2024 MLB Mock Draft: Final Mock 2 Rounds

Round 1 Picks 1-30

Find out who Cleveland takes with the first pick in the 2024 MLB Draft. Cleveland can get an impact second baseman at the top of the 2024 MLB Draft.

Chris Ransom follow @DraftUtopia Last Updated: July 14, 2024.

1. Cleveland Indians: Travis Bazzana, 2B, Oregon State
   
   
   The 2024 MLB Draft features a seven college batters that are blue chip prospects could be considered candidates to go first overall. Those batters are Oregon State second baseman Travis Bazzana, Georgia third baseman/first baseman/designated hitter/outfielder Charlie Condon who won the 2024 Dick Howser Award, West Virginia second baseman JJ Wetherholt whose moving to shortstop in 2024, Texas A&M right fielder Braden Montgomery who got Texas A&M to the Championship round of the 2024 College World Series, Tennessee Volunteers second baseman Christian Moore a late riser who led the Tennessee Volunteers to their first championship by winning the 2024 College World Series, Florida Gators two-way player Jac Caglinone who played first baseman, designated hitter, and pitcher on the 2023 College World Series runner up Florida Gators as Caglinone is considered College Baseball's version of Shohei Ohtani, and Wake Forest first baseman Nick Kurtz who reminds me so much of Mark McGwire on the St. Louis Cardinals during his 70 home run season in 1998. There's also three pitchers that could be blue chip southpaws with Wake Forest pitcher Chase Burns, Arkansas pitcher Hagen Smith, and East Carolina pitcher Trey Yesavage. Bryce Rainer and Konnor Griffin are the two High School batters with an outside shot to crack the top 10. Cameron Caminiti is the top High School Pitcher. Other college batters like North Carolina's Vance Honeycutt, Wake Forest's Seaver King, and Tennessee first baseman Billy Amick could be All Stars down the road, but aren't considered blue chip players. This years 2024 MLB Draft is a good draft class, but it's not a star studded class or deep group like the last two MLB Drafts in 2022 and 2023. Cleveland will have a ton of options with the top pick in the 2024 MLB Draft.
   
   
   
   I believe there are only three players left in the running Oregon State second baseman Travis Bazzana, Georgia third baseman/outfielder Charlie Condon, and West Virginia second baseman/shortstop JJ Wetherholt. Travis Bazzana is the betting favorite at -165 and has the best floor as well as a very high ceiling, Charlie Condon has the highest ceiling as well as the most bets placed on him to go first overall, and JJ Wetherholt has the most money placed on him to be picked among gamblers with 51 percent of the money in bets leading up to the 2024 MLB Draft being placed on Wetherholt.
   
   
   
   Charlie Condon would only sign with Cleveland for a max slot value of $10.5-million with Scott Boras as his agent which is why his odds of going number one have dropped to 10 percent with him at +600. Travis Bazzana is willing to sign for $9.5 million, but I"m not sure he signs for 9 million after Paul Skenes got $9.2 million. If Travis Bazzana told Cleveland he would sign for $9 million or 9.1 million on the dot, 100-200K less than what Skenes got last year, I'm pretty sure Cleveland would tell Bazzana they are taking him first overall and discussions about who Cleveland would take first overall in the 2024 MLB Draft would die down entirely. JJ Wetherholt is willing to sign for $8.5 million, but with him being the worst of these three players, I honestly cannot see Cleveland drafting him unless he goes down to $7.5 million since he's that much worse than Condon and Bazzana. JJ Wetherholt struggled to hit a home run in PNC Park in West Virginia's demolotion spree against the Pittsburgh Panthers on ESPN. Jim Callis of MLB Network said there is a 34 percent chance Bazzana is the pick, a 33 percent chance Condon is the pick, a 32 percent chance Wetherholt is the pick, and 1 percent chance it is someone else.
   
   
   
   This makes things very tricky for Cleveland at 1, but I still believe Oregon State second baseman Travis Bazzana ultimately ends up being the first pick in the 2024 MLB Draft because you can get him for under the $10.5 million that Cleveland has to spend, plus he has the best floor of any player in the 2024 MLB Draft to the point where he may actually be able to help the Cleveland Guardians during the 2024 MLB Playoffs if they maintain their first place lead in the AL Central heading into the 2024 MLB All Star Break.
   
   
   
   I'm aware of the fact that the Cleveland Indians have been the Cleveland Guardians since 2022. I became a Cleveland Indians fan because of the Chief Wahoo logo. Cleveland may now be known as the Guardians, but the movie Major League is based off of the Cleveland Indians. Major League Baseball can choose to cater to progressive fans, but they cannot erase history since two Major League movies about the Cleveland Indians were made. Therefore the Cleveland Indians logo stays even though they are now known as the Guardians.
   
   
   
   After the Pittsburgh Pirates won the first MLB Draft Lottery in the 2023 MLB Draft Lottery, the Cleveland Guardians won the second MLB Draft Lottery in the 2024 MLB Draft Lottery. Cleveland won the 2024 MLB Draft Lottery jumping from pick 10 to 1 after only having a 1.8% percent probability of getting the first pick in the 2024 MLB Draft Lottery following Terry Francona's retirement during a disappointing season where Cleveland went 76-86 in 2023. Pittsburgh moved from 3 to 1 with every team in the top 3 getting equal odds at the first pick in the 2023 MLB Draft.
   
   
   
   The Cleveland Indians never picked first overall from 1915 to 2021, but the Cleveland Guardians will pick first overall for the first time in the history of the MLB Draft. The last time Cleveland picked this early in the MLB Draft, the Indians had the second pick in the 1992 MLB Draft passed on Derek Jeter. Cleveland could have paired Derek Jeter with their 1991 first round pick Manny Ramirez had they selected Jeter second overall thirty two years ago.
   
   
   
   Drafting Travis Bazzana gives Cleveland an infield with Josh Naylor at first baseman, Travis Bazzana at second baseman, Andres Gimenez at shortstop, Jose Ramirez at third baseman, and Bo Naylor at catcher. That's a really strong infield.
   
   
   
   Cleveland also has decent outfielders in Steven Kwan at left fielder, Tyler Freeman at center fielder, and Jhonkensy Noel from the Dominican Republic at right fielder. Cleveland can rebuild this franchise rather quickly if they hit on the number one pick in the 2024 MLB Draft despite Terry Francona retiring because Cleveland's drafted well constantly reloading at pitcher.
   
   
   
   Cleveland has Shane Bieber, Triston Mckenzie, Tanner Bibee, Logan Allen, and Gavin Williams their 2021 first round pick as their top five starting pitchers entering 2024. Shane Bieber, who took the number one starting pitcher job from Corey Kluber enters a contract year could get replaced in the 2024 MLB Drat, but I think Cleveland will target someone at the 2024 MLB Trade Deadline. There's been rumors with Cleveland also has a strong bullpen led by closer Emmanuel Clase. Cleveland also traded for San Diego Padres set up pitcher Scott Barlow allowing Cleveland's set up pitcher from 2023 Sam Hentges to move to a middle reliever role which allows James Karinchak to move from middle reliever to long reliever. Cleveland also signed Cincinnati Reds long reliever Ben Lively in Free Agency.
   
   
   
   Daniel Espino Cleveland's 2019 first round pick was my top High School pitcher in the 2019 MLB Draft and he finally made the majors, but he cannot stay healthy. Ethan Hankins, Cleveland's 2018 first round pick was my top High School pitcher in the 2018 MLB Draft, but he's still in AA five years later. Cleveland's 2020 first round pick Tanner Burns a pitcher from Auburn has had an ERA of under 4.00 each season he's been in the minor leagues for Cleveland and after a strong AA season in 2023 following the 2020 MLB Draft during Covid-19, Tanner Burns is expected to get promoted to AAA. Justin Campbell a 2022 first round pick from Campbell who led the Campbell Fighting Camels in strikeouts prior to the 2022 MLB Draft. is close to getting promoted from A to AA. Jake Leftwitch a 2021 seventh round pick on the Florida Gators is already in AAA and could be a bullpen addition at some point in 2024 or 2025.
   
   
   
   Stephen Vogt has done well taking over for Terry Francona. Drafting one more infielder like Oregon State second baseman Travis Bazzana seems like the most logical route to go.
   
   
   
   The 6-0 199 lb Travis Bazzana had a .306 batting average, 63 starts, 58 runs, 75 hits, 16 doubles, 4 triples, 6 home runs, 44 RBI's, a .478 slugging percentage, 45 walks, 7 hits by pitch, 62 strikeouts, a .425 on base percentage, 14 stolen bases, and a .984 fielding percentage as a freshman in 2022. Travis Bazzana had a .374 batting average, 60 starts, 78 runs, 89 hits, 20 doubles, 3 triples, 11 home runs, 55 RBI's, a .622 slugging percentage, 59 walks, 3 hits by pitch, 47 strikeouts, a .500 on base percentage, 36 stolen bases, and a .966 fielding percentage as a sophomore in 2023. Travis Bazzana had a .408 batting average, 60 starts, 84 runs, 87 hits, 16 doubles, 4 triples, 28 home runs, 66 RBI's, a .911 slugging percentage, 76 walks, 5 hits by pitch, 37 strikeouts, a .568 on base percentage, 16 stolen bases, and a .970 fielding percentage as a junior in 2024.
   
   
   
   I have a floor grade of 79/99 on Travis Bazzana and a ceiling grade of 94/99. I believe Travis Bazzana will reach his ceiling by his third season in the MLB and Cleveland will have him under contract for seven years before he hits the open market, so Bazzana will have five years where he's at his peak in Cleveland. Travis Bazzana was one of my five blue chip players heading into the 2024 calandar year at the start of the new year when I posted my first 2024 MLB Mock Draft and he could still become that guy if he ends up with a 95/99 at some point down the road exceeding his current projection. Travis Bazzana has a chance to be to the Guardians what LeBron James was to the Cavaliers or what Myles Garrett is to the Browns right now in the city of Cleveland. He's not a blue chip prospect like Paul Skenes was a year ago whose been amazing on the Pittsburgh Pirates, but he's the top prospect for Cleveland in the 2024 MLB Draft.
   
   
   
   Travis Bazzana is on the brink of being a blue chip prospect as one of my five preseason blue chip players. He's also a guy who could bring the Cleveland Guardians 3 MLB All Star appearances and 4 MLB Playoff appearances during his first seven seasons in the MLB if he ends up on the roster this year. I do believe he could play right away following the 2024 MLB Draft and be one of the ten best overall players on Cleveland's MLB roster, but Cleveland can also take a more cautios approach by developing him in the minor leagues the rest of this season and bringing him up in 2025. I cannot make that case about any other player in the 2024 MLB Draft which is a big reason why the 2024 PAC 12 Player Of The Year went first overall in this 2024 MLB Mock Draft.
   
   
   
   Travis Bazzana has a chance to be the first Australian drafted number one overall. Travis Bazzana will be Oregon State's first number one draft pick since the Baltimore Orioles drafted Adley Rutschman back in the 2019 MLB Draft. Travis Bazzana's player comparision for me is Chase Utley, a former second baseman on the Philadelphia Phillies.
   
   
   Previous Pick: Nick Kurtz, 1B, Wake Forest
   
   
2. Cincinnati Reds: Charlie Condon, 3B, Georgia
   
   
   Luckily, for Cincinnati, the Cincinnati Reds moved up from 14 to 2 during the 2024 MLB Draft Lottery after having a 0.9% chance of getting the second pick in the 2024 MLB Draft. What's crazy is Cincinnati went 82-80 last year and now the Cincinnati Reds get the second pick in the 2024 MLB Draft. I mocked Jac Caglinone to Cincinnati at the start of the 2024 calandar year and he could still go here with reports that Jac Caglinone is higher on the Cincinnati Reds board than Georgia third basemban Charlie Condon. I got the 2024 Dick Howser Award Winner Charlie Condon going second overall though.
   
   
   
   Charlie Condon has the versatility to play third baseman, first baseman, designated hitter, left fielder, center fielder, and right fielder. Charlie Condon does hit with more power than Travis Bazzana, but he also has a significantly lower floor despite having a higher ceiling.
   
   
   
   Cincinnati would have a nice core of batters in their infield if they draft Charlie Condon at 2. This core would include Tyler Stephenson their 2015 first round pick at catcher, Jeimer Candelario at first baseman, Jonathan India their 2018 first round pick at second baseman, Elly De La Cruz at shortstop, Charlie Condon at third baseman replacing Santiago Espinal in 2027, and either Noelvi Marte or Matt McClain the Cincinnati Reds 2021 first round pick at designated hitter giving the Cincinnati Reds a deadly infield even without Joey Votto. My guess is Marte would be the designated hitter and McClain would replace India as the second baseman in 2027 when Charlie Condon becomes a regular starter.
   
   
   
   Cincinnati has Spencer Steer at left fielder, Stuart Fairchild at center fielder, and Will Benson at right fielder. Honeslty this young group of outfielders doesn't excite me even though all three outfielders are under prearbitration until 2026. Having that stability in the outfield gives you short-term stop gaps if you cannot find an outfielder worthy of being drafted in the 2024 or 2025 MLB Draft.
   
   
   
   The Cincinnati Reds already have Hunter Greene their 2017 second overall pick as their number one starter. Nick Lodolo is currently on the IL, but is a good number two to Greene. Graham Ashcraft the number two starter on the Cincinnati Reds led the Reds in innings pitched in 2023. Andrew Abbott showed he's a viable number three starter startng 4-0 with a 1.21 ERA in 2023. Frankie Montez a former New York Yankees pitcher is now the number four starter after signing a 1-year deal worth $16-million. Nick Lodolo the Cincinnati Reds 2019 first round pick out of TCU is also part of this Cincinnati Reds starting rotation when healthy as he's stepped up just like Hunter Greene this year.
   
   
   
   If Cincinnati Reds 2023 first round pick Rhett Lowder dominates in the minors, it's possible he could arrive in the MLB at some point in 2024 like Paul Skenes, the first pick in the 2023 MLB Draft. Rhett Lowder was amazing for Wake Forest challenging Paul Skenes to the limit in the Semifinals of the 2023 College World Series. Paul Skenes VS Rhett Lowder was a show worth tuning into since both pitchers kept the opposing team scoreless for the first six innings of a nine inning showdown. Rhett Lowder has already gone from rookie ball to single A abbreviated as A, before finally earning his third promotion since July's 2023 MLB Draft to A+ ball all within the span of three months. Rhett Lowder is on the brink of earning a promotion to Cincinnati's AA team if he can impress the Cincinnati Reds after getting an invite to the Cincinnati Reds 2024 Spring Training Camp. Rhett Lowder will probably replace Frankie Montez at some point in 2025.
   
   
   
   Cincinnati only has one reliever in their bullpen with a ERA of below 4.00 and the Cincinnati Reds can move that middle reliever to long reliever which should improve his ERA and give him less opportunities with better relievers on this roster.
   
   
   
   The 6-6 211 lb Charlie Condon redshirted in 2022. Charlie Condon had a .386 batting average, 61 runs, 81 hits, 10 doubles, 1 triple, 25 home runs, 67 RBI's, a .800 slugging percentage, 33 walks, 9 hits by a pitch, 45 strikeouts, a .484 on base percentage, 0 stolen bases, ana a .992 fielding percentage in 56 games as a freshman redshirt in 2023. Charlie Condon had a .433 batting average, 84 runs, 100 hits, 20 doubles, 1 triple, 37 home runs, 78 RBI's, a 1.009 slugging percentage, 57 walks, 12 hits by pitch, 41 strikeouts, a .556 on base percentage, 3 stolen bases, and a .975 fielding percentage in 60 games as a sophomore redshirt in 2024.
   
