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Top 25 MLB Draft Prospects To Know In The 2024 NCAA Tournament

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Image credit: (Photo by Eddie Kelly/ProLook Photos)

The next three weeks is without a doubt the best stretch on the college baseball calendar. Virtually every day from May 31 through the middle of June will be chalk-full of NCAA Tournament games. Between the incredible atmospheres and high-level play, it feels like each year we get a handful of games that fall into the “instant classic” bucket.

Like any other year, this year’s tournament field is loaded with draft prospects. Instead of highlighting solely 2024 draftees, I also included a handful of underclassmen. This ranking is mostly a reflection of our most recent draft board, though I did shuffle a few players around.

Enjoy watching all 25 players ranked below, but especially those who will be drafted in a little over a month. It will be their last time ever putting on their respective school’s jersey and the end of what was fantastic college career.

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1. Charlie Condon, 3B/OF, GeorgiaClass of 2024

Condon enjoyed an historical season in which he completed two legs of the triple crown. His 35 home runs not only led the country, but are also the most in a single-season since the turn of the century. The 6-foot-6 third baseman and outfielder posted a gaudy .443/.558/1.043 slash line and is a near-impossible at-bat for opposing pitchers to navigate. Not only does Condon have double-plus raw power, but he has also displayed an advanced feel to hit. His operation is uniquely compact and explosive for someone of his stature. Should Georgia make its first College World Series appearance since 2008, Condon will be a huge reason why.

2. Travis Bazzana, 2B, Oregon StateClass of 2024

Like Condon, Bazzana has a chance to be the first overall selection in this July’s draft. He enjoyed a record-breaking season in which he slashed .418/.581/.939 with 14 doubles, 26 home runs and 62 RBIs. Bazzana also boasts a video game-like 71-to-32 walk-to-strikeout ratio. He is a high-level athlete with top-of-the-scale bat speed and an elite feel for the barrel. Bazzana has plus power to the pull side, but he has shown the ability to drive the baseball with authority to all fields. A natural leader, the Sydney, Australia native will look to lead the Beavers back to Omaha.

3. Hagen Smith, LHP, ArkansasClass of 2024

No pitcher in college baseball was more dominant this season than Smith, who will likely win pitcher of the year. He pitched his way to a 9-1 record with a nation-leading 1.48 ERA and 154 strikeouts to 30 walks across 79 innings. Smith features a deadly one-two combination in a thunderous, upper-90s fastball with life through the strike zone and a hellacious slider that flashed long, sweeping action with a bit of depth. He has collected double-digit strikeouts in 11 of his 15 starts, and will be the perfect tone-setter for the Razorbacks this June as they eye their second College World Series appearance in the last three seasons.

4. JJ Wetherholt, SS, West VirginiaClass of 2024

Wetherholt missed almost half of the season dealing with a hamstring injury, but the third-year shortstop has made the most of his 104 at-bats, hitting .356/.500/.664 with eight doubles, eight home runs and 30 RBIs in 31 games. When healthy, Wetherholt is as impactful as any player in the sport. He has highly advanced barrel skills, and there is an argument that he is the best pure hitter in college baseball. Wetherholt has big-time bat speed as well, and it looked like this season he had tapped into a bit more raw power. A plus runner, Wetherholt can impact the game in a myriad of ways and his fingerprints are sure to be all over the box score on a game-to-game basis.

5. Braden Montgomery, OF, Texas A&M — Class of 2024

Montgomery thrived in his first year in College Station to the tune of a .317/.451/.742 slash line with 14 doubles, a career-high 26 home runs and a career-high 80 RBIs. The switch-hitter has an athletic operation with plus bat speed and plus power from both sides of the plate, though he posted a markedly better slash line from the left side. Montgomery moves well in right field and his strong 70-grade throwing arm is the best in this year’s draft class. He has been the focal point within a deep Texas A&M lineup and has his Aggies well-positioned for a deep tournament run.

6. Chase Burns, RHP, Wake ForestClass of 2024

Burns has the most electrifying mound presence in all of college baseball, and this season at Wake Forest was the best of his career. The 6-foot-3 righthander worked a 10-1 record with a career-best 2.46 ERA, and his 184 strikeouts are tops in the country. Like Hagen Smith, Burns features a thunderous one-two punch in an upper-90s fastball and a demonic slider that flashes plenty of two-plane break. Burns rounds out his arsenal with a mid-80s power curveball that features ample depth and sharp, downward teeth and a high-80s changeup that is a more than serviceable fourth pitch. He will likely get the ball in the Demon Deacons’ first regional game and will look to lead them back to Omaha for the second-straight season.

