The MLB Draft doesn’t garner the same level of public interest as the NFL and NBA. After all, we won’t see the vast majority of these players for some time.
However, we’ve seen an uptick in high picks making their debuts within a season or two of being selected. Nolan Schanuel made the show last year only 40 days after being selected 11th overall by the Los Angeles Angels. Paul Skenes and Wyatt Langord have also already been called up from the minors, as well, after being drafted in 2021.
Meanwhile, Spencer Strider, Garrett Crochet (same year), Spencer Torkelson, Bryce Elder, Max Meyer, Reid Detmers, Zach Gelof, Matt McLain, Christian Encarnacion-Strand, Bryan Woo, Henry Davis, Zach Neto, Brooks Lee and Jackson Holliday are among those in recent drafts to reach the big leagues within two years of being selected.
With that in mind, there are several players in the 2024 MLB Draft who figure to make an impact relatively soon. At the same time, organizations also take a long view with their picks, particularly when they eye prospects out of high school.
We’re about two weeks away from this year’s draft, and the Cleveland Guardians own the first-overall pick. Oddsmakers believe they’re targeting a collegiate player who’ll make a more immediate impact as the five prospects with the lowest odds at DraftKings have all reached that level.
It appears to be a two-man race right now that’s essentially a dead heat. Travis Bazzana – a second baseman who hit .407 with a 28 home runs, 66 RBIs, 84 runs and 16 stolen bases in 60 games for Oregon State – is +100 while JJ Wetherholt – a middle infielder who hit .331 with eight home runs, 30 RBIs, 30 runs and 6 stolen bases in only 36 games for West Virginia – is +115.
Here are the odds to go first overall to the Guardians, followed by odds on where some of those notable players will be drafted.
2024 MLB Draft #1 Pick Odds
| Player | School | Odds |
|---|---|---|
| Travis Bazzana | Oregon State | +100 |
| JJ Wetherholt | West Virginia | +115 |
| Charlie Condon | Georgia | +750 |
| Jac Caglianone | Florida | +1200 |
| Chase Burns | Wake Forest | +3000 |
| Konnor Griffin | Jackson Prep (Miss) High School | +4000 |
| Hagen Smith | Arkansas | +4000 |
| Braden Montgomery | Texas A&M | +5000 |
| Bryce Rainer | Harvard Westlike (California) High School | +6000 |
| Nick Kurtz | Wake Forest | +7500 |
Player Draft Position Odds
| Player | Draft Position | Under | Over |
|---|---|---|---|
| Braden Montgomery | 7.5 | -120 | -110 |
| Bryce Rainer | 8.5 | -120 | -110 |
| Chase Burns | 3.5 | -160 | +130 |
| Hagen Smith | 11.5 | -155 | +125 |
| Konnor Griff | 9.5 | OTB | +100 |
| Nick Kurtz | 11.5 | -125 | -105 |
