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.

2024 MLB Draft Prospect Profile: 1B /LHP Jac Caglianone

B: Left   T: Left 

HT: 6 ‘5  WT: 250 lbs

Hometown: Tampa, FL

School: University of Florida

2024 Stats: 

Hitting: 66 G, .419 BA .544 OBP, .875 SLG 83 R, 35 HR, 72 RBI, 4 SB, 58 BB, 26 SO

Pitching: 73.2 IP, 5-2, 4.76 ERA, 1.52 WHIP, 50 BB, 83 K

Caglianone might have the best power tool in this draft class; he produces elite exit velocities to all fields. His transition to wood should be smooth, as this tool will play at the professional level. His hands are quick, and his bat speed is top of the class, producing an elite amount of hard contact. He produced a 42% ground ball rate in 2024, which will need to improve to fully maximize his massive power potential.

Coming from Tampa, Florida, Caglianone's wide setup at the plate provides him with excellent balance, enabling him to effectively handle off-speed pitches. Notably, he significantly reduced his strikeouts this season, from 18.1% in '23 to 8.2% in '24, by lowering both his chase and miss rates. This is impressive, given the high level of pitching he faced in the SEC. While his chase rate remains in the mid-thirties, it is an area he is actively working on. 

Caglianone is a below-average runner but gets out of the box well and shows good instincts on the basepaths. He is limited defensively to first base but can handle himself on the dirt competently and moves well around the bag for his size. Caglianone has a strong throwing arm; however, scouts are mixed on his ability to play in the outfield. 

Caglianone was a two-way player for UF but will probably have to give up pitching at some point early in his professional career due to spotty command. He pitched in the mid to upper 90's in 2024 (up a couple of ticks from 2023) with his fastball, touching 100 at times; his velocity dropped to 2023 levels near the end of this Junior season. His second-best pitch is his plus change-up, which produces swing-and-miss due to its late life. He also throws a gyro-spinning slider and a cutter that can touch 90 mph; both produce moderate results and are graded as average offerings. He pitched a career-high 73.2 innings for the Gators in 2024, as they relied on him to get outs. His ceiling as an arm is a fringe reliever if he can significantly improve his control. 

Standing at 6 feet 5 inches and weighing 250 pounds, Caglianone is a physical specimen who commands attention both at the plate and on the mound. His dedication to maintaining his physique is evident in his performance. Caglianone is a high-risk, high-reward player, and is a projected top 5 pick in this year's draft.

2024 MLB Draft Prospect Profile: OF Slade Caldwell

CF Slade Caldwell

Age: 18                             

B: Left   T: Left

HT: 5 ‘9   WT: 182

Hometown: Jonesboro, AR (Valley View High School)

2024 Stats: 33 G, .485 BA, 708 OBP, 58 R, 3 HR, 18 RBI, 51 SB, 49 BB, 10 SO

Caldwell's approach in the batter's box sets him apart; he adeptly works counts and capitalizes on mistakes with his exceptional bat speed. Despite his below-average power, he consistently sprays line drives around the diamond, showcasing his excellent contact skills (84% contact rate). He’s fearlessness in deep counts and his ability to draw walks to set the table for his team stands out. His adept barrel control, solid two-strike approach, and ability to fend off tough pitches further highlight his unique skills. 

He uses his double-plus running ability to cause havoc on the bases; he stole 51 bases in his Senior season. He has great baserunning instincts and can swipe second or third at any given time. He gets out of the box well and hustles on every play. In one sequence at the game I attended, Caldwell walked, stole second, and scored from second base on a groundout to second base. His baseball IQ is off the charts, and he uses his tools very effectively to maximize his skill set.

He is listed at 5 '9, 182, but is very well built for his height with strong levers; there isn't much projection left in his frame. Gets good jumps on fly balls to the outfield and takes efficient routes. Caldwell has solid range and enough arm strength to stick in center field. 

Caldwell did pitch this season but will not be a two-way player moving forward. His final pitching stats for this season include a 5-0 record with a 1.63 ERA and 53 K's in 34.1 innings. 

His relentless work ethic and constant drive for self-improvement are evident in his game. He is a natural leader on and off the field for his Valley View team, earning the respect of his teammates. His leadership was instrumental in leading the Valley View Blazers to a 31-2 record and a 5A State Championship. His back-to-back titles as the Gatorade Arkansas Player of the Year and his inclusion in the Baseball America, Perfect Game, and MaxPreps All-First Teams further underscore his influence and respect among his peers. 

