2024 MLB Draft: Best Value Picks

It’s wild that the 2024 MLB Draft has come to an end. It feels like Tyler and I were launching the On The Clock podcast yesterday, and fall-ball was just starting. Now that we’ve come down from the high of the draft, it’s time to do some recaps and break down some of the picks and team hauls. We will first start with the best value picks in each round. 

Draft Live Stream | Top 300 Prospects | Regional Board Rankings 

Day One Recap | Final Recap | Best Classes by Team

Round 1 - LHP Cam Caminiti, Atlanta Braves (Pick No. 24, Prospects Live Rank No. 16)

I think every analyst you talk to will tell you that Caminiti was the biggest steal of the first round. He and William Schmidt were considered the top two prep arms in the draft. Schmidt announced he was heading to LSU a few hours before the draft, leaving Caminiti as the best prep arm on the board. The left-handed Caminiti reclassified and was one of the youngest players in the draft and already had a fastball that could reach up to 98. It’s the potential for a solid four-pitch mix. The Braves have to be ecstatic to get him here. 

Round CB-A - RHP Brody Brecht, Colorado Rockies (Pick No. 38, Prospects Live Rank No. 27)

Brecht might have the best pure stuff outside of Chase Burns and Hagen Smith in the 2024 MLB Draft. The biggest knock on him has always been his command and control as he’s sported BB% of 21.2%, 18.4%, and 14.2% over his last three college seasons. The good news is he’s improved each year, especially after he decided to leave football and focus solely on baseball last March. It’s a 96-99 mph fastball that has touched 101 mph with a wipeout slider that sits in the upper 80s. Brecht is undoubtedly a project due to his control issues, but it’s hard to turn a blind eye to the stuff. He could skyrocket with development in the pros. 

Round 2 - RHP Ryan Sloan, Seattle Mariners (Pick No. 55, Prospects Live Rank No. 21)

Sloan just kept creeping up draft boards all year long. He was easily the next best prep pitcher after Caminiti and Schmidt. The Mariners got a college arm in the first round, likely under slot, which may have saved them enough money to take Sloan. He’s gotten his fastball up to 99 mph in shorter stints and has the makings of a power arm. While there are some concerns with command, he’s super young and just a little bit of development could have him becoming a top prospect in the future. 

Round 3 - RHP Drew Beam, Kansas City Royals (Pick No. 76, Prospects Live Rank No. 47)

While Drew Beam doesn’t have the sexiest arsenal of pitches, he has been one of the SEC's most consistent and reliable starters over the last three years. One of our top 50 prospects in this draft, Beam has a solid four-pitch mix with a 92-96 mph fastball. He’s been an innings eater and workhorse starter despite lacking the strikeout numbers. Beam could be a guy who moves quickly through the minors and if he’s able to learn a outpitch he could end up having a ceiling higher than back-of-the-rotation type starter.

Round 4 - RHP Tyson Neighbors, San Diego Padres (Pick. No. 118, Prospects Live Rank No. 80)

Most people would probably take Dakota Jordan as the most outstanding value pick in the fourth round, and they aren’t wrong, but I have to give some love to Tyson Neighbors here. Neighbors has an electric three-pitch mix that consists of a plus fastball, slider, and curveball. It’s some of the most “big league ready” stuff in the draft. Although he is likely a reliever only, he could be a quick riser through the minor leagues and soon find his way to the show. He’s got all the makings to be a high-leverage reliever at the next level. 

Round 5 - RHP Connor Foley, Arizona Diamondbacks (Pick No. 164, Prospects Live Rank No. 108)

The Indiana right-hander started in the bullpen as a freshman but transitioned to the rotation, where he found some success. He’s missed bats at a high rate and has a pretty electric fastball in the mid-90s. He’s gotten it to the upper 90s, but that was in shorter stints. He struggles holding his velocity deep into starts. Still, this is excellent value for the DBacks, who might be able to build on his fastball and two off-speed pitches, which are about average. He likely ends up in the bullpen but could be a big-league reliever if his stuff continues to tick up in shorter stints. 

