Cleveland Guardians 2024 MLB Draft Watch List: College Pitchers
RHP Chase Burns (Wake Forest) A Tennessee transfer Burns, has a lengthy track record of performing at a high-level, dating back to his time as a prep arm. Although he was moved to the bullpen as last year at Tennessee. With a fastball that has touched 102 in the fall and possibly the best slider in this class, Burns has a chance to shoot up draft boards, even more so than he currently is setting. Reports are that he is working on his curveball and splitter. If he puts it all together and maintains his performance he could be a Darkhorse option for the guardians at 1-1
https://twitter.com/BaseballAmerica/status/1731035001951523171
RHP Trey Yesavge (East Carolina) Yesavage made the transition from the bullpen last season and had great results. Which led him to making the team USA roster in the summer. His fastball stats in the mid 90s with an amazing slider to go with it. He does offer a curveball in a changeup, but they are behind the other two options, if he is able to repeat what he did last year, he could be a mid first round pick.
https://twitter.com/PGCollegeBall/status/1673052065327661057
LHP Gage Jump (LSU): The UCLA transfer has a fastball that sits in the low to mid 90’s with great metrics, to go along with a hammer curve. Coming off TJ surgery his last season at UCLA. He eased into the year as a reliever but picked up as a starter later in the year and has really stepped up, pitching some big games down the stretch.
https://twitter.com/mason_mcrae/status/1510746393023066118
RHP Ben Hess (Alabama) Hess is a big body presence on the mound. He was hurt early in the 2023 season, but showed a great deal of impressive stuff prior to being hurt. His fastball sets in the mid 90s and hammers this down with it he throws a curveball as his best secondary pitch, which has a very high spin rate that generates a Tonna swing and mess he throws a slider and a change up as well, which has shown flashes of being average pitches . He shows that he is healthy and stays on the path. He was at prior to the injury, he could shoot of draft boards quickly.- JZ
https://x.com/petergflaherty/status/1720587122913186170?s=46&t=l_kyAxpsV_UfZKpcu3KojQ
RHP Tyson Neighbors (Kansas State) Neighbors is possibly the best reliever in this class. struck out 86 batters in just 48 ⅔ innings pitched last season. His fastball sits in the upper 90s with great spin behind it. He Follows that with an upper 80s slider that has a very good life and late break. Was hurt in season but has come back strong and looks like he’ll indeed be a quick moving reliever. Some concern about control. - JL
https://x.com/petergflaherty/status/1718026099404505460?s=46&t=l_kyAxpsV_UfZKpcu3KojQ
RHP Matt Ager (UC Santa Barbara) The UCSB ace has a great frame and easy delivery. His fastball sits in the low 90s has been reported up to 96. He is primarily a two pitch pitcher with a slider that goes with his fastball. So much so that he used these two pitches 90% of the time last season, he throws a ton of strikes, but needs to work on a third offering in order to reach its potential. - JZ
https://x.com/joedoylemilb/status/1719495039771165076?s=46&t=l_kyAxpsV_UfZKpcu3KojQ
RHP Ryan Forucci (UC San Diego) Forucci basketball. It sits in the mid 90s with a ton of ride and carry in the upper part of this out. He throws a ton of strikes and has a good slider to go with his fastball. He has shown feel or changeup in the past, but does not utilize it that much. If he is able to bring that pitch along, he fits the bill for Guardians type. Has dealt with injuries and missed time in 2024, which could throw up some red flags and drop him. But the stuff has been good when healthy. - JL/JZ
https://x.com/joedoylemilb/status/1675582959481683969?s=46&t=l_kyAxpsV_UfZKpcu3KojQ
LHP Andrew Healy (Duke): Healy is a 6’6 draft eligible sophomore. Scouts in the industry rave about his makeup and body. His fastball sits in the low 90s and has shown great command in the past . His best secondary pitch is this change up what shows a lot of fade and dies at the end he needs to develop his slider more so, but could be a steal as a draft eligible sophomore in the second round range. Control is a concern, as is the history of Duke arms being underwhelming. - JZ/JL
https://x.com/petergflaherty/status/1735095339173265778?s=46&t=l_kyAxpsV_UfZKpcu3KojQ
LHP Cameron Hill (Georgia Tech) Hill is a very interesting prospect. His command in college has been iffy at best, but He was absolutely dominant in the Cape Cod league last summer with an ERA 1.09 and struck out 44 batters in 33 innings. Many attribute this to his increase of his change up during this time. His fastball sits in the low 90’s but could see that increase. His control has backed up some in 2024. - JZ
https://x.com/officialccbl/status/1674490205686976513?s=46&t=l_kyAxpsV_UfZKpcu3KojQ