7. Jac Caglianone, 1B/LHP, FloridaClass of 2024

The best two-way player in college baseball, Caglianone has turned in another productive season on both sides of the baseball. In the box, he hit a career-best .415/.525/.844 with 29 home runs, 58 RBIs and 41 walks to 21 strikeouts. He is an excellent athlete with thunderous bat speed and double-plus raw power. Caglianone generates high-end impact no matter where a pitch is thrown, and he is one of the most dangerous hitters in college baseball. On the mound, Caglianone moves well and flashes a mid-to-upper-90s fastball, an effective cutter and a plus changeup. His command eludes him at times, but he can carve through lineups when he’s around the zone. While Caglianone will likely be a hitter professionally, he will continue to do both as he concludes his collegiate career.

8. Nick Kurtz, 1B, Wake ForestClass of 2024

After a slow start to the season, Kurtz—thanks to an unconscious two-week stretch in April—has since boosted his slash line to .313/.538/.789 with 11 doubles, 22 home runs and 55 RBIs. He also has a top-notch approach and pro-level pitch recognition skills that has translated to a ridiculous walk-to-strikeout ratio of 76-to-39. Kurtz has a tantalizing combination of plus hit and power with a fairly tight and compact operation in the box. He rotates really well in his swing and has a lengthy track record of hammering the baseball to all fields. The centerpiece of Wake Forest’s lineup, Kurtz—along with Burns—will look to lead his squad back to Omaha.

9. Trey Yesavage, RHP, East CarolinaClass of 2024

Yesavage has enjoyed a career year in which he has pitched his way to a career-best 11-1 record with a 2.09 ERA with 139 strikeouts to just 28 walks across 86 innings. His ERA and strikeout totals rank fifth and fourth nationally, respectively, and every aforementioned stat is a new career-best. Yesavage has a durable frame at 6-foot-4 and 225 pounds and is an imposing presence on the mound. He features an effective four-pitch mix with three pitches grading out as at least above-average. Yesavage’s fastball sits in the mid 90s with big-time carry through the zone. He supplements the heater with a sharp gyro slider and a plus split-changeup. There is very little doubt he will start at the next level. Yesavage has the Pirates poised for a deep tournament run, although it’s worth noting he missed his conference tournament due to a partially collapsed lung.

10. Seaver King, OF/3B, Wake ForestClass of 2024

After a dominant 2023 campaign at Division-II Wingate that was punctuated by a strong summer on the Cape and with Team USA, King this spring has been one of Wake Forest’s most productive hitters. He has posted a .316/.386/.594 slash line with 33 extra-base hits, and his 64 RBIs rank second on the team. King is as dynamic and athletic a player as you will find in college baseball. He has an explosive operation in the batter’s box with thunderous bat speed. He is also a plus runner who can really go and get it in the outfield. King is new to the position, but his combination of speed and athleticism have translated well. He figures to hear his name called at some point in the first round this July.

11. James Tibbs III, OF, Florida StateClass of 2024

The newly minted ACC Player of the Year has been one of the best hitters in the country. To this point he has posted a .379/.494/.825 slash line with 17 doubles, 25 home runs and 84 RBIs. As a cherry on top to an already-impressive stat line, Tibbs has 45 walks to just 24 strikeouts. He has plenty of strength throughout his 6-foot, 200-pound frame and has a simple operation with plus hand speed. On top of having plus power to all fields, Tibbs’ hit tool also grades out as plus. He has advanced contact skills, is consistently on the barrel and uses the entire field while frequently generating high-quality contact. Tibbs has a borderline plus arm in right field and could be a top-10 overall pick this July.

12. Vance Honeycutt, OF, North CarolinaClass of 2024

Honeycutt is perhaps the toolsiest player in all of college baseball. He heads into the tournament with a career-high .319 average to go along with 12 doubles, 22 home runs, a career-high 58 RBIs and 28 stolen bases. Honeycutt has a twitchy and athletic operation in the box with plus hand speed and above-average power. He is a plus runner and an elite defender in center field with a knack for making a big play in a big spot. Honeycutt will need to clean up his approach and pitch recognition skills as he transitions into pro ball, but his ceiling is as high as any player in the draft.

13. Cam Smith, 3B, Florida State Class of 2024

Smith and Tibbs are college baseball’s equivalent of the “Bash Bros.” Like Tibbs, Smith has also had a career season in which he is hitting .396/.487/.661 with 20 doubles, 13 home runs and 48 RBIs. He has a big league frame at 6-foot-3 and 224 pounds and has a quiet, simple setup in the box with a minimal load and plus bat speed. Smith’s approach and contact skills have improved year-over-year, which is an encouraging sign. He has plus power to all fields and with an ever-improving hit tool, there is a lot to like offensively. Smith at third base has a plus arm and solid range in either direction. He is a slam dunk to stick at the position and has top-20 overall upside in this year’s draft.