   
   
   Charlie Condon has a floor grade of 71/99 and a ceiling grade of 96/99. Charlie Condon does have potential to become a blue chip batter, but he's may not fully reach his ceiling until his fifth year in the MLB. He will need at least one year in the minor leagues and more likely will need two seasons in the minor leagues. He will be ready for the MLB by 2026, but the only question is will he be able to play on the Cincinnati Reds or will he be a utility player until someone else in the lineup gets injured. Charlie Condon will be a regular starter by 2027 at the very latest. Charlie Condon's development path will be very similar to Manny Ramirez where he could blossom into a big time star, but may not reach that ceiling until his fifth year. That's what happened with Manny and Cleveland got 5 good years out of him before he signed with the Boston Red Sox. The team that drafts Condon might only get two good years out of him which is why there is more risk with Condon compared to Bazzana despite Condon having the higher ceiling.
   
   
   
   Charlie Condon is a power hitter that consistently gets home runs and line drives. He can perform grounders and bunts and still get on base like a five-tool batter. He's mainly a power hitter rather than someone who can steal bases and win you games with speed alone. Having a power hitter that can plug in at third baseman, first baseman, designated hitter, left fielder, center fielder, or right fielder will help down the road.
   
   
   Previous Pick: Jac Caglinone, 1B, Florida
   
   
   
   
   
3. Colorado Rockies: Jac Caglinone, 1B, Florida
   
   
   The Colorado Rockies had the third best odds in the 2024 MLB Draft Lottery. The Colorado Rockies secured the third overall pick in the 2024 MLB Draft.
   
   
   
   Colorado goes for value over need. Kris Bryant's batting average at first baseman is below .200. Drafting the best player available in Florida first baseman Jac Caglinone and moving Kris Bryant back to third baseman.
   
   
   
   The 6-5 210 lb Jac Caglinone can play first baseman as well as pitcher. Jac Caglinone also known as Jeffrey Allen Caglinone my number two prospect in the 2024 MLB Draft. Jac Caglinone hits home runs like Joey Votto, but also has the ability to be a batter and pitcher like Shohei Ohtani.
   
   
   
   He's a five tool batter that can hit home runs, line drives, grounders, or bunts. Entering the year he was not as complete of a first baseman as Nick Kurtz, but the versatility to be utilzed as both a batter and pitcher makes him College Baseball's version of Shohei Ohtani. He's now got a better floor than Nick Kurtz despite a lower ceiling after watching him play in 2024. Outside of Travis Bazzana, this is the only player I could see in the MLB before 2026 in the 2024 MLB Draft.
   
   
   
   Jac Caglinone had a .288 batting average, 27 starts, 19 runs, 30 hits, 6 doubles, 0 triples, 7 home runs, 27 RBI's, 5 walks, 4 hits by pitch, 21 strikeouts, 0 stolen bases, and a .979 fielding percentage as a freshman in 2022. Jac Caglinone had a .323 batting average, 71 starts, 74 runs, 91 hits, 14 doubles, 2 triples, 33 home runs, 90 RBI's, 17 walks, 16 hits by pitch, 58 strikeouts, 4 stolen bases, and a .979 fielding percentage as a sophomore in 2023. Jac Caglinone had a .419 batting average, 66 starts, 83 runs, 104 hits, 8 doubles, 0 triples, 35 home runs, 72 RBI's, 58 walks, 10 hits by pitch, 26 strikeouts, 4 stolen bases, and a .990 fielding percentage as a junior in 2024.
   
   
   
   Jac Caglinone had a 7-4 record with 74.2 innings pitched, 87 strikeouts, 40 runs allowed, and a 4.24 ERA in 2023. Jac Caglinone had a 5-2 record with 73.2 innings pitched, 83 strikeouts, and a 4.76 ERA in 2024. Jac Caglinone did well on the mound, but I also feel like he's better off playing first baseman or designated hitter in the MLB even though the potential to be a starting pitcher as well as a batter like Ohtani is there.
   
   
   
   Colorado will have an infield with Elias Diaz at catcher, Jac Caglinone at first baseman, Ryan McMahan at second baseman, Ezequiel Tovar at shortstop, and Kris Bryant at third baseman when Jac Calginone arrives in the MLB in 2026 once Brendan Rodgers becomes a UFA. Colrado also has Nathan Jones a former backup left fielder on Cleveland as their starting outfielder, Brenton Doyle at center fielder, Hunter Goodman at right fielder, and long time veteran Charlie Blackmon who played center fielder for many years as the designated hitter.
   
   
   
   I gave Jac Caglinone a floor grade of 75/99 and a ceiling grade of 95/99. Colorado's starting rotation is awful, but there's no guarantee anyone in this draft fixes this rotation given the altitude at Coors Field plus there isn't a player that's got the floor and ceiling Caglinone has at 3.
   
   
   Previous Pick: JJ Wetherholt, 2B, West Virginia
   
   
4. Oakland Athletics: Braden Montgomery, RF, Texas A&M
   
   
   The Oakland Athletics fell from 2 to 6 in the first 2023 MLB Draft Lottery. This time the Oakland Athletic fell from 1 to 4 in the 2024 MLB Draft Lottery after only winning 50 games. The Oakland Athletics used the sixth pick in the 2023 MLB Draft on Grand Canyon shortstop Jacob Wilson the son of former Pittsburgh Pirates shortstop Jack Wilson. The infield of the future is nearly set with Atlanta Braves 2019 first round pick Shea Langliers at catcher, Tyler Soderstrom a 2020 first round pick at first baseman, Zach Gelof a 21 year old second baseman who was a 2021 second round pick is already a top 15 second baseman in the MLB, Milwaukee Brewers third baseman Abraham Toro posted a .484 batting average with Milwaukee in 2023 in 18 games after posting a .185 batting average in 2022 which prompted Oakland to take a chance on Toro. Jacob Wilson, Oakland's sixth overall pick in the 2023 MLB Draft is the shorstop of the future. Oakland used the 2023 MLB Draft and 2023 MLB Offseason to establish their long-term outlook at infielder. Oakland has outfielder Brent Rooker at designated hitter, JJ Bleday, the Miami Marlins fourth overall pick in the 2019 MLB Draft at center fielder, 2021 second round pick Zach Gelof at second baseman and 2021 third round pick Mason Miller who posted a 3.78 ERA in 33.1 innings in 2023 impressing Oakland enough to promote him to closer for the 2024 MLB Season.
   
   
   
   The 6-2 217 lb Braden Montgomery played both batter and pitcher at Stanford. Montgomery's ERA was above 5.00 in both seasons at Stanford, so I expect Montgomery to convert to right fielder in the MLB.
   
   
   
   Braden Montgomery had a .294 batting average, started 61 out of 62 games, had 50 runs, 72 hits, 16 doubles, 2 triples, 18 homme runs, 57 RBI's, a .596 slugging percentage, 18 walks, 9 hits by a pitch, 73 strikeouts, a .361 on base percentage, 6 stolen bases, and a .963 fielding percentage as a freshman at Stanford in 2022. Braden Montgomery had a .336 batting average, started all 64 games, had 70 runs, 82 hits, 14 doubles, 1 triple, 17 homme runs, 61 RBI's, a .611 slugging percentage, 51 walks, 10 hits by a pitch, 64 strikeouts, a .461 on base percentage, 6 stolen bases, and a .981 fielding percentage as a sophomore in in 2023. Braden Montgomery had a .322 batting average, started 61 out of 61 games, had 65 runs, 76 hits, 14 doubles, 1 triple, 27 home runs, 85 RBI's, a .733 slugging percentage, 53 walks, 5 hits by a pitch, 59 strikeouts, a .454 on base percentage, 5 stolen bases, and a .969 fielding percentage as a junior at Texas A&M in 2024.
   
   
   
   Braden Montgomery helped Stanford get to the 2023 College World Series. He entered the transfer portal to go to Texas A&M during his junior season which is also his draft year leading up to the 2024 MLB Draft. Braden Montgomery got Texas A&M to the Championship game after enrolling at Texas A&M. Braden Montgomery would be an upgrade at right fielder for the Oakland Athletics. I gave Braden Montgomery a floor grade of 70/99 and a ceiling grade of 95/99.
   
   
   Previous Pick: Mike Sirota, CF, Northeastern
   
   
   
   
5. Chicago White Sox: JJ Wetherholt, 2B, West Virginia
   
   
   The Chicago White Sox moved down one spot from 4 to 5 following the 2024 MLB Draft Lottery. From what I'm hearing Chicago will draft a batter at 5. Chicago will either take the top High School Batter on their board or they will take a second baseman with the fifth pick in the 2024 MLB Draft. West Virginia second baseman JJ Wetherholt seems like the player that the Chicago White Sox will target at 5.
   
   
   
   The Chicago White Sox draft a second baseman to groom for the future. Chicago traded for Atlanta Braves backup second baseman Nicky Lopez, but Nicky Lopez is just a stop gap in Chicago until he becomes a UFA in 2026 where he can play second baseman for a couple of years while Chicago drafts the best player on the board at 5 that happens to play that exact same position at second baseman.
   
   
   
   Things didn't work out with Nick Madrigal Chicago's 2018 first round pick out of Oregon State, but West Virginia second baseman JJ Wetherholt might be the answer for the Chicago White Sox. Whichever second baseman Cleveland passes on at 1 should be available for Chicago at 5.
   
   
   
   JJ Wetherholt grew up in Pittsburgh, PA. He went to Mars High School in Mars Pennsylvania playing for a WPIAL team. He's got a Baltimore Ravens flag in his room which I saw during one of his interviews. He also chose to play College Baseball at West Virginia which is one of the Pittsburgh Panthers two biggest rivals. JJ Wetherholt is transitioning from second baseman to shortstop at West Virginia in 2024.
   
   
   
   The 5-10 190 lb JJ Wetherholt had a .308 batting average, 53 starts, 51 runs, 64 hits, 17 doubles, 1 triple, 5 home runs, 39 RBI's, a .476 slugging percentage, 26 walks, 11 hits by pitch, 43 strikeouts, a .411 on base percentage, 15 stolen bases, and a .920 fielding percentage as a freshman in 2022. JJ Wetherholt had a .449 batting average, 54 starts, 67 runs, 101 hits, 24 doubles, 2 triples, 16 home runs, 60 RBI's, a .787 slugging percentage, 26 walks, 11 hits by pitch, 22 strikeouts, 36 stolen bases, and a .973 fielding percentage as a sophomore in 2023. JJ Wetherholt had a .331 batting average, 36 starts, 30 runs, 41 hits, 8 doubles, 0 triples, 8 home runs, 30 RBI"s, a .549 slugging percentage, 30 walks, 6 hits by pitch, 17 strikeouts, a .472 on base percentage, 6 stolen bases, and a .957 fielding percentage as a junior in 2024.
   
   
   
   JJ Wetherholt doesn't hit with as much power as Nick Kurtz or Jac Caglinone, but he's a far better base stealer than either guy. He's got the skill set to be a five tool batter that can hit home runs, line drives, grounders, and bunts. He can run to bases quickly, defend at a high level, and throw for outs with his quick release of an arm. JJ Wetherholt has also improved as a power hitter despite his size and may have better plate discipline than Nick Kurtz or Jac Caglinone. That's probably why he's still in the discussion to go first overall in the 2024 MLB Draft despite being fifth overall in my final 2024 MLB Draft. My player comparison for JJ Wetherholt is Zach Gelof the second baseman on the Oakland Athletics.
   
   
   
   The White Sox would have Andrew Vaughn at first baseman, JJ Wetherholt at second baseman, and Colson Montgomery at shortstop down the road in 2026 with shortstop Paul DeJong and second baseman Nicky Lopez being veteran stop gaps while Montgomery Chicago's 2021 first round pick would also be in this system.
   
   
   
   Chicago has Luis Roberts at center fielder and Oscar Colas at right fielder. Garrett Crochet the eleventh pick in the 2020 MLB Draft is the biggest asset in this starting rotation, but expect him to get moved by July 30, 2024 if Chicago cannot retain him. I gave JJ Wetherholt a floor grade of 68/99 and a ceiling grade of 93/99. He may need multiple years in the minor leagues, but he should be ready by 2026 at the very latest. I don't think he will have immediate success in the MLB, but could blossom by 2027 or 2028.
   
   
   Previous Pick: Travis Bazzana, 2B, Oregon State
   
   
6. Kansas City Royals: Nick Kurtz, 1B, Wake Forest
   
   
   The Kansas City Royals dropped from 2 to 6 in the 2024 MLB Draft Lottery. Kansas City is trying to get funding for a new stadium. Kansas City has six batters that hit 10 or more home runs in 2023 and all nine of the Kansas City Royals current batters are projected to hit 10 or more home runs. Kansas City has two superstars in this batting lineup with shorstop Bobby Witt Jr. the second pick in the 2019 MLB Draft who hit a career high 30 home runs in 2023 whose projected to hit 30 home runs once again in 2024 and catcher Salvador Perez whose the only batter from the 2015 Kansas City Royals World Series team still on the Royals.
   
   
   
   The Royals have three starting pitchers who posted ERA's of under 4.00 in 2023 with Cole Raggins who was acquired from the eventual 2023 World Series Champion Texas Rangers in June prior to the 2023 MLB Trade Deadline posting a 3.47 ERA with the Kansas City Royals in 2023 and has a 3.28 ERA so far in 2024. Seth Lugo has improved his ERA from 3.57 with the Padres in 2023 to 2.21 with the Royals as Kansas City's number two starter. Brady Singer, the Kansas City Royals 2018 first round pick was the Kansas City Royals number one starter for three consecutive years, but he's done much better as the number three starter with a 2.93 ERA in 2024. Michael Wacha who posted a 3.22 ERA left the Padres to sign with the Royals in Free Agency and is the number four starter with a 3.74 ERA so far in 2024. Alec Marsh a 2019 second round pick rounds out this starting rotation, but Marsh's 4.57 ERA could be a lot better. Asa Lacey, the Kansas City Royals 2020 first round pick did get promoted to AAA, but hasn't pitched since 2022 due to an injury.
   
   
   
   The Kansas City Royals could draft a pitcher at 6. I think it is much more likely they take the best player on the board in Wake Forest first baseman Nick Kurtz with Nick Pratto the Royals 2017 first round pick getting demoted to AAA. Kansas City's current first baseman Vinnie Pasquantino has 11 home runs, but he also has the versatility to play first baseman as well as designated hitter. Vinnie Pasquantino can move over to designated hitter when Adam Frazier's contract as the Kansas City Royals current designated hitter expires. That allows Nick Kurtz to play first baseman for the Kansas City Royals starting in 2026.
   
   
   
   The 6-5 235 lb Nick Kurtz was a two sport athlete that played baseball and basketball in High School playing both power forward and center on his Basketball team before committing to the Wake Forest baseball program as a first baseman on the Wake Forest Demon Deacons. The Wake Forest first baseman hits home runs like Mark McGwire and defends like Keith Hernandez while also possessing a quick arm that can execute double plays like Eric Hosmer. That's how high of a ceiling Nick Kurtz has. He's a five tool batter that can hit home runs, line drives, grounders, or bunts. He throw the baseball with quickness, and has gold glove ability.
   
