The MLB Draft is a time for hope.
It is a chance for struggling teams to possibly land their next superstar. It is a chance to add a player who can make an impact for years to come. Although draft prospects do not typically make an immediate impact, the quick ascensions of Paul Skenes, Adley Rutschman and Garrett Crochet (among others) in recent years has changed that narrative.
The 2024 MLB Draft will take place from July 14 through July 16. Let’s take a look at five prospects to know before the draft begins.
Oregon State second baseman Travis Bazzana
Bazzana is considered by MLB.com’s Jonathan Mayo to be the top prospect in the draft. The left-handed hitting second baseman posted a .407/.568/.911 batting line with 28 homers and 16 steals in his 296 plate appearances for the Oregon State Beavers this past season. He also stole 16 bases while drawing 76 walks and striking out 37 times.
Bazzana is considered to have an advanced approach at the plate with excellent bat speed and plenty of raw power. He has plus speed to go along with his plus hit tool, making him a viable threat on the basepaths. There are questions as to where Bazzana’s long-term defensive home will be, but he is expected to be an adequate second baseman. Bazzana has an added wrinkle to his profile – the Australian prospect spent parts of three years in the Australian Baseball League, getting experience against advanced competition.
Florida first baseman/starting pitcher Jac Caglianone
Everyone wants to find the next Shohei Ohtani. While those comparisons are unfair for anyone, first baseman/starting pitcher Jac Caglianone is as close as a team may get.
Regarded as the third-best prospect per MLB.com, Caglianone is considered to have the best raw power in the 2024 MLB Draft class. Although he has an aggressive approach, Caglianone consistently makes hard contact without high strikeout rates. He produced a .419/.544/.875 batting line with a Division 1-leading 35 homers in his 316 plate appearances for the Florida Gators, drawing 58 walks with 26 strikeouts.
Caglianone is considered a second-round talent as a pitcher. He has a plus-plus fastball that can reach triple digits along with a cutter, slider and changeup. However, Caglianone does have problems commanding his arsenal. He posted a 4.76 ERA and a 1.520 WHiP in his 73.2 innings, striking out 83 batters while issuing 50 walks.