14. Carson Benge, OF, Oklahoma StateClass of 2024

Benge has enjoyed an outstanding season for Oklahoma State. He is hitting .342/.451/.680 with 42 extra-base hits—including 17 home runs—and 62 RBIs. He is a wiry athlete who has a bit of a noisy operation in the box with a big barrel tip, but he has lightning-quick hands and consistently gets in a good position to hit. Benge has a plus arm in right field where he is a strong defender. He plays the game hard and at one speed, and it is abundantly clear that he loves to play. Should the Cowboys make just their second College World Series since 1999, Benge will be a key reason why.

15. Jace LaViolette, OF, Texas A&MClass of 2025

A 6-foot-6 Adonis, LaViolette has in the midst of a more productive season than his freshman year in which he had 33 extra-base hits and 63 RBIs. The star sophomore is currently hitting .321/.450/.796 with 15 doubles, 28 home runs and 73 RBIs. LaViolette has minimal movement in his operation, and does a nice job of creating natural loft in his swing. He has plus raw power to all fields, including double-plus to the pull side. The impact he generates is incredibly impressive. There is an argument to be made that he is the favorite to be selected first overall in 2025. Along with Braden Montgomery, the Aggies boast two of the most formidable sluggers in the country in their lineup.

16. Drew Burress, OF, Georgia TechClass of 2026

The ACC Freshman of the Year — and likely National Freshman of the Year — exploded onto the scene in 2024, posting a .379/.506/.801 slash line with 14 doubles, 23 home runs and 65 RBIs. His 23 long balls are a new Georgia Tech freshman single-season record, and he leads all freshmen in a whopping six different statistical categories. Burress has an unbelievably explosive operation in the box with high-end bat speed, and his plate coverage with power is remarkable. He also has an advanced approach and high-level pitch recognition skills that have translated to an overall chase rate under 20% and a walk-to-strikeout ratio of 52-to-34. Defensively, Burress has shown well in center field where he has a plus arm. He has a host of tools packed into his 5-foot-9 frame and has 1:1 upside in 2026.

17. Cam Cannarella, OF, Clemson Class of 2025

The reigning ACC Freshman of the Year carried over his success from 2023 into 2024. Cannarella is currently hitting .342/.422/.560 with 16 doubles, a career-high nine home runs and 51 RBIs — also a career-high. He has an ultra-twitchy, athletic operation in the box with quick hands and above-average bat speed. Cannarella has plus bat-to-ball skills and is consistently on the barrel while using the entire field. He is also an impact defender in centerfield, where he boasts a quick first step with advanced baseball sense. Cannarella’s competitiveness is infectious, and he will look to avenge last year’s early Clemson exit.

18. Christian Moore, 2B, TennesseeClass of 2024

Moore has been the catalyst within a loaded Tennessee lineup to the tune of a .386/.452/.801 slash line with 16 doubles, 63 RBIs and a new Tennessee single-season record 28 home runs. He has an ultra-physical build at 6-foot-1 and 210 pounds, and this year has flashed plus power and added impact. Moore defends well at second base where he has an above-average arm. Moore, Burke and Billy Amick make for one of the most formidable middle of the orders in the sport. That trio has what it takes to carry the Vols’ back to Omaha.

19. Devin Taylor, OF, Indiana — Class of 2025

The reigning Big Ten Freshman of the Year has already upstaged his 2023 campaign and enters the tournament with a .352/.447/.644 slash line with 11 doubles, a career-high 18 home runs and 49 RBIs. Taylor has a strong base in the box with no shortage of bat speed and an above-average feel to hit. He has plus power, and most importantly he is able to get to it consistently in games. Taylor routinely generates big-time impact and is one of the best bats in the 2025 draft class.

20. Tyler Bremner, RHP, UC Santa Barbara — Class of 2025

Bremner this spring cemented himself as one of the premier starting pitchers in college baseball. He posted a perfect 11-0 record with a 2.63 ERA and 96 strikeouts to just 19 walks in 82 innings. He has a lean, athletic build at 6-foot-2 and 180-pounds. Bremner has an easy, under control operation with present arm speed. His fastball sits in the 93-96 range while topping out at 98. It has big-time run and ride through the zone and is at its best when located in the top-half of the zone. Between its velocity and shape, it is currently a plus pitch. He boasts two quality secondary offerings in a mid-80s changeup and low-80s slider. Bremner’s changeup is the more polished of the two, but his slider has tons of potential and took a major step forward this spring. He’s arguably the best pitcher right now in the 2025 draft class.

