The Top 20 Minnesota Twins Prospects
Who's Hot and Who's Not? Digging Into Initial Data for 2024 First Round Hitters, Part 3
With the MiLB season in the books, we’re concluding our look at initial data from 2024 first rounds bats. While prospects are at the end of what is likely their most grueling season of baseball to date, their first handful of games give us an idea of what kind of hitters these prospects may be as professionals.
All of these reports and write ups continue to draw on relatively small sample sizes, many of them for prospects playing by far their most grueling year of baseball to date, so temper any significant conclusions drawn.
Kaelen Culpepper, 21st Overall, Twins, A+
Slash Line: .242/.330/.394 (.724)
13.4 K%, 9.8 BB%
82.1% Contact%
0% InZoneWhiff% (A only)
33% Chase% (A only)
102.6 mph 90thExitVel (A only)
34.3% Hit95+% (A only)
.312 xWOBA
While Culpepper’s end-of-season slash line is middling, he got off to a scorching start to his professional career. After making swing changes that led to a big college postseason (punctuated by hitting for the cycle and nuking a three-run home run off Hagen Smith), Culpepper made short work of Low A Fort Myers. Culpepper hit the ball hard with consistency and moved up quickly to Cedar Rapids after not swinging and missing in the zone once in the FSL. He wore down significantly at the end of the season, despite his defense at shortstop receiving glowing reviews from Twins personnel. Despite a high chase rate, encouragement can be found in Culpepper’s bat-to-ball skills during a strong pro debut. He’ll start at A+ 2025.
Vance Honeycutt, 23rd Overall, Orioles, A+
Slash Line: .176/.250/.196 (.446)
42.9 K%, 7.1 BB%
57.3% Contact%
.211 xWOBA
Honeycutt was the catalyst behind some incredible adrenaline producing moments in the 2024 college baseball postseason. Entering the draft, his hit tool was the biggest question weighing down his offensive profile. He’s done little to diminish them in a brief debut at A and A+, striking out 42.9% of the time and sporting a contact rate that starts with a five. Honeycutt’s incredible defense and athleticism will buoy his value, but he’ll need to make strides offensively in 2025.
Dante Nori, 27th Overall, Phillies, A
Slash Line: .240/.424/.280 (.704)
21.2 K%, 22 BB%
73.6% Contact%
22.5% Chase%
94.5 mph 90thExitVel
5.6% Hit95+%
.324 xWOBA
Nori, the son of the Minnesota Timberwolves Assistant Coach Micah Nori, was one of the few prep bats to get meaningful playing time after the 2024 draft, starting his pro career in A ball. Nori’s robust approach jumps out from his debut, racking up an impressive .424 OBP in no small part due to a fantastic 22% walk rate. There are also solid bat-to-ball skills, and Nori doesn’t chase too much, either. If you want to raise an orange flag, it’s how little he impacted the ball. Just 5.6% of Nori’s batted ball events were hit 95 mph or greater (the average for the level is 34.3%). Still, there’s a solid platform to build for 2025 and beyond.
Walker Janek, 28th Overall, Astros, A+
Slash Line: .175/.214/.289 (.502)
29.1 K%, 3.1 BB%
66.7% Contact%
.218 xWOBA
Janek steadily rose throughout the pre-draft process and was dubbed the best defensive catcher in the class, with solid hit and power tools to boot. The Astros threw him straight into A+, and it’s been a slow start in a 25 game debut. What has been notable is how much Janek has struggled against right-handed pitching. He’s sported just a .440 OPS against righties versus a healthy .896 versus lefties, something to keep an eye on in 2025.
Malcolm Moore, 30th Overall, Rangers, A
Slash Line: .209/.298/.374 (.672)
27.9 K%, 7.7 BB%
70.3% Contact%
.296 xWOBA
There’s not much to note about Moore’s pro debut. It’s all just sort of fine. Nothing spectacular, nothing too alarming either. Much was made of Moore’s poor batted-ball luck in his final season at Stanford before turning pro. We’ll need a more significant sample of playing time to mine some of the trends for Moore as a prospect.
2024 MLB Draft: Day One Recap
DAY ONE WINNERS
Tyler’s Pick
Colorado Rockies
OF Charlie Condon (#3), RHP Brody Brecht (#38), OF Jared Thomas (#42)
Long story short, I felt like the Rockies did an exceptional job at locking down college talent/value. Condon not going to Cincinnati felt a bit shocking for us and I'm sure Colorado was super giddy to have that kind of power land right in their laps. Snatching Brecht at 38 was a great value pick. Yes, there’s a ton of warts here, but the Rockies development team has gotten better and I trust them to find a way to help Brecht tap into his upside more. Lastly, Thomas is a very underrated selection. He was set to play OF before the departure of Luke Storm, but he's got the tools to stick in a corner spot and the bat itself has a ton of offensive upside with a high contact, burgeoning power label slapped on him.
Minnesota Twins
SS Kaelen Culpepper (#21), SS Kyle DeBarge (#33), 3B Billy Amick (#60), LHP Dasan Hill (#69)
Of the teams that had four picks on the first day, I think the Twins did an exceptional job at evaluating talent and securing it. Culpepper is a solid up the middle talent with a ton of athleticism, but the DeBarge pick really stands out to me. He's got the hit tool, power, and chops at shortstop to be a solid major leaguer if everything clicks. It's a fun analytical pick. Grabbing Amick at 60 is solid value, especially since he had suitors in the back of the first round, but the cherry on top was Hill. Hill is an incredibly lanky, projectable southpaw that's already tickled the mid-90s this spring and has the spin traits to project a solid slider. I really think highly of this class.
Detroit Tigers
SS Bryce Rainer (#11), RHP Owen Hall (#49), LHP Ethan Schiefelbein (#72)
Upside galore here. Rainer falling to 11 was a dream come true for Scott Harris and company. There's Corey Seager comps with his profile and he'll learn to pull the ball and tap more into his power as he matures physically. However, Hall's selection at 49 might be my favorite of the class. He's exceptionally athletic with a big fastball that's already touched 98-99 MPH this spring and budding secondaries that he'll get better command of. Schiefelbein is another upside southpaw with innate tunneling traits and a fun 1-2 punch with deception and ease. It's a very fun class and even though it might be expensive, the upside buys are great to see.
Jared's Picks
Miami Marlins
OF PJ Morlando (#16), SS Carter Johnson (#56), RHP Aiden May (#70)
This was one of my favorite day hauls for day one. Lots of upside and a really fun arm in Aiden May. They started with Morlando who came in at #27 on our top 300 board. He puts up insane power numbers in BP, which was shown off at the MLB Draft Combine (4 balls over 110mp EV), but he has struggled to get into that power in game (somewhat due to being intentionally walked a lot). Lots of upside with this pick. They followed that picked with even more upside by taking Carter Johnson at 56, who comes in #32 on our board. The Alabama shortstop has a ton of upside at the plate due to his mature approach. The Marlins rounded out with taking right-handed pitcher Aiden May out of Oregon State. May really got himself on the map when he went toe-to-toe with Arkansas lefty Hagen Smith during his seventeen strikeout game. The Marlins have to be pretty happy with this day one haul.
Pittsburgh Pirates
SS Konnor Griffin (#9), RHP Levi Sterling (#37), SS Wyatt Sanford (#47)
The Pirates might have one of the most exciting hauls that has plenty of upside. They started with Konnor Griffin who was basically the consensus top prep bat in the entire class. He’s got five tool upside that includes electric bat speed and tons of strength. The followed Griffin by taking right handed prep arm Levi Sterling who’s full of plenty of upside as well. He’s got a fastball with a ton of ride and run that goes along with his plus curveball and a very good slider. He repeats his delivery well. The rounded things off by taking another prep shortstop in Wyatt Sanford who some thought might go higher than 47. Sanford is one of the best defensive shortstops and will stick up the middle. There are some concerns with the hit tool, but plenty of room for growth and lots of time to rework his swing a bit once he gets to pro ball,
Boston Red Sox
OF Braden Montgomery (#12), LHP Payon Tolle (#50)
If you’re a Red Sox fan, you have to love the value of Braden Montgomery here. Our #7 overall prospect feel right into Boston’s lap and it was likely easy for them to make this selection. He’s a switch hitter but has performed much better from the left side and there is a solid chance he’s a lefty only in the future. He’s got easy plus power he can tap into to all parts of the field. He threw 96 mph as a pitcher so likely ends up as a RF due to his cannon or an arm. They followed that by taking TCU lefty Payton Tolle who’s got some of the most insane metrics on his fastball. Tolle was a two-way guy in college, but the bat really struggled this year and he won’t be hitting at the next level. Regardless, it’s a great one-two punch on established college players who still have some upside left in them.
DAY ONE LOSERS
Tyler’s Pick
Texas Longhorns/Virginia Cavaliers
Unfortunately for these two college teams, their recruiting classes were raided at the top. The Longhorns lost Bryce Rainer, Theo Gillen, and Levi Sterling, as well as Jared Thomas. Virginia lost three recruits, too. Caleb Bonemer, Luke Dickerson, and Bryce Meccage were all selected, plus their lineup was hit hard with Griff O'Ferrall and Ethan Anderson going to the Orioles. It's a tough pill to swallow for both teams, though both are well-known for their development. It still stings, though.
Oakland Athletics
1B Nick Kurtz (#4), 3B Tommy White (#40), LHP Gage Jump (#73)
I'm a bit confused on what the A's draft strategy is right now. I'd imagine there's going to be an overslot third rounder coming later today, but I felt like they could've squeezed out more from their first three picks. Kurtz is a fine addition at an underslot price, but Tommy White felt like a weird fit and Gage Jump follows the same line. I'm curious to see how Oakland develops both, but it left a weird taste in our mouth. Let's see how today goes for them, but this is a disappointing class thus far.
Jared’s Pick
Philadelphia Phillies
OF Dante Nori (#27), OF Griffin Burkholder (#63)
Well, Dante Nori was a pick. No one can argue with the Phillies there. Nori wasn’t a guy I expected to see have his name called in the first round. While Nori has a ton of athleticism and speed, there are definitely some concerns given him being almost 20 years old and mostly being filled out in his 5’10, 190lbs frame. The pick made more sense when they took Griffin Burkholder at pick 63. Burkholder is an incredible runner with tons of upside on the offensive side of the ball. He has insane bat speed and does much damage at the plate, coupled with solid plate discipline. So, if you’re a Phillies fan disappointed with the first-round pick, there is at least some upside with what they did next that you can be excited about.
BIGGEST SHOCK
Tyler’s Pick
Circle this as a pick that I wasn't expecting. We had a feeling Milwaukee would go for a bat and they would make a strategy call, but Payne wasn't too high up on my board of guys who could surprise us. With that said, seeing what the Brewers did the rest of Day 1, it's not a bad pick. It screams underslot at 17 with Bryce Meccage and Chris Levonas expecting to garner big deals and Payne himself has a ton of upside. A toolsy outfielder with youth and athleticism on his side, he's a fun development get.
Jared’s Pick
RHP Chase Burns (Cincinnati Reds)
Reds fans, don’t worry. This isn’t an “I’m shocked” because it was a bad pick. I just thought Cincinnati was a lock to take Charlie Condon wi22th the second-overall pick. Many Reds fans were dreaming of Condon hitting homers at Great American Ballpark. But there is no reason not to like Chase Burns's pick. It’s three plus pitches from Burns that comes with a bulldog mentality on the mound. Burns was easily one of the top two arms, if not the top arm in this draft class and he could be a quick riser to the big leagues. Burns started what turned out to be a very intriguing day one of the draft by the Reds that included SS Tyson Lewis in the second and RHP Luke Holman in the CB-B round.
