The most intriguing picks from Rounds 3-10 of the MLB Draft
The first 74 picks of the 2024 MLB Draft were off the board after an exciting Day 1, but there was still a ton of talent available for Day 2, which covered Rounds 3-10. Below are some of Monday's most notable picks, including a number of Top 100 Draft prospects, the grandson of a Heisman Trophy winner and a Yankees fifth-rounder whose fastball touches 103 mph.
The 2024 Draft will conclude on Tuesday with Rounds 11-20, starting at 2 p.m. ET with no delay between selections, all heard on MLB.com.
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ROUND 3
Pick 2 (76th overall), Royals: Drew Beam, RHP, Tennessee (No. 64 Draft prospect)
Beam led the College World Series champions with 102 1/3 innings pitched and made a pair of starts in Omaha for the Vols on their way to the title. His four-pitch mix is considered fairly average across the board, although his changeup earns 55 grades on the 20-80 scouting scale, but his impressive control should give him a strong chance to start in the Kansas City system.
Pick 5 (79th overall), Nationals: Kevin Bazzell, C, Texas Tech (No. 55)
The Nationals already took a potential catcher of the future in Caleb Lomavita at No. 39 overall and go back behind the plate here with Bazzell. The right-handed slugger is a potential plus hitter, having hit .330 with more walks than strikeouts over three years on campus, and his arm strength behind the plate gives him another above-average tool.
Pick 7 (81st overall), Angels: Ryan Prager, LHP, Texas A&M (No. 61)
Sticking to College World Series finalists, Prager helped push the Aggies into a deep Omaha run with a 2.95 ERA and 124 strikeouts over 97 ⅔ innings. He doesn’t show stellar velocity with a fastball that will only touch 93, but his high release height and impressive induced vertical break makes the heater play well alongside an above-average slider and plus changeup.
Pick 10 (84th overall), Guardians: Joey Oakie, RHP, Ankeny Centennial (IA) HS (No. 46)
Oakie was one of the top prospects remaining entering Day 2, and the 6-foot-3 right-hander heads to Cleveland, giving the Guardians four Top 50 prospects through three rounds. His mid-80s slider has plus-plus potential with wicked two-plane break, and he might be a candidate to take on a four-seam fastball because of the flat vertical approach of his pitches from a low three-quarters slot.
Pick 13 (87th overall), Reds: Mike Sirota, OF, Northeastern (No. 50)
Sirota was considered a first-round talent in the winter, but inconsistency during his junior season with the Huskies caused him to fall. The 21-year-old still has plus speed, and he could be an above-average defensive outfielder with good arm strength. He’ll need to improve his timing at the plate to reach his ceiling as a potential 20-20 player in The Show. More »
Pick 22 (96th overall), Twins: Khadim Diaw, C, Loyola Marymount (No. 163)
Diaw became the first player of Senegalese descent to be drafted when he went to Minnesota here. He missed some time with a broken left thumb and sprained wrist, but when he was on the diamond, he showed a hit-over-power profile with solid contact rates. He has some versatility with agility and arm strength that could play behind the plate or in the outfield. More »
ROUND 4
Pick 11 (114th overall), Tigers: Michael Massey, RHP, Wake Forest (No. 109)
Along with third-rounder Josh Hartle, Massey makes five Demon Deacons in the first four rounds by going to the Tigers. The 6-foot-5 right-hander was a standout reliever at Wake in 2023 but didn’t quite stick in his move to the rotation this spring. His 93-97 mph fastball and 82-85 mph slider would both play well in short bursts and could make him a quick mover toward Detroit if he remains in the bullpen.
Pick 13 (116th overall), Giants: Dakota Jordan, OF, Mississippi State (No. 34)
Jordan was the top-ranked prospect entering Day 2 and finally goes to San Francisco in the fourth round. A former three-star wide receiver recruit, he could be a power-speed threat in the Giants system and is still growing on the diamond. His swing-and-miss rates will need to improve with more experience, however, and that may have caused his fall. Jordan is just San Francisco’s second pick in 2024 after it took Florida State outfielder James Tibbs III 13th overall. More »
Pick 14 (117th overall), Reds: Peyton Stovall, 2B, Arkansas (No. 77)
One year after a torn labrum in his shoulder cut his 2023 short, Stovall suffered a broken left foot in a preseason scrimmage that limited him to 48 games this spring, and maybe if he’d been able to get more time on the diamond, he could have gone higher. A .340 hitter for the Razorbacks in ‘24, Stovall showed improved patience as a junior, and scouts were enthused by the jump he took defensively at second base.