Caldwell has the build and skill set of Corbin Carroll; he does many things very well. Caldwell is a projected 1st-round selection in this summer's MLB Draft and would be a great fit in most lineups looking for a table-setter. 

MLB Draft Prospects Out West | Part 3

Happy draft week! It’s time to put the ribbon on west coast draft coverage and present the top players set to be drafted from the West Coast Conference and the Mountain West Conference. The West Coast Conference boasts a handful of arms that should become solid professionals with a couple of positional players mixed in.

West Coast Conference

Blake Shepardson, RHP, San Francisco

Shepardson didn’t have a strong year, battling fits of control and inconsistency. Still, the raw tools here are undeniable. Shepardson touched 100 this year and typically sits 95-97 with his fastballs. Shepardson can either throw a flatter 4-seam with some run or a less effective 2-seam. Shepardson’s 4-seam fastball is easily plus because of its velocity and above-average run, though the pitch needs to be spotted better.

The 6-foot-5 righty backs his fastballs up with a power slider in the mid-80s, usually 84-86, with a devastating two-plane break. The slider is another easy plus pitch that gives Shepardson substantial pro upside. Expect a team to find themselves a promising relief prospect late on day 2; with development, there’s legit late-inning potential here.

Sam Stuhr, RHP, Portland

With a case as the conference’s best arm, Stuhr features a powerful arsenal capable of dominating games. Though his frame is on the smaller end, Stuhr sits 93-96--touching 98--and gets some low launch on his fastball to make it an above-average offering. Where he’s going to make his money in July is with two average or better breakers. While the slider doesn’t break a ton, it sits 86-89 and can be an overpowering pitch.

Stuhr’s curveball has the upside of being his best pitch. It’s a true north-south breaking ball with limited glove-side break that can get up to 83. The curveball unlocks the ability to better attack left-handed bats and create starter upside. Overall, the arm talent here is great, and it’s fair to assume Stuhr could eventually sit a tick higher with his fastball and the two solid-breaking balls. He may find a taker early on day 2.

Nick Brink, RHP, Portland

As the true leader of the Portland pitching staff, Brink may be a better pro than Stuhr despite less flashy stuff. The 6-foot-2 righty will be 23 later this season and won’t land as highly in the draft, but his developed 4-pitch arsenal gives him legitimate backend upside. Brink sits 91-94 with a metrically standard fastball. It looks like an average offering, but his command of the pitch allows it to be very effective.

Backing it up, Brink’s slider misses a ton of bats as a tight mid-80s offering that he pinpoints away to hitters, and his ability to command the pitch to both sides of the zone is advanced. There’s also a promising curveball here with good drop, but Brink’s changeup ties the profile together and makes him a nightmare for left-handed bats. It’s a super deceptive pitch with excellent arm action and just subtle fade to get plenty of weak contact and mistimed swings. A sum of several quality parts, Brink will surely rise through an organization as a starter.

Spencer Scott, 2B, Portland

Offering one of the best contact (92.6% z-contact rate) and plate discipline (12.2% chase rate) combos in this class, Scott, with his line-drive approach, is sure to contribute in the pros. He’s a well-below-average power guy and a below-average runner, which throws a wrench into the equation, but Scott will be an average defender either at the hot corner or second base.

Likely a day-three option, Scott is sure to run low strikeout rates and quality walk rates and provide good depth to a minor-league lineup with true utility upside.

Dalton Mashore, OF, Saint Mary’s

Mashore is a box checker with few flaws. There’s above-average raw power (106.2 mph 90th EV), swing decisions, and a feel for contact. He’s got it all on the offensive side. Throw in above-average speed, legit capability in center field, and solid twitch in his swing, and the upside is very apparent with Mashore.

Digging for flaws, his swing can get a bit like a chop without much flexibility in his wrists. While his bat path is primed for generating backspin, his barrel accuracy leaves some to be desired, and he frequently gets on top of the baseball. There are also concerns about his ability to handle velocity. All in all, potential 5-tool centerfielders don’t grow on trees, and Mashore profiles to be average or better across the board.

Josh Randall, RHP, San Diego

Likely to be the WCC’s highest-drafted player this year, Randall offers a unique look and profile that assures interest. Throwing from what’s a sidearm slot, Randall sits 92-96 with a pair of fastballs; his primary is a quality sinker with a heavy run that can gear up to 98, while he also throws a 4-seamer with one of the flattest approach angles in the class because of his slot. Both are above-average offerings and will allow Randall to be somewhat splits-proof.

