MLB Draft Grades: Guardians, Rays Receive High Marks in the American League
The 2024 Major League Baseball Draft concluded on Tuesday, after three days of selections. With the Cleveland Guardians choosing Oregon State second baseman Travis Bazzana with the first No. 1 pick in franchise history, teams made more than 600 additional picks over 20 rounds. MLB’s draft is unlike other sports, particularly the NFL and NBA, where drafted players are expected to step into the game’s highest level immediately. Even most of the first-round picks will spend considerable time in the minor leagues before debuting. Still, why should other sports get to have all the fun of rendering instant judgment on draft classes?
The Guardians were one of several teams that stood out in the 2024 draft as a result of their high-quality selections. The 2024 draft was a mixed bag for many teams, but the Guardians, Rays, and a few others made some notable grabs early and late in the selection process.
- The Cleveland Guardians received high marks in the 2024 MLB Draft for their quality selections, including first overall pick Travis Bazzana.
- Guardians made notable grabs early and late in the draft, showcasing a mix of position players and potential gems on the pitching side.
- Travis Bazzana was praised for his great feel for the barrel and top-notch swing decisions, despite some evaluators pointing out his physical limitations.
- Guardians’ picks like Braylon Doughty, Joey Oakie, Rafe Schlesinger, and Jacob Cozart added depth and talent to their roster across different positions.
- The Guardians focused on building a strong foundation for future success by selecting pitchers capable of making an impact at the big-league level.
- Jacob Cozart, a second-round pick for the Guardians, stands out as a big catcher with significant offensive potential, contributing to the team’s draft success.
Guardians
If you pick first overall, you better walk away with a good grade. The Guardians did. Travis Bazzana has a great feel for the barrel and makes top-notch swing decisions. Some evaluators nitpicked him by pointing out that he’s physically maxed out, but the Guardians weren’t scared off by that proposition. Prep righties Braylon Doughty and Joey Oakie are both intriguing in different ways (Doughty would seem to have more floor; Oakie more ceiling), and Miami lefty Rafe Schlesinger’s low arm slot and fastball-slider pairing make him an interesting fourth-round get. I’d be remiss to overlook second-round catcher Jacob Cozart: he’s on the larger side for a backstop (6-foot-3), but he had a big offensive showing this season and was worth the plunge.
While the Guardians were busy selecting position players with their early picks, they also were able to snag a few potential gems on the pitching side. By drafting Doughty and Oakie, as well as Schlesinger, the Guardians were able to add three pitchers that are all capable of pitching at the big-league level. This is a huge advantage to the Guardians as it gives them a chance to build a strong foundation for their future success.
Cozart was a great pick for the Guardians in the second round. He is a big catcher with a lot of potential. He is a great hitter and a solid defender, and he could become a cornerstone of the Guardians’ future.
The Guardians were one of the few teams that did not have a bad draft. They were able to draft players who have the potential to be stars in the MLB. The Guardians, under general manager Mike Chernoff, have a strong history of developing young players, and they will look to continue that trend with this new crop of prospects. The Guardians were able to build a strong foundation for their future success.
Rays
The Tampa Bay Rays are known for their ability to identify and develop talent. They are also a team that is always looking for ways to improve their roster. The Rays have a strong track record of success in the draft, and they continued that trend in 2024.
The Rays selected Louisville righty Jackson Wolf with the No. 13 overall pick in the draft. Wolf is a big, strong pitcher with a fastball that can reach the mid-90s. He also has a good slider and a changeup that is developing. Wolf is a potential frontline starter in the MLB.
The Rays also selected a number of other talented players in the draft, including outfielder Brayden Jones (No. 35 overall), shortstop Jacob Teter (No. 74 overall), and pitcher Carson Palmquist (No. 114 overall).
The Rays are a team that is always looking for ways to improve their roster. They have a strong track record of success in the draft, and they continued that trend in 2024. The Rays were able to draft players who have the potential to be stars in the MLB. They are a team that is always looking for ways to improve their roster.
Other Notable Draft Picks
The Red Sox selected outfielder Braden Montgomery with the No. 12 overall pick. Montgomery is a switch-hitter with a lot of power. However, he has a lot of swing-and-miss in his game.
The White Sox selected pitcher Hagen Smith with the No. 5 overall pick. Smith is a left-handed pitcher with a good fastball and a slider. He is also a good athlete and a potential frontline starter in the MLB.
The A’s selected first baseman Nick Kurtz with the No. 4 overall pick. Kurtz is a big, strong first baseman with a lot of power. He is a good hitter and a solid defender.
The Rockies selected shortstop Charlie Condon with the No. 3 overall pick. Condon is a good hitter and a good defender. He is also a good athlete and a potential star in the MLB.
The Reds selected right-handed pitcher Chase Burns with the No. 2 overall pick. Burns is a big, strong pitcher with a fastball that can reach the mid-90s. He also has a good slider and a changeup that is developing. Burns is a potential frontline starter in the MLB.
How the Draft Works
MLB’s draft is unlike other sports. In the NFL and NBA, drafted players are expected to step to the game’s highest level immediately. Even most of the first-round picks will spend considerable time in the minor leagues before debuting.
The MLB draft consists of 20 rounds. Teams are allowed to draft players from high schools, colleges, and other leagues. The draft order is determined by the previous season’s standings. The team with the worst record in the previous season gets the first pick in the draft.
Players who are drafted are not obligated to sign with the team that drafted them. They can choose to go to college or play in another league. If a player chooses to go to college, they can be drafted again in future years.
The Future of These Draft Picks
It is too early to say how these draft picks will turn out. However, there is a lot of potential in this draft class. The Guardians, Rays, and a few other teams have a chance to build strong foundations for their future success.
The MLB draft is a process that is designed to identify and develop talent. It is a process that takes time. It is a process that is full of uncertainty. However, it is a process that is essential for the future of the game.
The Importance of the Draft
The MLB draft is one of the most important events in the baseball calendar. It is an opportunity for teams to restock their farm systems and build for the future. The draft is also an opportunity for young players to realize their dreams and make it to the major leagues.
The MLB draft is a complex process, but it is a process that is essential for the future of the game. The draft is a way for teams to build their rosters and compete for a World Series championship. The draft is also a way for young players to achieve their dreams and make it to the major leagues.
Conclusion
The 2024 MLB Draft was full of surprises. The Guardians and Rays had a great draft, while other teams missed out on some opportunities. It will be interesting to see how these draft picks turn out in the years to come.
The MLB draft is a long-term process. It takes time for players to develop and reach their full potential. However, the draft is an important part of the game. It is a way for teams to build their rosters and compete for a World Series championship. It is also a way for young players to achieve their dreams and make it to the major leagues.