RHP Daniel Avitia (Grand Canyon) The Grand Canyon ace the last two seasons, Avitia has amazing command. His fastball sits in the 89–92 range but gets a ton of swing and miss off the pitch. He has a lower slot delivery which adds deception to his pictures. He adds a sweeper, and his sliders that are both above average pitches. May be a Guardians target on day two, but has dropped some stock with an injury and recovering now missing less bats. - JL/JZ
https://x.com/petergflaherty/status/1732563071766544410?s=46&t=l_kyAxpsV_UfZKpcu3KojQ
LHP Hagen Smith (Arkansas) Smith has had a great deal of success ever since he stepped on campus. He has seen his fastball velocity increase every year ever since he started. The fastball has been reported to have hit triple digits this fall, and he looks to showcase that this spring. The command is something that he needs to improve on but the overall stuff is great. His best offering is a slider in the upper 80s. There are some reports that he has developed a split change. His delivery has some deception and makes for an uncomfortable at bat for college hitters. Has really taken off in 2024 and now looks like the best pitcher in the draft, even with some risk due to lack of track record of command.- JL/JZ
https://x.com/pgcollegeball/status/1644497159515930627?s=46&t=l_kyAxpsV_UfZKpcu3KojQ
RHP Drew Beam (Tennessee) Beam is a big body work horse at Tennessee. His fastball sits in the 92-95 range, but has topped 98 in the past. He throws a five pitch mix, but relies heavily on his curveball has his go to secondary. He has all the makings of a solid big league middle of the rotation arm, with the potential to be better as he refines his secondary stuff. - JL/JZ
RHP Luke Holman (LSU) Holman was kind of the forgotten man last year, not only in the SEC, but on the loaded LSU roster. He was second in the conference in terms of FIP with a 1.05, with only Skeens ahead of him. His fastball sits in the 92-94 range, but it has topped in the upper 90’s on occasion. He throws a slider and a change up as well. He pitched for team USA last year and racked up 15 K’s and only two walks eight innings pitched. Has really held his own against some of the better offenses in the SEC and looks like a possible late day 1 pick. - JL/JZ
https://twitter.com/PeterGFlaherty/status/1723867526872854720
RHP Michael Massey (Wake Forest): Massey was a reliever at Wake in the past, putting up great numbers in his role. He hides the ball extremely well in his delivery. His fastball sits in the mid 90’s but due to its outlandish shape and delivery, he had a 41% miss rate on the pitch. He offers a great slider to pair with his fastball. He will finally get a shot at the rotation this year, and if he is able to garner the same success, he could see his stock rise more so than it is. - JL
https://twitter.com/jnorris427/status/1674960457843482624
LHP Cade Obermuller (Iowa) A sidearm lefty, Obermuller has primarily been used as a reliever in the past, but he is looking to crack the starting rotation this year. He is primarily a two pitch pitcher currently, with a bowling ball sinker, and a sweeping slider to pair with it. He is more than likely a reliever in pro ball, but that could change, if he is able to show he can start, and add a third pitch to the mx. Low release height gives him unique traits on both fastball and sweeper. - JL
RHP Daniel Eagen (Presbyterian College): Smaller school arm with good K/BB ratios. Friend with Guardians 2022 pick Jackson Humphries (from same high school). Good downhill like action with a 95 MPH heater and feel for spin. Possible 5-7th round arm.
https://x.com/trey_daly/status/1392272109846548484
RHP L.P. Langevin (Louisiana): Seeing his stock go up at midway in 2024. Some control issues and a reliever only, but misses bats in a big way. Mid-90s heat with low release height and great fastball movement. Don’t be surprised to see him called midway on day two. From Canada originally, and Cleveland has tapped in there before (Cade Smith/Matt Wilkinson).
https://x.com/BaseballAmerica/status/1786487391768957254
RHP Austin Gordon (Clemson): Has started and relieved in 2024, tossing mid-90s with a high octane slider. Does have some control issues, but the numbers show he can miss bats. Similar to Davis Sharpe but throws a tad bit harder. Has limited, mixed Cape data.
https://x.com/DSeifertD1PBR/status/1784042087102529646
RHP Gage Ziehl (MIami): Another solid day two target. Has had some big games for the Hurricanes in 2024. Like the smooth operation. Hasn’t been a huge bat misser (8 K/9) but limits walks (2 BB/9) and has some Cape success. Can run it to the mid 90s on a once a week schedule with a real deal type slider.
https://x.com/CanesBaseball/status/1786198244344881471
LHP Sebastian Gongora (Louisville): Tall, well built lefty. Transferred to Louisville from Wright State. From Cincinnati area. ERA on surface is ugly, but carries a K/9 over 10 and 3.7 BB/9. Will give up some hits, but could be an interesting lefty senior sign on day three.
