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: Top 100 Prep 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 College board will be released tomorrow. 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.

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1. OF/RHP Konnor Griffin, jackson Prep (MS)

Height: 6’4

Weight: 210

B/T: R/R

Commitment: Louisiana state

Draft Day age: 18 yr 2 mo

There may not be a more famous name in this class than Konnor Griffin, who reclassified from the 2025 ranks and has a chance to be the first prep player off the board next July. Given the reclassification, he projects to be one of the younger guys in this class, though you wouldn't know that with mix of physicality and projection. He's got two-way abilities, though most project him as a center fielder, where his athleticism, plus speed, and excellent range are on full display. He's got a very good arm and plenty of twitchiness, too. At the dish, it's a polished approach with a ton of bat speed and over-the-fence power, which projects as plus once he's fully developed. His overall contact has shown some inconsistencies this summer, though it's gotten better as the summer has progressed. All in all, Griffin has the potential to be rather special offensively. There's upside on the bump, as well, as he's already gotten into the mid-90s with his fastball and shows a promising breaking ball with swing-and-miss traits, too.

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2. 1B/OF PJ Morlando, Summerville HS (SC)

Height: 6’3

Weight: 200

b/t: L/R

commitment: South Carolina

draft day age: 19 yr 1 mo

There's no mincing words here, Morlando projects as the biggest offensive threat in this year's prep class thanks to a loud combination of high contact rates, robust power, and mature plate discipline. Morlando has a quiet setup with a wide lower half, but he really explodes through the zone with quick hands and high-end bat speed. He's a patient hitter who knows the strike zone and isn't afraid to rack up the free passes, plus he'll utilize the whole field and keeps the whiffs to a minimum. The power potential with Morlando is sky high with the bat speed and leverage/loft he generates and he's already put on shows during batting practices in big league stadiums. It's easily plus right now. Defensively, he projects as a potential corner outfielder thanks to his athleticism and average speed/arm, which have improved over the years. There's still a chance that he moves to a first base role as he grows, though that's not set in stone just yet. The South Carolina commit will be a fun one to follow for years.

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3. 3B Caleb Bonemer, Okemos HS (MI)

height: 6’1

weight: 195

B/T: R/R

COMMITMENT: Virginia

DRAFT DAY AGE: 18 yr 9 mo

Bonemer profiles as one of the biggest, if not the biggest, riser from the summer circuit, propelling himself to the top of the class with a loud toolset. It's a legitimate power/speed threat with a chance to be a solid defender on the left side of the dirt. There's not a ton of wasted energy with Bonemer's swing, as he stays very quiet through his load and short to the ball, displaying explosive bat speed from the right side and punishing baseballs in the process. Most of his power plays up the middle and to his pullside and he's already produced multiple exit velocities over 105 MPH. If there's anything to work on with Bonemer, it's polishing up his plate discipline, as he does run into some issues with whiffs and the chase rate is a bit higher than you'd want to see. Despite the physical nature of his frame, he's very athletic and produces plus or better run times. He's got a very good glove and could stay at shortstop, though given his size, a move to third base seems likely, where he'd be a potentially above-average or better defender.

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4. RHP Levi Sterling, Notre Dame HS (CA)

Height: 6’4

Weight: 190

B/T: R/R

Commitment: Texas

Draft Day Age: 17 yr 10 mo

Sterling turned in a loud summer and has vaulted himself to the top of the class with a mix of loud stuff, pitchability, and projection. For starters, Sterling will be one of the youngest players in the entire class, as he won't turn 18 until September, which certainly helps him in team model runs. He projects as a starter with a buttery-smooth delivery on the mound and a legitimate four-pitch mix that is led by a fastball that's already in the low-90s with life and can easily get into the mid-90s with added strength to his long and lanky frame. His best secondary comes in the form of a low-mid 80s change-up, which has splitter-esque movement and dives hard away from lefties. He mixes in an upper-70s curveball that classifies more as a sweeper and a mid-80s cutter with tight spin to righties. He's got plenty of athleticism and he throws a large quantity of strikes as a result, showcasing potentially above-average command at best.

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5. SS Carter Johnson, oxford HS (AL)

Height: 6’2

Weight: 180

B/T: L/R

Commitment: Alabama

Draft Day Age: 18 yr 4 mo

As a hitter, Johnson possesses almost everything you want to see in a swing from a prep prospect. His hands work quick, his hips fire, and there's plenty of bat speed. He has performed at every summer event that he has attended, and shows an ability to barrel up stuff, as well as taking what the pitcher gives him. Defensively, Johnson has the instincts and hands to stick on the dirt, but there are concerns about his foot speed at shortstop. A move to 2nd base or 3rd base could be made down the line, but Johnson has the prototypical long shortstop body to add strength and should be given every opportunity to prove that he can handle the speed and physicality of the position. Even if there is a future move to 2nd or 3rd base, Johnson has enough power and hitting ability to stick at those positions. He's a high follow for the Deep South region, and is the top prep prospect in the state of Alabama.