   
   
   Nick Kurtz had a .338 batting average, started 53 games, had 65 runs, 69 hits, 14 doubles, 1 triple, 15 home runs, 56 RBI's, a .637 slugging percentage, 48 walks, 5 hits by pitch, 38 strikeouts, a .471 on base percentage, 2 stolen bases, and a .992 fielding percentage as a true freshman in 2022. Nick Kurtz had .353 batting average, started 56 games, had 76 runs, 67 hits, 10 doubles, 0 triples, 24 home runs, 65 RBI's, a .784 slugging percentage, 63 walks, 9 hits by pitch, 50 strikeouts, a .527 on base percentage, 5 stolen bases, and a .998 fielding percentage as a sophomore in 2023. Nick Kurtz had a .306 batting average, started 54 games, had 65 runs, 53 hits, 11 doubles, 1 triple, 22 home runs, 57 RBI's, a .763 slugging percentage, 78 walks, 7 hits by pitch, 42 strikeouts, a .531 on base percentage, 4 stolen bases, and a .995 fielding percentage as a junior in 2024.
   
   
   
   Nick Kurtz bats like Mark McGwire and defends like Keith Hernandez. My floor grade for Nick Kurtz is a 69/99, but my ceiling grade for him is a 99/99 the same ceiling grade I gave both Paul Skenes and Dylan Crews in last years MLB Draft. Nick Kurtz may fall to Kansas City, but my gut still tells me Kurtz has the highest ceiling among the College batters in this years MLB Draft despite a down year at Wake Forest in 2024 where he was still very consistent despite not improving on his peak season as a sophomore in 2023.
   
   
   Previous Pick: Josh Hartle, P, Wake Forest
   
   
   
   
7. St. Louis Cardinals: Hagen Smith, P, Arkansas
   
   
   St. Louis had the sixth worst record in the 2024 MLB Draft Lottery. The St. Louis Cardinals dropped to 7 following the 2024 MLB Draft.
   
   
   
   St. Louis needs pitching and with the best player available being a pitcher, Hagen Smith the Arkansas pitcher makes the most sense at 7. I narrowed this pick down to Charlie Condon and Hagen Smith in January, but Condon is off the board and Hagen Smith is still there so this decision is a lot easier now.
   
   
   
   Former Minnesota Twins ace pitcher Sonny Gray is now the number one starting pitcher on the St. Louis Cardinals. The rest of the starting rotation is still pretty bad. Closer Ryan Helsley a fifth round pick in the 2015 MLB Draft is the best reliever on a pretty inconsistent bullpen that also features middle reliever John King who the Cardinals acquired in a trade with the Texas Rangers for Jordan Montgomery.
   
   
   
   Paul Goldschmidt enters the final year of his five year contract. The St. Louis Cardinals do not have a minor league prospect at first baseman in their prospect pool.
   
   
   
   The 6-3 215 lb Hagen Smith is a winner as the Bullard, Texas native played at Bullard High School before enrolling at Arkansas where he's gone 15-4 in the past two seasons as the Arkansas Razorback's number two starter. Hagen Smith went 7-2 at Arkansas in his first season with a 4.66 ERA, 15 starts, 20 games pitched, 2 saves out of the bullpen, 77.1 innings pitched, 66 hits, 41 runs allowed, 40 earned runs, 1 home runs, 46 walks, and 90 strikeouts as a freshman in 2022. Hagen Smith improved his record in year two to 8-2, lowered his ERA to 3.64, started 11 of the 18 games he pitched, pitched 71.2 innings, allowed 56 hits, 30 runs, 29 earned runs, 7 home runs, 42 walks, and 109 strikeouts. Hagen Smith also had 57 ground outs in his first two seasons at Arkansas. Hagen Smith became the Friday Night Starter and ace pitcher on Arkansas in 2024. Hagen Smith had a 9-2 record with a 2.04 ERA in 16 starts with 84 innings pitched, allowed 41 hits, 22 runs, 5 home runs, 34 walks, and 161 strikeouts winning 2024 SEC Pitcher Of The Year as a junior in 2024.
   
   
   
   Hagen Smith had a 95 mile per hour fastball that maxes out at 96 as well as a 87 mile per hour slider. Hagen Smith has more velocity on his pitches than any pitcher in the 2024 MLB Draft. Hagen Smith's third pitch is a splitter described by Smith as a "changeup with a split grip". Hagen Smith also has a sinker and curveball, so he could develop into a pitcher with five plus pitches even if he uses a splitter instead of a changeup. If a pitching coach can get Hagen Smith to incorporate the changeup into his arsenal of pitches, he will have as many as six pitches to throw to opposing batters. I can see Hagen Smith becoming the future ace of the St. Louis Cardinals starting rotation and he could also start out as a number two to Sonny Gray if he makes it up to the majors early. Hagen Smith began his year 9-0 before losing his final two starts.
   
   
   
   I have a 70/99 floor grade on Hagen Smith and a 95/99 ceiling grade on Hagen Smith. Hagen Smith feels like a guy who needs two years in the minors and could become an All Star caliber pitcher by 2028 right before he enters arbitration if the St. Louis Cardinals farm system develops him correctly.
   
   
   Previous Pick: Charlie Condon, 3B, Georgia
   
   
8. Los Angeles Angels: Christian Moore, 2B, Tennessee
   
   
   The Los Angeles Angels fell from 7 to 8 following the 2024 MLB Draft Lottery. Los Angeles should spend a top 10 pick on a pitcher with most of their starting rotation having ERA's of above 4.00. Tyler Anderson, Jose Soriano, and Davis Daniel have surprised in a good way after the Angels entered the season with one of the worst rotations in the MLB on paper heading into 2024. The Los Angeles Angels have two options at 8, they can draft another pitcher and draft the best pitcher on the board in Chase Burns. They can also draft Tennessee second baseman Christian Moore who was the catalyst on the Tennessee Volunteers team that won the 2024 College World Series. Burns is ranked higher in most mock drafts, but Christian Moore fills a bigger need at second baseman with second baseman Brandon Drury set to be a Free Agent after this year with the Angels other second baseman whose injured set to be a 2026 UFA. Chase Burns is younger than Christian Moore, but I believe both players could be on the Los Angeles Angels regardless of which direction you go in here at 8. Moore will save the Angels more money, but Burns has more longetivity plus he's the consensus best player available. It feels like a coin flip pick at 8, but I'm leaning Christian Moore.
   
   
   
   The Los Angeles Angels have an abundance of power hitters Logan O'Hoppe is at catcher, 2023 first round pick Nolan Schaunel plays first base in the MLB, Zach Neto, the Angels 2022 first round pick plays shortstop, Anthony Rendon plays third base, Luis Rengifo is an infielder that can play in 2025 when second baseman Brandon Drury's contract is up if you want to keep Christian Moore in the minor leagues until 2026 assuming you draft him at 8. Taylor Ward, Anaheim's 2015 first round pick plays left fielder. Mike Trout plays center fielder. Mickey Moniak the first pick in the 2016 MLB Draft got traded from the Philadelphia Phillies to the Los Angeles Angels at right fielder. The Los Angeles Angels have a batting lineup that can make games rather competitive and drafting Christian Moore gives the Angels continuity in the batting lineup even if you lose both of your two key second baseman to Free Agency in 2025 and 2026. You can get a pitcher in next years draft who might have a higher ceiling than Chase Burns.
   
   
   
   Reid Detmers had potential to be a number one starter coming out of Louisville after being drafted tenth overall in the 2020 MLB Draft, but he's on pace to become the Los Angeles Angels version of Brady Singer as the overhyped first round college pitcher that doesn't pan out in the MLB unless Detmers lowers his ERA to under 4.00 after leading the Angels starting rotation with 168 strikeouts besting Shohei Ohtani by one freaking strikeout as Ohtani had 167 strikeouts prior to his season ending injury in 2023. Closer Carlos Esteves and set up pitcher Jose Soriano were bright spots in 2023. Adam Kolarek had 7 strikeouts in 6 innings pitched with an ERA of 0.00 on the Atlanta Braves in 2023 and now he's a middle reliever for the Angeles in 2024. There's a few bullpen guys that step in if Detmers can only pitch 5 or 6 quality innings, but the rest of this starting rotation needs to be upgraded while also making some bullpen improvements too. You can also get pitchers with your remaining picks outside of the first round if you draft a batter at 8.
   
   
   
   The 6-1 216 lb Christian Moore had a .305 batting average, 29 starts, 30 runs, 36 hits, 3 doubles, 2 triples, 10 home runs, 36 RBI"s, a .619 slugging percentage, 27 walks, 3 hits by pitch, 38 strikeouts, a .443 on base percentage, 1 stolen base, and a 1.000 fielding percentage as a true freshman when Tennessee was the number one seed in the 2022 Men's Baseball Tournament heading into the regionals before the Super Regionals and 2022 College World Series. Christian Moore had a .304 batting average, 61 starts, a 66 runs, 65 hits, 13 doubles, 0 triples, 17 home runs, 50 RBI's, .603 slugging percentage, 50 walks, 7 hits by pitch, 67 strikeouts, a .444 on base percentage, 16 stolen bases, and and a .960 fielding percentage while helping Tennessee get to the 2023 College World Series. Christian Moore had .375 batting average, 72 starts, 83 runs, 111 hits, 19 doubles, 2 triples, 34 home runs, 74 RBI's, a .797 slugging percentage, 38 walks, 3 hits by pitch, 49 strikeouts, a .451 on base percentage, 5 stolen bases, and and a .953 fielding percentage on a Tennessee team that won the 2024 College World Series.
   
   
   
   Christian Moore can hit home runs, line drives, grounders, and bunts. He might be the last five tool batter in the top 10 of the 2024 MLB Draft. I gave Christian Moore a 68/99 floor grade and a 98/99 celing grade. Christian Moore has a better ceiling than Chase Burns who I also considered, but Burns is younger has the better floor. Christian Moore has the championship pedigree and I believe the Angels go for Moore over Burns at 8.
   
   
   Previous Pick: Hagen Smith, P, Arkansas
   
   
   
   
9. Pittsburgh Pirates: Chase Burns, P, Wake Forest
   
   
   Pittsburgh's top three batters shortstop Oneil Cruz, left fielder Bryan Reynolds, and third baseman Ke'Bryan Hayes are all under contract with the Pittsburgh Pirates until 2030 assuming the Pirates use arbitration clauses on all of those batters and do not trade any of those guy before they become unrestricted Free Agents despite how cheap team owner Bob Nutting has been. Designated hitter Andrew McCutchen is projected to bat fourth after earning a one year extension with the Pirates. Center fielder bats fifth in this lineup Jack Suwinski is under contract until 2030 with pre arbitration the next two years before arbitration level 1 kicks in during the 2026 MLB Season. Joey Bart joined Pittsburgh this year and he's not a UFA until 2028 as the starting catcher. Former Milwaukee Brewers first baseman Rowdy Tellez signed a one year deal with the Pirates and bats seventh in this lineup. Nick Gonzales the Pittsburgh Pirates 2020 first round pick who had some success in limited action is at second baseman and under contract in Pittsburgh until 2031 if Pittsburgh opts to use his arbitration rights. Right fielder Joshua Palacios is the starting right fielder and he doesn't enter arbitration until 2026 meaning he's under contract until 2030 if Pittsburgh uses their arbitration rights on him. Henry Davis got demoted to AAA simply due to how stacked the Pittsburgh Pirates roster is despite being the number one pick in the 2021 MLB Draft.
   
   
   
   In conclusion Pittsburgh has 11 quality batters with 8 of those 11 batters are under contract until 2030 if Pittsburgh Pirates owner Bob Nutting encourages his General Manager Ben Cherrington to utilize arbitration clauses in No Nutt November instead of not paying his biggest assets or trading guys like Gerritt Cole away when they are in year two or year three of arbitration for a premium return before they choose to leave the Pirates in Free Agency.
   
   
   
   You still got Termarr Johnson the fourth pick in the 2022 MLB Draft, who was first overall on the Pittsburgh Pirates draft board in your minor league system developing as insurance if neither Peguero or Gonzales pans out. The prearbitration clauses in Termarr Johnson's MLB contract will not kick in until he's promoted to the Pittsburgh Pirates MLB roster.
   
   
   
   Pittsburgh has Paul Skenes as their number one starter whose 6-0 with a 1.90 ERA and is starting for the National League 2024 MLB All Star game and is under contract until 2031, Josh Jones, Pittsburgh's 2020 second round pick is the number two starter with Skenes and Jones leading the MLB in innings pitched, Mitch Keller, last years number one starter is under contract until 2029 following his contract extension as your number three. Luis L Ortiz whose posted a 2.95 ERA posted 6 innings in two of his last three starts despite pitching out of the bullpen and he's under contract until 2031 just like Skenes and Jones. The only starting pitcher outside of Mitch Keller that may bring excitement ot PNC Park is LSU pitcher Paul Skenes, the first pick in last years 2023 MLB Draft. Pittsburgh does need a number five starter, but how much confidence do you have in Bubba Chandler whose 5-5 with a 3.65 ERA in AA on the Altoona Curve after being a 2021 third round pick. Anthony Solometo has regressed as a starting pitcher, but I think he coud be a solid bullpen guy on the Pittsburgh Pirates if the Pirates 2021 second round pick can crack the majors.
   
   
   
   With all this stability in the batting lineup, for the Pittsburgh Pirates, there will be a window of opportunity for the Bucs to Raise the Jolly Roger in the NL Central by winning a NL Central Pennant down the road once this organization improves their starting rotation since Pittsburgh has one of the better bullpens in the MLB. Pittsburgh Pirates All Star closer Dave Bednar is currently in Arbitration Level 1 with an estimated salary of only $1.2-million for 2024 after having an ERA of 2.00 as Pittsburgh's closer in 2023 with Bednar set to become a UFA in 2027. Colin Holderman, Pittsburgh's set up pitcher is in the last season of pre arbitration and he's not a UFA until 2029 and has already shown he can succeed Bednar as the closer. Carmen Mlodzinski, Pittsburgh's 2020 first round pick that was drafted thirty first overall had a 2.25 ERA as both a set up pitcher and middle reliever and he won't enter arbitration until 2027 with Pittsburgh having the option to keep him up until 2031 if the Pirates use all four years of arbitration from 2027 to 2030. Ryan Bouruki enters a contract year at middle reliever and he posted a 2.45 ERA in 2023 after the Pirates acquired the former Chicago Cubs middle reliever off of waivers and Aroldis Chapman had more success at middle reliever than set up pitcher or closer despite having experience at both of those roles. Dauri Moreta enters arbitration level 1 in 2026 and can stay with Pittsburgh until 2030 if he continues to improve since he posted a 3.72 ERA. Max Kranick posted a ERA of 0.00 and 4 strikeouts in one appearance as a long reliever in 2022, but didn't play in 2023. Max Kranick is in pre arbitration for one more year and will remain with the Pittsburgh Pirates until 2029 if the Pirates use all four years of arbitration on him. Pittsburgh still needs one more long reliever and one middle reliever to compliment this core if Chapman leaves after this season, but the Pittsburgh Pirates bullpen is the biggest strength as far as pitching goes entering 2024.
   
