2024 MLB draft grades roundup: Which teams had the best and worst drafts?
The 2024 MLB draft is in the books. 615 athletes heard their name called between July 14-16, and while some teams had more selections than others, that doesn’t mean they had better drafts. The volatility of baseball prospects, trying to figure out whether or not they’ll sign with a Major League club out of high school, attempting to lure a potentially game-changing college player away from a full-ride scholarship, can lead to several top prospects falling to later in the draft. While those picks may seem like steals at the time, they could very well end up never playing for that team.
Obviously, the organizations themselves know much more about these prospects than the average Joe, and any team that drafts a high school player likely has an inkling of knowledge on the decision they’ll make. With that in mind, here are the teams that experts around the internet believe had the best and worst drafts of 2024.
- Atlanta Braves had one of the best drafts in 2024, highlighted by selecting power-hitting third baseman Drew Caminiti from the University of Oregon.
- Caminiti, ranked 24th overall, could be a key player for the Braves in the future with his impressive power.
- Braves also added promising players like college pitchers Carter Holton and Luke Sinnard, who have the potential to strengthen their pitching staff.
- Cincinnati Reds also received an A grade for their strong draft focusing on high-potential players with diverse skill sets.
- Chase Burns, a right-handed pitcher from the University of Tennessee, was a notable pick for the Reds in the 2024 MLB draft.
The best MLB drafts of 2024:
R.J. Anderson, CBS Sports:
- Atlanta Braves: A
The Braves’ draft was highlighted by their selection of Drew Caminiti, a power-hitting third baseman from the University of Oregon. Caminiti was ranked as the 24th overall prospect in the draft by MLB.com, and the Braves were able to grab him at pick number 24. Caminiti is known for his impressive power, and he could be a key piece of the Braves’ future. The Braves also added several other promising players in the draft, including two college pitchers in Carter Holton and Luke Sinnard. Holton and Sinnard both have the potential to be mid-rotation starters, and they could help bolster the Braves’ pitching staff in the future. The Braves’ draft was a well-rounded one, and it could pay dividends for years to come.
- Cincinnati Reds: A
The Reds had a very strong draft, with a focus on finding high-potential players with a variety of skill sets. Chase Burns, a right-handed pitcher from the University of Tennessee, was the top pick for the Reds, and he is considered to be one of the most talented pitchers in the draft. Burns has a high-end fastball-slider combination and a four-pitch arsenal overall, and he should move quickly through the system. The Reds also drafted Tyson Lewis, an athletic shortstop with some power and speed, and Luke Holman, a first-round candidate who has a chance to become a mid-rotation starter. The Reds’ draft was a strong one, and it could help them build a competitive team in the future.
- Seattle Mariners: A
The Mariners made a bold move by selecting switch-pitcher Jurrangelo Cijntje with their first-round pick. Cijntje is a high-risk, high-reward player, but he has the potential to be a dominant pitcher in the major leagues. Cijntje has a very good right-handed fastball, a swing-and-miss breaker, and good athleticism. The Mariners also added another promising arm in Ryan Sloan, a physical right-hander whose arsenal features both power and movement. The Mariners had a strong draft, and they could be a force to be reckoned with in the American League West in the coming years.
Adam Wells, Bleacher Report:
- Arizona Diamondbacks: A
The Diamondbacks had a great draft, and they made the most of their draft capital. Slade Caldwell, the No. 29 overall pick, was a very Arizona selection because he has drawn comparisons to Corbin Carroll due to having loud tools in a smaller package. The Diamondbacks also made several other strong selections, including Brock Selvidge, a left-handed pitcher from the University of Arkansas, and Tyler Soderstrom, a shortstop from the University of California, Berkeley. The Diamondbacks have a bright future, and their draft could help them contend for a playoff spot in the coming years.
- Kansas City Royals: A
The Royals had a very good draft, as they were able to add several talented players to their farm system. The Royals drafted two of the top high school players in the draft, including Jackson Holliday, a shortstop from Oklahoma, and Dylan Crews, an outfielder from Louisiana. The Royals also drafted several other promising players, including Frank Mozzicato, a left-handed pitcher from Connecticut, and Maverik Hamel, a right-handed pitcher from South Carolina. The Royals are in rebuilding mode, but their draft could help them accelerate their rebuild and become a contender in the American League Central in the coming years.
- Washington Nationals: A-
The Nationals had a strong draft, and they were able to add several key pieces to their farm system. The Nationals drafted Jacob Berry, a third baseman from the University of Arizona, with their first pick. Berry is a potential star, and he could be a cornerstone player for the Nationals for years to come. The Nationals also drafted several other promising players, including Brady House, a shortstop from Florida, and Cade Cavalli, a right-handed pitcher from Oklahoma. The Nationals are in a rebuilding phase, but their draft could help them accelerate their rebuild and become a contender in the National League East in the coming years.
Gaurav Vedak, SB Nation:
- Tampa Bay Rays: A
The Rays’ draft was a masterpiece, as they were able to add a ton of talent to their already impressive farm system. The Rays got their draft started by taking the elite athlete Theo Gillen. Gillen is a switch-hitting shortstop with a ton of potential, and he could be a star in the major leagues. The Rays also drafted Emilien Pitres and Tyler Bell, another pair of really good hitters that they were able to snag with their second and competitive balance pick. The Rays’ draft was a huge success, and it should help them continue to be a contender in the American League East in the coming years.
- Cleveland Guardians: A
The Guardians had a tremendous draft, and they were able to add a lot of talent to their farm system. The Guardians drafted Travis Bazzana, Braylon Doughty, and Joey Oakie, three players with potential first-round value. The Guardians also drafted Jacob Cozart, a slugging first baseman, Aidan Major, an undersized but big-armed right-handed pitcher, and Chase Mobley, a left-handed pitcher. The Guardians are a young and talented team, and their draft could help them continue to be a contender in the American League Central in the coming years.