Pick 15 (118th overall), Padres: Tyson Neighbors, RHP, Kansas State (No. 95)
Neighbors was considered the best pure relief prospect in this class, thanks to a riding 94-96 mph fastball, high-spin slider and big plus curveball. He fanned 61 in 38 2/3 innings this spring but walked 19 over that same span. That control, along with a high-effort delivery, was definitely going to keep him in the bullpen, but his stuff could make him a quick mover in a San Diego system that likes to get aggressive with its prospects.
ROUND 4C (COMPENSATION PICKS)
Pick 1 (134th overall), Padres: Kavares Tears, OF, Tennessee (No. 66)
Tears didn’t play much during his first two years with the Vols but really took off when given the opportunity this spring with a .324/.427/.643 slash line and 20 homers in 71 games for the national champs. He has true five-tool potential with above-average power and plus speed, though some scouts expressed concerns over his flat bat path from the left side and his previous struggles with breaking stuff.
ROUND 5
Pick 14 (150th overall), Reds: Tristan Smith, LHP, Clemson (No. 73)
Smith grades out well for his three pitches: a 91-94 mph fastball he moves well up and down, a high-spin low-80s slider and a sinking low-80s changeup he uses against batters from both sides. The southpaw faces some control concerns and missed a month with an ankle injury this spring, robbing him of opportunities to impress scouts.
Pick 15 (151st overall), Padres: Kale Fountain, 3B, Norris (NE) HS (No. 121)
The right-handed slugger brings plenty of power to dream on and set the Nebraska high-school record with 31 homers over his four seasons at Norris High. He struggled with swing-and-miss against better pitching on the showcase circuit, however. The LSU commit’s above-average arm strength will give him chances to stick at third base, assuming he signs with San Diego.
Pick 16 (152nd overall), Yankees: Greysen Carter, RHP, Vanderbilt (No. 226)
New York continues to load up on pitching with its fifth straight arm at the top of the Draft. 103. That’s the number many will know on Carter. It’s what he’s capable of touching in terms of fastball velo, and he’ll typically sit 96-99 mph with explosive life up in the zone. His curveball, slider and changeup all need work, as does his control, but the Yanks will hope to work around the plus-plus heater.
Pick 28 (164th overall), D-backs: Connor Foley, RHP, Indiana (No. 106)
Foley has touched as high as 99 in the past while working in both starting and relief roles as a Hoosier. His fastball also plays up with good induced vertical break. His low-80s changeup and mid-80s slider also could be average pitches in the end. Foley experienced control problems after returning from a back injury, but the 6-foot-5 righty has starter upside when healthy.
ROUND 6
Pick 7 (172nd overall), Angels: Peyton Olejnik, RHP, Miami (OH) (unranked)
Olejnik is 6-foot-11, the same height as Jon Rauch and Sean Hjelle – the tallest players in MLB history. He’s been up to 95 mph with his fastball during his time in the MLB Draft League and shows an upper-80s changeup with good armside movement and an upper-70s slider. But his towering mound presence is what stands out most to those who catch his outings.
Pick 8 (173rd overall), Mets: Corey Collins, 1B, Georgia (No. 170)
While Bulldogs teammate Charlie Condon led the nation in many categories, Collins topped Division I with a .574 on-base percentage. His 1.346 OPS also ranked sixth. He thrives on getting walks and hit-by-pitches, but his above-average power gets the best offensive grades heading into pro ball. A former catcher, he’s likely limited to first base at the next level.
