SE Atlanta News

Jim Callis and Jonathan Mayo noted in last week’s mock draft that the period before the 2024 MLB Draft Combine was “calm-before-the-storm” territory. That is no longer the case. The Draft experts have been on site in Phoenix, gathering all available information related to the draft.

The Draft Combine provides clubs with opportunities for face-to-face interviews with top prospects, beyond just evaluating their on-field performance. This year, 171 members of MLB Pipeline's Draft Top 200 and 22 of the first 30 prospects are participating in the Combine.

During this week's Combine, Mayo and Callis conducted their own first round of the draft on the MLB Pipeline Podcast. They alternated making selections based on what they believed each club would choose given various scenarios.

1. Guardians: Travis Bazzana, 2B, Oregon State (No. 1)

Mayo stated: "The names here are: Bazzana, Charlie Condon... But I'm sticking with Bazzana."

2. Reds: Charlie Condon, OF/3B, Georgia (No. 2)

Callis commented: “If Bazzana goes No. 1, it's an easy decision for the Reds.”

3. Rockies: Chase Burns, RHP, Wake Forest (No.5)

Mayo noted Burns had a significant year after transferring to Wake Forest.

4. A’s: Jac Caglianone, 1B/LHP, Florida (No. 3)

Callis remarked on Caglianone's potential as a full-time hitter despite his high chase rate.

5. White Sox: JJ Wetherholt, SS/2B, West Virginia (No. 7)

Mayo mentioned Wetherholt’s injury history but praised his overall skills.

6. Royals: Hagen Smith, LHP, Arkansas (No. 6)

Callis highlighted Smith's record-setting strikeout rate in college baseball this year.

7. Cardinals: Braden Montgomery, OF, Texas A&M (No. 8)

Mayo pointed out Montgomery’s good season despite an ankle injury.

8.Angels:Trey Yesavage,RHP East Carolina(No11) Callis observed Yesavage could quickly join their rotation next year

9.Pirates Nick Kurtz ,1B,Wak Forest(No4) Mayo noted Pirates need at first base

10.Nationals Konnor Griffin SS/OF Jackson Prep Flowood Miss(No9) Callis praised Griffin’s high ceiling despite swing concerns

11.Tigers Bryce Rainer SS Harvard-Westlake Calif(No10) Mayo suggested Tigers would pick whichever high school player Nationals don’t select

12.Red Sox Christian Moore Tennessee No25 Callis emphasized Moore’s hitting abilities showcased during Men’s College World Series

13.Giants Cam Caminiti LHP Saguaro HS Ariz No17 Mayo reported strong connection between Giants and Caminiti

14.Cubs James Tibbs OF Florida State No16 Callis stated Cubs might prioritize best available player over specific needs

15.Mariners Cam Smith Florida State No14 Mayo described Smith's impressive hit tool and power potential

16.Marlins Seaver King Wake Forest No13 Callis discussed King versatility across multiple positions

17.Brewers Carson Benge Oklahoma State No19 Mayo placed Benge among interchangeable top prospects

18.Rays Ryan Waldschmidt Kentucky No39 Callis detailed Waldschmidt recovery from knee injury and subsequent performance improvement

19.Mets Vance Honeycutt North Carolina No20 Mayo acknowledged Honeycutt's raw tools despite strikeout concerns

20.Blue Jays Tommy White Louisiana State No15 Callis commended White consistent hitting power throughout college career

21.Twins Billy Amick Tennessee No26 Mayo suggested Amick could be a valuable steal due to missed time from appendectomy

22.Orioles Brody Brecht Iowa No21 Callis warned about Brecht inconsistency but praised fastball-slider combination

23.Dodgers William Schmidt Catholic HS La.No12

Mayo discussed Schmidt as top-ranked high school arm though signability might be an issue

24.Braves Jurrangelo Cijntje Mississippi State NO31

Callie recommended focusing development on right-handed pitching for better results

25.Padres Kash Mayfield Elk City HS Okla.No28

Mayfield aligns with Padres trend towards selecting high school players

26.Yankees Kaelen Culpepper Kansas State NO32

Callie anticipated Culpepper eventual shift to third base while maintaining defensive strength

27.Phillies Slade Caldwell Valley View HS Ark.NO22

Mayo likened Caldwell selection strategy to previous year's choice

28.Astros Theo Gillen Westlake HS Austin Texas NO27

Gillen balanced skill set potentially hindered by shoulder surgery effects

29.D-backs Malcolm Moore Stanford NO24

Moore underlying data suggests continued offensive potential alongside improved catching ability

30.Rangers Walker Janek Sam Houston NO23

Janek presents average yet well-rounded attributes across key catching metrics