MLB Draft 2024 Report Card: Keith Law Dissects Every AL Team’s Selections
The 2024 MLB Draft has concluded, and with it, a whirlwind of excitement and anticipation for the future of the league. As always, the draft was a rollercoaster of surprises, unexpected drops, and coveted prospects finding new homes. Expert opinions and analysis were flying, and one voice that stood out was that of Keith Law, a renowned baseball analyst and writer. Law, known for his insightful and often contrarian views, dissected each team’s draft class, providing a comprehensive look at the potential of each selection.
Law’s approach to evaluating the draft is unique and refreshingly honest. He doesn’t shy away from criticizing what he views as questionable selections, but he also acknowledges the inherent uncertainty and risk involved in drafting young players. His focus is on the potential of each player, taking into account their tools, skills, and the likelihood of them developing into contributing major leaguers. He prioritizes the top ten rounds, where the majority of the bonus pool is allocated, and those picks represent the most significant investments for each team.
Law’s analysis, though detailed and informative, is presented in a conversational and engaging tone. He weaves in anecdotes, comparisons, and insights gained from years of following the draft. His writing isn’t just about statistics and scouting reports; it’s about telling a story about each player’s journey and the potential they hold.
Law’s report card covers every American League team, providing a comprehensive overview of each team’s draft strategy and the players they selected. He highlights the strengths and weaknesses of each player, offering a glimpse into what the future might hold for these young prospects. He also delves into the context surrounding each pick, explaining why a player might have fallen in the draft or why a team might have taken a particular player at a certain spot.
Below is a breakdown of Law’s analysis of each AL team’s draft class, focusing on the key takeaways and highlights from his detailed commentary.
- Keith Law provides a comprehensive analysis of every American League team’s draft selections for the 2024 MLB Draft.
- Law’s evaluation focuses on the potential of each player, considering their tools, skills, and likelihood of becoming impactful major leaguers.
- He emphasizes the importance of the top ten rounds in the draft, where teams make significant investments from their bonus pools.
- Law’s analysis is detailed, informative, and presented in an engaging tone, incorporating anecdotes and insights from his extensive experience following the draft.
- Each team’s draft strategy, strengths and weaknesses of selected players, and contextual explanations behind picks are highlighted in Law’s report card.
Baltimore Orioles: A Blend of High-Risk, High-Reward and Safe Bets
The Orioles, a team known for their aggressive and bold approach to building a competitive roster, continued that trend in the 2024 draft. They started by selecting Vance Honeycutt, a talented outfielder from UNC, who possesses immense raw power and defensive potential. However, Honeycutt’s plate discipline is a major concern, as he struggles with strikeouts and inconsistent contact. Law acknowledges the risk involved in taking Honeycutt, but also highlights the Orioles’ ability to take a chance on a player with immense upside. They have a track record of developing players with similar skill sets, such as Jud Fabian, who is now in Double A.
With their extra pick, the Orioles took a completely different approach, opting for Griff O’Ferrall, a Virginia shortstop renowned for his exceptional contact skills. O’Ferrall has a high hit tool and impressive defensive abilities, but his swing mechanics need refinement. Law believes that O’Ferrall could benefit from returning to his sophomore-year swing and focusing on making harder contact. This strategy represents a safer, more calculated approach compared to Honeycutt’s high-risk, high-reward potential.
The Orioles continued their draft strategy with Ethan Anderson, a catcher and first baseman from Charlottesville. Anderson has impressive bat speed and power potential, but his contact quality and struggles with groundballs need improvement. Law sees Anderson as a project, emphasizing the need for him to improve his footwork and receiving skills behind the plate. They are willing to take on a player who needs work, betting on their development system and potentially unlocking his full potential.
The Orioles’ selection of Austin Overn, a USC outfielder, was another intriguing choice. Overn’s offensive production was inconsistent, and his speed didn’t match the scouting reports. However, his recent performance in the Cape Cod League has been encouraging, suggesting that he could be a buy-low candidate with the potential to develop into a solid extra outfielder. The Orioles’ willingness to take a gamble on a player who has shown signs of improvement is indicative of their scouting team’s ability to identify potential.
The Orioles’ remaining selections included Chase Allsup, a right-hander with power pitching but control issues, Ryan Stafford, a high-probability backup catcher with strong contact skills, DJ Layton, a high school shortstop with athleticism and projection, Carson Dorsey, a left-hander with a long arm swing and a starter’s repertoire, and a few other prospects who are more likely to be bench players or relief pitchers.