Pick 11 (176th overall), Tigers: Woody Hadeen, SS, UC Irvine (No. 130)
Hadeen hit .358 and struck out only 35 times (vs. 62 walks) over 59 games this spring with the Anteaters. The switch-hitter severely lacks power, having only gone deep once over three years on campus, but his above-average speed and solid defense at shortstop give him additional ways to contribute at such a premium position.
Pick 18 (183rd overall), Mariners: Grant Knipp, TWP, Campbell (unranked)
Seattle made waves by taking switch-pitcher Jurrangelo Cijntje in the first round, and it continues to get creative by taking two-way player Knipp here in the sixth. The Camels star went deep 18 times in only 29 games, slugging 1.029 in that time, but he was slowed by a left hamstring injury. That aside, some evaluators prefer his work on the mound, where he’s shown a 93-97 mph fastball.
Pick 23 (188th overall), Twins: Derek Bender, 1B/C, Coastal Carolina (No. 189)
Bender made a name for himself in the famed Cape Cod League, where he was All-Star Game MVP and finished second in the circuit with a .374 batting average. He also led the league with 18 steals despite below-average speed. His right-handed swing stands out for its strength to the pullside, and he might need that power if he sticks to first base over catcher in the Minnesota system.
ROUND 7
Pick 6 (201st overall), Cardinals: Andrew Dutkanych IV, RHP, Vanderbilt (unranked)
Dutkanych was ranked as MLB Pipeline’s No. 42 Draft prospect in 2022 but chose to head to college. He made uneven appearances for Vandy in his two years on campus and underwent Tommy John surgery this spring, making this a bet by the Cardinals that he can get back to his prep form once healthy. He previously showed a fastball up to 97, a plus slider and an above-average curveball.
Pick 10 (205th overall), Guardians: Cameron Sullivan, RHP, Mt. Vernon (IN) HS (No. 118)
Sullivan is capable of ramping his fastball up to 97 out of a 6-foot-2 frame, and he’ll show two versions of a slider: an upper-80s cutter and an 82-85 mph sweeping breaker. He’ll fall in love with those sliders at times, causing his fastball command to waver, so Cleveland might focus on that heater (and improving his changeup) if it can sign Sullivan away from a Notre Dame commitment.
Pick 17 (212nd overall), Cubs: Ivan Brethowr, OF, UC Santa Barbara (No. 194)
It’s all about the power for the right-handed slugger, who transferred from Arizona State to UC Santa Barbara after his freshman year. Brethowr went deep 26 times in his last two seasons with the Gauchos, thanks to raw pop that earns grades as high as 70 on the 20-80 scale. He might need some swing adjustments to get to that power more in games, and he’ll need it since he’s limited to a corner-outfield spot.
Pick 19 (214th overall), Marlins: Nick Brink, RHP, Portland (No. 166)
Brink has a legit chance to stick as a starter, making him solid value for a seventh-round pick. He shows impressive command of a four-pitch repertoire, headlined by a fastball that can touch 95 mph and an above-average changeup. He posted a 3.61 ERA with 130 strikeouts in 99 2/3 innings this spring.
Pick 28 (223rd overall), Astros: Joseph Sullivan, OF, South Alabama (unranked)
Sullivan is the grandson of Pat Sullivan, the 1971 Heisman Trophy winner as an Auburn quarterback who later served as a coach at TCU and Samford. In search of a challenge, the younger Sullivan chose the diamond over the gridiron in high school and hit .266/.442/.531 with nine homers and 14 steals over 38 games for South Alabama in 2024.
ROUND 8
Pick 3 (228th overall), Rockies: Luke Jewett, RHP, UCLA (No. 195)
Jewett was up and down as a starter for UCLA this season, finishing with a 4.35 ERA and 72 strikeouts in 82 2/3 innings. But he showed a 94-97 mph fastball during his earlier days as a reliever, and he could use that pitch, along with a low-80s slider, to be more consistent and dominant in shorter stints.
Pick 5 (230th overall), Nationals: Sam Petersen, OF, Iowa (No. 205)
Hawkeyes arms earned a lot of looks this spring, but any scouts headed to Iowa games also got good looks at Petersen, a quick and dynamic basestealer who could fit in center field as a pro. He posted a 1.031 OPS this spring before stress reactions in his shins shut him down in April, but a .329 slugging percentage last year in the Cape League led to questions about his impact with a wood bat.
