MLB
First Day Standouts: Top 5 Picks of the MLB Draft
On Sunday, the 2024 MLB Draft commenced with the first two rounds, marking the beginning of an exciting journey for many aspiring baseball stars. At the historic Cowtown Coliseum in Fort Worth, Texas, the names of the first 74 of the 615 total selections echoed through the venue. Here, we highlight the top five picks from this initial round of selections.
1. Guardians
Travis Bazzana, 2B, Oregon State. Bazzana had an outstanding season, posting a .416/.475/.937 batting line with 28 home runs, 16 stolen bases, and an impressive 40 more walks than strikeouts. He possesses above-average strength and speed, though his arm strength confines him to second base. Bazzana excels in strike zone command and has a remarkable ability to consistently make solid contact. His character and work ethic are highly praised, despite concerns about his physical ceiling. This raises an interesting question: What matters more for a player’s long-term success, physical potential or the intangible qualities of growth and development?
2. Reds
Chase Burns, P, Wake Forest: Burns consistently averaged nearly two strikeouts per inning, utilizing a top-tier arsenal that includes an upper-90s fastball with rising action, a devastating slider, and a curveball. (He also occasionally mixes in a changeup.) His delivery evokes memories of Matt Garza, but with more control: Burns walked fewer than 8% of the batters he faced in college, including under 6% in ACC play this year. With the potential to be an outstanding starter, Burns might be the first pitcher from this draft class to make his major league debut.
3. Rockies
Charlie Condon, 3B, Georgia: Entering the season as a second-tier prospect, Condon needed a standout spring to secure a top-10 draft spot, and he certainly delivered. Leading the NCAA in batting average, slugging percentage, and home runs (setting a new BBCOR Era record with 37), Condon showcased his impressive skills. He also proved his potential at third base, convincing many that it’s his ideal position. Standing at 6-foot-6, Condon is known for his immense strength and consistent power-hitting. Additionally, he demonstrated excellent plate discipline, chasing pitches outside the zone less frequently than peers like Braden Montgomery and Jac Caglianone, while his batted-ball profile fits the current lift-and-pull trend.
4. Athletics
Nick Kurtz, 1B, Wake Forest: After overcoming an early slump and a shoulder injury, Kurtz made a strong comeback with 14 home runs in a 10-game stretch to kick off April. By the end of the season, he led the NCAA in walks, both in percentage and total, drawing a walk in 30% of his plate appearances (for comparison, Barry Bonds had a 32% walk rate in 2002). Kurtz boasts well-above-average power and plate discipline, and he makes solid contact when he swings. However, there are a few concerns. Some evaluators worry that his extreme selectiveness may cause him to miss hittable pitches, although it’s generally easier to teach a hitter to be more aggressive than to improve their discipline. The more significant issue is his position: as a collegiate first baseman, history is not in his favor. The last first-round pick from that position to have a successful career was C.J. Cron in 2011.
5. White Socks
Hagen Smith, P, Arkansas: Smith captured national attention in February by striking out 17 batters over six innings against Bazzana and the Oregon State Beavers. He maintained his dominance throughout the season, averaging nearly two strikeouts per inning. Smith’s success is largely due to his high-quality fastball-slider combination and the deception created by his release point. Utilizing a low arm slot and positioning himself on the far first-base side of the rubber, he generates challenging angles for hitters.
Where are all the high schoolers?
Sunday night made history as the first eight players drafted were all college athletes, marking the longest absence of high school players at the start of an MLB Draft since its inception in 1965. The streak ended when the Pittsburgh Pirates selected Mississippi shortstop Konnor Griffin at No. 9, followed by shortstop Bryce Rainer, who was picked by Detroit at No. 11. These two were the only high school players chosen within the top 15 picks.
The only similar instance being in 2020, a pandemic year when most high school seasons were halted before they could even begin, resulting in the first high school player being picked eighth. Historically, high school players have often been selected early, including four times in the past decade when a high schooler was the No. 1 overall pick. In 2022, high schoolers made up four of the first five picks and six of the top 15. Since 2000, a high school player has been chosen first overall 11 times, nearly half the total drafts in that period.
Why is this Happening?