BIGGEST REACH
Tyler’s Pick
OF Dante Nori (Philadelphia Phillies)
I think Jared hit the nail on the head above, but I'll still provide insight myself. It's a weird, weird pick. It makes more sense with Burkholder at 63, but we had Nori as a fifth rounder. He's a maxed out body type with a hit-over-power bat with speed that is an interesting archetype, but how much more can you squeeze out here? That's why he was lower for us and it's definitely a head-scratcher. I'd rather have Slade Caldwell if I'm the Phillies.
Jared’s Pick
C Ivan Luciano (Arizona Diamondbacks)
While this pick is a head-scratcher, it likely makes sense, given the guys the Diamondbacks took before that. Luciano wasn’t high on many’s rankings, including coming in at 220th with MLB Pipeline. He’s a defensive first type player as he pretty good behind the dish. It’s hit over power as he has a good approach at the plate. Given the DBacks took Slade Caldwell (prep), Ryan Waldschmidt (college), and JD Nix (prep) with the first three picks, they are likely spending significant money on them which led to the pick of Luciano who will likely be underslot to save them some money. He’s still got some upside.
BEST VALUE
Tyler’s Picks
SS Tyler Bell (Tampa Bay Rays)
We had Bell as the 43rd best prospect in this class and while he's older for the class, it's a ton of bat speed and power potential with the switch-hitting shortstop. Him falling a bit led us to think that he might go to Kentucky, but the Rays got incredible value at 66. There's a solid chance he can stick as a switch-hitter and stay at shortstop long term. I really, really love this for Tampa Bay.
RHP Ryan Sloan (Seattle Mariners)
Sloan had legitimate first round value. I could just say that and walk away from my phone, but Seattle did an excellent job buying Sloan down to 55 after taking Jurrangelo Cijntje at 15. Sloan is a burly, yet projectable right-hander that's been up to 99 MPH this spring and has an excellent change-up and slider. It may just be the best value pick of Day 1.
SS Luke Dickerson (Washington Nationals)
Dickerson was another player with back of the first talent. I would've thought he was a comp pick at worst, but Washington got incredible value at 44. Dickerson's bat had a ton of helium this spring and there's a great mix of pure contact and power, which grades out above-average or better. He may not be a shortstop long term, but the bat was more of a selling point and many thought he wouldn't get this far.
Jared’s Pick
LHP Cam Caminiti (Atlanta Braves)
The Braves front office have to be giddy that Caminiti fell into their laps at 24. Our 16th overall prospect in the 2024 MLB Draft is considered the best prep prospect pitcher on the board. Caminiti reclassified this year and is one of the youngest players in the class who’s already been up to 98 mph with his fastball. He’s super athletic and has a very easy, repeatable delivery. His secondary offerings are still a work in progress, but they have plenty of upside to them. This is a great pick for the Braves and there is lots to dream on with the potential of Caminiti
OF Ryan Waldschmidt (Arizona Diamondbacks)
Waldschmidt might be my favorite OF bat in this class not named Condon or Montgomery. He fell a bit on boards as he started late this season due to an injury, but he came out fine blazing as soon as he was back. He’s posted some insane batted ball data and the tools speak for themselves. He pairs those high exit velos with an incredible approach at the plate and very good ability to make contact. The Diamondbacks have to be very happy with their one-two punch of Slade Caldwell and Waldschmidt to start day one of the draft.
2024 MLB Mock Draft 3.0
While everything in Texas is bigger, this introduction won’t be. This is a practice in futility and there’s a lot of rumors and potential chaos abound. Prepare for mayhem accordingly!
The Draft Team Staff at Prospects Live is very thankful for everyone we have interacted and worked with this cycle and we appreciate the readers and viewers alike! Please make sure to join our draft stream tonight at 6:30 PM EST/5:30 PM CST.
1. Cleveland Guardians - INF JJ Wetherholt
Slot Value: $10,570,600
Sitting from this chair, it seems the running for 1.1 has come down to JJ Wetherholt and Travis Bazzana. Given the consideration for draft strategy with two more Top 50 picks, the likelihood that Cleveland gets a significant haircut is high and I would be shocked to see otherwise. With that said, who is more likely to give you that out of those two? Our guess is Wetherholt and it mainly comes down to the fact that he'd provide the bigger haircut and fits on the left side of the infield more than Bazzana. The savings that Wetherholt would provide allow Cleveland to float a prep down to #36 and even #48 if the money works out in their favor. Expect this situation to be fluid throughout the day and there is a good likelihood that the pool of players in consideration is higher than these two.
2. Cincinnati Reds - 3B/OF Charlie Condon
Slot Value: $9,785,000
The gut feeling right now is that Cincinnati prefers a power bat over a power arm, though there's been a Chase Burns connection recently. However, Charlie Condon appears to be the name linked the most with the Reds. This is, of course, assuming Cleveland doesn't go haywire. Caglianone makes sense here, too.
3. Colorado Rockies - RHP Chase BUrns
Slot Value: $9,070,800
There's been heat around a few guys here, including Burns, Condon, and Caglianone. This seems to be an early pivotal pick in this draft considering that Colorado could be in a wait-and-see mode with the two picks above them, but Burns makes the most sense in our eyes. They've quietly done a good job with Chase Dollander and Sean Sullivan, among others, in last year's draft and Burns has arguably the highest upside of any arm available. This seems to be Condon's floor, too.
4. Oakland AThletics - INF Travis Bazzana
Slot Value: $8,370,800
If Bazzana isn't the first overall pick, this is his likely ending spot. It's hard to envision this kind of bat slipping out of the top five and Oakland would be giddy to get a great value pick early. Now, if Bazzana is the first overall pick, expect a myriad of players to be in discussion here, including Nick Kurtz and Jac Caglianone.
5. Chicago White Sox - 1B/LHP Jac CAglianone
Slot Value: $7,763,700
To us, Caglianone feels like the leader in the clubhouse right now, though this may be a more pivotal pick than the Rockies at #3. If Caglianone is gone here, there's an expectation that the two prep bats in Konnor Griffin and Bryce Rainer would be in heavy consideration. Consider this one more of a toss-up in all seriousness.
6. Kansas City Royals - INF Bryce Rainer
Slot Value: $7,213,800
Kansas City really threw us a curveball the night before the draft by trading pick #39 to the Nationals in the Hunter Henry deal. They lose $2,395,000 of their bonus pool, giving them closer to $13,000,000 now to sign their allotted picks. They do still have an early second-round selection, so maybe their strategy doesn't change much. Who knows. As of right now, it feels like it'll come down to one of the prep bats or Hagen Smith. We'll go with Rainer for right now, and maybe there's a slight haircut, but again, who knows? This could very well be where Smith ends up.
7. St. Louis Cardinals - LHP Hagen Smith
Slot Value: $6,823,700
Assuming the Royals end up taking a prep bat, Smith makes a ton of sense for the Cardinals and I'd be shocked if they let him slip past them. Pairing him with 2023 draftee Quinn Mathews would be a fun southpaw duo. If Smith is taken before this pick, we'd expect either Rainer or Griffin here, more so Rainer.
8. Los Angeles Angels - INF Christian Moore
Slot Value: $6,502,800
The Angels are always tricky to identify a specific player in a mock. We know their recent demographic, a fast-moving college guy, but who could that be this year? Braden Montgomery is hurt and while I think he's got a chance here, the injury he sustained in Super Regionals may play a factor in their decision-making, unless they turn a new leaf. Look no further than Christian Moore, Tennessee's offensive catalyst in their CWS run. He has the chance to move quickly in their system and likely comes at a discount, as the Angels have liked to pay a prep in later rounds (i.e. Caden Dana, Barrett Kent).
9. Pittsburgh Pirates - 1B Nick Kurtz
Slot Value: $6,216,600
This pick likely comes down to whichever prep bat is still available (in this case, it's Griffin) and Nick Kurtz. Kurtz is a Pennsylvania native and may present a discount for Pittsburgh's competitive balance pick, though that feeling is not set in stone for us. We'll mock Kurtz for now, but expect an appearance from Griffin.
10. Washington Nationals - OF Braden Montgomery
Slot Value: $5,953,800
Things may get a bit hectic here, but in this scenario, Montgomery's fall comes to an end. He may need to ditch switch-hitting and perform as a left-handed bat, but that's fine. Kurtz makes a ton of sense here if the order changes, plus there's a good chance we could see someone else here. I wouldn't say expect potential chaos, but expect the boards to open up a bit here.
11. Detroit Tigers - INF/OF Konnor Griffin
Slot Value: $5,712,100
Detroit's brass would be pretty happy with Griffin falling into their lap at #11. There's a big link to Cam Caminiti at this spot and I'd imagine that's the likely route, but this is a scenario where the other half of the best prep bats is available. There's some Caleb Lomavita smoke here, too, but that's a rumor we don't feel too confident in. It's still worth noting, nonetheless.
12. Boston REd Sox - RHP Trey Yesavage
Slot Value: $5,484,600
Given Craig Breslow's arrival in Boston, our gut still tells us that ECU's Trey Yesavage is the best fit and would more than likely be available here. He's the last of the premier college arms in this class and fits Boston's organizational needs to a tee. If a top ten player falls to #12, though, expect Boston to pounce.
13. San Francisco Giants - LHP Cam Caminiti
Slot Value: $5,272,300
Assuming Caminiti isn't a Tiger, the next best fit would be the Giants at #13. It'd likely be his absolute floor and that's exactly what happens in this mock scenario. We're prepared to be wrong, though if Yesavage and Cam Smith are available here, we'd expect them to be in consideration.
14. Chicago Cubs - 3B Cameron Smith
Slot Value: $5,070,700
Speaking of Cam Smith, I'd expect the Cubs to pull the trigger if he's available. There's a plethora of college performeres available here and we'd imagine that the Cubs dive into that player pool. Smith's approach changes and power really stand out and he can handle the hot corner.
15. Seattle Mariners - SHP Jurrangelo Cijntje
Slot Value: $4,880,900
The expectation from Seattle is that this pick will likely be pitching. Many, including ourselves, view Jurrangelo Cijntje as SP4 in the college ranks, especially as a right-hander. Yes, there's uniqueness with the switch-pitching, but the stuff from the right side is bringing plenty of suitors to his doorstep. This would likely be Yesavage's floor and we can envision names like Carson Benge to be in consideration here if they go for a bat.
16. Miami Marlins - INF Seaver King
Slot Value: $4,704,700
New Marlins GM Peter Bendix was in Charlotte during the ACC Championship to get eyes on the likes of Seaver King and others. Miami's approach may go bat-heavy now and King seems like an excellent fit at this range, so we'll trust our gut and say he's the pick here.
17. Milwaukee Brewers - OF Ryan Waldschmidt
Slot Value: $4,534,100
Our expectation is that Milwaukee will look for a bat at this spot, though who that is isn't set in stone. Benge makes sense here, though we like Kentucky OF Ryan Waldschmidt more. He's a solid mold of clay for the organization to play with and most believe his best baseball is yet to come. It's a fun analytical fit.
18. Tampa Bay Rays - RHP Ryan Sloan
Slot Value: $4,372,900
There's a plethora of routes that Tampa Bay could go here, but I'd imagine some of the prep arms begin to get some notice here. Ryan Sloan makes the most sense of those arms. The burly right-hander has an excellent three-pitch mix with loud secondaries and has been into the upper-90s this spring. If it's not an arm, we wouldn't be shocked by a prep bat.