21. Jamie Arnold, LHP, Florida StateClass of 2025

Following a modest freshman campaign, Arnold this season emerged as one of the best starting pitchers in the country regardless of class. The 6-foot-1 southpaw has pitched his way to a 10-3 record with a 2.45 ERA and 134 strikeouts to only 20 walks in 88.1 innings. His ERA ranks eighth nationally, while his strikeouts rank fifth. Arnold attacks from a low-three quarter slot and primarily throws a fastball and a slider. His heater has been up to 97 and explodes out of his low arm slot, and is at its best when elevated to the arm side. It features plenty of natural running life and has worked an impressive 33% miss rate. Arnold’s plus slider is long in shape with plenty of sweeping life. With a strong finish to this season and continued success next year, Arnold could end up as the first college arm drafted in 2025.

22. Billy Amick, 3B, TennesseeClass of 2024

Following a fantastic 2023 season at Clemson, Amick entered the transfer portal and eventually committed to Tennessee. He has had a mighty productive season in Knoxville, and is hitting .318/.388/.657 with 12 doubles, a career-high 18 home runs and 50 RBIs. Amick has a quiet, yet explosive operation in the box with no wasted movement in his swing. He is barrel-chested and would not look out of place on an NFL field. Amick boasts plus bat speed with plus power, and he has routinely shown the ability to back spin the baseball with ease to all fields. He does a great job of extending through the baseball and really finishing his swing. Amick has held his own over at third where he has a slightly above-average arm.

23. Tommy White, 3B, Louisiana StateClass of 2024

Along with Jac Caglianone, White is arguably the most famous name in college baseball. White hasn’t quite matched his level of production from last year, though he still has had a strong 2024 season in which is hitting .337/.411/.675 with 11 doubles, 24 home runs for the second-straight year and 69 RBIs. His 75 career home runs are a new 21st century record. White moves well in the batter’s box, where he is an underrated athlete. He has lightning-quick hands and drives the baseball with authority to the opposite field perhaps unlike any other hitter in the country. In addition to his plus power, White has an advanced feel for the barrel and consistently generates high-quality contact. He has a knack for coming up with a big hit when the lights are at their brightest, and will look to again lead the Tigers to a deep tournament run.

24. Kyle DeBarge, SS, Louisiana — Class of 2024

DeBarge this season picked up right where he left off in 2023, and has posted a .361/.429/.723 slash line with 17 doubles, 21 home runs and 67 RBIs. He has set new career-highs in almost every statistical category, and has seen his draft stock steadily ascend throughout the season. DeBarge plays bigger than his 5-foot-9, 175-pound frame suggests and is an outstanding athlete both in the field and in the batter’s box. He has a strong swing with plus bat speed, plus barrel skills and above-average power to the pull side. DeBarge is also a plus runner, and his skill set enables him to impact the game in a number of different ways.

25. Jonathan Santucci, LHP, DukeClass of 2024

After a stellar start to the season, Santucci did not enjoy the same success in ACC play. Even so, he heads into the postseason with a career-best 3.54 ERA with a career-high 86 strikeouts across 56 innings. Santucci’s fastball has been up to 97 with riding life through the zone. It’s most effective—and generates the most swing-and-miss—when located in the top-half of the strike zone. He has below-average command of the offering, though. Refining it will be key once he gets into pro ball. Santucci supplements his heater with a plus mid-80s slider of which he has an advanced feel. He varies its shape well. Against righthanded hitters it will take on more of a gyro look. Against lefthanded hitters it is longer and sweepier. Santucci throws it sparingly, but he also will flash a borderline plus changeup that has late tumbling life.

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Ryan Waldschmidt, OF, KentuckyClass of 2024

Waldschmidt this year exploded onto the scene and has been Kentucky’s best hitter. The third-year outfielder has set new career-highs in virtually every statistical category. He heads into the tournament with a .357/.487/.654 slash line 16 doubles, 13 home runs, 42 RBIs and 23 stolen bases. He has an ultra-explosive, athletic operation with comfortably plus bat speed, and an engaged lower-half. Waldschmidt has a tantalizing, yet underrated hit-power combination. He has plus pitch recognition skills and an advanced approach. He seldom expands the strike zone and his overall chase rate is under 20%. With plus power to go along with a plus hit tool, there is plenty to like about Waldschmidt’s profile. He could be selected this July as high as the first round.

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