2024 MLB Mock Draft 2.0 Part I - Next Year in Cleveland

Draft season is getting HOT

The draft talk is absolutely heating up and it’s time for another 2024 MLB Mock Draft from Justin Lada and Willie Hood from us.

Part 1 will cover the first round, and Comp A round, with Part 2 covering Round 2, Comp B, FA Comp, Round 3.

Check out our first Mock here - It’s amazing how many risers/fallers we’ve had since then and how our outlook has changed.

And now….

1.1 CLEVELAND GUARDIANS: Travis Bazzana, 2B, Oregon State: 

Willie Hood: Bazzana has all the “P's” Cleveland is looking for. Professionalism, polish, production, proximity, and preparedness. All of that ties back to a tireless work ethic that makes him one of the best players in the country. Signing bonus demands will factor into this pick. So whoever sits high on Cleveland's draft and offers a reasonable discount will likely be the selection. Bazzana could have the quickest timeline among the top-5 collegiate players. That too will be a beneficial factor. Braden Montgomery and Charlie Condon are other potential picks here that make sense.

Justin Lada: There’s no such thing as a truly “safe” pick, but Bazzana is as safe as it’s going to get. Don’t take that as he’s not a great prospect. While there’s not a lot of remaining projection here, there’s definitely a high floor and a quick path to the majors. He’s added on some power this year that should stick even in the face of questions about the college bats and balls right now. His defensive homer might be a question, but you’re buying a 20-20 player here that is going to hit, draw walks and has a tireless work ethic, and is a natural leader. Does Condon have more upside? Absolutely. But the Guardians can’t afford to get this pick wrong and they’ve had pretty bad luck in the first round the past decade (Triston McKenzie, Bo Naylor and Gavin Willams are about their only wins to date at this point). It’s not playing it safe when you’re getting a talent like Bazzana. You’re just picking him for the major league proximity and the higher likelihood he reaches his full potential.

1.2 Cincinnati Reds: Willie- Charlie Condon, OF, Georgia

Comment: Many think it's sure to be a collegiate hitter and it may well be. However, Hagen Smith could be a viable option for a team looking to compete and win the NL Central. Condon has re-written Georgia baseball history. It's a combination of 70-grade power, on-base skills through BBs and HBP, and contact while limiting chase. Overall, he's 1.1 on many boards but could go in the first 3 picks. That could be determined by his pricetag come July.

1.3 Colorado Rockies: Justin - Braden Montgomery, OF, Texas A&M

Comment: I think the top 3 is pretty clear and the Rockies will sometimes do some strange things, so I wouldn’t be stunned by Chase Burns here. But Montgomery is a switch hitter who is better from the left side and has a plus-plus throwing arm that should hit bombs and play a good RF in Coors for a few year.

1.4 Oakland Athletics: Willie- Hagen Smith, LHSP, Arkansas

Comment: A quick to the big leagues power lefty here? Possibly. Smith has paralleled Paul Skenes production even in the face of historic offensive outbursts. He does it with 3 plus pitches including his mid-to-upper 90s FB, his SL & SPL CH. Smith rounds out the pitch mix with a CU and improving 50ish control.

1.5 Chicago White Sox: Justin - Bryce Rainer, SS, Harvard Westlake, CA (HS)

Comment: We’ve heard that the White Sox are in on either Smith or high school talent here. I think Konnor Griffin is probably more likely here but don’t sleep on Rainer. He’s probably a hitter at the next level but he’s buttery smooth on the mound and looks like a surefire shortstop from a promising area. 

1.6 Kansas City Royals: Willie- Nick Kurtz, 1B Wake Forest

Comment: Kurtz is one of the premier contact and power bats in this class. Running rates comparable or superior to all selected above him in this mock. This is a potential landing spot for Mississippi prep star Konnor Griffin.

1.7 St. Louis Cardinals: Justin - Jac Caglianone, 1B/LHP, Florida

Comment: This is a riskier pick for the Cardinals, but they’ve shown they prefer college hitters in recent years. I could see Burns here too, if he’s still on the board. JJ Wetherholt wouldn’t shock me either, though I think with Caglianone on the board as well as Burns, they probably pass. I think Cagliannone is a hitter only at the next level and I don’t know what St. Louis will do with him developmentally.

1.8 Los Angeles Angels, Willie- Chase Burns, RHSP Wake Forest

Comment: All Burns has done is disprove naysayers with improved stuff, while touching upper 90s and striking out hitters left and right. Burns has average command of his four pitch blend. His best pitch might be his nasty SL but his CB isn't too far behind. Rounding out his repertoire is a firm but developing change of pace that's pair with a 70-grade heater. Watch for a quick moving college bat here as another possibility. This could be a perfect landing spot for JJ Wetherholt.

1.9 Pittsburgh Pirates: Justin - Konnor Griffin, OF, Jackson Prep, MS (HS)

Comment: The Pirates system should be at a point where they can take a longer to the majors type player, and at this point of the draft nobody offers more upside than Griffin for them.