Round 7 -  RHP Dennis Colleran, Kansas City Royals (Pick No. 197, Prospects Live Rank No. 141)

The Royals did it again with another college arm. This time, they took Colleran out of Northeastern. Colleran had Tommy John surgery in 2022 and came back in 2023, so he’s been working through command issues. Although he struggled with command, his arm was strong, as he had an electric fastball that topped out at 99 mph at the MLB Draft Combine in June. He usually sits 96-100 mph. He has a power slider to go with his fastball, and he gives me some Dylan Coleman vibes. Based on his stuff, he could be a quick riser as a reliever. 

Round 8 - TWP Conrad Cason, Boston Red Sox (Pick No. 237, Prospects Live Rank No. 167)

After going pretty college heavy in the early rounds, the Red Sox landed a fairly good prep prospect in Round 8. Cason is a two way prospect out of Georgia and was one of the youngest players in the class. There is lots of athleticism here and he is explosive on both sides of the ball. On the mound, he’s gotten his fastball up to 96 mph, which he pairs with a really good slider. It’ll be interesting to see how long the Red Sox let him be a two-way player, but they must be very happy with this pick in Round 8.

Round 9 - RHP Marcus Morgan, Philadelphia Phillies (Pick N0. 282, Prospects Live Rank No. 218)

Another college arm out of Iowa, Morgan had some of the most interesting pure stuff in the college game. Somewhat overlooked by Brecht, Morgan has a fastball that has reached 96 mph, but reports this fall had him in the upper 90s, including touching 99 mph in a bullpen. He has a good sweeper to pair with it. It’s three-plus offerings, and he can potentially be a mid-rotation type pitcher if he can hone in on some of the control issues he has had to date. 

Round 10 - RHP Chase Mobley, Cleveland Guardians (Pick No. 295, Prospects Live Rank No. 95)

There is no doubt almost everyone is picking Chase Mobley as the round ten best value pick. The Guardians had a lot of money to spend this draft and knew they could get Mobley to sign in the 10th round for overslot. It’s a fastball that has already topped out at 97 mph with some reports saying it has touched 99 mph. There is lot to project and tons of room for growth for Mobley who just turned 18 before draft day. There is tons to build on here and the Guardians have to be excited about this pick. 

Round 11 - RHP Trey Gregory-Alford, Los Angeles Angels (Pick No. 322, Prospects Live Rank No. 84)

Based on the Angels' earlier picks, they were obviously saving money to take a significant prep arm after the first ten rounds and boy, did they get their guy in Trey Gregory-Alford. He threw the seven fastest pitches at the MLB Draft Combine, topping out at 99.7 mph. The 6’5 right-hander is a towering presence on the mound with a very large and physical frame. He is everything you think of when you think of a power pitcher. A great pick for the Angels and falls in line with their recent drafting of guys like Caden Dana. 

Round 12 - 3B Zander Darby, San Francisco Giants (Pick No. 358, Prospects Live Rank No. 124)

You could’ve chosen between two college players in the 12th round for the best value. RHP Brady Tygart out of Arkansas who went to the Boston Red Sox would’ve also been a great choice, but it is hard to ignore the great value on Darby here. Darby flew up draft after a strong showing in the Cape. He had a hit-or-miss spring this year, but Darby still has the tools you want to bank on. He has improved his patience at the plate and grew into more in-game power. He truly shows off raw power in batting practice. A lot is needed in the development department, but it is still a steal here for the Giants. 

Round 14 - RHP Kyle DeGroat, Kansas City Royals (Pick No. 407, Prospects Live Rank No. 138)

The Royals went through a slate of older college arms and bats for about ten rounds until they reached round 14. It was apparent that those picks were related to wanting to sign DeGroat. Given his commitment to Texas, it wouldn't be easy, but their plan worked, as DeGroat has already announced that he plans to sign with the Royals. DeGroat has a big frame that should be able to get stronger. Despite his height, he’s able to use that attribute to his advantage. It’s a high-spin fastball that sits 93-94 mph with some solid offspeed pitches. A lot of the velo increases are new to DeGroat, so lots to build on, but the Royals have to be happy to get their guy. 

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

OF Braylon Payne

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.