19. New YOrk Mets - INF Kaelen Culpepper
Slot Value: $4,219,200
The Mets have a preference for an up-the-middle type of bat and Kaelen Culpepper has the chops to stick at shortstop long term. Vance Honeycutt's name could make an appearance here, too. However, the link between the Mets and Culpepper is too strong to go that route at this time.
20. Toronto Blue Jays - C Malcolm Moore
Slot Value: $4,073,400
The expectation is that Toronto will take a college catcher here, though the real question is which one that'll be. In our eyes, Malcolm Moore is the best available catcher of that group and has solid underlying data to boot. Of course, if it's not Moore, Lomavita, and Walker Janek make the most sense.
21. Minnesota Twins - OF James Tibbs III
Slot Value: $3,934,400
Do we expect James Tibbs III to slip this far? No. In all honesty, there's a good likelihood that he goes way higher. There is some worry about his platoon splits and if he falls like we think he will in this mock, the Twins would be more than happy to scoop him up. He fits their recent trends to a tee.
22. Baltimore Orioles - OF Carson Benge
Slot Value: $3,802,200
Baltimore has liked Culpepper and Honeycutt, though, with one gone and the other having legitimate hit tool concerns, the Orioles may pivot to Benge. Benge's swing is a bit of a project, though Baltimore's hitting development would be perfect for him. It's an extremely fun fit.
23. Los Angeles Dodgers - INF/OF Theo Gillen
Slot Value: $3,676,400
Our expectation is that the Dodgers will go after one of the prep shortstops available in the backend of the first round. Theo Gillen makes the most sense in our eyes right now. Luke Dickerson, Wyatt Sanford, and others are potential fits, too. This is legitimate toss-up territory for us.
24. Atlanta Braves - RHP Dax Whitney
Slot Value: $3,556,300
Dax Whitney has the most helium of any prospect at this present time. It's a projectable frame with budding secondaries and a potentially loud heater. The Braves seem to have an eye on a prep arm and while Kash Mayfield makes a ton of sense, the heat around Whitney is too hard to ignore.
25. San Diego Padres - LHP Kash Mayfield
Slot Value: $3,442,100
The Padres love their preps, that's no secret. There's a grouping of prep guys here, though Mayfield seems like the best fit of that gaggle and would be a fun get for Preller and company. If it's not Mayfield, Kellon Lindsey's name gets some run here.
26. New York Yankees - 1B/3B Tommy White
Slot Value: $3,332,900
The likelihood that the Yankees go with a bat is pretty high and while this may end up being a prep selection, the Yankees may target a performing college bat. That includes Billy Amick, Tommy White, and others. White's bat is the best of that group and our gut tells us he'd be the pick here if it works out that way.
27. philadelphia Phillies - RHP Brody Brecht
Slot Value: $3,228,300
Depending on how you feel about Brody Brecht, this could be in the middle of his potential range or it could be near the top of it. Either which way, the Phillies have the pitching development to at least help Brecht clean up the delivery and improve the strikes necessary to start.
28. HOuston Astros - C Walker Janek
Slot Value: $3,132,500
The Astros have the lowest bonus pool total and it's hard to envision a prep player being the pick here, especially this slot alone is over half of Houston's total pool. Our gut tells us it will likely be one of the college catchers. Janek would be a bit of a surprise since he has suitors higher up on this board, but he'd help Houston save some money if they wanna utilize the most of their money later on.
29. Arizona Diamondbacks - SS Kellon Lindsey
Slot Value: $3,045,500
This is the first of three Arizona picks in the next six. Arizona likes high-contact bats and Lindsey certainly profiles as such. He's also a very impressive runner and many believe he has the chops to stick at shortstop. Expect Arizona to maximize their money over the next couple of picks. Slade Caldwell could be the pick here, as well.
30. Texas Rangers - C Caleb Lomavita
Slot Value: $2,971,300
Whichever college catcher becomes available to Texas at #30, whether it be Janek or Lomavita, makes the most sense to us. Lomavita's got some more raw tools, but the upside is high if everything clicks.
31. Arizona Diamondbacks - RHP Braylon Doughty
Slot Value: $2,904,000
Arizona is back on the clock and this time, our gut feel says it's a prep arm. There's a few options available to them, including Joey Oakie and Dasan Hill, but it's hard to see Doughty falling much further than this. Teams love the feel to spin and there's a good chance he adds more velocity in due time.
32. Baltimore Orioles - INF Wyatt SAnford
Slot Value: $2,835,400
This pick is a bit of wild card. The Orioles have the cash to splurge a little and there's a good chance a prep player is taken here. Dickerson, Caldwell, and Carter Johnson make sense, but it's hard to ignore the projection and tools surrounding Sanford.
33. Minnesota Twins - OF Slade Caldwell
Slot Value: $2,766,100
A potential high-OBP kind of bat for the Twins? Yeah, that's got Caldwell's bat written all over it. It feels like a solid match from this desk.
34. Milwaukee Brewers - OF Vance Honeycutt
Slot Value: $2,698,300
Is it possible that Honeycutt falls this far? Maybe. In this scenario, he does and Milwaukee is as good of a fit as it can get for him. It's a bit of a toss-up if Honeycutt is not available.
35. Arizona Diamondbacks - INF Carter Johnson
Slot Value: $2,632,500
It's time for the last Arizona pick in this mock and we will continue the expectation that they'll utilize as much of their change as humanly possible. Johnson may command a bit of an over-slot deal here, but it's hard to not love the bat path and potential power.
36. Cleveland Guardians - 1B/OF PJ Morlando
Slot Value: $2,569,200
Well, with William Schmidt pulling himself from the draft at the eleventh hour, there's some changes here. There was a plan B to this scenario and for us, it's hard to ignore the availability and tools with Morlando. We'll see what ultimately happens.
37. Pittsburgh Pirates - RHP Bryce Meccage
Slot Value: $2,511,400
There's a bloodline link here, as Meccage's uncle is a bullpen coach in Pittsburgh. Many teams have preferred Meccage over the likes of other prominent Northeast arms and it's easy to see why. Starter traits, a budding arsenal with two banger breaking balls, plus he's been up to 96 MPH this spring.
38. Colorado Rockies - RHP Luke Holman
Slot Value: $2,452,200
Colorado's likely searching for a college arm at this point and things begin to get a bit murky this deep. Ben Hess has been tossed around, as well as Drew Beam. Luke Holman's more of a safer pick, but there's some upside here if he can throw harder and command the baseball better.
39. Washington Nationals - SS Tyson Lewis
Slot Value: $2,395,000
There's a good likelihood that Lewis finds himself higher on this board, but given the Nationals' additional pool money now, could they buy him down? That scenario plays out in our minds and could ultimately happen.
2024 MLB Mock Draft 2.0
2024 MLB Draft: Top 100 College Prospects
Director’s Note: All Draft Day Ages for players are pinned to July 14, 2024, our guess as to when the MLB Draft will start. The league has not announced the dates for the 2024 MLB Draft and once revealed, we will adjust approximate ages to that date.
The 2024 Top 100 High School board can be found here. Once the season is in full bloom, we will begin to integrate a single list, starting off with 200 prospects. As always, our 2024 Prospect Footage can be found here.
1. 2B/SS JJ Wetherholt, West Virginia
Height: 5’10
Weight: 190
B/T: L/R
Draft Day Age: 21 yr 10 mo
Wetherholt's bat has a chance to be very special, as the mix of pure hit and power tools profile as one of the best in the entire country. Wetherholt posts elite contact rates and seldom whiffs with impressive feel for the barrel. It's a compact and powerful swing from the left side of the plate, showcasing very quick hands and loud bat speed. Wetherholt utilizes the whole field to his advantage and will punish the gaps with legitimate above-average to plus power, which also plays well to his pull side. It's a truly special bat. He's played at third base and second base the past two years, though he's been given a chance at shortstop this fall and the reports are promising. The range is there to handle the position, though the arm strength needs some improvement. He's a solid runner and knows how to be a menace on the basepaths, as well, recording 36 stolen bases in 2023.
2. 1B Nick Kurtz, Wake Forest
Height: 6’5
Weight: 235
B/T: L/L
Draft Day Age: 21 yr 4 mo
Coming in at 6'5, 235lbs, Nick Kurtz is a monster of a human being at the plate. The size, strength, and power Kurtz possesses is a scout's dream. The Wake Forest first baseman has a scary good offensive profile. He is going to draw his fair share of walks due to his patience at the plate while also hitting for massive power thanks to his near 70-grade pop. On top of that, he's got a well advanced approach at the plate and is able to use the entire field. Shockingly for his size, he is fairly athletic and can more than hold his own at first base. He's one of the best defenders at first base and easily grades as a plus defender. Kurtz is a likely frontrunner to be the 2024 ACC Player of the Year and should be providing plenty of offense as the anchor for the Demon Deacons lineup. He has the makings of becoming a force in a big league lineup and will likely be a fast riser through the minors.
3. 2B Travis Bazzana, Oregon State
Height: 6’0
Weight: 199
B/T: L/R
Draft Day Age: 21 yr 10 mo
An import from Australia, Bazzana's overall toolset is ridiculously impressive. He's put up incredible numbers in his two years at Oregon State, slashing .340/.463/.549 across two seasons in Corvallis with elite bat-to-ball skills and plate discipline. He's a really tough out at the plate, rarely expanding the zone and he's got an incredible eye, racking up walks aplenty. His spray chart is a thing of beauty, utilizing the entire field with a compact, line drive swing with a ton of bat speed that is meant to do serious damage. It's above-average juice at the present and most of it plays to his pull side, but he's shown an ability to hammer the ball to the opposite field gap. Bazzana is also an incredible runner, posting plus run times on a consistent basis. He's primarily been a second baseman up to this point, though there's a chance we see him at shortstop in 2024. He's got enough athleticism and twitch to have solid range there, though his arm is nothing more than average. Either way you draw it up, this is a potentially elite bat with suitable defense up the middle.
4. RHP Chase Burns, Wake Forest
Height: 6’4
Weight: 195
B/T: R/R
Draft Day Age: 21 yr 5 mo
Burns is an electric factory on the bump. The Wake Forest transfer is a bulldog type on the mound and he exudes all the confidence you want to see in a pitcher on the mound. He isn't afraid to go right after batters with his electric fastball. What is an elite two-pitch mix, he sits in the upper-90s with significant life to the fastball and pairs it with a diabolical upper-80s/low-90s slider that he can manipulate the shape of. He also isn't afraid to reach back on his fastball for a little extra and can get it up to 101-102 mph. He's been working on a curveball and a splitter, flashing potential, though he doesn't rely on either heavily. His command can waiver at times, but when he is locked in, he can paint a masterpiece. Even with the slight command woes, the stuff is elite and it will be interesting to see what the Wake Forest pitching lab can do to elevate his already incredible arsenal to the next level. He is the best arm in this class.
5. 1B/of Charlie Condon, Georgia
Height: 6’6
Weight: 211
B/T: R/R
Draft Day Age: 21 yr 3 mo
The reigning SEC Freshman of the Year, Condon's unexpected emergence was a welcome sight. After redshirting his first year on campus, Condon exploded onto the scene with a .386/.484/.800 slash line and 25 home runs in 56 games. Condon has a towering, physical frame at 6'6, 211 pounds with plenty of strength throughout his body and there's quite a bit of projection to it still. Condon has plus-plus raw power to all fields and got to it often in 2023, posting healthy exit velocities and even getting into the 110-115 MPH range. It's a ton of bat speed and very quick hands with the barrel exploding through the zone with little effort. There's some hitterish traits with Condon, as he has solid bat-to-ball skills, though he does have his struggles with spin. Defensively, Condon has enough speed and athleticism to handle a corner outfield spot, though if he outgrows the position, he can handle first base. The bat would have to continue to perform in that case and that's the selling point right now.
