The 2024 MLB Draft is set to feature a remarkable crop of college pitchers, with standout performances from several top prospects. Leading the pack are Arkansas’ Hagen Smith and Wake Forest’s Chase Burns, who have both set new records in NCAA Division I baseball for strikeout rates. Below, we delve into the profiles of the top 10 college pitchers who are making waves in this year’s draft.
1. Hagen Smith, LHP, Arkansas (No. 6 on Top 200)
Hagen Smith, the Southeastern Conference Pitcher of the Year, shattered Ryan Wagner’s 21-year-old Division I record by averaging 17.3 strikeouts per nine innings. Smith’s arsenal includes a deceptive 94-97 mph fastball that can reach up to 100 mph, complemented by a mid-80s slider with significant sweep and depth. His dominance on the mound has made him a top contender and a likely top-10 pick in the upcoming draft.
2. Chase Burns, RHP, Wake Forest (No. 5)
Chase Burns, who spent his first two college seasons at Tennessee, has emerged as a powerhouse at Wake Forest. With a fastball sitting at 97-99 mph and topping out at 102 mph, Burns finished just behind Smith with 17.2 strikeouts per nine innings. His repertoire includes a tight upper-80s slider, a plus curveball, and a changeup, making him a formidable presence on the mound.
3. Trey Yesavage, RHP, East Carolina (No. 11)
Trey Yesavage overcame a partially collapsed lung to become the American Athletic Conference Pitcher of the Year. He boasts a 93-95 mph fastball that can touch 98, a mid-80s slider/cutter, and a low-80s splitter. His impressive season statistics include a 2.02 ERA, 145 strikeouts, and a .154 opponent batting average, solidifying his position as one of the top pitchers in the draft.
4. Brody Brecht, RHP, Iowa (No. 21)
Brody Brecht transitioned from being a dual-sport athlete in football and baseball to focusing solely on pitching, and the results have been spectacular. His 96-99 mph fastball and 87-91 mph slider make him a strikeout machine, ranking fifth in Division I with 14.7 strikeouts per nine innings. Brecht’s raw power and potential make him a highly coveted prospect.
5. Jurrangelo Cijntje, RHP/LHP, Mississippi State (No. 31)
Jurrangelo Cijntje is a unique talent known for his switch-pitching abilities. As a right-hander, he throws a mid-90s fastball and a mid-80s slider, while as a left-hander, he features a low-90s fastball and a low-80s sweeper. His versatility and impressive skill set draw comparisons to Marcus Stroman, and he is projected to be a valuable asset in professional baseball.
6. Jonathan Santucci, LHP, Duke (No. 34)
Jonathan Santucci faced challenges with control and injuries this season but remains an athletic left-hander with a high strikeout rate. He features a 92-96 mph fastball, a low-80s slider with two-plane break, and a fading mid-80s changeup. Despite his struggles, Santucci’s potential to miss bats makes him a notable prospect in the draft.
7. Ben Hess, RHP, Alabama (No. 45)
Standing at 6-foot-5 and 250 pounds, Ben Hess is a towering presence on the mound. He set an Alabama career record with 13.3 strikeouts per nine innings, thanks to his 92-96 mph fastball and mid-80s slider with two-plane depth. Hess’s physicality and pitching prowess make him an intriguing candidate for the draft.
8. Luke Holman, RHP, Louisiana State (No. 48)
Luke Holman, known for his advanced pitching acumen, replaced Paul Skenes as LSU’s No. 1 starter. His low-80s slider and low-90s fastball play exceptionally well due to his command and induced vertical break. Holman’s strategic approach and consistent performance highlight his potential as a professional pitcher.
9. Jac Caglianone, 1B/LHP, Florida (No. 3)
Jac Caglianone, the John Olerud Award winner for college baseball’s best two-way player, is a standout both at the plate and on the mound. While his power-hitting prowess is widely recognized, his pitching skills are equally impressive, featuring a mid-90s fastball, a mid-80s slider, and an upper-70s changeup. Caglianone’s versatility makes him a valuable draft prospect.
10. Ryan Johnson, RHP, Dallas Baptist (No. 43)
Ryan Johnson has a unique, self-taught delivery that has led to significant success, earning him the Conference USA Pitcher of the Year award. With a 2.29 ERA, 151 strikeouts, and a 10.8 K/BB ratio, Johnson’s low-80s slider and mid-90s fastball stand out in his five-pitch arsenal. His deceptive delivery and consistent results make him a noteworthy draft candidate.
Conclusion
The 2024 college pitching class, while not as deep as initially anticipated, boasts several standout performers who are poised to make significant impacts in professional baseball. Hagen Smith and Chase Burns lead the way, followed closely by other top prospects like Trey Yesavage and Brody Brecht. As the draft approaches, these pitchers’ impressive statistics and potential for growth make them exciting additions to the ranks of professional baseball.
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