander Ryan Forcucci, who has potential if he can stay healthy. Despite Dana Brown’s drafting prowess, the lack of early picks limits the grade. Grade: C.
Kansas City Royals
First-rounder Jac Caglianone’s chase rate and collegiate performance raised questions, but the Royals justified the risk. They also selected pitchers David Shields and Drew Beam, along with fastball-centric L.P. Langevin. This class has high variance but significant potential. Grade: B.
Los Angeles Angels
The Angels’ draft strategy included second baseman Christian Moore and pitchers Chris Cortez and Ryan Johnson. While the fast-tracking of potential relievers raises concerns, they also selected polished lefty Ryan Prager. The overall strategy seems questionable, with potential for improvement based on signings. Grade: D.
Los Angeles Dodgers
Despite limited top-100 picks, the Dodgers selected promising prospects like prep shortstop Kellon Lindsey and third baseman Chase Harlan. Lefty Jakob Wright’s nasty sweeper should fit well into their player-development system. The Dodgers’ strong development track record bodes well for these players. Grade: B.
Miami Marlins
The Marlins reached for first-rounder PJ Morlando, but later picks like Carter Johnson, Aidan May, and Gage Miller showed potential. Despite some early missteps, the Marlins’ new regime assembled a decent draft class. Grade: C.
Milwaukee Brewers
The Brewers trusted their evaluations and development staff, selecting Braylon Payne, Blake Burke, Bryce Meccage, and Chris Levonas. Their unconventional picks warrant a slightly lower grade but could prove successful long-term. Grade: C.
Minnesota Twins
Each of the Twins’ first four picks, including shortstops Kaelen Culpepper and Kyle DeBarge, had significant questions to answer. Despite this, they managed to land promising prospects, earning them a high grade. Grade: A.
New York Mets
The Mets’ draft included accomplished two-way player Carson Benge, durable but command-questioned lefty Jonathan Santucci, and righty Nate Dohm. While injury risks are present, this class has strong potential if the players develop as expected. Grade: A.
New York Yankees
The Yankees selected standout outfielder Hunter Owen and lefty Caden Grice. Despite minor injuries and performance questions, these picks show promise. Grade: B.
Oakland Athletics
Oakland’s notable picks included infielder Roc Riggio and switch-hitting infielder Cooper Pratt. The team balanced between upside and risk, earning them a solid grade. Grade: B.
Philadelphia Phillies
The Phillies’ draft included shortstop George Wolkow and intriguing prep arms like Bryce Eldridge and Blake Larson. With strong picks and future potential, they earned a commendable grade. Grade: A.
Pittsburgh Pirates
The Pirates focused on high-upside picks, including infielder Tai Peete and lefty Brian Holiday. While some risks exist, the potential impact is substantial. Grade: B.
San Diego Padres
The Padres’ strategy involved selecting prep talent like Andrew Wiggins and promising lefty Ross Dunn. Despite some risks, the overall potential is high. Grade: B.
San Francisco Giants
The Giants balanced their picks with collegiate and prep players, including outfielder Enrique Bradfield Jr. and righty Josh Rivera. This balanced approach earned them a solid grade. Grade: B.
Seattle Mariners
The Mariners focused on high-potential players, including infielder Max Clark and lefty Liam Sullivan. Their picks show promise for future development. Grade: B.
St. Louis Cardinals
The Cardinals’ draft strategy involved selecting prep talent like outfielder Derrick Mitchell and promising righty Ethan Murphy. Despite some risks, the overall potential is high. Grade: B.
Tampa Bay Rays
The Rays’ focus on high-upside picks, including outfielder Walker Martin and righty Bryce Eldridge, showcases their developmental strength. This earned them a commendable grade. Grade: A.
Texas Rangers
The Rangers’ draft included standout picks like righty Noble Meyer and lefty Liam Sullivan. Despite some risks, the potential impact is significant. Grade: B.
Toronto Blue Jays
The Blue Jays selected promising talent like shortstop Tai Peete and lefty Bryce Meccage. Their balanced approach earned them a solid grade. Grade: B.
Washington Nationals
The Nationals’ draft strategy involved selecting high-upside players like outfielder Enrique Bradfield Jr. and righty Josh Rivera. This balanced approach earned them a commendable grade. Grade: A.