   
   
   Pittsburgh can go for either a starting pitcher, a batter, or the best first baseman. I believe if Chase Burns falls to 9 he's the pick for the Pittsburgh Pirates since Burns would round out the starting rotation, plus he gives the Pirates the flexibility to move Bubba Chandler to the bullpen unless Chandler reaches the bigs before Chase Burns does.
   
   
   
   The best pitcher on the board is Chase Burns, who pitched 7 innings in a 12-1 win over the eventual 2022 College World Series Champion Ole Miss Rebels throwing 106 total pitches during his freshman season in 2022. Tennessee was the top overall seed as well as the number one ranked team in the country in the 2022 College World Series before Notre Dame knocked Tennessee out of the Knoxville Regional leading up to the 2022 College World Series.
   
   
   
   Chase Burns entered the Winter of 2023 as the consensus top pitcher in a few premature 2024 MLB Draft Rankings. The 6-4 195 lb Chase Burns came in as a true sophomore and really showcased his ability on the Tennessee Volunteers. Chase Burns was the Saturday Night starter and number two pitcher to begin the 2023 College Baseball season on Febuary 19, 2023. He even was the Sunday Night starter in the number three role for a game before going back to being the Saturday Night starter six days later. By Friday March 31, 2023, he supplanted Friday Night Starter Chase Dollander as the number one pitcher on Tennessee. Chase Dollander was drafted ninth overall by the Colorado Rockies in the 2023 MLB Draft.
   
   
   
   Burns is impressive for taking the starting pitcher from a top 10 draft pick. Chase Burns had a jaw dropping 114 strikeouts along with a awful 4.25 ERA at Tennessee in 2023. The other thing I noticed with Burns is he pitched 1,301 pitches as a true freshman with 2 100 pitch games his first year on campus, but only had 1,136 pitches and 0 games with 100 pitches as a sophomore in 2023.
   
   
   
   Chase Burns went 8-1 in 13 starts with only 3 no decisions posting a 2.72 ERA in 82 2/3 innings pitched with a career high 191 strikeouts in 2024. Chase Burns solidified his status as one of the top two pitchers in the 2024 MLB Draft after taking the Friday Night Starter job from Josh Hartle.
   
   
   
   Chase Burns best pitch is a 4-seam fastball that is 96.5 miles per hour when Burns pitches his slowest fastball ranked 65th out of 392 College Baseball starting pitchers that threw 250 or more pitches in 2023. His fastball has maxed out at 101 miles per hour with 90th percentile velocity with his fastball averaging out at 98.7 miles per hour which rounds up to 99 miles per hour. Burns velocity, arm strength, and throwing power puts him among the top 10 percent of College Baseball pitchers.
   
   
   
   Chase Burns has the velocity, throwing power, and arm strength you cannot teach. Chase Burns has four different pitches that he uses, but only two of those pitches his fastball and slider are ready for the MLB right now. Burns utilized his curveball and changeup more in 2024. I believe Chase Burns can also throw a power curveball as well as a slider.
   
   
   
   Chase Burns left Tennessee who made the 2023 College World Series as one of the best teams in the country to go to Wake Forest who made the final 4 of the 2023 College World Series last year after Tennessee failed to make the Semifinals in Omaha, Nebraska. Don't be shocked if Burns ERA suddenly improves this Spring since ACC competiton is easier compared to SEC competition in College Baseball. The SEC had 3 teams make the 2023 College World Series with LSU, Florida, and Tennessee. Also, each of the last four College World Series Champions were from the SEC with Vanderbilt in 2019, Mississippi State the team that kept Vanderbilt from repeating following Covid-19 in 2021, Ole Miss the 2022 College World Series winner, and LSU defeated Florida to win the 2023 College World Series despite Wake Forest having the best overall record and being the top seed in the 2023 College World Series.
   
   
   
   Chase Burns feels like the guy who can round out the Pittsburgh Pirates starting rotation. I gave Chase Burns a floor grade of 70/99 and a ceiling grade of 95/99.
   
   
   Previous Pick: Tommy White, 1B, LSU
   
   
10. Washington Nationals: Trey Yesavage, P, East Carolina
    
    
    The Washington Nationals have five batters that hit 10 or more home runs currently in their batting lineup for 2024. Those five batters are lead off batter shortstop C.J. Abrams a top 10 pick from the 2019 MLB Draft in the Juan Soto trade that sent Soto to the Padres whose under contract until 2029, right fielder Lane Thomas who led the Nationals with 28 home runs in 2023 whose got two years of arbitration left before he's a UFA in 2026, Venezualian catcher Keibert Ruiz a Scott Boras client signed a 8 year $50-million dollar pre-arbitration extension, first baseman Joe meneses is 32-years-old, but since he just got promoted to MLB his level 1 arbitration doesn't kick in until 2026, and third baseman Nick Senzel signed a one year deal.
    
    
    
    Washington has 2021 first round pick Brady House, a player I mocked third overall to Detroit as their starting third baseman in AA after House fell to eleven in the 2021 MLB Draft. Dylan Crews, Washington's 2023 first round pick that was number one on their big board is already in AA and he could get promoted to AAA with a strong showing in Spring Training. Elijah Green the other outfielder that the Washington Nationals drafted fifth overall in 2022 is still in A, but could get promoted to AA.
    
    
    
    Josiah Gray, is Washington's only good pitcher with a strong ERA and even if Washington hits on all three of their first round batters from 2021 to 2023 down the road, that gives you seven batters long term meaning Washington will need a couple of batters as well. Jackson Rutledge, Washington's 2019 first round pick is in AAA, an could eventually end up being the number two pitcher on Washington. I'm leaning towards a starting pitcher at 10.
    
    
    
    Washington has the closer, set up pitchers, and four middle relievers that can step up for this organization in the bullpen right now in 2024, but the Nationals also need upgrades at both long reliever spots. Washington has some building blocks for some of the foundation of this rebuild following the Washington Nationals 2019 World Series is already in place, but until Dylan Crews arrives in the MLB, the Nationals will remain the bottom feeder in the NL East Division.
    
    
    
    The 6-4 225 lb Trey Yesavage had a 7-1 record in 14 starts with a 2.61 ERA, 105 strikeouts, and 23 walks in 76 innings pitched for East Carolina in 2023. Trey Yesavage was the saturday night starter in the season opener, but was the Friday Night starter where the number one pitcher pitched the rest of his sophomore season. Trey Yesavage had a 11-1 record in 15 starts with 1 complete game, a 2.03 ERA, 145 strikeouts, and 32 walks in 93.1 innings pitched as a junior in 2024.
    
    
    
    Trey Yesavage has a 95 mile per hour 4-seam fastball, a 93 mile per hour 2-seam fastball, a 85 mile per hour slider, a 88 mile per hour cutter fastball, a 81 mile per hour curveball, and a 80 mile per hour splitter. Trey Yesavage's fastballs go up to 98 miles per hour when he is used out of the bullpen and has six different pitches he can use. I believe Trey Yesavage could be a number one starter on the Washington Nationals down the road after winning a pitchers duel in the Regionals against Wake Forest pitcher Chase Burns.
    
    
    
    I gave Trey Yesavage a 69/99 floor grade and a 95/99 ceiling grade. I believe Trey Yesavage has a massive ceiling if you remain patient with him. There will be no more floor and ceiling grades from this point forward with the top 10 finalized.
    
    
    Previous Pick: Seaver King, 2B, Wake Forest
    
    
    
    
11. Detroit Tigers: Bryce Rainer, SS, Harvard-Westlake HS (CA)
    
    
    Detroit has a good combination of batters and pitchers. If there's one team that can make the AL Central interesting in 2024, it might be the Detroit Tigers after the Minnesota Twins lost Sonny Gray.
    
    
    
    Detroit's batting lineup in the MLB starts off with four players that Detroit drafted with Parker Meadows a left fielder and a 2018 second round pick under contract until 2031, Riley Greene a center fielder picked fifth overall in 2019 under contract until 2030, Spencer Torkelson a first baseman under contract until 2029 following all four years of arbitration after hitting 30 home runs after being the first pick in the 2020 MLB Draft, and designated hitter Kerry Carpenter, a ninteenth round pick in the 2019 MLB Draft that's now the Detroit Tigers DH until 2030 is huge. There's going to be continuity with the top four spots in Detroit's batting lineup from now until 2030. Milwaukee Brewers veteran left fielder Mark Canha is the oldest player on the Tigers as the 34 year old veteran from last years NL Central Champions can provide some guidance and leadership to this young Tigers squad as the number five batter in a contract year, Matt Vierling, a backup third baseman that the Philadelphia Phillies drafted in the 2018 MLB Draft ended up developing well enough to start for Detroit after the Philadelphia Phillies hit on third overall pick Alec Bohm out of Wichita State while batting sixth in this lineup with Vierling under contract until 2028. Colt Keith a 2020 fifth round pick took the starting second baseman job from Zack McKinstray. Shorstop Javier Baez from the 2016 Chicago Cubs World Series team is making $24 million a year in Detroit and is under contract until 2028 despite batting eighth. Catcher Jake Rodgers hit 21 home runs, but is batting ninth in this lineup as his contract runs through 2027. Detroit has all every batter outside of Mark Canha at left fielder under contract for the next three years.
    
    
    
    Tarik Skubal a 2018 ninth round pick that played college baseball on SeattleU on the Redhawks. He overcame Tommy John's Surgery in College before overcoming Flex Tendon Surgery before posting a 2.80 ERA and 102 strikeouts pitching 80.1 innings in 15 starts. Skubal has supplanted Detroit Tigers pitcher Casey Mize who was drafted eight rounds ahead of him as the ace pitcher on this roster. Keider Montero has a ERA of 0.00 so far through one start as the Detroit Tigers number two starting pitcher. Detroit also brought in two veteran Free Agents that pitched in the 2023 MLB Playoffs by signing Jack Flaherty from the Baltimore Orioles to be their number two starter and Kenta Maeda, Minnesota's number three starter to be Detroit's number three starter. Reese Olson is the third and final pitcher in this starting rotation with an ERA of under 4.00. Detroit's a long-shot, but if Skubal stays healthy, the Free Agent signings at starting pitcher pitch well in the regular season, and the back end starters continue to perform, this starting rotation can do a lot more damage than most people realize.
    
    
    
    Detroit has six pitchers, a closer, a set up pitcher, and four middle relievers with ERA's of under 4.00 in 2023. Long reliever is still an issue and Detroit brought up Alex Faedo to give them an additional middle reliever as Casey Mize has been injured while Matt Manning Detroit's 2016 first round pick is now in AAA.
    
    
    
    A.J. Hinch who managed the Houston Astros during the 2017 and 2019 World Series is the manager of the Detroit Tigers thanks to the Astros sign stealing scandal and with Dusty Baker retiring, there's a 2 to 3 year window for Detroit to be AL Central contenders even though I expect both the Kansas City Royals and Cleveland Guardians to be challengers in this division as well this year with the Cleveland and Detroit having the two best long-term outlooks in the AL Central over the next three years. Detroit hasn't taken the leap that I expected them to take in 2024 which makes me wonder how much more time Hinch has.
    
    
    
    Detroit drafts a High School shortstop here at 11. Most have Bryce Rainer ahead of Konnor Griffin as the new number one High School prospect in the 2024 MLB Draft.
    
    
    
    The 6-3 195 lb Bryce Rainer really showed the ability to improve as a senior in High School at Harvard-Westlake High School in California. Bryce Rainer had a batting average of .392 as a freshman while also going 9-0 with a 1.46 ERA as a true freshman leading Harvard-Westlake to a State Title as a true freshman in 2021. Bryce Rainer had a .393 batting average and 5 home runs after converting from pitcher to shortstop where Harvard-Westlake lost to JSerra as a sophomore in 2022. Bryce Rainder had a .436 batting average and a 0.38 ERA as a junior in 2023. Bryce Rainer had a .505 batting average and helped Harvard-Westlake return to the state title game as a senior in 2024.
    
    
    
    Bryce Rainer can hit home runs, line drives, and grounders. He's not quite the five tool batter the media hyped him up to be, but he defends well and is someone that can develop into an MLB shortstop by 2028 if you remain patient with him. Detroit's got their center fielder under contract until 2030 and a shortstop under contract until 2028. If Detroit takes a high school batter it will probably be Bryce Rainer rather than Konnor Griffin.
    
    
    Previous Pick: Malcolm Moore, C, Stanford
    
    
12. Boston Red Sox: Konnor Griffin, CF, Jackson Prep HS (MS)
    
    
    The Boston Red Sox have three power hitters with Rafael Devers at third baseman, Triston Casas their 2018 first round pick, and Masataka Yoshia their designated hitter that the Boston Red Sox signed from Japan. Trevor Story at shortstop and Jarren Duran at center fielder who led Boston with 24 stolen bases in 2023 are two nice stop gaps for the Boston Red Sox.
    
    
    
    Boston has shortstop Marcelo Mayer their 2021 first round pick and Kyle Teel their 2023 first round pick from Virginia at catcher both in AA. Marcelo Mayer was the top High School batter by most pundits in the 2021 MLB Draft. Konnor Griffin, is he consensus number one High School batter.
    
    
    
    Boston has no quality starting pitchers in this rotation at the moment. Boston also traded their long time ace Chris Sale to the Atlanta Braves. I don't trust Boston's bullpen either.
    
    
    
    The 6-4 210 lb Konnor Griffin is the top High School batter in the 2024 MLB Draft. The Jackson Prep High School center fielder in Mississippi can hit home runs, line drives, grounders, and bunts. He's a five-tool batter, but a project like Griffin will develop more effectively in the minor leagues while Jarren Duran's contract runs through 2029. Right now, Jarren Duran is 27 years old while Konnor Griffin turns 18 on April 26, 2024. By the time 2029 rolls around, Jarren Duran will be 32 years old and Konnor Griffin will be 23-years-old ready for the MLB.
    
    
    
    Konnor Griffin had a .537 batting average, 43 runs, 44 hits, 30 RBI's, 6 doubles, 2 triples, and 8 home runs as a junior in 2023. Konnor Griffin had a .559 batting average, 76 runs, 66 hits, 39 RBI's, 13 doubles, 4 hits, and 9 home runs in 2024.
    
    
    
    
    
13. San Francisco Giants: James Tibbs III, LF, Florida State
    
    
    San Francisco has seven batters that hit ten or more home runs in 2023 in the 1-7 spots of this batting lineup along with two players that the organization drafted wrapping up the 8 and 9 spots. San Francisco really only needs help at left fielder, second baseman, and shortstop.
    
    
    
    San Francisco can draft Florida State left fielder James Tibbs III who projects as an MLB left fielder mainly because he is a below average runner. Some also believe he's a floor player more so than a ceiling player.
    
    
    
    The 6-0 204 lb James Tibbs III had a .300 batting average, 45 starts, 37 runs, 51 hits, 13 doubles, 0 triples, 10 home runs, 32 RBI's, a .553 slugging percentage, 25 walks, 7 hits by pitch, 64 strikeouts, a .411 on base percentage, 1 stolen base, and a .980 fielding percentage as a freshman in 2022. James Tibbs III had a .338 batting average, 54 starts, 61 runs, 66 hits, 14 doubles, 1 triple, 17 home runs, 43 RBI's, .682 slugging percentage, 48 walks, 1 hit by a pitch, 49 strikeouts, 5 stolen bases, and a .984 fielding percentage as a sophomore in 2023. James Tibbs III had a .363 batting average, 66 starts, 75 runs, 91 hits, 18 doubles, 1 triple, 28 home runs, 95 RBI"s, a .777 slugging percentage, 58 walks, 7 hits by pitch, 37 strikeouts, 8 stolen bases, and a .992 fielding percentage guiding Florida State to the Final 4 of the 2024 College World Series as a junior in 2024.
    