https://x.com/burkegranger/status/1766493369037988081
LHP Ryan Prager (Texas A&M): Tall lefty that comes from a high release point that can be very deceptive. Low-90s and is back in 2024 after tommy john surgery and surprisingly has had good control in his first year back. More of a pitchability lefty but has four pitches with command and deception that make him an early target in the 2nd-3rd round range. Could work as a 4/5 type.
https://x.com/bigdonkey47/status/1778954857312850225
RHP Brian Holiday (Oklahoma State): Shorter but well built right hander with a good pitch mix led by a low 90s fastball and a good slider. JUCO transfer to Oklahoma State but has two summers of missing bats on the Cape circuit, albeit with fringy control. Should be a mid two day pick. Back of the rotation type arm that could work in the pen.
https://x.com/FeelsLike45Pod/status/1761770295440888296
RHP Khal Stephen (Mississippi State): Purdue transfer to the Bulldogs. Really solid build (6’4 225) so he has the potential to be an innings eater at the next level. Average three pitch mix with a mid-90s fastball. Showed good bat missing ability and control on the Cape in ‘23. Has the the feel of a depth type starter that should go late on day two.
https://x.com/PeterGFlaherty/status/1778972675844497467
RHP Aiden May (Oregon State): Has bounced around in college going from a JUCO to Arizona, landing at Oregon State where he has taken off some. He can run the fastball into the upper half of the 90s with a possibly plus slider. The changeup needs some work but he can miss bats and has good control. Could be a day one pick or at latest, very early day two.
https://x.com/TylerJennings24/status/1761477213528936875
RHP Ryan Johnson (Dallas Baptist): Tall and has a very herky-jerky delivery from a low 3/4 arm slot. Devastating fastball/slider combo. Good control and big bat misser. A little older and lack of a third pitch/and funky delivery make most think he’s going to be a reliever at the next level, but someone might give him a shot to start and could be a day one guy, or an early day two guy (2nd-3rd rounder).
https://x.com/11point7/status/1771354109595246730
LHP Tristan Smith (Clemson): All the pieces are there for Smith. He stands 6’2 195, can run it into the mid-90s, and spins both his fastball and slider well, and has a potentially average changeup. Control hasn’t always been great, though it was better on the Cape in ‘23 than it has been at college. Might need some developmental tweaks overall but the stuff is there for a mid-rotation arm. Early day two pick (3rd-5th round).
RHP Jackson Wentworth (Kansas State): Bit of an undersized righty but has a deep pitch mix and can throw into the low to mid-90s. The fastball isn’t special and may work better in the pen. He has the command and the pitch mix to start, but the size and fastball velocity might be an issue. If someone works with the shape, maybe he’s a Xzavion Curry type. A good option somewhere later on day two.
https://x.com/KStateBSB/status/1768818918011941080
LHP Payton Tolle (TCU): Big, hulking lefty that has been a two way player in college, in the past as a power over hit first baseman for the Horned Frogs. But his future is on the mound. He misses bats with a mid-90s heater from a tough arm slot and release as a big man and has two at least average secondaries to go with it. There’s some split on his role as a pitcher at the next level, with somewhat fringe command and being unsure of his true secondary, but he’s an early day two type arm.
https://x.com/TexasCollegeBSB/status/1773860510963785959
RHP Josh Randall (San Diego): Arizona right hander transfer to San Diego where he’s been effective missing bats at a noticeable rate (11.1 K/9) and limits walks (3.4 BB/9). There’s at least two pitches to work with here, with a good fastball that can touch the high 90s at times and a good slider. There’s a chance he’s a reliever but he had the size and stuff if the control takes a little leap with improvement. A good bet to go middle of day two. Has a weird side arm type delivery.
https://x.com/USDbaseball/status/1761236911266660569
RHP Jaxon Jelkin (Houston): Drafted in the 14th round last year out of a JUCO, Jelkin opted to transfer to Houston to improve his stock. He’s a big righty, at 6’5 and saw his stuff take a leap forward in the Big 12, striking out 12.1/9 and walking just 2.6/9. However, it’s only seven starts and he’s dealt with an injury. But he throws in the mid-90s now and has some projection left in his frame and has a good slider. He should also be a mid-day two arm, depending on his health.
https://x.com/JoeDoyleMiLB/status/1769927193390678377
RHP Aidan Major (West Virginia): Undersized (6’0) right hander that hasn’t ever had any issues missing bats (10.7 K/9 in college) but the control is fringe-average at best (4.4 BB/9). He has a starters arsenal overall and the stuff to go with it, but lacks traditional size and control. A bit of a split on where he lands, could depend on control. It’s a weak class for college pitching, so he should still go somewhere by the third round.