6. OF Vance Honeycutt, North Carolina
Height: 6’3
Weight: 205
B/T: R/R
Draft Day Age: 21 yr 1 mo
Finding guys with five tool potential is a tough task, but Honeycutt has the potential to be that type of player. Honeycutt showed plenty of improvements in the strikeout department in 2023, dropping the strikeout rate significantly, though that came with the price of production. Nonetheless, Honeycutt has game-changing tools. There's plenty of bat speed from the right side of the plate and there's potentially plus power that plays to his pull side and he'll hit the gaps to show off his blazing speed. The swing-and-miss has toned down and he rarely chases, which is promising for the hit tool. If everything comes together in 2024, there's potential for an above-average hit tool here. He's a lock to stick in center field long term, as his plus speed gives him exceptional range and he'll make highlight reel plays on a consistent basis. There's a strong arm here, as well. If everything clicks, there's serious 1-1 potential.
7. SS/OF Seaver King, Wake Forest
Height: 6’0
Weight: 190
B/T: R/R
Draft Day Age: 21 yr 2 mo
One of the funnest development stories to follow, Seaver King has made his way to Wake Forest after playing last year at Division II Wingate. He was quite undersized coming out of high school which only earned him the Wingate offer, but he's grown a bit since then and found his way into a gig with what might be one of the best college teams going into the 2024 season. King has a robust line-drive approach at the plate with tons of bat speed and has the ability to use the entire field to go along with very good exit velocities, getting up to 111 MPH this fall. King doesn't strikeout often and gets a lot of barrel to ball, but he also doesn't walk a ton either and the chase rates are a bit too high. If he can improve the discipline in 2024 and continue to blast the baseball, he'll be a certified top fifteen pick. He's rather twitchy in the field and can play a myriad of positions for Wake Forest this spring, including center field.
8. RHP Brody Brecht, Iowa
Height: 6’4
Weight: 225
B/T: R/R
Draft Day Age: 21 yr 9 mo
Brecht may have the highest upside of any arm in this loaded college class and he's lit up Stuff+ models with some of the loudest stuff in the college landscape. Brecht has undergone some mechanical tweaks since his high school days, most notably being a shortened arm action that has given him more deception. It's a very quick arm with excellent athleticism, as well. He's gotten up to 101 MPH during starts in 2023, holding upper-90s velocity well throughout his starts, accuring whiffs at a high rate despite suboptimal vertical carry. The slider is the real deal, showing true double-plus potential with hellacious bite. It'll display shorter break with late lateral movement and he's shown an ability to land it for strikes when the fastball command is out of whack. He's tinkered with a low-90s change-up and a low-80s curveball, but he's primarily just had to use the FB-SL combination thus far. The high walk rate and command woes have been the big thing holding Brecht back, though he did show improved fastball command down the stretch for the Hawkeyes. He's stepped away from football and will be focusing solely on pitching moving forward.
9. 1B/LHP Jac Caglianone, Florida
Height: 6’5
Weight: 245
B/T: L/L
Draft Day Age: 21 yr 5 mo
Dubbed the "Ohtani" of college baseball, Caglianone is one of the most well-known players at the amateur level with legitimate two-way potential. There's a bit of rawness to his game, but the power on both sides of the ball are rather impressive. We'll start with the bat, which might have the best power in this entire class. It's easy double-plus right now with extremely quick hand speed and torque, generating a ton of bat speed and all fields power. He's producing some of the loudest exit velocities in the country as a result. The hit tool could use some refinement, as he's rather aggressive and expands the zone frequently. On the defensive side, it's a first-base profile. As an arm, Caglianone has loud stuff, but the command holds him back. The fastball has flirted with triple digits with some life, paired with a bullet-esque slider with solid potential and a bigger bender. The change-up has excellent velocity separation and fading life, boasting a high whiff rate. He's tinkered with his mechanics, becoming more compact this fall, but time will tell how much this helps his command. The jury is still out on if he has to choose one or the other, but the upside on both sides is enticing.
10. OF Mike sirota, Northeastern
Height: 6’3
Weight: 188
B/T: R/R
Draft Day Age: 21 yr
Sirota is about as well-rounded of a hitter as you'll find in college baseball. The Northeastern outfielder possesses a rare combination of discipline, power, and hit ability that is hard to come by at the amateur level. Offensively, he lets the ball get deep in the zone, allowing him to stay back and drive the ball to all fields with authority. He rarely chases pitches out of the zone, drawing plenty of walks in the process. Though he occasionally gets knocked for playing at a mid-major, his performance against high-quality pitching over the last two summers in the Cape Cod League show he can excel with a competition jump and wood bat. His speed allows him to cover a ton of ground in center field, which is where he projects as plus long-term. Sirota's advanced bat combined with his athleticism are what make him a potential first-round pick.
2024 MLB Draft: Top 50 College Prospects
Director’s Note: All Draft Day Ages for players are pinned to July 14, 2024, our guess as to when the MLB Draft will start. The league has not announced the dates for the 2024 MLB Draft and once revealed, we will adjust approximate ages to that date. Furthermore, we do not own the rights to any images utilized in these lists and those rights belong to the proper individuals/organizations.
The link to our 2024 Top 50 High School board can be found here and our 2024 Prospect Footage can be found here.
1. 2B/SS Travis Bazzana, Oregon State
Height: 6’0
Weight: 202
B/T: L/R
dRAFT dAY aGE: 21 yr 10 mo
An import from Australia, Bazzana's overall toolset is ridiculously impressive. He's put up incredible numbers in his two years at Oregon State, slashing .340/.463/.549 across two seasons in Corvallis with elite bat-to-ball skills and plate discipline. He's a really tough out at the plate, rarely expanding the zone and he's got an incredible eye, racking up walks aplenty. His spray chart is a thing of beauty, utilizing the entire field with a compact, line drive swing with a ton of bat speed that is meant to do serious damage. It's above-average juice at the present and most of it plays to his pull side, but he's shown an ability to hammer the ball to the opposite field gap. Bazzana is also an incredible runner, posting plus run times on a consistent basis. He's primarily been a second baseman up to this point, though there's a chance we see him at shortstop in 2024. He's got enough athleticism and twitch to have solid range there, though his arm is nothing more than average. Either way you draw it up, this is a potentially elite bat with suitable defense up the middle.
2. 2b/3b j.j. wETHERHOLT, wEST vIRGINIA
hEIGHT: 5’10
wEIGHT: 190
b/t: l/r
Draft Day Age: 21 yr 10 mo
Wetherholt's bat has a chance to be very special, as the mix of pure hit and power tools profile as one of the best in the entire country. Wetherholt posts elite contact rates and seldom whiffs with impressive feel for the barrel. It's a compact and powerful swing from the left side of the plate, showcasing very quick hands and loud bat speed. Wetherholt utilizes the whole field to his advantage and will punish the gaps with legitimate above-average to plus power, which also plays well to his pull side. It's a truly special bat. He manned second base primarily in 2023, though he's got prior experience at the hot corner and one would expect him to see more time there in 2024. The range is there to handle the position, though the arm strength needs some improvement. He's a solid runner and knows how to be a menace on the basepaths, as well, recording 36 stolen bases in 2023.
3. RHP Chase Burns, Wake Forest
Height: 6’4
Weight: 195
B/T: R/R
Draft Day Age: 21 yr 5 mo
Burns is an electric factory on the bump. The Wake Forest transfer is a bulldog type on the mound and he exudes all the confidence you want to see in a pitcher on the mound. He isn’t afraid to go right after batters with his electric fastball. What is an elite two-pitch mix, he sits in the upper-90s with significant life to the fastball and pairs it with a diabolical upper-80s/low-90s slider that he can manipulate the shape of. He also isn’t afraid to reach back on his fastball for a little extra and can get it up to 101-102 mph. He’s been working on a curveball and a splitter, but both pitches are still a work in progress with potential. His command can waiver at times, but when he is locked in, he can paint a masterpiece. Even with the command issues, the stuff is elite and it will be interesting to see what the Wake Forest pitching lab can do to elevate his already incredible arsenal to the next level.
4. 1B NIck Kurtz, Wake Forest
Height: 6’5
Weight: 235
B/T: L/L
Draft Day Age: 21 yr 4 mo
Coming in at 6’5, 235lbs, Nick Kurtz is a monster of a human being at the plate. The size, strength, and power Kurtz possesses is a scout's dream. The Wake Forest first baseman has a scary good offensive profile. He is going to draw his fair share of walks due to his patience at the plate while also hitting for massive power thanks to his near 70-grade pop. On top of that, he’s got a well advanced approach at the plate and is able to use the entire field. Shockingly for his size, he is fairly athletic and can more than hold his own at first base. He’s one of the best defenders at first base and easily grades as a plus defender. Kurtz is a likely frontrunner to be the 2024 ACC Player of the Year and should be providing plenty of offense as the anchor for the Demon Deacons lineup. He has the makings of becoming a force in a big league lineup and will likely be a fast riser through the minors.
5. OF Vance Honeycutt, North Carolina
Height: 6’3
Weight: 205
B/T: R/R
Draft Day Age: 21 yr 1 mo
Finding guys with five tool potential is a tough task, but Honeycutt has the potential to be that type of player. Honeycutt showed plenty of improvements in the strikeout department in 2023, dropping the strikeout rate significantly, though that came with the price of production. Nonetheless, Honeycutt has game-changing tools. There's plenty of bat speed from the right side of the plate and there's potentially plus power that plays to his pull side and he'll hit the gaps to show off his blazing speed. The swing-and-miss has toned down and he rarely chases, which is promising for the hit tool. If everything comes together in 2024, there's potential for an above-average hit tool here. He's a lock to stick in center field long term, as his plus speed gives him exceptional range and he'll make highlight reel plays on a consistent basis. There's a strong arm here, as well. If everything clicks, there's serious 1-1 potential.
6. RHP Brody Brecht, Iowa
Height: 6’4
Weight: 225
B/T: R/R
Draft Day Age: 21 yr 9 mo
Brecht may have the highest upside of any arm in this loaded college class and he's lit up Stuff+ models with some of the loudest stuff in the college landscape. Brecht has undergone some mechanical tweaks since his high school days, most notably being a shortened arm action that has given him more deception. It's a very quick arm with excellent athleticism, as well. He's gotten up to 101 MPH during starts in 2023, holding upper-90s velocity well throughout his starts, accuring whiffs at a high rate. The slider is the real deal, showing true double-plus potential with hellacious bite. It'll display shorter break with late lateral movement and he's shown an ability to land it for strikes when the fastball command is out of whack. He's tinkered with a low-90s change-up and a low-80s curveball, but he's primarily just had to use the FB-SL combination thus far. The high walk rate and command woes have been the big thing holding Brecht back, though he did show improved fastball command down the stretch for the Hawkeyes. He's stepped away from football and will be focusing solely on pitching moving forward, which is great news for his potential.
7. 1B/OF Charlie Condon, Georgia
Height: 6’6
Weight: 211
B/T: R/R
Draft Day Age: 21 yr 3 mo
The reigning SEC Freshman of the Year, Condon's unexpected emergence was a welcome sight. After redshirting his first year on campus, Condon exploded onto the scene with a .386/.484/.800 slash line and 25 home runs in 56 games. Condon has a towering, physical frame at 6'6, 211 pounds with plenty of strength throughout his body and there's quite a bit of projection to it still. Condon has plus raw power to all fields and got to it often in 2023, posting healthy exit velocities and even getting into the 110-115 MPH range. It's a ton of bat speed and very quick hands with the barrel exploding through the zone with little effort. There's some hitterish traits with Condon, as he has solid bat-to-ball skills, though he does have his struggles with spin. Defensively, Condon has enough speed and athleticism to handle a corner outfield spot, though if he outgrows the position, he can handle first base. The bat would have to continue to perform in that case and that's the selling point right now.