Several factors contribute to this shift. This year’s draft was notably weak overall and particularly lacking in high school talent. The pandemic also pushed many top prospects towards college since they couldn’t be properly scouted during high school. Additionally, reducing the draft to 20 rounds and limiting minor league jobs have encouraged more players to continue their education.
Furthermore, motivations on both sides favor college over high school. Top college programs now have cutting-edge technology for player tracking and development and can pay top coaches better than minor league positions, providing pro-level instruction. For players, the NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) deals offer financial incentives that make college more attractive, allowing institutions like LSU to retain top talents like Paul Skenes and Tommy White with substantial compensation and support.
Read more: Inside MLB’s Bat-Speed Revolution: What We’ve Learned So Far
MLB
MLB Revives Players’ Weekend: A Fresh Take on Tradition for 2024
This year, Players’ Weekend returns to MLB for the first time since 2019, dedicating three days in August to spotlighting players beyond their on-field stats. From August 16-18, MLB aims to celebrate players’ personalities, interests, and the charitable causes close to their hearts, making the event appealing to young baseball enthusiasts and fans alike.
MLB Revives Players’ Weekend in August 2024
This three-day festivity promises a dynamic mix of activities and experiences designed to captivate fans both in-stadium and online. Attendees can look forward to exciting in-stadium game presentations that bring an extra layer of entertainment to the live sporting experience.
Social media engagement will play a significant role, offering fans interactive opportunities to connect with their favorite players, participate in contests, and share their experiences in real-time. This immersive approach aims to create a vibrant and inclusive atmosphere that resonates with fans of all ages, whether they’re cheering from the stands or following along from afar.
- Day 1 (Fun): Spotlights the playful side of players, delving into their personalities, friendships, and off-field hobbies, offering fans a better connection and understanding of the athletes beyond their on-field performances.
- Day 2 (Causes): Focuses on the charitable and community efforts players are passionate about, highlighting their commitment to making a positive impact off the field and inspiring others to give back to their communities.
- Day 3 (Appreciation): Honors the individuals who played pivotal roles in guiding players to the Major Leagues, celebrating the coaches, mentors, and supporters who have shaped the athletes’ journeys and contributed to their success.
A New Spin on Tradition
This year, instead of the usual special uniforms and nicknames, players will wear unique New Era caps. These caps will feature each player’s uniform number on the side in a “youthful design.” Additionally, players will have the freedom to use customized bats and wear cleats with personalized designs.
This revamped initiative is termed a “reimagined Players’ Weekend,” moving away from its previous version between 2017 and 2019 that showcased unique uniforms with player nicknames on the jerseys.
In previous years, players seized the chance to add a playful twist. Toronto Blue Jays reliever Ken Giles sported “100 Miles Giles” on his jersey during his time on the mound. Cleveland Guardians pitcher Shane Bieber went with “Not Justin” as his nickname, and Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Walker Buehler opted for “Ferris” on his uniform.
Reflecting on Players’ Weekend
Introduced by MLB and the MLBPA in August 2017, the concept was developed collaboratively, with key contributions from players like CC Sabathia, Bo Schultz, and Josh Thole, along with league and union representatives.
The initial editions saw some unique twists:
- In 2017, the traditional MLB logo was replaced with one showcasing a player’s evolution from Little League to the big leagues.
- 2017 and 2018 featured pullover jerseys instead of the usual button-downs, adorned with tribute patches where players could honor those who influenced them the most.
- Players also got the chance to sport nicknames on their jerseys—a first for the traditionally nameless New York Yankees.
The 2019 edition took it a step further with monochromatic uniforms and caps, allowing for customizable logos and accessories.
However, due to the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the shortened 2020 season, and changes in uniform suppliers, Players’ Weekend was on hiatus in 2021.
The aim of this weekend is to engage younger audiences, a demographic that has been growing steadily over recent years. League data indicates a decrease in the median age of ticket buyers from 51 to 45 since 2019, with a nearly 10% rise in ticket purchases from individuals aged 18-35 during the same period. MLB hopes to continue this positive trend.
Two nationally televised games are set for the weekend: the Los Angeles Dodgers versus the St. Louis Cardinals and the Little League Classic featuring the Detroit Tigers and New York Yankees in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, on ESPN’s Sunday Night Baseball.
Read More: TGL 2025 Preview