Major League Baseball’s Amateur Draft Preview

The Major League Baseball’s amateur draft is set to begin on Sunday, July 14, coinciding with the All-Star Game festivities at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas. This year, the Cleveland Guardians have the honor of making the No. 1 selection for the first time in franchise history. The Guardians secured this pick through last winter’s draft lottery, marking a significant moment for the team. Despite previously picking as high as No. 2 overall on five occasions, this year’s top selection holds special significance for the Guardians.

Compared to the NFL or NBA drafts, MLB’s draft process can be more challenging due to limited national television exposure for most players and the requirement for time in the minor leagues to develop. To provide insights ahead of the draft, we have compiled a list of key storylines to watch out for. Let’s delve into four specific points of interest:

1. The No. 1 Pick

The Guardians are unlikely to use the full $10.57 million bonus slot allocated for the top pick. Instead, scouting director Ethan Purser may opt for an underslot deal to have more financial flexibility in later rounds. Reports suggest that the Guardians are eyeing Oregon State’s Travis Bazzana as a potential top pick, but the final decision will depend on various factors, including player evaluations and financial considerations.

2. Two-Way Player Potential

Florida’s Jac Caglianone stands out as an intriguing prospect in this draft class. As a two-way player excelling both as a hitter and a pitcher, Caglianone’s versatility has drawn comparisons to Shohei Ohtani. However, there are uncertainties regarding his future role, with most scouts leaning towards his offensive capabilities over pitching.

3. Pitching Prospects

While the draft class is dominated by collegiate hitters, there are notable pitching talents to watch, including Chase Burns from Wake Forest and Hagen Smith from Arkansas. Burns’ diverse pitching repertoire and consistent strike-throwing give him an edge, although opinions vary among evaluators. Keep an eye on other pitching prospects like Trey Yesavage, Jurrangelo Cijntje, Cam Caminiti, and William Schmidt.

4. Impact of Injuries

Two players, JJ Wetherholt from West Virginia and Braden Montgomery from Texas A&M, could see their draft positions influenced by injury concerns. Wetherholt’s hamstring injury and Montgomery’s ankle injury have raised questions among teams, potentially affecting their draft stock. Teams will closely evaluate their medical reports before making a decision on these talented prospects.