Boston Red Sox: A Focus on High-Ceiling Prospects and Pitching Depth
The Red Sox, a team known for their offensive prowess and recent success, made a strong start to their draft by acquiring Braden Montgomery, a talented outfielder from Texas A&M. Montgomery fell to the Red Sox at pick 12, and Law believes he was a steal of the draft. Montgomery is a switch-hitter with impressive power and bat speed, and his defensive potential is also high. His ability to make hard contact with high exit velocities makes him a high-ceiling prospect, and Law sees him as a potential everyday player in right field.
The Red Sox continued their focus on high-ceiling players by selecting Payton Tolle, a left-hander from TCU, with their second pick. Tolle has a long frame and possesses a fastball that touches 96 mph, but his secondary pitches need refinement. Law sees Tolle as a project, but one with the potential to develop into a solid starter. He emphasizes the need for Tolle to improve his command and find a clear out-pitch among his secondaries.
The Red Sox’s remaining selections included Brandon Neely, a right-hander with a good fastball and a developing slider, Zach Ehrhard, a disciplined hitter with potential to be an everyday player, Brandon Clarke, a left-hander with a plus curveball but inconsistent arm swing, Blake Aita, a right-hander with a good body and a durable arm, Will Turner, a South Alabama outfielder with a strong hit tool, and Conrad Cason, a high school pitcher with projection and a good slider.
The Red Sox’s draft class is a balanced blend of high-ceiling prospects and pitching depth. They focused on identifying players with potential and developing them into contributing players. Law praises their selection of Montgomery as a steal of the draft, and he believes that their pitching selection has the potential to provide them with valuable depth in the coming years.
Chicago White Sox: High-Potential Pitching and a Focus on Tools
The White Sox, a team with a strong history of developing pitching, prioritized pitching in the 2024 draft. They selected Hagen Smith, an Arkansas ace with a plus slider and a devastating fastball, with their first pick. Law sees Smith as a potential No. 2 starter, but acknowledges that he needs to develop his control and command. Smith’s unorthodox delivery presents a challenge for hitters, and Law believes that his unique mechanics could lead to success at the professional level.
The White Sox’s second pick was Caleb Bonemer, a Michigan prep player with plus power and above-average speed. Bonemer’s swing mechanics require refinement, and his approach at the plate needs to be adjusted. Law views Bonemer as a project, but one with high potential. His combination of power and speed makes him a valuable asset, and the White Sox are hoping that they can unlock his potential.
The White Sox’s remaining selections included Blake Larson, a prep pitcher with a plus slider and projection, Nick McLain, a hard-working infielder with a strong hit tool, Casey Saucke, a Virginia outfielder with power potential but timing issues, Sam Antonacci, a JUCO transfer with a high contact rate and a swing that generates good launch angles, and Phil Fox, a right-hander with a good fastball and a developing slider.
The White Sox’s draft class is a mix of high-ceiling pitching prospects and players with intriguing tools. Their focus on acquiring players with potential and developing them into contributing players is evident in their draft strategy. Law commends their selection of Smith as a potential cornerstone of their pitching staff, and he believes that their overall draft class has the potential to be a success in the future.
Cleveland Guardians: A Focus on High-Ceiling High School Players and a Safe Bet at the Top
The Guardians, a team known for their meticulous scouting and development, made a safe pick at the top of the draft by selecting Travis Bazzana, a second baseman from Oregon State. Bazzana is a high-contact hitter with impressive bat speed and power potential. He has a strong defensive foundation and is considered to be a high-character player. Law sees Bazzana as a potential everyday player at second base, and he believes that the Guardians are getting a solid prospect with a high probability of success.
The Guardians followed up their selection of Bazzana by taking a series of high-ceiling high school players, including Braylon Doughty, a right-hander with a plus curveball and a fastball that reaches the mid-90s, Jake Cozart, a catcher from North Carolina State with above-average power potential, Joey Oakie, a right-hander from Iowa with a plus slider and projection, and Rafe Schlesinger, a sidearming left-hander from Miami with a good fastball and a developing slider.
The Guardians’ draft class is a testament to their long-term vision and their commitment to developing young players. They focused on acquiring high-ceiling prospects with a combination of high-risk, high-reward potential and safe bets with a high probability of success. Law commends their selection of Bazzana as a foundational piece for their future, and he believes that their approach to drafting high school players will pay dividends in the coming years.
The AL draft produced a diverse class of players, showcasing different scouting philosophies and approaches to drafting. Law’s detailed analysis provides a valuable glimpse into the potential of each pick, highlighting the strengths and weaknesses of each player, and offering insights into the strategies employed by each team. His report card is a must-read for any baseball fan interested in the future of the league, as it offers a unique and insightful look at the players who will shape the next generation of baseball talent.