Randall also has a pair of above-average secondaries. The pitch he leans on most heavily is a slider with a heavy drop that can touch 89. He throws a potentially plus power changeup to help him truly dominate left-handed hitters. It’s an upper 80s to low 90s offering with a plus run and some fade that’s difficult to pick up because of his low slot. Having 4 legitimate offerings, pitchabilty, and a low slot makes Randall truly one of a kind in this year’s class and the mix of traits could get him to the back of day 1.

Ariel Armas, C, San Diego

Armas can catch. The 6-foot backstop is agile behind the dish, serving as a premium blocker (credited with 0 passed balls in 2024) with good framing ability and very quick exchanges behind the dish--I’ve clocked low 1.7 pop times. This looks like a plus defender already.

To help his case, Armas brings a capable bat with an 89.5 zone contact rate and a rock-solid 18.4 chase rate. His swing is very compact and short, giving him some certainty as he enters the pros. Armas reads spin and velocity excellently, though he’s not a great fastball hitter. Armas also has real power with a 104.4 90th percentile EV, equating to fringe-average pop. When you least expect it, Armas can get up the line in under 4.3 seconds, giving him a legit average or better speed. It would be shocking if Armas isn’t a solid pro, and there’s legitimate backup catcher potential here or more.

Drake Frize, RHP, San Diego

Frize is uniquely effective despite his limited power and otherwise traditional delivery. Hitters managed just a .559 OPS all year against Frize and his low-power arsenal. His fastball sits 88-91, though it features elite carry to deceive hitters’ eyes. The 23-year-old backs the heater up with a mid-70s curveball and a low-80s changeup.

Frize’s curveball gets an enormous drop and is thrown with intention, making it a solid average pitch. His changeup is a prototypical tempo killer, as he throws it with deception through hard downhill and with a 10 mph difference from his fastball. Frize also reaps the benefits of above-average command and could be a unique senior-sign middle relief prospect because of his three usable pitches and command.

Owen Hackman, RHP, Loyola Marymount

Hackman carries multiple tools to entice clubs with a carrying fastball that gets 21.4 IVB from a 91-93 mph range. It’s an average or better pitch that will keep him afloat in the pros. However, Hackman’s pair of solid breaking balls propel this profile into legit prospect territory.

Hackman’s slider features above-average power, sitting 84-87, topping at 89 with good depth, while his low-80s curveball is a bat-missing north-south offering. There’s a sneaky budding changeup here that has touched 90 with quality fade that should push Hackman to the beginning of day 3.

Seamus Barrett, RHP, Loyola Marymount

Barrett threatens Randall and Stuhr as one of the best arms in this conference, though as a 23-year-old senior sign, he’ll likely slide into the beginning or middle of day 3. It’s a legit mid-90s arm, sitting 93-95 with quality run from his massive 6-foot-7 frame. That pitch will get Barrett drafted because of the unique look.

Barrett stacks a strong profile with his above-average 12-6 curveball. His frame allows him to get great leverage on the pitch, and it’s been unhittable when executed. There’s also a sub-1000 RPM splitter in the mix that misses many bats, though Barrett needs to develop a better feel for the offspeed. A few uncommon characteristics are packed into one prospect here, and Barrett will be one of the more sought-after senior signs.

Other WCC names to keep an eye on:

Preston Howey, RHP, Saint Mary’s

Howey is a reliever at the next level with an average fastball that sits 92-95, touching 97 from a lower slot. He also throws an average slider with depth in the mid-80s. Howey throws strikes and will be one of the first pure relievers off the board.

Brian Duroff, OF, Saint Mary’s

Duroff is a solid, though unspectacular, all-around outfielder. He’s fringe-average or a touch better in most key areas, though he’s a below-average runner and may eventually have to move from the grass.

Austin Smith, OF, San Diego

A well-below-average power player with defensive limitations seems like an odd pro fit, but Smith approaches everything with a solid approach and maximizes his limited power.

Jordan Hamberg, OF, Gonzaga

Currently, a two-way player, Hamburg will only hit at the next level with plus swing decisions and fringe-average power. There’s a potential 1B/DH snag, but he’s a worthy day three prospect.

Sam Biller, OF, Loyola Marymount

Another solid floor, though very low ceiling outfielder, Biller is an above-average defender with above-average speed and enough impact in his bat to get by in the pros, though the hit tool needs refinement.