8. C Jacob Cozart, NC State
Height: 6’3
Weight: 216
B/T: L/R
Draft Day Age: 21 yr 6 mo
Cozart is the latest to join a recent pipeline of NC State backstops and there's a chance he could be the best of the bunch. Instead of enduring a "sophomore slump," Cozart improved in all facets of his game, becoming a very well-rounded catcher with a budding bat. While he does struggle a bit with spin, Cozart's plate discipline is great and he's able to curb the strikeouts with solid contact rates. There's at least average power in his sweet lefty swing and it plays primarily to his pull side, but he's shown an ability to go up the middle and use the gaps. He shines on the defensive side, as he's one of the best defensive catchers in recent memory. He's a very good framer and has excellent actions behind the dish, as well as owning an above-average arm with solid pop times. It's above-average defense at the present with plus potential down the line. He was one of the best players to try out for the Collegiate National Team, as well.
9. OF/RHP Braden Montgomery, Texas A&M
Height: 6’2
Weight: 217
B/T: S/R
Draft Day Age: 21 yr 2 mo
Are you looking for someone with tools for days? Look no further than Braden Montgomery. The two-way star transferred to Texas A&M and will be looking to make an impact on both sides of the ball for the Aggies. He’s a force at the plate, as the switch-hitter has easy plus pop from both sides of the batter box. There were plenty of concerns about his approach and patience at the plate, but he greatly increased his walk rates and cut down on the strikeouts last year. He’s got the tools to project as a power corner outfielder as he has what might be the best arm in the draft class. It’s extremely accurate and has tons of carry. Montgomery also saw time on the bump as his fastball has been up to 97 MPH. He’s struggled quite a bit with command of his fastball, leading many to believe that he will eventually focus on being a bat only. He will likely be a day one call as many teams will want to take a shot on his physical tools and athleticism.
10. 1B/LHP Jac Caglianone
Height: 6’5
Weight: 245
B/T: L/L
Draft Day Age: 21 yr 5 mo
Dubbed the "Ohtani" of college baseball, Caglianone is one of the most well-known players at the amateur level with legitimate two-way potential. There's a bit of rawness to his game, but the power on both sides of the ball are rather impressive. We'll start with the bat, which might have the best power in this entire class. It's easy double-plus at the present with extremely quick hand speed and torque, generating a ton of bat speed and all fields power. He's producing some of the loudest exit velocities in the country as a result. The hit tool could use some refinement, as he's rather aggressive and expands the zone frequently. On the defensive side, it's a first base profile. As an arm, Caglianone has loud stuff, but the command holds him back. The fastball has flirted with triple digits with some life, paired with a bullet-esque slider with solid potential. The change-up has excellent velocity separation and fading life, boasting a high whiff rate. The jury is still out on if he has to choose one or the other, but the upside on both sides is enticing.
Live Looks: Cape Cod League Part 4
2023 USA Baseball Collegiate National Team Preview
Ladies and gentlemen, it’s that time of year again.
The summer circuit is alive and well, and as the 2023 draft cycle is entering its final weeks, we’ve begun to turn our attention to next year’s class. One of the more pivotal events of the summer is USA Baseball’s Collegiate National Team, which is set to kick off on June 25th with a four-game training camp series to determine the final 26-man roster for international series’ against Chinese Taipei and Japan.
Before we dive into the full 58-man roster for training camp, let’s break down some key notes. Wake Forest leads the way with four players invited to camp, followed by TCU, Stanford, and Florida with three apiece. Schools like North Carolina A&T and Alabama State will have their first invitees in program history, a momentous occasion for those schools. Like last year, there will be some draft-eligible prospects involved, though it’s a smaller number this year, as Xavier Meachem and Nicholas Wilson are the lone 2023 prospects to be invited. There are a handful of 2025 prospects included, as well. Last, but certainly not least, Cal Poly head coach Larry Lee will manage the team this summer, succeeding Ole Miss skipper Mike Bianco.
LHP Ben abeldt, texas Christian (2025)
2023 Pitching Line: 32 Games (1 Start), 55 IP, 3.60 ERA, 24:71 BB:K ratio, 2 Saves
Summary: A true freshman that has become one of TCU’s most used bullpen pieces, Abeldt brings serious funk to the mound. He’s added velocity since getting to campus, now sitting in the low-90s consistently with more of a two-seam shape, but he creates a seriously tough angle thanks to the amount of crossfire in his delivery. It’s similar to what Chris Sale is able to do, if not more severe. The slider is his primary off-speed offering, a tight spinning breaking ball with some two-plane break, but it plays up thanks to his angle. He’ll need to add a third weapon, but this is an arm to watch in the 2025 class as a potential starter.
RHP Matt Ager, UC Santa Barbara (2024)
2023 Pitching Line: 15 Games (All Starts), 92.1 IP, 3.12 ERA, 26:115 K:BB ratio
Summary: A freshman All-American in 2022, Ager transitioned into a starting role with UCSB and was one of their top arms in 2023. He’s got a long, projectable frame with an easy and loose delivery on the bump. He can run the fastball up into the mid-90s, but will generally sit in the low-90s with solid extension and some life through the zone. His best pitch is his slider, a low-80s offering with big sweeping movement and some depth, profiling as his primary strikeout pitch. He’ll toy with a curveball and change-up, but they’re sparsely utilized.
RHP Eldridge Armstrong III, Transfer portal (2024)
2023 Pitching Line: 30 Games (0 Starts), 41.2 IP, 3.24 ERA, 15:46 BB:K ratio, 1 Save
Summary: Formerly an infield prospect, Armstrong has transitioned fully to the mound and has seen plenty of usage in San Diego State’s bullpen. A low-90s fastball leads his arsenal with solid carry and a flat approach angle, though his best pitch is his slider. It sits in the 81-85 MPH range with tight spin and gyro movement, sometimes acting like a cutter. With that said, he could use some refinement with the pitch. He’ll mix in a curveball and a change-up, but not very often. Armstrong has entered the transfer portal as of June 14th.
RHP Drew Beam, Tennessee (2024)
2023 Pitching Line: 17 Games (All Starts), 84.1 IP, 3.63 ERA, 23:88 BB:K ratio
Summary: One half of Tennessee’s highly touted pair of arms in next year’s class, Beam is a sturdy workhorse on the bump who has seen an uptick in stuff in 2023. What was more of a low-90s arm in 2022 has bumped up into the mid-90s in 2023, touching 98 MPH, with a mix of carry and run up in the zone and sink at the knees. His curveball has 10-4 shape and can get slurvy, but it’s thrown hard in the low-80s with big sweep and depth. He’ll mix in a cutter-esque slider in the mid-80s and a hard, firm change-up in the high-80s, as well. Having taken the Sunday role the last two years in Knoxville, Beam likely moves higher up in the rotation ranks next spring.
C Karson Bowen, Texas Christian (2025)
2023 Slash Line: .350/.420/.502, .922 OPS, 6 HR, 46 RBI, 9 SB, 25:49 BB:K ratio
Summary: A highly touted prepster in 2022, Bowen made it to TCU and provided an immediate impact. A bulkier catcher, Bowen does a great job of generating contact and spraying the ball to all fields. There’s not a ton of power presently, though as he matures physically, that’ll likely change. He’s got a solid eye at the dish, though he has shown struggles with swing-and-miss against off-speed pitches. He’s got solid actions behind the dish with a strong arm and he’ll be given every chance to stay back there moving forward.
RHP Brody Brecht, Iowa (2024)
2023 Pitching Line: 17 Games (16 Starts), 77 IP, 3.74 ERA, 61:109 BB:K ratio
Summary: The 2024 class has plenty of potentially high-end arms and Brecht might just have the most upside of them all. This was his first year in the weekend rotation, posting solid numbers and putting together a few noteworthy outings. The fastball has steep downhill plane in the upper-90s, breaking the triple-digit barrier on numerous occasions, with bat-missing traits, but his slider might be the best pitch in college baseball. Thrown in the upper-80s, Brecht’s slider is a legitimate plus-plus offering, showcasing serious two-plane tilt and a whiff rate over 50% in 2023. He’ll mix in a hard change-up, though it’s a work in progress. His mechanics are rather effortless, though his command and strike-throwing need improvements.
RHP Aiven Cabral, Northeastern (2025)
2023 Pitching Line: 19 Games (16 Starts), 83.2 IP, 2.58 ERA, 14:69 BB:K ratio
Summary: A Freshman All-American, Cabral was one of the best pitchers in the Colonial Athletic Association in 2023. There’s some funk to his delivery with a deep arm stroke behind his back leg, creating some deception for hitters. He doesn't throw hard, usually sitting in the high-80s and topping out at 92 MPH, with running life, though he doesn’t miss a ton of bats with it. His primary secondary is a slider in the high-70s with two-plane break and solid bite that has a whiff rate over 40%. He’ll mix in a mid-80s change-up with sink that will blend in with the fastball at times.
LHP/1B Jac Caglianone, Florida (2024)
2023 Slash Line: .325/.391/.735, 1.126 OPS, 31 HR, 84 RBI, 4 SB, 17:53 BB:K ratio
2023 Pitching Line: 17 Games (All Starts), 73.1 IP, 3.68 ERA, 52:85 BB:K
Summary: A two-way star who took the country by storm in 2023, Caglianone is the collegiate version of Shohei Ohtani. A physical presence on the field, Caglianone has thunderous power at the plate with explosively quick hands and bat speed. It plays to all fields and when he gets a hold of one, you know it. He can get aggressive and run into strikeout issues, though he generates a good amount of contact. When he’s not pitching, he’s manning first base. On the bump, he’s been up to 99 MPH from the left side, routinely sitting in the mid-90s with carry and run. The change-up has plenty of velocity separation from the fastball and dives away from righties in the low-80s, and he’ll flash a cutter-esque slider in the high-80s. He’ll need to refine his command, but he’s pretty raw in that aspect presently.
LHP Kayden Campbell, Louisville (2025)
2023 Pitching Line: 23 Games (0 Starts), 19.1 IP, 5.12 ERA, 8:25 BB:K ratio, 2 Saves
Summary: Another 2025 eligible arm, Campbell is a unique reliever. There’s serious funk to his delivery, starting with an arm swing and low release that provides deception and allows the fastball to jump on hitters quickly. He’ll primarily sit in the 88-92 MPH range with sink and run, though he’ll throw in a four-seamer with some utility up in the zone at 92-94 MPH. His slider provides plenty of sweep in the high-70s/low-80s with solid spin rates, though it can blend in with a slower curveball. He’ll also throw in a change-up with run.
OF Cam Cannarella, Clemson (2025)
2023 Slash Line: .388/.462/.560, 1.022 OPS, 7 HR, 47 RBI, 24 SB, 33:39 BB:K ratio
Summary: The ACC Freshman of the Year, Cannarella was originally a shortstop prospect, though he has taken over the centerfield position and become one of the best in the country. He’s got a quick bat and smooth swing from the left side, abusing the opposite field with solid pop, though he’s shown an ability to turn on pitches to pull-side with excellent results and power. He’s got a great eye at the plate and will limit the strikeouts while taking his walks. He’s got excellent speed and range at the eight, not to forget that his defense is very good. He looks like he’ll be the next top ACC centerfielder after Vance Honeycutt gets drafted.