    
    Previous Pick: Brody Brecht, P, Iowa
    
    
14. Chicago Cubs: Vance Honeycutt, CF, North Carolina
    
    
    The 6-3 205 lb Vance Honeycutt had 25 home runs as a freshman in 2022 and 12 home runs as a sophomore in 2023. Vance Honeycutt entered his sophomore season as the preliminary favorite to go first overall in 2024.
    
    
    
    Vance Honeycutt is only 20-years-old, but he's a home run machine who just needs to improve his batting average and get on base more consistently. Ian Happ signed a three year extension which keeps him in Chicago from 2024 to 2026 making him a UFA in 2027 when Ian Happ, Chicago's 2015 first round pick turns 31 or 32 years old. Vance Honeycutt turns 21 in 2024 and will be 23 approaching age 24 by the time Ian Happ's peak is over around 2027.
    
    
    
    Vance Honeycutt is more than a home run machine. He was also the 2023 ACC Defensive Player Of The Year. Vance Honeycutt had a .318 batting average, started 62 games, had 88 runs, 81 hits, 13 doubles, 2 triples, 28 home runs, 70 RBI's, a .714 slugging percentage, 36 walks, 6 hits by pitch, 83 strikeouts, a .410 on base percentage, 28 stolen bases nearly matching his 29 stolen bases as a true freshman, and a .984 fielding percentage as a junior in 2024.
    
    
    
    The Chicago Cubs have enough talent to win the NL Central in 2024. The Cubs are 11 games back in the NL Central and while I like their starting rotation heading into the season, the Cubs have underachieved as a team as they are last in the NL Central heading into the 2024 MLB Draft. I went with the best available player in Vance Honeycutt at 14.
    
    
    
    
    
15. Seattle Mariners: Cam Smith, 3B, Florida State
    
    
    Seattle seems like they are going to rely on their top five batters shortstop J.P. Crawford, center fielder Julio Rodriguez, designated hitter Mitch Garver, catcher Cal Raleigh, and first baseman Ty France get the bulk of the home runs. Cade Marlow a twentieth round pick in the 2019 MLB Draft is now the Seattle Mariners starting left fielder as well as the number six batter.
    
    
    
    Luis Castillo, Logan Gilbert, and George Kirby are three reliable starters. Seattle still needs a couple of quality starters for the back end of the starting rotation, but Seattle's trio can do damage in October if Seattle wins enough games to get to the postseason. Seattle already made the ALDS in 2022 and if the Mariners keep their three starters healthy this is a team that can do damage if they get to October. Seattle has the closer, set up pitcher, and four middle relievers that can bail out their starting pitchers. Long reliever is the one area of improvement in the Seattle Mariners bullpen. Seattle's bullpen should remain as dominant without Vogt whose now the Cleveland Guardians manager.
    
    
    
    Seattle's best minor league prospect is Cole Young a shorstop/second baseman from my old High School North Allegheny, whose currently in AA. Taking everything into consideration I'm leaning towards Florida State third baseman Cam Smith at 15.
    
    
    
    The 6-3 224 lb Cam Smith started all 51 games at third baseman as a freshman redshirt with a .281 batting average, 39 runs, 54 hits, 8 doubles, 5 triples, 12 home runs, 36 RBI's, 39 runs, 3 stolen bases, and a .921 fielding percentage as a freshman redshirt in 2023. Cam Smith was the first player since Buster Posey to have back-to-back multi home run games. His 12 home runs were the most from a freshman since Ryne Malone in 2004. Cam Smith had a .387 batting baverage, started all 66 games, had 82 runs, 104 hits, 22 doubles, 1 triple, 16 home runs, 57 RBI's, a .654 slugging percentage, 44 walks, 9 hits by pitch, 48 strikeouts,a .488 on base percentage, 4 stolen bases, and a .954 fielding percentage as a sophomore redshirt in 2024.
    
    
    
    Cam Smith has the home run hitting, line drives, grounders, an bunting you want from a third baseman. I feel like he's more of a five tool batter than teammate James Tibbs III despite Tibbs being projected ahead of Cam Smith.
    
    
    Previous Pick: Braden Montgomery, RF, Texas A&M
    
    
16. Miami Marlins: Cam Caminiti, P, Saguaro HS (AZ)
    
    
    The Miami Marlins have six double digit home run hitters with Luis Arreaz at second baseman, Josh Bell at first baseman, Jazz Chizholm Jr. at center fielder, Jake Burger at third baseman, Bryan de La Cruz at left fielder, and Jesus Sanchez at right fielder. The Miami Marlins could improve at designated hitter, shortstop, and catcher. Jacob Berry Miami's 2022 first round pick could be the future DH or future first baseman while Joe Mack, Miami's 2021 first round pick is a catcher in AA with Will Banfield a 2018 second round pick currently in AAA on the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp.
    
    
    
    Miami has a starting rotation with Sandy Alcantara, Jesus Luzardo, Eury Perez, Braxton Garrett, and Max Meyer their fifth overall pick. Both Sandy Alcantara and Max Meyer are recovering from season ending injuries, but that is a potent starting five for the Miami Marlins if everyone is healthy. The Miami Marlins have one of the leagues better bullpens with a closer, set up pitcher, two middle relievers, and a long reliever.
    
    
    
    The 6-2 205 lb Cam Caminiti has a 95 mile per hour fastball. His curveball, slider, and changeup can be effective complimentary pitches, but are not consistent pitches. Right now the cousin of the late Ken Caminiti has a chance to be the first player drafted in the first round as a High School prep player in the state of Arizona since Matthew Liberatore. Cam Caminiti is also versatile enough to play outfielder as well as pitcher as Cam Caminiti was the center fielder on the Saguaro Sabrecats located at Saguaro High School in Arizona. Cam Caminiti went 9-0 with a 0.93 ERA striking out 119 batters in 52 2/3 innings while also posting a .493 batting average. Cam Caminiti led Saguaro High School to their first 4A State Championship since 2011.
    
    
    
    
    
17. Milwaukee Brewers: William Schmidt, P, Catholic HS (LA)
    
    
    Milwaukee has Christian Yelich at designated hitter as the leadoff batter, William Contreras is projected to bat second as a catcher, Sal Frelick the Milwaukee Brewers 2021 first round pick out of Boston College is batting third at right fielder where Christian Yelich played prior to moving to designated hitter, shortstop Willy Adames led Milwaukee with 24 home runs in 2023 and is batting fourth, Rhys Hoskins is battig fifth at first baseman, Jackson Chourio is a 19 year old left fielder from Venezuala, Garrett Mitchell a 2020 first round pick bats at center fielder, Anruw Monaserio a backup third baseman on Cleveland is the starting third baseman as the stop gap with Milwaukee Brewers second baseman Brice Turang Milwaukee's 2018 first round pick at second baseman.
    
    
    
    Third baseman is the only weakness in this batting lineup. Tyler Black, Milwaukee's 2021 first round pick at third baseman and Brock Wilken, Milwaukee's 2023 first round pick are both upgrades over Andruw Monaserio in the long run, so Milwaukee can keep Monaserio unti one of those two develops in the minor leagues.
    
    
    
    Milwaukee has good starting pitchers with Freddy Peralta, Dallas Keuchel, Colin Rea, Wade Miley, and Brandon Woodruff are Milwaukee's five starters with Miley and Woodruff on IL despite losing Corbin Burns to the Baltimroe Orioles. Milwaukee also has a good bullpen for the most part.
    
    
    
    The 6-4 185 lb William Schmidt went 5-1 with a 0.66 ERA as a junior at Catholic High School in Louisiana. William Schmidt went 9-0 with a 0.44 ERA in 63.2 innings pitched while posting 102 strikeouts as a senior in 2024. William Schmidt has a 77 mile per hour power curveball and a 75 mile per hour curveball with both curveballs having 3,000 rpm. He's got a 90 mile per hour 4-seam and 2-seam fastball with both fastballs having the ability go up to 95 miles per hour if you use Schmidt out of the bullpen. Schmidt also has a 75 mile per hour changeup as well as a 78 mile per hour sinker. Schmidt has six different pitches with four translating to the MLB right now and two more pitches that can improve in the minor leagues. He could have 7 total pitches if he can develop a slider to compliment his arsenal of pitches.
    
    
    Previous Pick: Ryan Sloan, P, York HS (IL)
    
    
18. Tampa Bay Rays: Seaver King, 2B, Wake Forest
    
    
    Tampa Bay drafts the best player on the board here. Second baseman Brandon Lowe's contract runs through 2027, and I believe Seaver King will need three years to develop in the minor leagues before being called up, so this works out quite well for the Tampa Bay Rays at 17. Charges were filed against Wander Franco at shortstop so he's probably out of the league, Shane McLanahan is out in 2024 recovering from Tommy John Surgery, Drew Rasmussen had elbow surgery, and hardly any residents in St. Petersburg gave a damn about the 2023 AL Wild Card against the Texas Rangers. I think Tampa Bay could have a down year in 2024 after beginning 2023 with such a bang including a 12-0 start. I was right on Tampa Bay having a down year, but now its time to figure out who the Tampa Bay Rays draft at 18.
    
    
    
    The 6-0 190 lb Seaver King had a .381 batting average, started 35 of 39 games, 34 runs, 53 hits, 18 doubles, 3 triples, 4 home runs, 44 RBI's, a .640 slugging percentage, 12 walks, 5 hits by pitch, 18 strikeouts, a .449 on base percentage, 7 stolen bases, and a .935 fielding percentage as a freshman for Wingate in Division 2 in 2022. Seaver King had a .411 batting average, started all 50 games, had 63 runs, 90 hits, 20 doubles, 5 triples, 11 home runs, 53 RBI's, a .699 slugging percentage, 18 walks, 26 strikeouts, a .457 on base percentage, 13 stolen bases on 14 stolen base attempts, and a .927 fielding percentage as a sophomore for Wingate in 2023.
    
    
    
    Wake Forest landed Seaver King out of Division 2 through the Transfer Portal. Seaver King has the versatility to play shortstop, second baseman, third baseman, left fielder, center fielder, or right fielder. Someone will gamble on this consistent bat in the top 10. Especially, if King breaks out at Wake Forest. Worst, case scenario, King becomes a minor league player, he could be a really good utility player off of the bench at five different positions, but the goal is for Seaver King to develop into either an MLB infielder or MLB outfielder.
    
    
    
    Seaver King had a .316 batting average, started 51 games, ha 51 runs, 68 hits, 13 doubles, 3 triples, 14 home runs, 59 RBI's, a .600 slugging percentage, 22 walks, 4 hits by pitch, 29 strikeouts, 10 stolen bases, and posted a .924 fielding percentage in his lone season at Wake Forest in 2024. Seaver King did enough to get drafted in the top 20, but he didn't do enough to live up to the top 10 hype he had at the beginning of the year. Seaver King can hit home runs, line drives, grounders, and bunts showcasing the traits of a potential five tool batter in terms of his ceiling despite having the floor of a utility player. That's why Seaver King kind of feels like a boom or bust pick.
    
    
    Previous Pick: Caleb Bonemer, 3B, Okemos HS (MI)
    
    
    
    
19. New York Mets: Carson Benge, RF, Oklahoma State
    
    
    The New York Mets have a good batting lineup. Left fielder Brandon Nimmo, the New York Mets 2011 first round pick is the lead off batter. Second baseman Jeff McNeil is the New York Mets 2013 twelfth round pick. Francisco Lindor bats third in this lineup at shortstop, but can be a lead off batter too. New York Mets first baseman Pete Alonso is a home run derby king that bats fourth. Right fielder Starling Marte bats fifth when he's healthy as Marte is currently out of the lineup with a knee bone bruise, designated hitter DJ Stewart, but can also move to right fielder when Marte is injured, catcher Francisco Alvarez bats seventh, third baseman Mark Vientos a 2017 second round pick bats eighth, and centerfielder Harrison Bader, a former Cincinnati Reds backup outfielder bats ninth. I like New York's batting lineup, but the New York Mets need more arms if they want to make a deep run in October down the road.
    
    
    
    The New York Mets have one good starting pitcher in Kodai Senga from Japan and who posted a 2.98 ERA and 202 strikeouts pitching 166.1 innings in 29 starts with the New York Mets after Senga left Japan to sign with the New York Mets. Senga hasn't been able to pitch all year due to injuries. Luis Severino, David Peterson, Sean Manaea, and Jose Quintana have all done well in the New York Mets starting rotation in the 1-4 roles despite the absence of Senga. New York might have a starting rotation that can get them a wild card this year if Senga comes back. Too bad the bullpden is awful outside of closer Edwin Diaz as set up pitcher Brooks Raley one of the two biggest assets in this New York Mets bullpen at set-up pitcher had Tommy John's Surgery.
    
    
    
    New York's bullpen is just as bad as the New York Mets starting rotation. Outside of closer Edwin Diaz and set up pitcher Brooks Raley there's no bullpen arm worth a damn. This means the New York Mets will need their starting pitchers to pitch seven good innings and get a lead by the eighth inning if they want to win games by pitching Raley in the eighth inning when the Mets are leading before Diaz gets the save in the ninth and final inning. New York doesn't have any long relievers if they are down by a ton of runs early in a game or any decent middle relivers if their starting pitchers can only provide six quality teams.
    
    
    
    New York drafts a right fielder to replace Starling Marte in 2026. They could also draft a first baseman if they felt like Pete Alonso will walk when Free Agency approaches.
    
    
    
    The 6-1 184 lb Carson Benge missed the 2022 season with Tommy John's Surgery so he redshirted in 2022. Carson Benge had a .345 batting average, 53 starts, 59 runs, 68 hits, 17 doubles, 0 triples, 7 home runs, 43 RBI's, a .538 slugging percentage, 42 walks, 6 hits by pitch, 32 strikeouts, a .468 on base percentage, 8 stolen bases, and a .965 fielding percentage as a freshman redshirt in 2023. Carson Benge had a .335 batting average, 61 starts, 72 runs, 83 hits, 24 doubles, 2 triples, 18 home runs, 64 RBI's, a .665 slugging percentage, 49 walks, 3 hits by pitch, 51 strikeouts, a .444 on base percentage, 10 stolen bases, and a .973 fielding percentage as a sophomore redshirt in 2023.
    
    
    
    Carson Benge may have five tool potential as a batter. He also pitches, but he's a much better batter than a pitcher. I expect him to play right fielder in the MLB.
    
    
    Previous Pick: Chase Burns, P, Wake Forest
    
    
20. Toronto Blue Jays: Ryan Sloan, P, York HS (IL)
    
    
    Toronto currently has former Houston Astros center fielder George Springer as the Toronto Blue Jays right fielder as their lead off batter until 2027, shorstop Bo Bichette is bating second until 2026 when he's a UFA, first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. is batting third and will remain in the top 3 until 2026, designated hitter Danny Jansen bats fourth entering a contract year this season with Jansen being a 2025 UFA, third baseman Cavan Biggio bats fifth remaining with Toronto until 2026, second baseman Spener Hortwitz is in this batting lineup, left fielder Daulton Varsho hit 20 home runs in 2023 after being traded from Arizona to Toronto with the Blue Jays owning his arbitration rights until he's a UFA in 2027, catcher Danny Jansen is in a contract year with utility player Alejandro Kirk as the backup catcher until 2027, and Kevin Kiermaier a backup outfielder on the Tampa Bay Rays entering a contract year as Toronto's center fielder in 2024.
    