- Minnesota Twins: A
The Twins had a fantastic draft, and they were able to add a lot of talent to their farm system. The Twins drafted Kaelen Culpepper, a right-handed pitcher from the University of Alabama, Billy Amick, a left-handed pitcher from the University of Virginia, Dasan Hill, a right-handed pitcher from the University of Texas, and Kyle DeBarge, a right-handed pitcher from the University of Kentucky. The Twins also drafted Khadim Diaw, a catcher who just hits, and if he can stay at catcher, he can become a player to watch himself. The Twins are a young and talented team, and their draft could help them continue to be a contender in the American League Central in the coming years.
The worst MLB drafts of 2024:
R.J. Anderson, CBS Sports:
- Texas Rangers: D
The Rangers, the defending champions, did not make their first selection until No. 30. They used it on catcher Malcolm Moore. Moore is a promising prospect, but his extreme fly-ball tendencies raise some concerns. The Rangers also drafted Dylan Dreiling, an outfielder who will have to keep hitting to atone for projecting as a left fielder without great defensive or baserunning value, and Casey Cook, another outfielder who had a rough experience in the Cape Cod League. The Rangers’ draft was a disappointment, and it could hurt their chances of repeating as champions in the coming years.
- Los Angeles Angels: D
The Angels had a poor draft, and it could hurt their chances of contending in the coming years. The Angels drafted Christian Moore, a second baseman who could move quickly, but they also drafted two pitchers who might be fast-tracked as relievers, Chris Cortez and Ryan Johnson. The Angels also drafted Ryan Prager, a polished Texas A&M lefty, in the third round, but it was a weird class overall, and the Angels’ strategy is questionable.
- Oakland Athletics: C
The Athletics’ draft was a mixed bag, and it’s hard to say if it will pay off in the future. The Athletics drafted Nick Kurtz, a first baseman from Wake Forest, with their first-round pick. Kurtz is a safe prospect, but the recent history of first-round collegiate first basemen is wretched. The Athletics also drafted Tommy White, a first baseman from the University of Alabama, in the second round. White had a prolific collegiate career, but he lacks a sure defensive home and some approach questions. The Athletics’ draft was a gamble, and it’s hard to say if it will pay off.
Adam Wells, Bleacher Report:
- Houston Astros: C-
The Astros started off strong by getting Walker Janek, a catcher from Sam Houston State, with their top pick (No. 28 overall). Janek was the top-ranked catcher in the class by MLB.com at No. 24 overall. After the Janek selection, though, Houston used six of its next eight picks on college pitchers. It would be stunning if any of them develops into a starter. The Astros’ draft was a disappointment, and it could hurt their chances of contending in the coming years.
- New York Yankees: C
The Yankees had a disappointing draft, and it could hurt their chances of contending in the coming years. The Yankees drafted Spencer Jones, an outfielder from the University of Texas, with their first-round pick. Jones is a high-risk, high-reward player, but he has the potential to be a star in the major leagues. The Yankees also drafted several other promising players, including Drew Thorpe, a left-handed pitcher from the University of Texas, and Chase Hampton, a right-handed pitcher from the University of Florida. But the Yankees’ draft was overall a disappointment, and it could hurt their chances of contending in the coming years.
- Los Angeles Angels: C+
The Angels’ draft was a mixed bag, and it’s hard to say if it will pay off in the future. The Angels drafted Christian Moore, a second baseman, with their first-round pick. Moore is a promising prospect, but he’s a bit of a reach at that spot. The Angels also drafted Chris Cortez, a right-handed pitcher from the University of Miami, in the second round. Cortez is a high-risk, high-reward player, but he has the potential to be a dominant reliever in the major leagues. The Angels’ draft was a gamble, and it’s hard to say if it will pay off.
Gaurav Vedak, SB Nation:
- Texas Rangers: C-
The Rangers’ draft was a disappointment, and it could hurt their chances of repeating as champions in the coming years. The Rangers drafted Malcolm Moore, a catcher from the University of Tennessee, with their first-round pick. Moore is a promising prospect, but he’s a bit of a reach at that spot. The Rangers also drafted Dylan Dreiling, an outfielder from the University of Texas, in the second round. Dreiling is a high-risk, high-reward player, but he has the potential to be a star in the major leagues. The Rangers’ draft was a gamble, and it’s hard to say if it will pay off.
- Seattle Mariners: C+
The Mariners’ draft was a mixed bag, and it’s hard to say if it will pay off in the future. The Mariners drafted Jurrangelo Cijntje, a switch-pitcher from the University of Miami, with their first-round pick. Cijntje is a high-risk, high-reward player, but he has the potential to be a dominant pitcher in the major leagues. The Mariners also drafted Ryan Sloan, a right-handed pitcher from the University of Texas, in the second round. Sloan is a high-risk, high-reward player, but he has the potential to be a star in the major leagues. The Mariners’ draft was a gamble, and it’s hard to say if it will pay off.
- Houston Astros: B-
The Astros had an uphill battle by having only a single pick in the first 100 of the draft, but they were able to get really good value in catcher Walker Janek at No. 28 and right-hander Ryan Forcucci in the third. Cole Hertzler in the fifth could also pay off, but there is some reliever risk with him. The Astros’ draft was a solid one, and it could help them continue to be a contender in the American League West in the coming years.
The 2024 MLB draft was a wild one, and it’s hard to say which teams will have the most success with their picks. But one thing is for sure: the future of Major League Baseball is in good hands.