RHP Evan Chrest, Jacksonville (2025)
2023 Pitching Line: 15 Games (All Starts), 90.2 IP, 2.68 ERA, 36:98 BB:K ratio
Summary: The ASUN Freshman of the Year, Chrest was a late riser in the prep ranks last spring, but ultimately took over the Friday night role out of the gate for Jacksonville. He’s on the smaller side of the spectrum, but it’s a legit three-pitch mix. The fastball has a solid mix of ride and run, routinely sitting in the low-90s and there’s enough projectability remaining to see him get into the mid-90s. The slider has extremely high spin and two-plane break in the 80-85 MPH range, profiling as his best offering. His change-up is a runner in the low-80s and projects rather well, already showcasing a hefty whiff rate and gets quite a bit of usage late in outings.
1B/OF Charlie Condon, Georgia (2024)
2023 Slash Line: .386/.484/.800, 1.284 OPS, 25 HR, 67 RBI, 0 SB, 33:45 BB:K ratio
Summary: After redshirting his first year on campus, Condon had a breakout spring, taking home SEC Freshman of the Year honors and setting the new SEC freshman home run record. He’s got a lankier frame with a good bit of physicality present, coming in at 6’6”, 211 pounds. There’s a ton of easy power in his profile, grading out as plus at the next level with a couple of exit velocities topping 110 MPH. The hit tool itself is promising, limiting swing-and-miss and primarily spraying the gaps with great feel for the barrel. Defensively, he’s split time between first base and the outfield, playing solid defense at both positions with a good arm. He’s the third-ever Bulldog position player to receive an invite and the first since Kyle Farmer in 2012.
RHP Christian Coppola, Rutgers (2025)
2023 Pitching Line: 13 Games (All Starts), 66 IP, 3.68 ERA, 27:71 BB:K ratio
Summary: A true freshman, Coppola pitched his way into Rutgers’ Friday night role after starting the year as the Saturday starter. He doesn’t throw hard just yet, primarily sitting in the high-80s/low-90s with plenty of armside run. His breaking ball is his best pitch, a high-70s pitch with a high whiff rate that he can manipulate the shape of. He’ll throw more of a true slider with two-plane shape closer to 80 MPH, whereas the slower breaking ball looks more like a curveball with tons of depth. He’ll throw in a hard change-up that’s a work in progress. Expect Coppola to be one of the best arms in the Big Ten for at least the next two years.
C Jacob Cozart, NC State (2024)
2023 Slash Line: .301/.392/.546, .938 OPS, 10 HR, 42 RBI, 0 SB, 24:38 BB:K ratio
Summary: Cozart’s rough freshman campaign ended on a bright spot in May, translating into a breakout campaign in 2023 for the sophomore backstop. There’s been added loft to his swing and the contact has drastically improved from the left side, including better plate discipline. His power mainly plays to the pull side, though he can utilize the opposite field gap. Behind the plate, he’s got an excellent arm with solid defense, plus he’s one of the best framers in the country. He’ll need to shore up his chase rate, but overall, it’s a solid package of tools.
INF Kaelen Culpepper, Kansas State (2024)
2023 Slash Line: .325/.423/.576, .999 OPS, 10 HR, 41 RBI, 9 SB, 16:27 BB:K ratio
Summary: Despite missing a month of the season due to a hand injury, Culpepper was a catalyst in Kansas State’s lineup when he returned. He’s got solid plate discipline, limiting the strikeouts, though he’s in no rush to rack up the walks just yet. He’s got solid pull-side juice in his bat and does not get phased by fastballs, though he can be vulnerable to breaking balls away from him. He plays a solid third base presently, showcasing solid range and a strong arm, though there’s a chance that he could move off the position. If he stays healthy and irons out some warts in 2024, he has a chance to be a Day 1 pick.
LHP Alton Davis II, Alabama (2025)
2023 Pitching Line: 25 Games (0 Starts), 33.2 IP, 5.35 ERA, 12:32 BB:K ratio
Summary: Davis is the true definition of a string bean figure. At 6’5”, 185 pounds, he’s as wiry as they come, but don’t let the frame fool you, he’s benefitted greatly from a collegiate weight room. Davis sits comfortably in the 92-95 MPH range, touching upwards of 97-98 MPH, with downhill plane and some life through the zone. He has two distinct breaking balls, a mid-80s slider that has plenty of sweeping action and a two-plane curveball in the high-70s, both of which have solid spin numbers. He was just a pure relief arm in 2023, but Davis has the makings of being a weekend starter for Alabama.
LHP Cade Fisher, Florida (2025)
2023 Pitching Line: 25 Games (2 Starts), 44.2 IP, 3.22 ERA, 12:42 BB:K ratio, 2 Saves
Summary: Don’t look now, but looks like Florida was able to clone Hunter Barco. Fisher has been impressive in his first year on campus, nailing down a key role in the bullpen and accumulating a couple of starts. He primarily sits in the low-90s with a ton of running life, mainly due to the nature of his low release that hovers around the five-foot mark. The slider profiles as his best pitch, a low-80s sweeper from a tough angle that he can backfoot to righties and locate away from lefties for chases. He’ll throw a change-up that mimics the fastball shape with plenty of running life, as well. He’s looking to be one of the better 2025 eligible arms down the line.
LHP Dominic Fritton, NC State (2024)
2023 Pitching Line: 17 Games (9 Starts), 62.2 IP, 3.59 ERA, 24:75 BB:K ratio, 3 Saves
Summary: A draft-eligible sophomore, Fritton burst onto the scene as the Wolfpack’s Sunday starter before being moved into an Evan Justice-esque role in late April. It’s a three-pitch mix for Fritton, though it’s a fastball-heavy attack, and for good reason. It’s a low launch heater with a flat approach angle and great riding life in the zone that plays up from the low-90s velocity he sits at. There’s a mid-70s curveball and a low-to-mid-80s change-up, though he lacks feel for both and doesn’t throw a ton of strikes with either.
LHP Devin Futrell, Vanderbilt (2024)
2023 Pitching Line: 16 Games (15 Starts), 83.2 IP, 3.44 ERA, 20:72 BB:K ratio
Summary: Futrell has evolved into one of Vanderbilt’s better arms, moving into the weekend rotation and becoming a bit of a workhorse. He’s the classic projectable lefty with a loose arm, slight crossfire, and solid athleticism. He’ll top out at 93 MPH on the heater, routinely sitting in the 88-92 MPH range with good ride and run, commanding it very well and having solid extension. His change-up is the best secondary, an upper-70s offering with big tumbling life away from righties. He’ll mix in a slider in the same velocity band with depth and a slower curveball.
RHP Austin Gordon, Clemson (2024)
2023 Pitching Line: 16 Games (All Starts), 84 IP, 4.61 ERA, 22:76 BB:K ratio
Summary: A primary reliever in 2022, Gordon has become a legitimate workhorse for Erik Bakich. It’s a fastball-heavy diet, with the pitch sitting in the low-90s with solid shape, though he doesn’t miss many bats with it. He’ll throw a low-80s slider and a knuckle curve in the high-70s, though he tends to spike them and will need some refinement. He’ll throw in a low-80s change-up to lefties and at times, he’ll dabble with an upper-80s cutter. There’s enough projection to suggest that he can get into the mid-90s, though he’ll need to add some deception to his delivery.
INF Ethan “Duce” Gourson, UCLA (2024)
2023 Slash Line: .319/.438/.515, .953 OPS, 10 HR, 48 RBI, 8 SB, 36:51 BB:K ratio
Summary: Primarily a middle infielder for UCLA this year, Gourson built upon a solid freshman year by showcasing why he’s one of the best west coast bats in the 2024 class. It’s a sweet swing from the left side with solid contact and has some decent power that plays gap-to-gap well. He profiles as a potential average or better hitter, though if there’s any knock against him at the plate, it's that he expands the zone a bit and will need to cut down the strikeout rate. He’s likely to profile best at second base defensively, as he doesn’t quite have the arm strength required for a shortstop.
OF Rodney Green Jr., California (2024)
2023 Slash Line: .293/.388/.558, .946 OPS, 14 HR, 38 RBI, 29 SB, 32:77 BB:K ratio
Summary: Physicality is the name of the game with Green. He has a physical presence in the box with a solid left-handed swing built for lofting balls over the fence. It’s above-average to plus raw power in his bat that plays primarily to his pull side with ease. He does have contact issues, namely swing-and-miss. He’ll need to refine his plate discipline in order to reach his ceiling. He’s got excellent speed and plays a very solid center field, showcasing a lot of range and very good instincts.
lhp jOSH hARTLE, wAKE fOREST (2024)
2023 Pitching Line: 18 Games (17 Starts), 102.1 IP, 2.81 ERA, 24:140 BB:K ratio
Summary: The transformation that Hartle has had between his freshman and sophomore years is on par with what Rhett Lowder experienced. The body is rather projectable and he creates a tough angle to the plate, utilizing a wider release point while standing on the first base side of the rubber. The sinker mainly sits in the 87-92 MPH range, tickling 93-94 MPH, but the addition of a cutter has given him new life. The cutter flashes plus with tighter spin, pairing well with a sweepy slider and a more vertical curveball that he locates down in the zone. The change-up has little to no velocity separation from the fastball and mimics its shape. It’s likely that he’ll add more velocity and if he does, it’s a profile that screams Day 1.
RHP Luke Holman, Transfer Portal (2024)
2023 Pitching Line: 16 Games (15 Starts), 81 IP, 3.67 ERA, 31:87 BB:K ratio
Summary: Holman stepped up as a big contributor for Alabama’s staff when Grayson Hitt and Ben Hess went down with injuries, leading them to a hosting spot. He’s got a long and lanky frame with everything coming out of an over-the-top arm slot. The fastball has good carry and a steeper plane, sitting in the low-90’s consistently and getting up to 96 MPH. The slider and curveball both stand out, with the slider showcasing tighter spin in the 81-85 MPH range and the curveball having big depth and bite in the high-70s. He can kill spin with his change-up, though he doesn’t use it often. His command does come and go at times, though there’s enough athleticism to suggest he’ll improve there. Holman entered the transfer portal on June 22nd.
LHP Carter Holton, Vanderbilt (2024)
2023 Pitching Line: 11 Games (All Starts), 50.1 IP, 4.11 ERA, 24:56 BB:K ratio
Summary: While Holton did miss the end of the season with an injury, it looks like he’ll make his return to Cary and attempt to make the national team for the second year in a row. He creates a tough angle with some crossfire and deception, plus he’s seen a velocity uptick on the fastball. He was consistently in the mid-90s when healthy and got up to 98 MPH with serious life in the zone. The slider profiled as his best secondary, a pure sweeper with tilt and serious bite in the low-80s that was tough on lefties and had a whiff rate near 50%. He’ll throw an upper-70s curveball with solid depth to steal strikes and tinkers with a change-up, though it needs refinement. If he can stay fully healthy in 2024, expect Holton to go pretty high.
RHP Ryan Johnson, Dallas Baptist (2024)
2023 Pitching Line: 16 Games (15 Starts), 87.1 IP, 4.43 ERA, 22:116 BB:K ratio
Summary: Johnson is not your orthodox starting pitcher. It all starts with a rather unique delivery, which has an abbreviated turn on the rubber before he pushes toward home plate. His arsenal is not led by his fastball, but rather his slider. It’s a high-70s/low-80s pitch that he can manipulate the shape of, mostly showcasing sweeping life but he’ll add some depth when needed. The fastball has tickled triple digits and primarily sits in the mid-90s with sink and run, working best horizontally. The change-up tumbles away from lefties in the mid-80s, though it takes a backseat to the rest of the arsenal.