Blake Hammond, RHP, Santa Clara

Hammond is a rounded pitcher with pitchability as his guiding tool. He mixes three pitches well and can grab 93 with his fastball. It’s his manipulatable breaking ball--sometimes a mid-80s pitch with less drop but more often a low-80s traditional curveball--that makes him a viable pro prospect. Both variations miss bats and barrels.

Mountain West Conference

Dayne Pengelly, RHP, New Mexico

A Pima Community College product, the Albuquerque native returned to his hometown, UNM, for what will be his final collegiate season. The 6-foot-3 throws from a funky low slot and quality pitch characteristics. Pengelly mixes two different fastballs that generate a ton of ground balls by working hard to the armside, especially his 4-seam fastball, relative to what’s typical.

Neither the four-seam or two-seam are particularly effective pitches now because of inconsistent location, but both can get up to 97 and usually sit 92-95. Pengelly throws an average slider with quality depth to back the heaters up. Pengelly has flashed a changeup that could be a tunneling weapon with his fastballs but will require more feel—Pengelly profiles as a day three relief target.

Tommy Hopfe, 1B/OF Fresno State

A switch-hitter with a plus feel for contact from both sides and solid average power, Hopfe is an intriguing day-two option. Hopfe has a muscular build that lends itself to enough raw power to threaten for 15+ homers in the pros and possibly more if he can add more loft to his swing. His zone contact rate of 94.2% will jump out in models, though a chase rate of 28.8%--with extra proclivity to chase secondaries--bring Hopfe’s profile down a notch.

Additionally, Hopfe likely plays first base in the pros, though teams may be willing to try the fringe-average athlete in a corner, where his low-90s arm on the mound may offer additional value.

Brendan O’Sullivan, SS, UNLV

O’Sullivan’s calling card is his defensive prowess at shortstop. His actions are quick and smooth, with extremely polished footwork and above-average range. The glove will carry O’Sullivan through the pros, though he’s no slouch offensively. 

O’Sullivan’s 104.1 mph 90th percentile exit velocity indicates he’s a genuine threat to leave the yard, especially considering his quality bat control and lofty right-handed swing with a high handset. O’Sullivan also has a sound offensive approach with average swing decisions and sees spin extremely well. However, O’Sullivan has some issues catching up to velocity. As a slick-fielding shortstop with a capable bat, the UNLV product will attract attention from late day 2 and early day 3.

Michael Ball, 2B/SS, Nevada

See ball, hit ball is the name of the Nevada infielder’s game. Ball ran a stellar 93.5% zone contact rate this year, and his short bat path indicates that he will continue in the pros. Ball is one of the more aggressive hitters in the class and will not walk much in the pros--he runs extremely high swing rates against secondary offerings. There is legit fringe-average pop here and lift that could manifest in 10-15 homers a year.

Ball also handles both middle infield positions, though his fringe average speed is noticeable at shortstop, where his abilities are somewhat limited. Teams looking for a hitter with a feel for contact and some power will make Ball a day 3 target.

JR Freethy, OF, Nevada

The switch-hitting Freethy is the most complete pure hitter in the conference with plus feel for contact and plus swing decisions. Freethy’s swing is compact and a bit whippy with solid bat speed. He has a slighter 6-foot frame that doesn’t lend much power though Freethy’s 103.1 mph 90th percentile exit velocity is still respectable.

There is average speed here, and Freethy has played center field, although he’s best suited for a corner spot.

Other MW names to keep an eye on:

Jake Holland, C, New Mexico

As a 5th year player, Holland is exclusively a money saver, a very late day three pick, or a priority UDFA. There’s a real backup catcher upside here with average pop, a swing built for pull-side lift, and solid hands behind the plate.

Austin Kryszczuk, 1B, UNLV

Kryszczuk’s performance history makes him a legit pro prospect. He’s not above average in any way, with average swing decisions, a feel for contact, and fringe-average raw power, but Kryszczuk hits fastballs with the best of them.

Jadon Bercovich, RHP, San Diego State

The SDSU right-hander's results this year (8.24 ERA) were truly unsightly, but his 2800 rpm two-plane slider is a weapon that misses bats. With some tweaks to his fastball usage, he will play in a bullpen.

This wraps the three-part coverage of draft prospects out west. Keep a close eye on the West Coast Conference’s top prospects as solid-upside big leaguers with some intriguing names to emerge from the WCC’s depth along with the Mountain West.