1.10 Washington Nationals: Willie- JJ Wetherholt, 2B/SS West Virginia

Comment: The soon-to-be former Mountainers middle infielder missed time with a hamstring issue. It's lingered into his season, limiting his speed and range. He was limited with hamstring issues last season too. There's a wide array of tools here. Fronted by a 70-hit tool, 55- power and speed. The big question here is if he can continue to man SS or if he will need to move to 3b or 2b. 

1.11 Detroit Tigers: Justin - Cam Caminiti, LHP, Saguaro HS, AZ (HS)

Comment: The Tigers have a new scouting director from the Giants, who have in the past gone somewhat college bat but also had recently gone prep. This might be a bit high for Caminiti but they might also get a discount going this high. 

1.12 Boston Red Sox: Justin - Trey Yesavage, RHP, ECU

Comment: The Red Sox have been a bit all over the board in their picks but I think Yesavage has been the best non-Burns/Smith arm this year. Though Brody Brecht’s recent control gains might have him moving up.

1.13 San Francisco Giants: Justin - Seaver King, SS/OF, Wake Forest 

Comment: Again, the Giants will have a new scouting director, so no idea where they will go. King seems like a good fit for them athletically though I could see both Cam Smith or Slade Caldwell here. 

1.14 Chicago Cubs: Willie- Cam Smith, 3B, Florida State

Comment: Smith is a draft eligible sophomore who's made big gains within the last year. It started in the Cape where he hit near .350 and slugged several homers. He should be comfortably drafted in the 10-20 range. Watch for Smith, James Tibbs or Trey Yesavage if any make it here.

1.15 Seattle Mariners- Willie- Slade Cladwell, OF, Valley View HS

Comment: The Mariners have drafted prep SS early and often. Caldwell isn't that, but he's a dynamic hitter with surprising power for his size (sim: Jett Williams) and hes an excellent defender with speed. Caleb Bonemar, Tyson Lewis, and Brody Brecht may make sense here.

1.16 Miami Marlins- Willie- Tommy White- 3b/1b LSU

Comment: The Miami Marlins have mixed their top selections between college bats and prep arms the last few years. It's more of the same here. Keep am eye on William Schmidt if the Fish go prep arm. Tommy White is a premium power bat with good contact skills. He can handle third and first base but may end up a quick to the big leagues DH.

1.17 Milwaukee Brewers: Justin - James Tibbs, OF/1B, Florida State

Comment: The Brewers have a recent affinity for college bats in the first round recently, and for good reason. They’ve really turned out well and while Tibbs might end up at 1B, the contact rates and power should be enough.

1.18 Tampa Bay Rays: Justin - Carson Benge, OF, Oklahoma State

Comment: Benge is an underrated athlete who might actually crawl up the board. He’s got a plus throwing arm in the outfield. He makes plenty of contact and has average power. Tampa has liked college bats but usually prefer guys who make more hard contact than Benge. But he he makes contact and has pop, plus he’s actually been good as a pitcher for OSU this year. Could the Rays be ready for another two way talent after the Brendan McKay fiasco?

1.19 New York Mets: Justin - William Schmidt, RHP, Catholics HS, LA (HS)

Comments: The Mets might be into something new this year too and their pitching development the last few years has been getting good (Christian Scott and Jonah Tong) and Schmidt has a case as the best prep arm this year.

1.20 Toronto Blue Jays: Willie- Caleb Bonemar, SS, HS, MI

Comment: The Blue Jays have gone middle of the diamond preps mixed with prep arms the last few years. Bonemar a Virginia recruit will command a healthy bonus to sign, if he's signaled. He's a slick fielding shortstop with a strong arm and an above-average bat.

1.21 Minnesota Twins: Willie- Vance Honeycutt, OF, North Carolina 

Comment: Honeycutt finds a landing spot here. He's a top-10 talent tools-wise. That said, running a contact rate below 70% isn't going to get it done. The good news is his tools hold up his value and he's a very young college junior. He's a player that might prosper in the right organization (LAD, Hou, TB). The Twins have mixed prep and college bats early the last few years.

1.22 Baltimore Orioles: Willie- Dakota Jordan, OF, Mississippi State

Comment: Jordan is strong athlete, built like a linebacker. His physical strength produces plus power potential. Contact skills are there but there's plenty of swing and miss in the profile too. He possesses a solid arm and good speed, but doesn't capitalize on his athleticism. Jordan is a draft-eligible sophomore it would be unsurprising if he slides into the 10-20 pick range. Orioles have drafted college outfielders galore in recent years.

1.23 Los Angeles Dodgers: Justin - PJ Morlando, 1B/OF, Summerville, SC (HS)

Comment: Morlando has power and a good approach at the plate. He’s probably going to be at first base, and the Dodgers player development can be trusted with this type of talent and situation.