OF Dakota Jordan, Mississippi State (2024)
2023 Slash Line: .307/.397/.575, .972 OPS, 10 HR, 40 RBI, 4 SB, 25:46 BB:K ratio
Summary: An extremely physical player, Jordan is one of the most potent bats in the country. There is some concern with swing-and-miss and contact, but there’s a ton of bat speed, loft, and insane power from the right side of the dish. He’s also an excellent runner despite his physicality, posting plus run times. There’s legitimate centerfield potential with his speed, plus he’s got a solid arm in the outfield. He’s the fourteenth player in program history to receive an invite and the first since Logan Tanner went to Cary in 2021.
INF Seaver King, Wake Forest (2024)
2023 Slash Line: .411/.457/.699, 1.156 OPS, 11 HR, 53 RBI, 13 SB, 18:26 BB:K ratio
Summary: King posted loud numbers at Wingate, a DII school, before hitting the transfer portal and making his way to Winston-Salem. He’s a twitchy infielder with a polished hit tool from the right side of the plate and produced quality exit velocities this spring. He’s not in a big rush to take his walks, but he doesn’t strike out a ton, either. He’s handled shortstop in the past, though his throwing arm likely limits him to second base at Wake Forest, where he’ll likely replace impact transfer Justin Johnson. I’d circle this name as a breakout candidate in 2024.
1B Nick Kurtz, Wake Forest (2024)
2023 Slash Line: .349/.525/.758, 1.283 OPS, 22 HR, 64 RBI, 5 SB, 62:49 BB:K ratio
Summary: A mountain of a human being, Kurtz’s profile is both unique and stupidly good. You can just tell by the gaudy numbers above this summary that the offensive potential with Kurtz is sky high. He can run into issues with being too passive and letting arms get to the weapons deep in counts, but he has an extremely strong eye and loves his walks dearly. Not to forget, he uses the whole field to spray line drives and the power potential is robust with him. Despite being limited to first base, he provides plenty of defensive value at the position with great lateral movement and quick feet. This profile screams first round in 2024.
OF Jace Laviolette, Texas A&M (2025)
2023 Slash Line: .287/.414/.632, 1.047 OPS, 21 HR, 63 RBI, 18 SB, 48:75 BB:K ratio
Summary: It’s not too often that a freshman is mentioned as having some of the best power in the country, but that’s exactly what Laviolette has. A seriously imposing figure, Laviolette’s power has plus-plus potential and it plays to all fields. There’s significant loft to his swing and the power comes very easily, plus he’s shown flashes with the hit tool. He’ll need to tone down the swing-and-miss, but he’s got a respectable chase rate. He’s got the speed to stick in the outfield, likely profiling as a corner outfield bat with solid defensive chops. This profile has 1-1 potential in 2025.
c/1B Anthony Martinez, UC Irvine (2025)
2023 Slash Line: .394/.471/.619, 1.090 OPS, 11 HR, 60 RBI, 0 SB, 25:27 BB:K ratio
Summary: One of a few 2025 eligible players that received invites, Martinez has been a force in the Big West, leading the conference in multiple offensive categories. He produces a solid amount of contact from the left side with a balanced swing, utilizing the whole field. There’s solid raw juice in the bat and it primarily plays to the pull side for Martinez. He split time between catcher and first base in 2023, though he’s likely to be a first baseman long-term. He’s the first Anteater to receive an invite since Trenton Denholm did in 2019.
RHP Michael Massey, Wake Forest (2024)
2023 Pitching Line: 27 Games (1 Start), 41.2 IP, 2.59 ERA, 16:76 BB:K ratio, 1 Save
Summary: A transfer for Tulane, Massey made himself right at home in Wake Forest’s bullpen, becoming a late-inning monster for opposing teams. He’s a physical presence on the mound and utilizes a higher release with a very short arm circle. Massey’s heater is diabolical, utilizing a cut/ride shape in the mid-90s and a flat approach angle, missing bats over 40% of the time. The slider is just as good, sitting in the mid-80s with some sweep and high spin, missing bats over 50% of the time. That’s as dynamic of a one-two punch as you can get. He’s tinkered with a change-up, though the results are very inconsistent.
RHP Xavier Meachem, North Carolina A&T (2023)
2023 Pitching Line: 16 Games (7 Starts), 48.1 IP, 5.59 ERA, 26:47 BB:K ratio, 5 Saves
Summary: USA Baseball dips into the HBCU demographic here, which I must say is an excellent development. Draft eligible this year, Meachem will be the first NC A&T athlete to receive an invite to Cary. He got some starts down the stretch after being the closer to start the year, showcasing a solid fastball/slider combination. He’s gotten up to 97 MPH, maintaining 91-94 MPH with solid carry and high spin rates. The slider is a pure sweeper with spin rates approaching 2,900 RPMs in the 82-85 MPH range. He’ll throw in a curveball and change-up, as well. Strike-throwing will need refinement, but if he can’t make it as a starter, there’s serious potential in the bullpen.
LHP Omar Melendez, Alabama State (2024)
2023 Pitching Line: 16 Games (15 Starts), 93 IP, 2.52 ERA, 27:96 BB:K ratio
Summary: Another HBCU athlete invited to Cary, Melendez is the first Alabama State athlete to get this honor. He does not throw very hard at all, averaging in the mid-80s with the fastball, but there’s some deception and life that lets it play up. The change-up is his best secondary which fades hard away from righties in the mid/upper-70s that has a whiff rate over 40%. He’ll sprinkle in some breaking balls, but it’s primarily a fastball/change-up heavy game plan. He’s able to repeat his delivery rather well for a guy of his stature (6’6”, 210 lbs.) and throws plenty of strikes, as well as eating plenty of innings.
LHP Mason Molina, Texas Tech (2024)
2023 Pitching Line: 16 Games (All Starts), 83.1 IP, 3.67 ERA, 35:108 BB:K ratio
Summary: A legitimate workhorse, Molina quietly turned in a very solid campaign in 2023 for the Red Raiders. There’s solid athleticism and he’s got a physical figure on the bump with some bulkiness. He usually sits in the 87-91 MPH range, touching 92-93 MPH, though the pitch plays up from the fringy velocity thanks to excellent carry with some cut. The slider is in the upper-70s with tight spin and gets plenty of whiffs, as well as averaging close to 2,700 RPMs. There’s a big bending curveball in the mid-70s and he’ll sprinkle in a change-up with some tumble, though he can use some refinement there.
OF/RHP Braden Montgomery, Stanford (2024)
2023 Slash Line: .336/.461/.611, 1.072 OPS, 17 HR, 61 RBI, 6 SB, 51:64 BB:K ratio.311
2023 Pitching Line: 10 Games (2 Starts), 14 IP, 12.21 ERA, 11:19 BB:K ratio.304/
Summary: Making a return to Cary, Montgomery has shown progress with the bat in 2023. He’s a switch-hitting outfielder with robust power from both sides of the plate and a knack for spraying the ball to all fields. He’s been able to cut down the whiffs a bit, but what’s more impressive is the large jump in walks, going from 18 in 2022 to 51 in 2023. There’s progress to be made still, but it’s been encouraging thus far. He profiles best in right field, where his bazooka for a right arm will be let loose with excellent arm strength and accuracy. He’s also had time on the bump, getting into the upper-90s, though he’s had plenty of struggles and likely won’t pitch at the next level.
C Malcolm Moore, Stanford (2024)
2023 Slash Line: .311/.386/.564, .950 OPS, 15 HR, 63 RBI, 3 SB, 21:50 BB:K ratio
Summary: One of Stanford’s biggest recruits out of high school, Moore has burst onto the scene in the Pac-12. It’s an admittedly wacky stance at the plate, though the load is very condensed and he explodes through the zone. Think Anthony Rizzo, except maybe a bit more open and a love for toe taps. There’s plenty of power, primarily from center field to the right field foul pole, though he’s going to have to tone down the aggressiveness at the plate. He’s likely to stick behind the dish long term with solid athleticism and a strong arm, as well. He’ll be draft-eligible in 2024 due to his age, though he’ll be one of the youngest players on the college side.
INF Christian Moore, Tennessee (2024)
2023 Slash Line: .304/.444/.603, 1.047 OPS, 17 HR, 50 RBI, 16 SB, 50:67 BB:K ratio
Summary: A highly touted recruit out of high school, Moore is a rather physical specimen for the Volunteers. He has plenty of bat speed and power, which plays to all fields rather easily, and he’ll utilize the gaps for doubles. He runs into plenty of issues with whiffs and strikeouts, but he’s able to generate a high walk rate despite the rather aggressive nature at the dish. If he’s able to get the hit tool closer to average, Moore likely sees his name called relatively early. Defensively, he’s primarily manned second base in his collegiate career and that’s likely where he’d profile moving forward due to his arm strength.
RHP Brandon Neely, Florida (2024)
2023 Pitching Line: 33 Games (0 Starts), 51.2 IP, 3.66 ERA, 19:68 BB:K ratio, 13 Saves
Summary: Florida’s closer throughout the year, Neely has been a bright spot out of the bullpen, tied for the sixth most saves in the country. There’s some deception to his delivery thanks to some crossfire and that helps his fastball play up. It’s an electric heater, sitting in the low-to-mid-90s with serious life in the zone, missing a ton of bats in the process. He has a bullet/gyro slider in the low-t0-mid-80s with some life, though it lacks sufficient bite. The change-up has some potential with fading life to lefties, though Neely doesn’t utilize it often. It would not be a surprise to see Neely thrusted into a rotation spot in 2024, though the off-speed arsenal will need to improve.
RHP Tyson Neighbors, Kansas State (2024)
2023 Pitching Line: 25 Games (0 Starts), 48.2 IP, 1.85 ERA, 16:86 BB:K ratio, 11 Saves
Summary: There may be no better reliever in the country than Neighbors. A physical figure on the bump, Neighbors has been otherworldly dominant for Kansas State in 2023, striking out 70 batters in just 38.1 innings. The fastball has been up to 99 MPH, routinely living in the mid-90s with massive riding life in the zone, though his slider may be one of the best pitches in next year’s class. A legitimate plus pitch, his mid-80s slider is diabolical, showcasing tight spin and devastating late bite with a whiff rate over 65% (!) in 2023. There’s a low-80s curveball with more depth, too. He’ll be the second Wildcat in school history to adorn the stars and stripes, the first since Craig Wilson in 1992.
RHP Mason Nichols, Ole Miss (2024)
2023 Pitching Line: 23 Games (0 Starts), 38 IP, 5.45 ERA, 16:45 BB:K ratio, 4 Saves
Summary: A returning invitee from 2022, Nichols served as a key arm in Ole Miss’ bullpen. He’s a two-pitch guy at the present with a long, lanky frame that suggests he’ll throw harder once he fills out physically. The fastball sits in the low-90s, but the pitch has insane carry at the top of the zone and misses a ton of bats as a result. His slider has some two-plane break and plays best when down in the zone, though he can get inconsistent with the pitch. He’ll need to add a third pitch if he is to have a chance to start next year, though there’s solid potential here if he can refine the slider.
INF Griff O’Ferrall, Virginia (2024)
2023 Slash Line: .396/.453/.495, .948 OPS, 1 HR, 42 RBI, 16 SB, 29:38 BB:K ratio
Summary: O’Ferrall was a big part of Virginia’s top-of-the-order gauntlet in 2023. He’s a shorter, scrappy infielder with solid defense at shortstop, though he likely profiles more as a second baseman at the next level, maybe even a utility guy. His power is rather limited, but he makes up for that in pure hitting ability. He can lace line drives to all fields and can really run, creating mayhem on the basepaths. His 108 hits in 2023 are the most ever in a single season in program history, topping Phil Gosselin’s mark of 100 in 2010.