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6. 1B/LHP Noah Franco, IMG Academy (FL)

Height: 6’3

Weight: 205

B/T: L/L

Commitment: TCU

Draft Day Age: 18 yr 2 mo

Another reclassified player from the 2025 class, Franco has some of the best two-way upside in this class. He's got a physical frame with very broad shoulders and plenty of athleticism that plays well on both sides of the ball, though there's a bit more upside with the bat. There is some swing-and-miss to his game, but he's not afraid to rack up walks and doesn't chase a ton, plus he's been able to hold his own in left-on-left matchups. There's plenty of bat speed present and he swings with serious intent, spraying the ball to all fields and showcasing solid power up the middle and to his pull-side. That'll get better as he becomes physically mature. He's likely limited to first base with his size, though don't let that fool you. He's rather mobile and shows quick twitch at the position, letting his athleticism shine. On the bump, he's been into the low-90s with easy, athletic mechanics and it's easy to project him into the mid-90s by next summer. He's got a high spin slider that has some teeth in the low-80s with late sweep, as well as feel for a change-up.

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7. RHP Joey oakie, Ankeny centennial HS (IA)

Height: 6’3

Weight: 207

B/T: R/R

Commitment: iowa

Draft Day Age: 18 yr 2 mo

Another loud arm coming out of Ankeny, Iowa, Oakie has some of the loudest stuff in the entire class. Oakie generates a ton of scap load in his delivery with a big arm swing before driving down the mound with a whippy, near sidearm slot. He's already gotten into the mid-90s with the fastball, getting up to 97 MPH, with a ton of life and spin through the zone and plays up thanks to the low launch nature of his release. It wouldn't be a shock to see Oakie's velocity jump into the upper-90s when all is said and done, either. Oakie's sweeper might be the best pitch in the prep ranks, a diabolical pitch with a ton of sweep and hard biting action in the mid-80s and projects as plus. He's gotten up to 25 inches of horizontal break this summer and the pitch has insanely high spin rates, touching the 3,000 RPM barrier. He's got feel for a fading change-up that he throws hard in the mid-upper 80s that projects well, too. He'll need to iron out some command inconsistencies, but this is an enticing package overall.

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8. RHP Owen Hall, Edmond north HS (OK)

Height: 6’3

Weight: 185

B/T: R/R

Commitment: Vanderbilt

Draft Day Age: 18 yr 8 mo

Hall is another big riser from the summer circuit, vaulting himself into the top ten with a mix of present stuff and starter traits. It's a fluid and athletic delivery on the bump with a lean frame that has plenty of projection remaining at 6'3, 185 pounds. Hall's fastball is rather explosive with a ton of late life, especially at the top of the zone, and he'll show a bit of a two-seam/sinker variant at the bottom of the zone. He throws plenty of strikes with the heater and he'll hold 92-95 MPH throughout outings, plus he's already been up to 98 MPH in shorter stints. It's a future plus pitch. He's got two breaking balls, a slider/cutter hybrid in the mid-80s that has good two-plane tilt and a curveball in the mid-to-upper-70s that has good depth, but lacks bite/conviction at times. He's developing a mid-80s splitter, as well. He'll need to develop consistency with his off-speed arsenal, but there's a ton to like with the Vanderbilt commit.

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9. OF Slade Caldwell, valley view HS (AR)

Height: 5’9

Weight: 182

B/T: L/L

Commitment: Mississippi

Draft Day Age: 18 yr

The best way to describe Caldwell would be to call him a "menace." While he lacks premium physicality due to his shorter stature, Caldwell makes up for it with explosive athleticism and polish. It's a sweet swing from the left side of the plate and he's shown excellent plate discipline, rarely chasing and showcasing plenty of patience, drawing walks aplenty. There's solid barrel consistency in his swing and he utilizes the gaps often, prioritizing his plus-plus speed on the basepaths as a result. He's rather strong for his size and has been able to put the ball in the air more, though it's always going to be hit-over-power with Caldwell. His speed allows him to cover ground very well in center field, where he's a solid defender with great instincts. If there's anything to knock him on, it's the lack of a strong arm, which may push him to left field. With that said, he's got the tools to stick at the "eight" long term. He'll have plenty of fans come draft day.

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10. RHP William Schmidt, Catholic HS (LA)

Height: 6’4

Weight: 180

b/t: R/R

COMMITMENT: Louisiana State

DRAFT DAY AGE: 18 yr 9 mo

In terms of raw stuff, Schmidt's one-two punch might be the best in this class. An above-average, if not better, athlete on the mound, Schmidt is a quick mover on the mound where his athleticism is explosive and there's a ton of projection with his long, lean frame. The fastball has seen a solid velocity uptick over the past year, now touching 95 MPH and holding 90-94 MPH consistently. There's plenty of riding life with the heater, as well as some cut, and given the projection, it's likely that he could get into the upper-90s soon. The true separator with Schmidt is an upper-70s curveball with a ton of upside. It's a true 12-6 hammer with tons of depth and extremely high spin rates, exceeding the 3,000 RPM threshold on occasion. There's plenty of bat-missing traits between those two pitches and he's developing an upper-70s change-up with plenty of fading life. Command comes and goes, but given the projection and pure stuff, this is a profile that can sneak into the first round with further development.

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