1.24 Atlanta Braves: Justin - Brody Brecht, RHP, Iowa

Comment: Similar to Hurston Waldrep last year? Though Brecht has made control gains recently so he could move up higher than this. But the Braves player development here should do well.

1.25 San Diego Padres: Justin - Theo Gillen, SS, Westlake HS, CA (HS) 

Comment: The Padres love up the middle talent and upside and aren’t ever afraid to go prep. Though AJ Preller might be on the hot seat, Gillen’s rising talent should be too good to pass up here.

1.26 New York Yankees: Willie - Kaelan Culpepper, SS/3B, Kansas State

Comment: The Yankees have drafted several players that project to the left side of the infield. Culpepper fits the bill. He doesn't have the speed of a traditional SS but could get a run there. The Wildcats infielder has a strong plus arm with a good glove. He pairs it with 15 homerun power.

1.27 Philadelphia Phillies: Willie - Carter Johnson, SS, Oxford, AL (HS)

Comment: The Phillies have gravitated toward prep talent slipping to the back of round one the past few years. Johnson man's SS with a solid glove and speed but projects better to the hot corner. He makes good quality contact and displays 22-25 homer capabilities. 

1.28 Houston Astros: Willie - Caleb Lomavita, C, Cal

Comment: Lomavita may be an undervalued asset in this class despite the high case rates which lead to plenty of strikeouts. He adds 20-25 homer power and makes a respectable amount of contact too. On the flip side, Lomavita has a strong arm and ability to eliminate would-be SBs. He has the potential to be a better than average backstop. The Astros have gone college bat the last few years.

1.29 Arizona Diamondbacks: Justin - Wyatt Sanford, SS, Independence TX (HS)

Comment: At this point, the NL Champion DIamondbacks have three of the upcoming seven picks. They can go in a lot of directions here but Sanford seems to be rising up boards and they don’t mind up the middle high school talent in recent years.

1.30 Texas Rangers: Justin - Jacob Cozart, C, NC State

Comment: Cozart’s contact rates this year have a been a bit concerning but the Rangers seem to prefer college bats and that’s where the strength of the class is this year and Cozart might be the best bat here.

PPI

1.31 Arizona Diamondbacks: Justin - Levi Sterling, RHP, Notre Dame HS, CA (HS)

Comment: Arizona hasn’t had a ton of prep arms recently but this is a good spot for the Diamondbacks to spend on a pitcher who might be a tough sign.

1.32 Baltimore Orioles: Willie - Mike Sirota, OF, Northeastern

Comment: Oh, how the mighty have fallen! The Huskies star has shuffled at the dish this season. However, Sirota is a multi-tool talent with pop and speed. He started the season as a top-10 player (with hype too) getting him here could be value, but it would not be surprising to see him slide in early round 2. Sirota is coming off of a strong junior season with a good Cape performance.

FA COMP

1.33 Minnesota Twins: Willie - Malcolm Moore, C/1B, Stanford

Comment: A sophomore eligible backstop, Moore is just a fingey defender with a solid (not great) arm. Those are his limiting factors and some think he ends up at first. At the plate he's running a contact rate near 85% and mitigating damage.

COMP A

1.34 Milwaukee Brewers: Willie - Joey Oakie, RHSP, Ankeny Centennial, IA (HS)

Comment: Perhaps the best arm to come out of Iowa since…Braden Montgomery (you thought Bob Feller, didn't you?). Oakie is a smaller framed right-hander with a low three quarters slot. He utilizes deception and pure stuff to generate outs.

1.35 Arizona Diamondbacks: Justin - Walker Janek, C, Sam Houston

Comment: Another strong college bat that I think fits Arizona well where the bat could play even if he doesn’t stick at catcher and it allows them to save some money after two prep picks in the last seven.

1.36 CLEVELAND GUARDIANS: Justin - Luke Holman, RHP, LSU 

Comment: Holman has held his own against some of the best lineups in the SEC this year. I think this pick depends on where the high school pitching sits. If Arizona, Minnesota or Milwaukee don’t snag Oakie by here, I could see him landing for Cleveland here.

1.37 Pittsburgh Pirates: Justin - Jonathan Santucci, LHP, Duke

Comment: After going with Griffin in round one, going to a college pitcher that came into the year with top 20 upside seems like a good bet for a pitching development club that’s done well recently.

1.38 Colorado Rockies: Willie - Ben Hess,  RHSP, Alabama

Comment: Hess is big strong right-hander that's had durability issues. Last years flexor strain is a concern as is any elbow injury for that matter. Add command issues this spring too. Stuff-wise he's a power arm with a heater that touches upper-90s paired with a devastating SL and rounding out his mix with both a CB and CH.

1.39 Kansas City Royals: Willie - Drew Beam, RHSP, Tennessee

Another college arm here, Beam had internal brace surgery in high school. The righty has a solid 4-pitch mix. His best pitch is a potential plus CH. The heater sits low-to-mid 90s touching

Part II coming soon….(2nd-3rd round)…