2024 MLB Draft Prospect Profile: 2B/SS Griff O'Ferrall

2B/SS Griff O’Ferrall

Age: 21

B: Right T: Right

HT: 6/1 WT: 195

Hometown: Richmond, VA

2024 Stats: 63 G, 323 PA, .325/.367/.454, 64 R, 20 2B, 5 HR, 52 RBI, 17 SB, 22 BB, 24 SO

While he doesn’t have the same draft pedigree as former Virginia teammate Kyle Teel, O’Ferrall has been of the most consistent bats for the Cavaliers over the last three years. During his time at Virginia, he’s slashed .324/.367/.454 with 45 doubles, eight home runs, 133 RBI, and 50 stolen bases. He’s your prototypical sum-of-all-parts type player who does just about everything right.

Very mature and polished at the plate, O’Ferrall is one of the toughest players to get out. He has some of the best, if not the best, bat-to-ball skills in the 2024 MLB Draft class, totaling 200 hits over the last two seasons while sporting a 12.1 K% in 2023 and an insane 7.5 K% this year. Every time I saw him in live looks this year, it was a battle for the pitcher to get him out. He will foul off pitch after pitch until he gets a hit or the pitcher finds a way to put him away. His swing, which generates a ton of barrels, is made for line drives, and he can often get enough power to go gap to gap. The power is still below-average overall, and he won’t hit many balls over the fence.

O’Ferrall has a compact, wiry frame with solid athleticism that can play very well up the middle of the field. He has quick twitch reactions on the field, and his improved arm strength allows you to believe he can stick at shortstop. He’s got above-average speed on the basepaths and isn’t afraid to try and take an extra bag. His good reads allow him to pile up more stolen bases than expected.

I mentioned in my other live looks that he reminds me of a Matt Shaw-light on the offensive side of the ball due to his lack of power. Shaw is one of those guys who did everything offensively above average. O’Ferrall likely has a better hit tool but less power. A better overall comparison on both sides of the ball might be Nick Loftin, but with a better hit tool. Loftin was above-average run, field, and throw but with an average hit tool and below-average power. O’Ferrall is the same in terms of run, field, throw, and power but has a plus-hit tool, giving him more upside. He likely makes for a good utility player at the next level, and teams will likely be going after O’Ferrall late on day one.

2024 MLB Draft Prospect Profile: INF/OF Seaver King

INF/OF Seaver King

Age: 21

B: Right T: Right

HT: 6/0 WT: 195

Hometown: Athens, GA

2024 Stats: 60 G, 284 PA, .308/.377/.577, 59 R, 14 2B, 3 3B, 16 HR, 64 RBI, 11 SB, 25 BB, 34 SO

Seaver King has one of the coolest stories out there. Undersized and small coming out of high school, King didn’t get many offers. He ended up committing to NCAA Division II Wingate (N.C.). He didn’t let that keep him from performing. He put up a 47-game hitting streak where he slashed .411/.457/.699 with 11 home runs and 13 steals as a sophomore. Still, some questioned whether he could compete with guys at the higher level. He silenced those questions with solid appearances with the U.S. Collegiate National Team and the Cape Code League in the summer of 2023. In 71 plate appearances in the Cape, he slashed .424/.479/.542 with a 1.021 OPS while hitting four doubles, one home run, and driving in nine.

The one thing that stood out about Seaver King was that he’s an athlete and an absolute gamer. In the series I saw him, he didn’t do much at the plate, but he was trying to make things happen despite his struggles. He even laid down a bunt, using his plus speed to beat it out for a single. A lot of his struggles come primarily from his approach at the plate. He’s a bit overly aggressive, which leads to some chasing out of the zone, but he still keeps his strikeout rate low, which hovered at 12% this year. You’d like to see him develop more patience and walk more, and there is plenty of time for him to develop. His bat speed makes up for his aggressiveness, and he hits the ball far when he’s making contact. While the contact rates are low because of his aggressiveness, he generates weak contact from time to time as he doesn’t get the barrel to the ball, but that could easily correct itself over time and as he gets more experience against elite pitching.

Defensively, he looked to fit the part in centerfield, and I have no concerns about him sticking there. He had a ton of range and could easily track down balls. He gets incredible jumps. He’s also received time on the infield, primarily shortstop, and he’s played decent enough there but is likely a better outfielder. The speed is a definite plus to his game, and he will do whatever it takes to beat out a ground ball. He gets out of the box quickly. He can wreak havoc on the basepaths by stretching singles into doubles, but he’s still working to improve his jumps to increase the amount of steals he has. The power and speed, combined with his insane athleticism, will have teams calling his name in the first round of the 2024 MLB Draft.