The Biggest Steals of the 2024 MLB Draft
The 2024 MLB Draft was a whirlwind of excitement, surprises, and, of course, the thrill of seeing promising young players get their shot at the big leagues. While some of the top prospects went exactly where everyone expected, there were also some surprising selections and shrewd maneuvers that could have major implications for the future of the game.
So, who were the biggest steals of the 2024 MLB Draft? Let’s dive into the picks that have experts buzzing and scouting reports singing.
- Travis Bazzana was a surprising first overall pick by the Cleveland Guardians in the 2024 MLB Draft, showcasing his potential as a five-tool player.
- Chase Burns, selected by the Cincinnati Reds, brings a powerful arm with an electric fastball and sharp slider, positioning him as a future ace for the team.
- Charlie Condon, chosen by the Colorado Rockies, offers versatility as an outfielder and third baseman with impressive power and fielding skills, potentially transforming the team’s offense.
The Guardians’ Big Win with Travis Bazzana
The Cleveland Guardians shocked the baseball world by selecting Travis Bazzana, a standout second baseman from Oregon State, with the first overall pick in the 2024 MLB Draft. This was a bold move, as many analysts projected other players, like the talented high school pitcher Cam Caminiti, to go first.
But the Guardians saw something special in Bazzana, and their faith in him might just pay off in a big way. He’s a five-tool player with a smooth swing, a knack for finding gaps, and a strong arm. The Guardians already have a strong foundation for their team, and Bazzana has the potential to be a cornerstone of their future.
Chase Burns: A Big-Time Arm for the Reds
The Cincinnati Reds, known for their rebuilding efforts, found a real gem in the 2024 MLB Draft. They snagged Chase Burns, a hard-throwing right-handed pitcher from Wake Forest, with the 13th overall pick. Burns is known for his electric fastball and sharp slider, making him a serious threat on the mound.
Even though he wasn’t the first pitcher taken in the draft, Burns has the potential to be a true ace in the making. The Reds, who have been struggling for years, could be on the verge of a turnaround with Burns anchoring their pitching staff.
Charlie Condon: A Potential Superstar for the Rockies
The Colorado Rockies, a team that has struggled to find consistent offense, made a move that could transform their fortunes. They selected Charlie Condon, a versatile outfielder and third baseman from Georgia, with the 19th overall pick.
Condon is a switch-hitter with a smooth swing and impressive power. He’s also a highly skilled fielder with a strong arm, giving him the potential to be a valuable asset on both sides of the ball. With Condon in the fold, the Rockies could be poised for a resurgence in the years to come.
Nick Kurtz: A Powerhouse for the Athletics
The Oakland Athletics, known for their scouting prowess, pulled off a coup when they selected Nick Kurtz, a powerful first baseman from the University of California, Berkeley, with the 25th overall pick. Kurtz is known for his impressive bat speed and ability to launch home runs.
While the Athletics have struggled in recent years, they have a history of developing young talent, and Kurtz has the potential to be a key part of their future.
The Cardinals’ Bold Move with Dylan Campbell
The St. Louis Cardinals, a team always looking to bolster their roster, made a surprising move in the 2024 MLB Draft. They selected Dylan Campbell, an athletic center fielder from the University of Miami, with the 10th overall pick. Campbell is a dynamic player with speed, power, and a strong arm.
While Campbell wasn’t considered a top prospect, the Cardinals saw something special in him, and they’re hoping he can develop into a star.
Other Notable Steals
While these are just a few of the most talked-about steals from the 2024 MLB Draft, there were several other players who could end up having a major impact on their respective organizations.
- Cam Caminiti, a high-ceiling left-handed pitcher from Arizona, was selected by the Atlanta Braves at No. 24. Caminiti’s name was frequently mentioned alongside Bazzana as a potential top-two pick, making him a steal for the Braves in the latter half of the first round.
- Matt Ager, a right-handed pitcher from UC Santa Barbara, was selected by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the sixth round. Ager’s fastball can reach the mid-90s, and he has the potential to be a valuable addition to the Pirates’ pitching staff.
- Cameron Sullivan, a right-handed pitcher from Indiana, was selected by the Cleveland Guardians in the seventh round. Sullivan has a strong arm and a good command of his pitches.
- Conrad Cason, a dual-threat right-handed pitcher and shortstop from Georgia, was selected by the Boston Red Sox in the eighth round. Cason has a lot of raw talent and the potential to develop into a valuable player.
- Jett Bair, a catcher from Oregon State, was selected by the Arizona Diamondbacks in the third round. Bair is a strong defensive catcher with a good bat. While catcher isn’t the most glamorous position, it’s one of the most important, and Bair has the potential to be a valuable asset to the Diamondbacks.
The Future is Bright
The 2024 MLB Draft was full of exciting talent, and these steals show that the future of baseball is in good hands. These young players have the potential to change the landscape of the game, and it will be exciting to see how they develop in the years to come.
Why Draft Steals Matter
Draft steals can make a huge difference for teams. A player selected late in the draft who goes on to have a successful MLB career can be a valuable asset for a team. They can provide a team with much-needed talent at a lower cost than a top pick.
Draft steals can also help teams rebuild more quickly. A team that drafts several players who develop into stars can quickly become a contender.
Final Thoughts
The 2024 MLB Draft was a resounding success, full of surprises and potential stars. The biggest steals, from Travis Bazzana to Conrad Cason, have the potential to make a major impact on their respective teams and the game as a whole. The future of baseball is bright, and these young players are ready to shine.