https://x.com/mountaineerjdub/status/1773879530240815302
RHP Chase Allsup (Auburn): Put into more of a starters role in 2024 at Auburn, but lacks the control and delivery to start. It’s a beast of a fastball, hitting the upper 90s from a high arm slot with vertical to it and gets downhill on hitters. Long arm swing and delivery. Big overhand curve too. Has really seen his control step forward in 2024 however, so maybe a team gives him a chance to start. He looks somewhat like James Karinchak with better control, at least with what he’s shown in 2024. If a team thinks he can start, he’ll go earlier day two. If they think he’s a reliever, he doesn’t have the track record of a Tyson Neighbors, so maybe more of a mid-day two pick.
https://x.com/d1baseball/status/1782874897586290771
LHP Jackson Kent (Arizona): good sized lefty that has been able to miss bats last year in the Cape and this year at Arizona. Has been shockingly effective in a stronger hitting environment. His walks are down as is his WHIP while strikeouts are up. It’s a real funky lefty delivery from a wide-three quarters angle. It’s kind of like a sped up Cole Hamels but has some Adam Tulloch to it, who also was at Arizona. Deception might help. Probably a late day two, early day three pick depending on how teams view his role at the next level.
https://x.com/ArizonaBaseball/status/1778981011734569058
LHP Rafe Schlesinger (Miami): High-side arm lefty that can run it to 93 as a college starter. That may tick down as a starter at the next level, but appears to have an above average slider and the fastball metrics are strong. Reminds some of Carson Palmquist, who was at Miami last year. Has a good track record of missing bats, (9.6 K/9 on the Cape in ‘23) and limited walks there too, and his strikeouts are in the 9/9 range. Could be a pen arm with his delivery and lack of a third pitch, but an interesting arm to track early on day two.
https://x.com/Fantavious9/status/1761885493740888443
LHP Sam Garcia (Oklahoma State): Transferred to OSU from High Point. Big, tall lefty that comes in with a wide arm slot from the mid 3/4 range. It’s a little like Adam Tulloch. Good control, misses bats. Has a good pitch mix and has been a workhorse at OSU. Has Cape success. Should be a good senior sign.
https://x.com/Ostate_Daily/status/1789111776748916942
RHP Brett Sears (Nebraska): Another potential senior sign. Could be a day three choice. Strong pitch mix. Pitchability. Solid pitch mix. Won’t light up the radar gun but has been a college innings eater and workhorse.
https://x.com/Huskers_film/status/1789322010595897776
RHP Jacob Kmatz (Oregon State): A bit overshadowed by his teammate Aiden May, but has good control, a solid four pitch mix. Love the big curve and has an OK slider. Over the top arm a slot. Really drives the ball down. Could be another nice late arm to add to an organization to see what else they can get from him.
https://x.com/pac12/status/1777426437181735358
RHP Brady Tygart (Arkansas): Tygart had better control last season, but it’s looked more like his issues from his freshman year. He can get the fastball up to 93-95 and has a big breaker. Might be more of a reliever with a two pitch mix and iffy control, but he’s a fun arm
https://x.com/Fantavious9/status/1761930291663229282
RHP Ryan Gallagher (UC Santa Barbara): There’s really not much out there about Gallagher but he’s a good sized arm (6’3) with a downward slot that really drives the ball down. Looks to have a good change/split type pitch. Has good strikeout numbers and limits walks. Didn’t pitch 2023, but haven’t seen an explanation. I assume it was something injury related but he has come back strong in 2024.
https://x.com/UCSB_Baseball/status/1789121861756031184
RHP Charlie Beilenson (Duke): Low 3/4 reliever with mid-90s heat and some funky offspeed stuff. Misses bats as Duke’s closer and limits walks.
https://x.com/Draft_Analyst_/status/1766300423143501988
RHP Dennis Colleran (Northeastern): A young for the class high school arm in 2021 that made it to school due to control concerns. His freshman year at Northeastern, his control concerns were an issue. He found better control on the Cape in ‘23 after not pitching at school his sophomore year. In ‘24 as a reliever, he’s seen better control as well. Violent delivery and runs his fastball into the upper 90s with a three pitch mix that gives him the look of a potential setup man.
https://x.com/brian_recca/status/1785389229515636924
RHP Nate Knowles (William & Mary): Data darling that also has the numbers to back the data. Fun cutter/curve combo and plenty of fastball velo and movement to go around (mid-90). Should be a fun day two guy with some polish.