    
    
    Toronto has three starting pitchers playing up to their hype in Jose Berrios, Chris Bassitt, and Yariel Rodriguez. Toronto was my preseason pick to make the 2024 World Series winning the AL Pennant and they are in last place in the AL East Division. Toronto's bullpen has also been underwhelming too.
    
    
    
    The 6-5 225 lb Ryan Sloan is big body pitcher that had a 1-1 record and a 0.58 ERA pitching 24.1 innings in 2023. Ryan Sloan had a 0.18 ERA in 39.2 innings pitched with 79 strikeouts this year in 2024. Ryan Sloan has a 93 mile per hour 4-seam fastball an a 92 mile per hour 2-seam fastball. He's got excellent velocity and command on his fastball, but needs to develop secondary pitches as a long-term project. Ryan Sloan has potential to be a starter, but could also move to the bullpen if he doesn't develop more pitches outside of his fastball. He also posted a 4.28 GPA in High School while winning 2024 Gatorade High School Pitcher of the Year in the State of Illinois.
    
    
    Previous Pick: Drew Beam, P, Tennessee
    
    
    
    
21. Minnesota Twins: Brody Brecht, P, Iowa
    
    
    The Minnesota Twins have 9 batters that hit 10 or more home runs in 2023. This group includes designated hitter Edouard Julien whose under contract until 2031, third baseman Royce Lewis is under contract until 2030, second baseman Jorge Polanco is under contract until 2026, shortstop Carlos Correa is under contract until 2033, right fielder Max Kepler enters a contract year as he is a UFA in 2025, center fielder Byron Buxton until 2029, right fielder Matt Walner is under contract until 2031, catcher Ryan Jeffers is under contract until 2027, and first baseman Alex Kirillof under contract until 2028. Brooks Lee, Minnesota's 2022 first round pick made his MLB debut filling in for an injured Royce Lewis at third baseman. Carlos Santana has filled in for Alex Kirilloff at first baseman too.
    
    
    
    Pablo Lopez, Minnesota's number one starter is locked up until 2028. Joe Ryan and Simeone Woods Richardson, and Bailey Ober are four quality starters. An upgrade over Chris Paddock is needed.
    
    
    
    The 6-4 225 lb Brody Brecht was a duel sport athlete in High School playing both starting pitcher and wide receiver receiving both a football and baseball scholarship. Brody Brecht committed fully to baseball ahead of the 2023 season.
    
    
    
    Brody Brecht went 12-4 in games Brecht started with Brecht going 5-2 with a 3.74 ERA in 2023. Bretcht pitched 77 innings with 109 strikeouts when playing exclusively baseball after giving up football during his sophomore season. Brody Brecht went 4-3 with a 3.33 ERA and 128 strikeouts as a junior in 2024.
    
    
    Previous Pick: Michael Massey, P, Wake Forest
    
    
22. Baltimore Orioles: Tommy White, 1B, LSU
    
    
    The Orioles have got some good bats in their farm system on a team that needed help everywhere. Batters like Oregon State catcher Adley Rutschman Baltimore's number one overall pick in 2019 who hit 20 homes runs 2023, High School shortstop Gunnar Henderson is now lead off batter on Baltimore Orioles hit 28 home runs in 2023, Jackson Holliday is the shortstop of the future after going first overall in the 2022 MLB Draft is expected to make his MLB debut this season in 2024 after dominating in the minor leagues the last year and a half, Sam Houston State center fielder Colton Cowser Baltimore's fifth overall pick in 2021, and Arkansas right fielder Henry Kjerstad Baltimore's second overall pick in 2020. Baltimore really just needs a left fielder of the future and pitching and the Orioles have five more drafts to get that unless Adley Rutschman gets a long-term extension before becoming a UFA in 2028.
    
    
    
    Right fielder Anthony Santander led Baltimore with 28 home runs in 2023 and bats third, but enters a contract year in 2024 making him a 2025 UFA batting behind Henderson at shortstop and Rutschman at catcher. Baltimore purchased the rights to former Kansas City Royals first baseman Ryan O'Hearn after he hit 14 home runs with the Royals in 2023, but he's a UFA in 2025 playing designated hitter. Jordan Westburg a 2020 first round pick is the starting third baseman. Left fielder Colton Cowser a 2021 first round pick took the left fielder job from Austin Hays. First baseman Ryan Mountcastle bats seventh and hit 18 home runs in 2023 and is a UFA in 2027. Cedric Mullins a center fielder who hits eighth in Baltimore's batting lineup is also a 2026 after hitting 13 home runs in 2023. Jorge Mateo bats ninth at second baseman.
    
    
    
    Kyle Bradish is under contract until 2029 with Grayson Rodriguez under contract until 2031. Baltimore's two best pitchers are locked up, with former number one ace and now number three starter John Means entering a contract year and Corbin Burns the number one starter is also in a contract year even with Bradish and Rodriguez having Tommy John's Surgery. Baltimore has three quality starters, but needs a couple or more starters in the rotation.
    
    
    
    Baltimore signed Philadelphia Phillies closer Craig Kimbrel to a two year contract this offseason making a big splash with a young team as Kimbrel was the closer on the Atlanta Braves 2021 World Series Team. Yennier Cano can play closer or set up pitcher and is under contract until 2031. Danny Coloumbe was a set up pitcher in 2023 and moves to middle reliever in 2024 entering a contract year. Tyler Wells, a middle reliever in this bullpen until 2028. Jacob Wells and Cionel Perez the other two middle relievers are also under contract until 2028. D.L. Hall has the versatility to be used as a starting pitcher, substitute starter, long reliever, or middle reliever making him quite the asset in both the starting rotation and the bullpen. Long reliever Mike Bauman's contract runs through 2031.
    
    
    
    Baltimore has enough pieces to be a playoff team once again after having the best record in the American League a year ago. Where the Baltimore Orioles are seeded and who they end up playing will ultimately determine if they make any type of run in 2024. I'm going for LSU third baseman Tommy White as a first baseman for the future when Ryan Moutcastle's contract is up in 2027.
    
    
    
    The 6-0 236 lb Tommy White has the versatility to play designated hitter, third baseman, and first baseman even though his main position on LSU's baseball team is third baseman. Baltimore drafts Tommy White as a first baseman at 22.
    
    
    
    Tommy White had 54 runs, 85 hits, 178 total bases, 12 doubles, 0 triples, 27 home runs, 74 RBI's, 23 walks, 5 hits by pitch, 50 strikeouts, 1 stolen base, a .362 batting average, .425 on base percentage, a .757 slugging percentage, and a .934 fielding percentage at North Carolina State as a freshman in 2022. Tommy White had 64 runs, 102 hits, 198 total bases, 24 doubles, 0 triples, 24 home runs, 105 RBI's, 23 walks, 9 hits by pitch, 41 strikeouts, 0 stolen bases, a .374 batting average, a .432 on base percentage, a .725 slugging percentage, and a .859 fielding percentage after transferring from North Carolina State to LSU in the transfer portal before being a key contributor on the 2023 College World Series Champion LSU Tigers. Tommy White had 61 runs, 92 hits, 12 doubles, 1 triple, 24 home runs, 70 RBI's, 27 walks, 7 hits by pitches, 3 strikeouts, 2 stolen bases, a .330 batting average, a .401 on base percentage, and a .638 slugging percentage as a junior in 2024.
    
    
    Previous Pick: Thatcher Hurd, P, LSU
    
    
    
    
23. Los Angeles Dodgers: Ryan Waldschmidt, RF, Kentucky
    
    
    The Los Angeles Dodgers have one of the best batting lineups and starting rotations in the league. I'll break down their batting lineup, pitching lineup, bullpen, and manger before revealing who the 2024 World Series favorites take.
    
    
    
    Los Angeles Dodgers have Mookie Betts at second baseman who hit 39 home runs under contract until 2033. Shohei Ohtani is the designated hitter signing with the Los Angeles Dodgers after hitting and pitching with the Angels where he hit 44 home runs in 2023 as Shohei Ohtani is now a Los Angeles Dodger until 2034. First baseman Freddie Freeman, the third star player in this batting lineup hit 29 home runs in his second year with the Los Angeles Dodgers and is under contract until 2028 with Betts, Ohtani, and Freeman the three stars of this batting lineup betting 1-3. Catcher Will Smith hit 19 home runs in 2023 and the Los Angeles Dodgers number four batter is under contract until 2026. Third baseman Max Muncy hit 36 home runs in his first year replacing Justin Turner, bats fifth on the Los Angeles Dodgers, and is under contract until 2027. Center fielder James Outman bats sixth on the Los Angles Dodgers, hit 19 home runs and is under contract until 2030. Left fielder Teoscar Hernandez bats seventh on the Los Angeles Dodgers, had 26 home runs and is under contract until until 2025 before Chris Taylor takes over at left fielder after having 15 home runs and 16 stolen bases in 2023 with Taylor under contract until 2027. Right fielder Jason Heyward, the eighth batter in this lineup enters a contract year after hitting 15 home runs. Shortstop Gavin Lux bats ninth, the Los Angeles Dodgers 2016 first round pick was younger than Corey Seager and has 20 home run 20 stolen base potential as he will be back from a injury that kept him out in 2023.
    
    
    
    The Los Angeles Dodgers are the only MLB team that has 9 batters that can hit 15 or more home runs and the only team with 6 or more batters that can steal 15 bases a year. This is one of the big reasons why the Los Angeles Dodgers are the favorite to win the 2024 World Series.
    
    
    
    The Los Angeles Dodgers signed Yoshimobu Yamamoto from Japan to be their number one starter, Tyler Glasnow is now the number two starter on the Los ANgeles Dodgers, Walker Buehler is back from his season ending injury and will pitch in 2024 as the number three starter, and Bobby Miler is the number four starter. Emmett Sheehan is the only liability as the number five starter, but the Los Angeles Dodgers should bring back long-time starter Clayton Kershaw and even if the Dodgers move on from Kershaw Dustin May will be back by Ausgust. This starting rotation looks pretty incredible.
    
    
    
    The Los Angeles Dodgers signed Yoshimobu Yamamoto from Japan to be their number one starter to a contract that runs through 2036, Tyler Glasnow is now the number two starter on the Los Angeles Dodgers under contract until 2029, Walker Buehler is back from his season ending injury and will pitch in 2024 as the number three starter after being a top 2 starter with Kershaw entering his contract year, and Bobby Miler is the number four starter locked up under contract until 2031 with all four of the Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitchers having a ERA of under 4.00 and 119 strikeouts each. Emmett Sheehan is the only liability as the number five starter, but the Los Angeles Dodgers should bring back long-time starter Clayton Kershaw whose currently a Free Agent and even if the Dodgers move on from Kershaw Dustin May will be back by Ausgust. This starting rotation looks pretty incredible.
    
    
    
    The Los Angeles Dodgers only have three assets in the bullpen with closer Evan Phillips whose under contract until 2027, set up pitcher Brusdar Graterol is under contract until 2027 as well, and middle reliever Caleb Ferguson enters a contract year and will be a UFA in 2025. Those are the only relievers with ERA's of under 4.00, but if Kershaw returns my guess is Dustin May will move to from the starting rotation to the bullpen. Daniel Hudson one of the Dodgers AAA pitchers has a ERA of 0.00 and could get called up.
    
    
    
    The Los Angeles Dodgers also have a abundance of batting talent in AAA on the brink of being called up to the show if injuries in this batting lineup occur. Those players include Diego Cartaya a catcher from Venezuala, Michael Busch a North Carolina first baseman with the versatility to play anywhere in the infield was the Los Angeles Dodgers 2019 first round pick and he's in AAA, former Tulane third baseman Kody House who was drafted ahead of Michael Busch by the Dodgers in the 2019 MLB Draft is also in AAA, Trey Sweeney the Yankees 2021 first round pick got traded to the Dodgers and he's in AAA too. Former Pittsburgh Pirates and Chicago White Sox center fielder Travis Swaggerty is on the Los Angeles Dodgers AAA team, but the Dodgers should pray that their center fielders stay healthy enough for Swaggerty to not be summoned to the big leagues.
    
    
    
    After reviewing the Los Angeles Dodgers and taking everything into consideration, I decided to give the Los Angeles Dodgers a right fielder. Kentucky outfielder Ryan Waldschmidt played all three outfielder spots in High School before enrolling at Charleston Southern and transferring to Kentucky. Even with the injuries that the Los Angeles Dodgers have at catcher and pitcher, this is a pretty complete team on paper.
    
    
    
    The 6-2 205 lb Ryan Waldschmidt had 66 runs, 71 hits, 130 total bases, 17 doubles, 0 triples, 14 home runs, 46 hits, 41 walks, 16 hits by pitch, 45 strikeouts, 25 stolen bases, a .333 batting average, a .469 on base percentage, and a .610 slugging percentage in 2024. Ryan Waldschmidt is a dark horse to sneak into the top 15 of the 2024 MLB Draft despite only having one good season at Kentucky this past season, but if he makes it to 23, I doubt the Los Angeles Dodgers pass on him.
    
    
    Previous Pick: PJ Morlando, RF, Summerville HS (SC)
    
    
24. Atlanta Braves: Jurrangelo Cijntje, P, Mississippi State
    
    
    Atlanta has a incredible 1-9 batting lineup just like the Los Angeles Dodgers do entering the 2024 MLB Season. Both teams have strong starting pitching with good 1-5 rotations as well. This is the big reason why Bet MGM, Fanduel, and DraftKings have these two National League clubs as the top 2 favorites to win the 2024 World Series ahead of every single American League team this year.
    
    
    
    Atlanta Braves right fielder Ronald Acuna Jr. dominated last year with a .337 batting average, 41 home runs, and 73 stolen bases with Atlanta's lead off batter having a historic 2023 MLB Season with Ronld Acuna Jr. under contract until 2029, but he's out for the season this year. Second baseman Ozzie Albies bats second in this lineup behind Ronald Acuna Jr., he hit 33 homes runs in 2023, and remains under contract with the Atlanta Braves until 2028. Third baseman Austin Riley bats third in this lineup, hit 34 home runs in 2023 and is locked up until 2034. First baseman Matt Olsen bats fourth in this batting lineup, led the Atlanta Braves with 54 home runs, and is under contract until 2031. Designated hitter Marcel Ozuna bats fifth, hit 40 home runs in 2023, and is under contract until 2026. Center fielder Michael Harris Jr. bats sixth, he had 18 home runs, 20 stolen bases, and is under contract until 2033. Catcher Sean Murphy bats seventh, hit 21 home runs, and is under contract until 2030. Left fielder Jarred Kelenic had 13 home runs and 18 stolen bases with the Seattle Mariners before Atlanta traded for Kelenic. Jared Kelenic will bat eighth in this lineup and is under contract until 2029. Shortstop Orlando Arcia bats ninth in this lineup, hit 17 home runs for Atlanta in 2023, and is under contract until 2027.
    
    
    
    Atlanta's top nine batters are under contract for the next two years. Now it is time to break down the pitching on the Atlanta Braves.
    