Pick 12 (237th overall), Red Sox: Conrad Cason, TWP, Greater Atlanta Christian (GA) HS (No. 102)
The Mississippi State commit was announced as a two-way player, so keep an eye on that. He touched as high as 98 mph with his fastball, and his slider and changeup both showed promise, causing many to think he’d be pitcher-only in the pros. However, Cason opened some eyes with his work as a shortstop at the Draft combine, and the Red Sox might be willing to let him play both ways if it increases their chances of signing him away from college.
Pick 21 (246th overall), Rays: Jayden Voelker, RHP, Northern Essex (MA) CC (No. 238)
Named NJCAA National Pitcher of the Year, Voelker posted a 1.48 ERA and led Division III with 126 strikeouts this spring. His fastball can touch 96 mph, and his curveball showed good spin, giving the Rays another weapon to develop. Voelker redshirted in 2023 due to a wrist injury and might have some projectability as he continues to catch up with his work on the mound.
ROUND 9
Pick 9 (264th overall), Pirates: Duce Gourson, 2B, UCLA (No. 158)
Gourson is known best for working counts and taking a healthy amount of walks. He finished with a career .435 OBP over three seasons with the Bruins. He can find the barrel well too when he does swing, but his raw power is just below average. He has experience at both second base and shortstop but might have to move to first base in the end.
Pick 11 (266th overall), Tigers: Zach Swanson, RHP, Toutie Lake (WA) HS (No. 178)
Swanson bumped up his velocity in school and was showing a fastball in the 93-95 mph range at times this spring. His mid-80s slider can flash above-average too and can look like his best pitch in certain outings. The Oregon State recruit can get too cute working around the zone, but there’s enough to dream of a starter here with the proper command development.
Pick 14 (269th overall), Reds: Ryan McCrystal, C, East Carolina (unranked)
McCrystal broke out this spring in his third year on campus with a .346/.402/.521 line and seven homers in 54 games. Even while he struggled earlier in his collegiate career, he was one of the Appalachian League’s best performers since it became a wood-bat collegiate summer circuit, hitting .397 with a 1.056 OPS over three different summers.
Pick 19 (274th overall), Marlins: Dub Gleed, 3B, UC Irvine (No. 198)
Gleed battled issues with a pulled hamstring this spring, but when he was on the field, he impressed at the plate with a .351/.469/.550 line and six homers in 34 games. He keeps his chase and whiff rates in check, especially against fastballs. His muscle issues pushed him to a corner infield spot, and he has the arm strength to handle throws from third.
ROUND 10
Pick 2 (287th overall), Royals: Nate Ackenhausen, LHP, LSU (unranked)
College World Series fans might remember that Ackenhausen tossed six scoreless innings in an elimination game against Tennessee last year. That happened to be the Eastern Oklahoma State transfer’s first start for the Tigers. He was back to pitching primarily out of the bullpen in 2024, finishing with a 5.65 ERA and 59 strikeouts in 43 innings while showing a 91-93 mph fastball and whiff-heavy slider.
Pick 7 (292nd overall), Angels: Ryan Nicholson, 1B, Kentucky (unranked)
Nicholson tied for eighth in the loaded SEC with 23 homers for the Wildcats, who went to Omaha for the first time in program history. His 1.094 OPS also led Kentucky qualifiers, just a smidge better than 31st overall pick Ryan Waldschmidt’s 1.079. A transfer after four years at Cincinnati, the left-handed slugger will need that power to push for Anaheim.
Pick 10 (295th overall), Guardians: Chase Mobley, RHP, Durant (FL) HS (No. 80)
The 18-year-old right-hander already stands 6-foot-5 and features a good amount of projection. His fastball typically sits around 92-93 mph, but he’s shown he can ramp it up to the upper-90s. His slider is better than his curveball, and he’s shown the makings of an average split-change. The Florida State recruit is a high-upside selection for a Cleveland group that had the highest bonus pool entering the 2024 Draft.