2024 MLB draft storylines to know: Who goes No. 1, will Jac Caglianone stay a two-way player and more

The Major League Baseball amateur draft is set to begin on Sunday, July 14, coinciding with the start of the All-Star Game festivities at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas. This year, the Cleveland Guardians hold the No. 1 pick for the first time in their history, having secured it through last winter’s draft lottery. Previously, the Guardians have had the No. 2 pick five times.

MLB’s draft is notoriously harder to follow than those of the NFL or NBA, largely due to limited national exposure for most players and the requirement for all draftees to spend time in the minors before reaching the major leagues.

With this in mind, CBS Sports has compiled key storylines to watch ahead of the draft:

1. Who goes No. 1? The Guardians have the top pick, but decisions often come down to the wire, influenced by financial considerations. The Guardians are likely to negotiate an underslot deal, allowing them to use the savings on players who might drop in the draft. Oregon State second baseman Travis Bazzana, the No. 2 prospect, is a favored candidate, though the choice remains uncertain.
2. Will Caglianone be allowed to play both ways? Florida’s Jac Caglianone, ranked No. 5, is a standout two-way player. He set a school record for home runs and is also an impressive pitcher. However, scouts generally believe his future lies as a hitter, despite comparisons to Shohei Ohtani.
3. Which pitcher wins out? While this draft class is dominated by collegiate hitters, two pitchers are vying for the top spot: Wake Forest right-hander Chase Burns and Arkansas left-hander Hagen Smith. Burns is preferred for his extensive repertoire and strike-throwing ability, though some evaluators favor Smith. Other notable pitchers include ECU’s Trey Yesavage, Mississippi’s Jurrangelo Cijntje, Arizona’s Cam Caminiti, and Louisiana’s William Schmidt.
4. How will injuries impact the top 10? The draft positions of West Virginia infielder JJ Wetherholt and Texas A&M outfielder Braden Montgomery could be influenced by their medical evaluations. Wetherholt, once the preseason No. 1 prospect, missed half the season with a hamstring injury, raising concerns due to his smaller stature. Montgomery injured his ankle during a Super Regionals game, potentially affecting his top-10 prospects. The draft will reveal how these injuries have impacted their standings.