    
    
    Atlanta's number one starter Spencer Strider pitched 186 2/3 innings with 281 strikeouts and a 3.86 ERA with Strider locked up until 2030, but he's out for the season this year. Reynaldo Lopez has done well in relief of Spencer Strider as a number one starter and is under contract until 2028 as he will probably be Atlanta's number two starter next year when Strider comes back. Chris Sale, the Boston Red Sox ace pticher for many years got traded to Atlanta and still has two years left on his contract and he will be the number three starter next season after having a bounce back season with the Atlanta Braves this year. Atlanta's number four starter Charlie Morton is in a contract year as Morton pitched 163 1/3 innings, 183 strikeouts, and a 3.64 ERA in 2023. Atlanta's number five starter Max Fried only threw 80 strikeouts, but had a team best 2.55 ERA before injuries limited Fried in 2023. Max Fried enters a contract year in 2024. Atlanta also has AJ Smith-Shawver who had an ERA of 0.00 in his lone start before going on IL and Hudson Waldrep a 2023 first round pick who started one game in the MLB before an injury with those guys as replacements to Morton and Fried if either pitcher leaves.
    
    
    
    Altanta's bullpen is pretty strong too. Atlanta Braves closer Raisel Iglesias had 33 saves, 68 strikeouts, and a 2.75 ERA with 55 2/3 innings pitched. Raisel Iglesias is under contract for the next two years until 2026. Joe Jiminez posted a 3.04 ERA and 73 strikeouts in 2023 and he's under contract until 2027. Joe Jiminez improved enough to take the set-up pitcher job from A.J. Minter causing Minter to get demoted to middle reliever in a contract year after A.J. Minter had 10 saves and a 3.76 ERA along with 82 strikeouts in 2023 as Minter enters a contract year this season. Middle reliever Pierce Johnson led Atlanta's bullpen with 90 strikeouts after the Braves acquired him at the 2023 MLB Trade Deadline as Johnson is under contract until 2027. Middle reliever Tyler Matzek is under contract until 2026. Atlanta traded for Aaron Bummer despite his 6.30 ERA on the Chicago White Sox with Bummer as a long reliever option with him under contract until 2027. Jackson Stephens Altanta's other long reliever had a ERA of 3.00 and is under contract until 2029. Ian Anderson, Atlanta's 2017 first round pick can be used as a extra starter or extra reliever and he's under contract until 2027.
    
    
    
    Atlanta can draft a batter to be their designated hitter of the future if they don't want to extend Marcel Ozuna. I also feel like he's a guy they could extend which is why I'm leaning towards a college pitcher here at 24.
    
    
    
    The 5-11 200 lb Jurrangelo Cijntje is the son of former professional baseball player in the Netherlands. He began pitching at the age of 6 before pitching for Curacao in the 2016 Little League World Series. Eight years later he's draft eligible in the 2024 MLB Draft. Jurrangelo Cijintje went 8-2 in 16 starts with a 3.67 ERA in 90.2 innings pitched while only allowing 70 hits, 39 runs, 113 strikeouts and only 30 walks with Mississippi State as a sophomore redshirt in 2024.
    
    
    
    Jurrangelo Cijntje has a 96 mile per hour 4-seam fastball, a 94 mile per hour 2-seam fastball, an 80 mile per hour slider that goes up to 91 miles per hour, and a changeup to compliment his three plus pitches. Jurrangelo Clijntje is raw and could end up in the bullpen, but this switch handed pitcher also has a ceiling similar to Marcus Stroman if he throws with his right hand despite only being a sophomore redshirt.
    
    
    Previous Pick: Luke Holman, P, LSU
    
    
    
    
25. San Diego Padres: Kash Mayfield, P, Elk City HS (OK)
    
    
    The San Diego Padres entred last year with World Series expectations and were one of the bigger disappointments in 2023. San Diego has the batting lineup and starting pitching to potentially redeem themselves in 2024.
    
    
    
    The Padres top six batters all hit 10 or more home runs in 2023. Shortstop Xander Bogarts had 19 home runs and 19 stolen bases in his first season with the Padres after being the shortstop on the Boston Red Sox for many years. Xander Bogarts is the lead off batter for the San Diego Padres in 2024 and is under contract until 2033. Right fielder Fernando Tatis Jr. still had 25 home runs and 29 stolen bases in limited action in 2023 despite serving a suspension for steroids for the first half of the season. Fernarndo Tatis Jr. is locked up until 2035. First baseman Jake Cronenworth hit 10 home runs in 2023 as the number three batter in this lineup and is under contract until 2031. Designated hitter Manny Machado hit 30 home runs in 2023 and projects as the number four batter in 2024 with Machado being locked up until 2034. Second baseman Ha-Seong Kim had 17 home runs and 38 stolen bases as the San Diego Padres number five batter is under contract until 2026. Kyle Higashshioka hit 10 home runs as a catcher with the New York Yankees and he could end up beating out Luke Campusano for the starting catcher job and number six spot in this Padres batting lineup. Matthew Batten the third baseman on this team is batting seventh, left fielder Cal Mitchell who was on the Pittsburgh Pirates last season bats eighth, with center fielder Jose Azocar batting ninth. The 1-6 batters are the toughest outs in the lineup with batters 7-9 being the weak links.
    
    
    
    Joe Musgrove, the San Diego Padres number one pitcher is under contract until 2028. Yu Darvish is under contract until 2029. Michael King the number three starter is under contract until 2026. Randy Vasquez the number four starter on the San Diego Padres is under contract until 2030. Pedro Avila the number five starter is locked up until 2031. Every starting pitcher outside of Yu Darvish had a ERA of under 4.00 in 2023. The San Diego Padres have potential to be a playoff team if Fernando Tatis Jr. avoids another suspension, Yu Darvish improves his ERA, and the rest of these starters ontinue to pitch as well as they did in 2023.
    
    
    
    The San Diego Padres added Wo Sook Go as their closer. The Padres Yuki Matsui from Japan to be the set up pitcher for closer Wo Sook Go. Roberto Suarez moves from closer to middle reliever which is probably for the best. Enyel De Los Santos, Tom Cosgrove, and Steven Wilson give the Padres the middle relievers you want if these starting pitchers can pitch 5 or 6 innings. The biggest weakness in the bullpen at the moment for the San Diego Padres is long reliever. San Diego has enough talent to win a wild card series and return to the NLDS in 2024 after making the 2022 NLCS and missing the 2023 MLB Playoffs. I'm not sure this bullpen can get the Padres to the 2024 NLCS unless they secure a top 2 seed in the National League.
    
    
    
    The 6-4 200 lb Kash Mayfield was the Gatorade High School Pitcher Of The Year in Oklahoma as a junior in 2023. Kash Mayfield won Gatorade High School Pitcher Of The Year in Oklahoma as a senior with a 0.16 ERA and .476 batting average going 8-0 on the year with 115 strikeouts as a senior in 2024 only surrendering 4 hits and 1 earned run in 44 innings pitched during his senior year of High School in 2024.
    
    
    
    Kash Mayfield has a 95 mile per hour 4-seam fastball and a 92 mile per hour 2-seam fastball. His complimentary pitch to his fastball is his curveball, but its more of a slurveball at this point. He's already 19 and there's less of a learning curve with this High School pitcher compared to most.
    
    
    Previous Pick: William Schmidt, P, Catholic HS (LA)
    
    
26. New York Yankees: Dakota Jordan, LF, Mississippi State
    
    
    The New York Yankees have a strong 1-9 batting lineup. D.J. LeMahieu is a third baseman and lead off batter on the New York Yankees. D.J. LeMahieu hit 15 home runs in 2023 and is under contract until 2027. Center fielder Aaron Judge hit 37 home runs in 2023. Aaron Judge got extended until 2033 after being the New York Yankees 2013 first round pick out of Fresno State. Right fielder Juan Soto was part of the Washington Nationals team that won the 2019 World Series before being traded to the San Diego Padres at the 2022 MLB Trade Deadline. Juan Soto enters arbitration level 4 with the New York Yankees in a contract year and is a UFA next year after hitting 35 home runs with the Padres in 2023. First baseman Anthony Rizzo is projected to bat fourth in this lineup as he hit 12 home runs last year with a contract running through 2026, but he's currently on IL with Ben Rice a 2021 twelfth round pick doing a nice job filling in for Rizzo. Second baseman Gleyber Torres hit 25 home runs and also 13 stolen bases in 2023 with Torres projected to bat fifth in this lineup entering a contract year in 2024 with him becoming a UFA in 2025. Alex Verdugo should play left fielder and enters a contract year with the New York Yankees in 2024 after hitting 12 home runs in 2023. Designated hitter Giancarlo Stanton will bat seventh, hit 24 home runs in 2023, and is under contract until 2029. Anthony Volpe, the New York Yankees 2019 first round pick bats eighth at shortstop had 21 home runs and 24 stolen bases making me look foolish for doubting the New York Yankees for drafting him with Volpe under contract until 2030. Austin Wells a 2020 first round pick catcher round out this batting lineup and is under contract until 2031.
    
    
    
    The Yankees have ideal 1-7 batters. Volpe made me look stupid for doubting hin and Wells has a chance to make me look just as foolish as Volpe did. I wasn't sold on Volpe during the 2019 MLB Draft, but he asserted himself as the starting shortstop after I foolishly gave the Yankees an F grade for drafting him. I did the same with Austin Wells, but the Yankees plan was to replace Gary Sanchez with Austin Wells. If both Volpe and Wells continue to play at a high level and develop, the New York Yankees could easily make a run in the American League over the next two years.
    
    
    
    The New York Yankees have five quality starting pitchers with Gerrit Cole, Luis Gil, Marcus Stroman, Carlos Rodon, and Nestor Cortes. Everyone in the New York Yankees starting rotation in the 1-5 spots can give you six innings consistently.
    
    
    
    New York has a good bullpen that could potentially be a great bullpen in 2024. New York Yankees closer Clay Holmes had 28 saves in 2023 and the Pittsburgh Pirates 2011 ninth round pick that was drafted eight rounds after Gerrit Cole posted a 2.86 ERA, 24 saves, and 71 strikeouts in 63 innings in 2023. New York Yankees set up pitcher Jonathan Loaisiga posted a 3.06 ERA and 6 strikeouts in 17 2/3 innings in 2023. Loaisiga is expected to be a set up pitcher in 2024 getting more innings in a contract year as both Clay Holmes and Jonathan Loaisiga are UFA's in 2025. New York Yankees middle reliever Tommy Kahnle enters a contract year after posting a 2.66 ERA in 2023. New York Yankees middle reliever Ian Hamilton posted a 2.64 ERA in 2023 and is under contract until 2029. New York Yankees middle reliever Scott Efross is under contract until 2028. New York's final middle reliever is Victor Gonzalez, a former Los Angeles Dodgers middle reliever that New York traded for is under contract until 2027. New York Yankees long reliever Ron Marinaccio, a 2017 nineteenth round draft pick from Delaware is under contract until 2029 after posting a 3.99 ERA and 2 saves in 2023. New York Yankees long reliever Nick Ramirez posted a 2.86 ERA, 28 strikeouts, and 1 save in 40 2/3 innings pitched. Nick Ramirez is under contract until 2028.
    
    
    
    New York goes with a left fielder here. Dakota Jordan out of Mississippi State makes a lot of sense.
    
    
    
    The 6-0 220 lb Dakota Jordan has the versatility to play left fielder, center fielder, right fielder, or designated hitter on a MLB team. Dakota Jordan redshirted in 2022. Dakota Jordan started 41 of 44 games, had a .307 batting average, 29 runs, 47 hits, 9 doubles, 1 triple, 10 home runs, 40 RBI's, a .575 slugging percentage, 25 walks, 46 strikeouts, a .397 on base percentage, 4 stolen bases, and a .947 fielding percentage as a freshman redshirt in 2023. Dakota Jordan started all 63 gaemes, had a .354 batting average, 57 runs, 85 hits, 14 doubles, 1 triple, 20 home runs, 72 RBI's, a .621 slugging percentage, 44 walks, 4 hits by pitch, 84 strikeouts, 3 stolen bases, and a 1.000 fielding percentage as a sophomore redshirt in 2024.
    
    
    
    I mocked Dakota Jordan to Cleveland at 36 back in January, but I feel like he could go ten spots higher after watching him in 2024. The New York Yankees have multiple outfielders in contract years making Jordan a superb fit for the New York Yankees at 26 as Dakota Jordan is a versatile outfielder as well as a home run hitting batter.
    
    
    Previous Pick: Trey Yesavage, P, East Carolina
    
    
    
    
27. Philadelphia Phillies: Slade Caldwell, CF, Valley View HS (AR)
    
    
    Philadelphia has a good batting lineup. Philadelphia Phillies designated hitter Kyle Schwarber led Philadelphia with 47 home runs in 2023 as the lead off batter and is under contract until 2026. Philadelphia Phillies shortstop Trea Turner hit 26 home runs along while also getting 30 stolen bases in 2023 as the second batter in this lineup and Trea Turner is under contract until 2034. Philadelphia Phillies first baseman Bryce Harper hit 21 home runs in 2023 as the third batter in this lineup and Bryce Harper is under contract until 2032. Philadelphia Phillies right fielder Nick Castellenos hit 29 home runs in 2023 as the fourth batter in this lineup and Nick Castellnos is under contract until 2027. Philadelphia Phillies third baseman Alec Bohm hit 20 home runs as the fifth batter in this lineup an Alec Bohm is under contract until 2027. Philadelphia Phillies second baseman Bryson Stott had 15 home runs and had 31 stolen bases when batting sixth in this lineup and is under contract until 2028. Philadelphia Phillies catcher JT Realmuto hit 20 home runs and had 16 stolen bases when batting seventh in this lineup and is under contract until 2026. Philadelphia Phillies left fielder Brandon Marsh hit 12 home runs and had 10 stolen bases when batting eighth in this lineup and is under contract until 2028. Philadelphia Phillies center fielder Johan Rojas only hit 2 home runs and had 14 stolen bases, but the weak link of this batting lineup is under contract through 2031.
    
    
    
    Zach Wheeler, Philadelphia's number one starter enters a contract year after posting a 3.61 ERA and leading the Phillies with 212 strikeouts in 2023 as Zach Wheeler is a UFA in 2025. Aaron Nola, the Philadelphia Phillies 2014 first round pick out of LSU has two more seasons with the Phillies before he becomes a UFA in 2026 after having 202 strikeouts as the number two starter in 2023 after having the worst ERA in the starting rotation at 4.46. Ranger Suarez the number three starter in this rotation is enters arbitration level two and is under contract for two more seasons before becoming a UFA in 2026. Tijuan Walker, the number four starter on the Philadelphia Phillies is making $18 million a year and is under contract until 2027 despite having a 4.37 ERA. Cristopher Sanchez the number five starter had a team best 3.44 ERA and is under contract until 2031 even with arbitration level 1 taking place for him in 2026.
    