RHP Fran Oschell III, Duke (2024)
2023 Pitching Line: 22 Games (0 Starts), 39.1 IP, 0.69 ERA, 18:66 BB:K ratio
Summary: Nice.
Oschell broke out in a big way out of the Blue Devils’ bullpen in 2023. The violence in his delivery has toned down a bit and it’s a funky operation with deceptive motions. The fastball is a metric monster, sitting in the 92-97 MPH range with seriously good ride and extension, as well as a flatter approach angle. It profiles as one of the best fastballs in the 2024 class and boasts a whiff rate of around 40% this year. He throws a breaking ball in the low-80s with two-plane break, though he’ll need to refine it.
OF Austin Overn, Southern California (2024)
2023 Slash Line: .314/.402/.530, .932 OPS, 4 HR, 38 RBI, 16 SB, 29:46 BB:K ratio
Summary: A draft-eligible sophomore, Overn is one of the fastest players in the entire country. He’s got a short, compact swing from the left side with very quick hands, spraying the ball to all fields with some power to his pull side. He recognizes spin well, though his chase rate is high and he does have some issues with higher-end velocity. He had more triples than doubles in 2023, recording fourteen triples (!) and eleven doubles. His excellent speed will allow him to cover plenty of ground in center field with solid defense. He’ll be a polarizing prospect to watch in 2024.
OF Ethan Petry, South Carolina (2025)
2023 Slash Line: .376/.471/.733, 1.204 OPS, 23 HR, 75 RBI, 4 SB, 33:59 BB:K ratio
Summary: It’s not too often that you see a true freshman torch the SEC, but that’s exactly what Petry did in 2023. He has insane bat speed and loft to his swing, which helps him generate his power, which grades out as plus presently and likely becomes double-plus as he fills out his frame. He’ll utilize the whole field with the hit tool, too, though he does have some issues with breaking balls and can get streaky with the strikeouts. He got to campus as a third baseman, but he’s seen time in the outfield, where he has a solid arm. In all likelihood, I would not be surprised if he moved back to the infield when all is said and done.
RHP Kyle Robinson, Texas Tech (2024)
2023 Pitching Line: 18 Games (5 Starts), 45.1 IP, 5.36 ERA, 19:45 BB: K ratio, 2 Saves
Summary: Another Red Raider to receive an invite, Robinson split time between the rotation and bullpen in 2023. He’s a tall, lanky pitcher with an easy delivery on the mound, though he’s not overly athletic. He usually sits in the low-90s with some armside run, getting up into the 95-96 MPH range when he rears back. He sells his mid-80s change-up very well and has confidence throwing to any batter. He’ll throw it with plenty of conviction and it falls off the table. He’s got a tight slider in the low-80s that has promise, though he does not use it much. He’ll likely find his way into Texas Tech’s rotation in 2024.
RHP Matt Scott, Stanford (2025)
2023 Pitching Line: 24 Games (12 Starts), 67 IP, 5.10 ERA, 37:62 BB:K ratio, 1 Save.
Summary: Don’t let the stats fool you, Scott profiles as one of the best 2025 eligible arms in the country. He’s a mountain of a human being at 6’7”, 231 pounds and despite the size, he repeats his delivery relatively well. He usually sits in the low-90s, though he’s run it up to 96 MPH with a mix of carry/run and a steeper downhill plane. His best secondary might be his change-up, which features diving action away from lefties with solid velocity separation in the low-80s. The slider can be inconsistent, though when on, it’s got gyro movement in the mid-80s and flashes above-average or better.
INF Kodey Shojinaga, Kansas (2024)
2023 Slash Line: .378/.421/.526, .947 OPS, 6 HR, 32 RBI, 0 SB, 16:25 BB:K ratio
Summary: Shojinaga, a native of Hawaii, will be Kansas’ first invitee since Ryan Zeferjahn competed for a spot back in 2018. There’s some physicality to his frame, including a sturdy lower half, and has the look of a catcher, though he’s been converted into an infielder. He runs high contact rates from the right side and will utilize the gaps often, with most of his over-the-fence power playing to his pull side. He does need to lower the chase rate a bit, but he does a great job limiting the swing-and-miss. He has some versatility to his profile, though he primarily played second base in 2023 between his time at Kansas and a brief stint with the Bourne Braves.
INF Anthony Silva, Texas Christian (2024)
2023 Slash Line: .330/.416/.471, .887 OPS, 7 HR, 50 RBI, 17 SB, 23:33 BB:K ratio
Summary: A draft-eligible sophomore, Silva turned in an excellent season at TCU and has lined himself up as one of the better collegiate bats available next summer. He’s a wiry-framed shortstop with solid contact abilities from the right side, as well as solid gap-to-gap power. As he fills out his frame, expect a jump in power production. He’s got a very good eye at the plate and doesn’t strike out often, though he’s in no big rush to take his walks either. Defensively, he’ll stick at the six moving forward. He’s a premium defender with solid range and athleticism, as well as a really strong arm.
LHP Hagen Smith, Arkansas (2024)
2023 Pitching Line: 18 Games (11 Starts), 71.2 IP, 3.64 ERA, 42:109 BB:K ratio, 2 Saves
Summary: One of the most consistent arms in the SEC, Smith was given a hybrid role, coming out of the bullpen for longer outings while still getting a fair share of starts. He creates a tough angle with his delivery and there’s plenty of deception. He’s run the heater into the upper-90s, though it usually sits in the 92-95 MPH range with solid extension and late life, varying shapes. The slider continues to be a demon, especially against lefties, with sweeping life in the mid-80s, getting close to 90 MPH. He’ll throw in a splitter at times, though there needs to be continued development there. Strike-throwing will need refinement, too, but it’s a fun package.
RHP Parker Smith, Rice (2024)
2023 Pitching Line: 15 Games (All Starts), 88 IP, 3.58 ERA, 23:82 BB:K ratio
Summary: A legitimate workhorse in every sense of the word, Smith is the first Owl to be invited to Cary since Matt Canterino in 2019. It’s a really low release and he hides the ball well in his delivery with a whippy arm action. He’s been up to 96 MPH, though he’ll live in the low-90s with solid command and heavy life. His change-up doesn’t have a ton of velocity separation in the mid-80s, but it runs a ton and Smith has confidence in the pitch. It currently profiles as his best offering. He’ll also show off a sweepy slider in the low-80s.
C/OF Ryan Stafford, Cal Poly (2024)
2023 Slash Line: .313/.393/.500, .893 OPS, 7 HR, 44 RBI, 4 SB, 22:38 BB:K ratio
Summary: Stafford has done nothing but hit while under the tutelage of Larry Lee. There’s excellent bat-to-ball skills, utilizing the whole field, and possessing decent pull side juice from the right side. He’s primarily been the catcher for Cal Poly, with a good throwing arm and a solid blocker, and has manned left field a bit, too. He has a slender build for a catcher, though physicality is already present. He’s the eleventh Mustang in program history to receive an invite to Cary.
RHP Pablo Torres, bethune-Cookman (2025)
2023 Pitching Line: 15 Games (4 Starts), 40 IP, 6.30 ERA, 26:52 BB:K ratio
Summary: Torres is on the smaller side of the spectrum for a pitcher, but it’s a fun two-pitch mix for the Bethune-Cookman righty. Utilizing drop and drive mechanics, Torres has a really low release that helps his fastball play up from the high-80s velocity that he has. He’s gotten up to 92 MPH and utilizes a cut/ride fastball shape to get whiffs. He’ll pair it with a low-80s slider that has some sweeping life to it, though it can get soft and uncompetitive at times. There’s some projectability here and the easy nature of his mechanics suggest he could start down the line.
INF/RHP Mitch Voit, Michigan (2025)
2023 Slash Line: .267/.338/.439, .777 OPS, 7 HR, 32 RBI, 0 SB, 18:50 BB:K ratio
2023 Pitching Line: 19 Games (1 Start), 36 IP, 3.25 ERA, 12:25 BB:K ratio, 5 Saves
Summary: Voit is an intriguing two-way prospect who shined in his first year in the Big Ten. On the mound, he’s primarily been a reliever with an arsenal dominated by his fastball, which sits in the 89-93 MPH range with a mix of carry and run. He’ll mix in a change-up and breaking ball, but sparsely uses them. As a hitter, he’s got a solid swing from the right side and likes to utilize the opposite field. There’s good power potential here to all fields, too. He’ll need to shore up his approach and plate discipline, as he struggles against breaking balls and runs a high strikeout rate, but the clay is there to improve for Voit on both sides of the ball.
INF J.J. Wetherholt, West Virginia (2024)
2023 Slash Line: .449/.517/.787, 1.304 OPS, 16 HR, 60 RBI, 36 SB, 26:22 BB:K ratio
Summary: Simply put, Wetherholt was one of the best, if not the best, bats in the country in 2023. Wetherholt utilizes an open stance at the plate and has very mature plate discipline, rarely striking out and producing a ton of quality contact. His bat lives in the zone for a long time and he doesn’t get pull-happy, utilizing the whole field to his advantage. He’s a menace on the basepaths, tallying thirty-six stolen bases on the year. He’s primarily played second base throughout 2023, and that’s likely where he’ll stay long-term, though third base could be an option. Should Wetherholt make the final 26-man roster, he’d be the first-ever Mountaineer to do so.
RHP Nicholas Wilson, Southern (2023)
2023 Pitching Line: 15 Games (13 Starts), 86.2 IP, 3.22 ERA, 23:101 BB:K ratio
Summary: A JUCO transfer from Texas, Wilson has excelled with Southern out of the SWAC league. An easy operation on the bump, Wilson struck out 101 batters in 2023, including a four-game stretch of double-digit strikeouts in late April and early May. He will sit in the high-80s, touching 90+ MPH at times, with plenty of cut to the pitch that plays up thanks to a flat approach angle. His slider is a solid offering, showcasing plenty of sweeping life and bite in the high-70s and garners plenty of whiffs in the process. He is set to turn 22 in a couple of weeks, so he is eligible for the 2023 draft.
RHP Jay Woolfolk, Virginia (2024)
2023 Pitching Line: 30 Games (0 Starts), 34 IP, 2.91 ERA, 20:38 BB:K ratio, 9 Saves
Summary: Woolfolk will be the latest in a long line of recent invitees from Virginia. One of the more reliable relievers in their stable, Woolfolk is sturdily built and showcases solid athleticism on the bump. He’s been up to 97 MPH with the fastball, primarily sitting in the low-to-mid 90’s with a two-seam/sinker movement profile. The slider has two shapes, a true slider with more depth in the low-to-mid 80’s and more of a cutter in the high-80’s with solid spin rates. The change-up could wind up being his best offering, a mid-80’s offering that really tumbles away from lefties.
RHP Trey Yesavage, East Carolina (2024)
2023 Pitching Line: 16 Games (14 Starts), 76 IP, 2.61 ERA, 23:105 BB:K ratio, 1 Save
Summary: A full-time reliever in 2022, Yesavage became ECU’s ace in 2023, putting together a very solid season before arm fatigue caught up to him for a bit. The stuff is electric, led by a fastball with excellent riding life that sits anywhere from 91-96 MPH, topping out at 98 MPH. He mixes in a mid-80s slider, a low-80s curveball, and a low-80s splitter, all of which have high whiff rates. His strike-throwing has improved quite a bit, too. He’s currently one of the top pitching prospects in the 2024 class.