When there’s a pro draft, you know we’re going to cover it. After all, all major sportsbooks let you bet on draft outcomes. With that, a wealth of young talent is ready to make their mark in the major leagues, and predicting who will be the top picks adds some more fun for the annual MLB draft.
This year, several players have emerged as favorites, each with unique strengths and, might we add, some very impressive stats.
Based on the odds and the rumors around the clubhouses, here's a look at the top five prospects that will easily go in the first round of the 2024 MLB Draft.
#1 Pick Odds: -150
Potential Team: Cleveland Guardians
Travis Bazzana, a second baseman from Oregon State, leads the pack with odds of -150 to be the top pick.
As the top-ranked prospect in this year's draft class, Bazzana has impressed scouts and analysts with his exceptional batting skills. His left-handed bat is a significant asset to just about any team. Not surprisingly, it allows him to hit for both average and power. His impressive .418/.581/.939 line, coupled with an eye-popping 26 home runs and 15 stolen bases, shows he can perform at a high level consistently.
Bazzana's speed and potential to play second base at the next level make him a long-term option for any team. Given his skill set and the current needs of major league teams, the Cleveland Guardians, who hold the first pick, are the most likely destination. The Guardians are having a great season, but they’re always looking to bolster their infield, and Bazzana's all-around game could be a perfect fit.
While we don’t think Travis will spend too much time in the minors, we do think Andrés Giménez’s job at 2B is solid for now.
#1 Pick Odds: +900
Potential Team: Cincinnati Reds
Next in line is Charlie Condon from Georgia. He’s currently holding odds for the first pick at +900, but we think Cleveland is going to take Bazzana.
Condon is a standout prospect known for his explosive bat speed and power potential. He still needs some development, but overall, he’s got a huge upside potential. He set a modern NCAA record with 35 home runs in a season, underlining his ability to change the game with his bat. MLB teams are always looking for consistent bats that can produce base runners.
A total monster on the field, standing at 6-foot-6 and 216 pounds, Condon brings a physical presence to the plate. His ability to play both outfield and third base adds to his value, providing teams with flexibility in how they use him. Though, it’s not unheard of for teams to develop multifunctional players like Condon into other positions as well.
Condon’s versatility and power make him a great option for teams looking to add offensive firepower and we think the Cincinnati Reds would welcome a powerhouse like him to their system. That’s why we think the Reds, who have the second pick, could be a great fit for Condon. The Reds are in need of a power hitter who can provide immediate impact, and Condon’s skill set aligns well with their needs. Just like Bazzana, we don’t expect Charlie to hang out in the farm system for too long.
#1 Pick Odds: +900
Potential Team: Chicago White Sox
Jac Caglianone, a two-way player from Florida, is another intriguing prospect with odds of +1800. Caglianone's ability to dominate as both a hitter and a pitcher sets him apart. Now, there’s no talk of him being the next Shohei Ohtani, but we’ll see how he’s developed in whichever system he runs through.
Regardless, he has demonstrated power potential as a first baseman and effective pitching ability, making him a unique talent with multiple options in this draft class.
While Caglianone is expected to go in the top 5, we think he’s going to go to the Chicago White Sox as the #5 pick overall. Of course, many others think he’ll go before that, but other players fit the bill for the picks 1-4. That’s not to say that his versatility doesn’t make him a valuable asset. Teams looking for flexibility and depth could benefit greatly from his dual-threat capabilities.
Wherever Jac goes after the 2024 MLB Draft, watching him come up through the farm club is going to be fun to watch.
#1 Pick Odds: +9000
Potential Team: Colorado Rockies
Nick Kurtz from Wake Forest comes in with odds of +9000. As a power-hitting first baseman, Kurtz is another player who has garnered attention for his offensive skills. Although he’s got fairly high odds, that’s not to say he’s underrated. He’s just not projected to go to Cleveland.
Kurtz’s power and consistency with the Demon Deacons make him a smart pick for teams looking to add a reliable hitter, and that’s where the Rockies come in. The Colorado Rockies, who have the third overall pick, could be a suitable destination for Kurtz. The Rockies have been focused on adding offensive depth to their roster, and Kurtz’s power-hitting profile fits their needs well.
Whoever ends up picking Kurtz is going to run him through their system and get him to the big show as fast as they can. His bat is hot.
#1 Pick Odds: +3000
Potential Team: Oakland Athletics
Rounding out our top five is Chase Burns, a right-handed pitcher from Wake Forest, with odds of +3000. As the 2024 ACC Pitcher of the Year, Chase set a Wake Forest record for strikeouts in a single season with 191 Ks. If that doesn’t tell you something about his consistency and command, we’re not sure what will.
Pitchers often carry a significant impact, and Burns’ inclusion in the top five indicates that teams are taking notice.
Since he’s an RHP and could easily go to any team, we think the other teams in the top 5 picks are going for bats, which leaves the Oakland Athletics. Honestly, they could use a bit from every position, but we think they’ll pick up this Wake Forest phenom. Of course, we don’t think he’ll ever actually play in Oakland. He’ll be ready to play for the Athletics when they move to Las Vegas in 2028.
The MLB Draft is always filled with surprises, and this year’s no different. Each of the top prospects brings unique talents to the table.
Travis Bazzana stands out as the clear favorite to be the number-one pick for the Guardians, thanks to his well-rounded game and impressive stats. Charlie Condon’s power and versatility make him a strong contender to go to the Reds. Jac Caglianone’s two-way abilities offer intriguing possibilities, and we think the White Sox will want some of them. Nick Kurtz and Chase Burns round out the top five with their own strengths, providing the Rockies and Athletics with valuable options, respectively.
Predicting the exact landing spots for these players can be a bit challenging but always fun to bet on. When you have $100 on one of these prospects to get drafted as #1, and you see them called up first, it’s a good feeling. Beyond that, it’s going to be tons of fun watching these kids rise up through the ranks of their respective systems and see where they are in 5-10 years. You’re not just betting on a draft; instead, you’re betting on history.