    
    
    Philadelphia Phillies closer Jose Alvarado had 10 saves and a 1.74 ERA as the set up pitcher to Craig Kimbrel last year in 2023. Now Alvardo becomes the Philadelphia Phillies closer with Alvarado locked up until 2027. Philadelphia Phillies set up pitcher Jeff Hollman is a reliever from the Minnesota Twins in Free Agency, and he will be the set up pitcher on the Philadelphia Phillies to a one year deal in arbitration level 3 as Hollaman will be a UFA in 2025. Philadelphia Phillies middle reliever Gregory Soto is a two time All Star who had two career seasons with the Detroit Tigers in 2021 and 2022 before being traded to the Philadelphia Phillies where he had a bad 2023 season as Gregory Soto is under contract until 2026. Philadelphai Phillies middle reliever Siranthony Dominguez is under contract until 2026 after having a 3.78 ERA in 50 innings pitched. Philadelphia Phillies middle reliever Matt Strahm enters a contract year in 2024 after having a 3.29 ERA in 2023. Philadelphia Phillies middle reliever Orion Kerkering is only 23 and posted a ERA of 3.00 in 6 innings pitched with Orion Kerkering under contract until 2031 with Kerkering not hitting arbitration until 2027 at the earliest. Philadelphia only has one good long reliever among the two long relievers on their staff with Dylan Covey whose under contract until 2027.
    
    
    
    Philadelphia is in a luxury position where they can honeslty take the best player on the board at 27. A high school center fielder, starting pitchers for when your core guys in this starting rotation hit Free Agency, and long reliever are all draft needs for the Philadelphia Phillies. Both Mick Abel and Andrew Painter the two High School pitchers that the Philadelphia Phillies drafted are both in AAA and both pitchers could get promoted this year or potentially in 2025 when Zach Wheeler hits Free Agency which is why the Philadelphia Phillies could very easily reload. Justin Crawford the Philaelphia Phillies 2022 first round pick at center fielder is versatile enough to play all three outfielder spots, but still has yet to reach AA heading into 2024.
    
    
    
    The 5-8 175 lb Slade Caldwell is projected to hit around 15 home runs a season in the MLB once he fully develops and was the Arkansas Gatorade player of the year after having a .512 batting average, 5 home runs, 31 RBI's, 54 runs, and 40 stolen bases at Valley View High School in 2023. Slade Caldwell had a .485 batting average, 58 runs, and 51 stolen bases as a High School senior in 2024.
    
    
    
    Slade Caldwell is raw, but may possess five tool ability with the home run hitting, speed, quick release on his arm, and fielding percentage you want. He can hit home runs, line drives, grounders, or bunts as well. The biggest reason Slade Caldwell is now projected to go outside of the top 15 was because he tore his fibula in August. He entered the year as a top 15 to top 20 player, but fell to 25 in the final MLB Draft rankings. I decided to keep him on the Philadelphia Phillies at 27.
    
    
    
28. Houston Astros: Billy Amick, 3B, Tennessee
    
    
    Houston Astros second baseman Jose Altuve, the lead off batter on the Houston Astros enters a contract year and will be a UFA in 2025 unless Houston extends him after Jose Altuve had 14 home runs, 17 stolen bases, and a .311 batting average. Houston Astros third baseman Alex Bregman, the second pick in the 2015 MLB Draft out of LSU had 25 home runs as the number two batter in this lineup and also enters a contract year where he's a 2025 UFA like Jose Altuve. Designated hitter Yordan Alvarez bats third in this lineup as Houston's designated hitter led Houston with 31 home runs in 2023 and is won't be a UFA until 2029. Houston Astros first baseman Jose Abreu bats fourth in this lineup, hit 18 home runs in 2023, and is under contract until 2026. Houston Astros right fielder Kyle Tucker, the fifth overall pick in the 2015 MLB Draft hit 29 home runs and had 30 stolen bases in 2023 as Kyle Tucker will not be a UFA until 2026 giving the Astros two more years of Tucker. Houston Astros catcher Yanner Diaz was a catcher prospect on the Cleveland Guardians, but Houston traded for him in 2021 before Yanner Diaz took off hitting 23 home runs in 2023 and what's even scarier is that Yanner Diaz bats sixth in this lineup under contract until the end of the 2030 MLB Season meaning he will not be a UFA until 2031. Houston Astros left fielder Chas McCormick a twenty first round pick in the 2017 MLB Draft hit 22 home runs and had 19 stolen bases as the seventh batter in this lineup in 2023 and is under contract until he becomes a UFA in 2027. Houston Astros shortstop Jeremy Pena, the 2022 World Series MVP hit 10 home runs while also recording 13 stolen bases as the eighth batter in this lineup in 2023, and is under contract until 2028. Houston Astros center fielder Jake Meyers a thirteenth round pick in the 2017 MLB Draft hit 10 home runs as the number nine batter in this lineup and is under contract until 2028.
    
    
    
    Houston still has three good starters in Justin Verlander whose under contract until 2026 after Verlander posted a 3.22 ERA in 2023. Lance McCullers Jr., the Houston Astros other 2012 first round pick outside of Carlos Correa is under contract until 2027 and posted a 2.27 ERA before having elbow surgery in June of 2023 that kept him out for the year. Framber Valdez posted a 3.45 ERA and led the Houston Astros with 200 strikeouts in 2023 and he's under contract until 2026. Framber Valdez will begin the season as the number two starter, but could be the number three starter when Lance McCullers Jr. returns. You'd also have Luis Garcia, Christian Javier, Hunter Brown a fifth round pick in the 2019 MLB Draft, and J.P. France a fourteenth round pick in the 2018 MLB Draft competing for the last two spots in this starting rotation once Lance McCullers Jr. returns from his elbow surgery since all four starters outside of Verlander McCullers Jr. and Valdez had ERA's of above 4.00 in 2023. That's got to change if Houston wants to make a run at a third World Series following the retirement of manager Dusty Baker.
    
    
    
    Houston Astros closer Josh Hader is the highest paid reliever in MLB history after signing a 5 year $95-million dollar deal. Ryan Pressly will be a UFA in 2026 after posting a 3.41 ERA and 31 saves in 2023, but he will be a set up pitcher. Houston Astros set up pitcher Bryan Abreu posted a 1.75 ERA in 72 innings pitched and is under contract until 2027, but he will be a middle reliever. Middle reliever Kendall Graveman is versatile enough to play middle reliever, set up pitcher, and closer after positng a 3.14 ERA in 2023 with Graveman entering a contract year. The rest of the Houston Astros bullpen needs to be improved with two more middle relievers and two long relievers to fill out this bullpen.
    
    
    
    The 6-1 217 lb Billy Amick had a .306 batting average, 65 starts, 67 runs, 78 hits, 14 doubles, 1 triple, 23 home runs, 65 RBI's, a .639 slugging percentage, 29 walks, 6 hits by pitch, 53 strikeouts, a .387 on base percentage, 3 stolen bases, and a .926 fielding percentage on Tennessee in 2024. Billy Amick is the son of a former NASCAR driver. Billy Amick began his career at Clemson before transferring to Tennessee to be part of the 2024 College World Series Champion Tennessee Volunteers. Houston can draft Billy Amick and reload at third baseman if they do not believe they can re-sign Alex Bregman at third baseman.
    
    
    Previous Pick: Cam Smith, 3B, Florida State
    
    
    
    
29. Arizona Diamondbacks: Kaelen Culpepper, 3B, Kansas State
    
    
    The Arizona Diamondbacks have a few core players in their batting lineup. Arizona Diamondbacks left fielder Corbin Caroll had 25 home runs, 54 stolen bases, a team best .285 batting average, and a team best .506 slugging percentage in his rookie season with the 2023 National League Champion Arizona Diamondbacks. Arizona redid his contract and now Arizona's 2019 first round pick is under contract until 2032 giving Arizona a star left fielder. Arizona Diamondbacks second baseman Ketel Marte hit 25 home runs, bats second in this lineup, will be the highest paid player on the Arizona Diamondbacks until 2028, and is not a UFA until 2029. Arizona Diamondbacks first baseman Christian Walker led Arizona with 33 home runs and also had 11 stolen bases. Christian Walker enters Arbitration level 3 and is a UFA in 2025. Arizona Diamondbacks third baseman Eugenio Suarez hit 26 home runs in 2023 and is under contract until 2026. Arizona Diamondbacks designated hitter Loudres Gurriel Jr. hit 24 home runs in 2023 and is under contract until 2028. Arizona still needs upgrades at catcher, shortstop, and center fielder with 2018 first round pick Jake McCarthy, Arizona's 2018 first round pick as a utility player on the bench. Jordan Lawler Arizona's 2021 first round pick will be up soon at shortstop, and Pavin Smith can challenge Jake McCarthy for playing time if McCarthy continues to struggle. Jorge Barossa from Venezuala is a nice stop gap who could become Arizona's center fielder down the road and he's in AAA with Andruw Jones Jr. stil in A entering 2024 after being the second pick in the 2022 MLB Draft.
    
    
    
    Zac Gallen, Arizona's number one starter and ace pticher on their 2023 World Series team is only under contract for two more years after Gallen had a 3.47 ERA and 220 strikeouts in 210 innings pitched. Merrill Kelly had a team best 3.29 ERA with 187 strikeouts in 177 2/3 innings pitched as the Arizona Diamondbacks number two starter with Merrill Kelly under contract until 2026. Arizona signed Eduardo Rodriguez from the Detroit Tigers to a five year deal that keeps him under contract until 2029. Arizona has three first round draft picks at pitcher in AAA with 2019 first round pick Blake Watson, 2020 first round pick Bryce Jarvis, and 2020 first round pick Slade Cecconi all in AAA. If all three of those pitchers pan out, Arizona could potentially grt back to the World Series in 2025. Right now, I'm not exactly sure they got enough pieces to remain a playoff team in the short-term.
    
    
    
    Arizona Diamondbacks closer Paul Sewald had a 3.12 ERA,34 saves, and 80 strikeouts, in 60 2/3 innings pitched in 2023 with Paul Sewald entering a contract year before he becomes a UFA in 2025. Arizona Diamondbacks set up pitcher Kevin Ginkel had a 2.48 ERA, 70 strikeouts, and 4 saves with Kevin Ginkel under contract until he becomes a UFA in 2027. Arizona Diamondbacks middle reliever Andrew Saalfrank pitched 10 scoreless innings as a 2019 sixth round pick with three years of pre arbitration with a contract that runs through 2031. Arizona Diamondbacks middle reliever Ryan Thompson is under contract until 2028 and is the final pitcher in the bullpen with a ERA of under 4.00. Arizona's other two middle relievers with ERA's of above 4.00 both have 60 strikeouts with one of those middle relievers having a bullpen best 86 strikeouts in 2023.
    
    
    
    The 6-0 190 lb Kaelan Culpepper had a .325 batting average, 40 starts, 32 runs, 49 hits, 41 RBI's, 8 doubles, 0 triples, 10 home runs, 9 stolen bases, and a .949 fielding percentage as a true sophomore on Kansas State in 2023. Kaelan Culpepper moved from third baseman to shortstop on Kansas State and had a .328 batting average, 61 starts, 50 runs, 80 hits, 15 doubles, 6 triples, 11 home runs, 59 RBI's, a .574 slugging percentage, 35 walks, 7 hits by pitch, 41 strikeouts, a .419 on base percentage, 17 stolen bases, and a .945 fielding percentage in 2024. Kaelan Culpepper can play third baseman which is his natural position in the MLB and can develop in the minor leagues for a few years before he replaces Eugenio Suarez in 2026.
    
    
    
30. Texas Rangers: Walker Janek, C, Sam Houston State
    
    
    The Texas Rangers have quite the batting lineup coming off their first World Series in franchise history in 2023. Texas Rangers second baseman Marcus Semien hit 29 home runs, recorded 14 stolen bases, and the Texas Rangers lead off batter is under contract until 2029. Texas Rangers shortstop Corey Seager hit 33 home runs, had a .327 batting average, and the 2023 World Series MVP is under contract until 2032. Texas Rangers right fielder Adolis Garcia who hit 39 home runs winning 2023 ALCS MVP is under contract until 2027. Texas Rangers left fielder Evan Carter, a 2020 second round pick had a team low 5 home runs while also having a .307 batting average which was second best on this team in 2023 with Evan Carter, the fifth batter in this Texas Rangers lineup, under contract until 2031. Texas Rangers third baseman Josh Jung hit 23 home runs as the Texas Rangers 2019 first roun pick drafted out of Texas Tech that is projected to bat sixth in this lineup will not become a UFA until 2030. Texas Rangers catcher Jonah Heim hit 18 home runs in 2023 and the seventh batter in the Texas Rangers batting lineup becomes a UFA in 2027. Texas Rangers center fielder Lody Taveras hit 14 home runs, had 14 stolen bases, and the eighth batter in the Texas Rangers batting lineup is under contract until 2028. Texas Rangers designated hitter Ezequiel Duran, bats ninth in this lineup, hit 14 home runs in 2023, and is under contract until 2030.
    
    
    
    Texas Rangers have one healthy starter right now with Nathan Eovaldi who posted a 3.63 ERA and 132 strikeouts in 144 innings pitched with Eovaldi under contract until 2026. Dane Dunning the number four starter in this rotation had a 3.70 ERA and is under contract until 2027. Texas has three other starters with ERA's of under 4.00, but all three of those pitchers are currently on the injured list with Jacob deGrom under contract until 2029, Max Scherzer under contract until 2025, and Tyler Mahle under contract until 2026.
    
    
    
    Texas also has three pitchers in AAA with Cole Winn their 2018 first round pick, Jack Leiter the second overall pick in the 2021 MLB Draft out of Vanderbilt, and Owen White a 2018 second round pick in AAA. Kumar Rocker the Texas Rangers 2022 first round pick and Brock Porter the Texas Rangers 2022 fourth round pick that was a consensus first round prospect are both in A+ ball and could get promoted to AA in 2024. Texas could be in a similar position as the 2010 San Francisco Giants after Bruce Bochy won his first World Series with the San Frnacisco Giants if these minor league players develop properly.
    
    
    
    Texas Rangers closer Jose Leclerc enters a contract year and will be a UFA in 2025. Texas Rangers could have a quality set up pitcher if Carson Coleman recovers from his elbow surgery from April 2023, that kept him out for all of last year. Kirby Yates has the versatility to play both set up pitcher during Coleman's recovery as well as middle reliever. Jake Latz is versatile enough to play both long reliever and middle reliever for Texas.
    
    
    
    The 6-0 190 lb Walker Janek had a .308 batting average, 51 starts, 37 runs, 56 hits, 4 doubles, 1 triple, 7 home runs, 33 RBI's, a .456 slugging percentage, 32 walks, 11 hits by pitch, 46 strikeouts, a .432 on base percentage, 6 stolen bases, and a .995 fielding percentage as a true freshman in 2022. Walker Janek had a .301 batting average, 56 starts, 48 runs, 68 hits, 17 doubles, 0 triples, 13 home runs, 65 RBI's, a .549 slugging percentage, 26 walks, 4 hits by pitch, 47 strikeouts, a .377 on base percentage, 10 stolen bases, and a .979 fielding percentage as a true sophomore in 2023. Walker Janek had a .368 batting average, 58 starts, 55 runs, 81 hits, 15 doubles, 5 triples, 17 home runs, 58 RBI's, a .714 slugging percentage, 40 walks, 9 hits by pitch, 45 strikeouts, a .480 on base percentage, 13 stolen bases, and a .987 fielding percentage as a true junior in 2024.
    
    
    
    Walker Janek won the Buster Posey Award for the best catcher in College Baseball. Walker Janek can develop in the minor leagues for a few years and he could be ready by 2027 when Jonah Heim becomes a UFA now that their other catcher Austin Hedges is gone.
    
    
    Previous Pick: Caleb Lomavita, C, California