Cobb Reporter

The Guardians' decision on the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 Draft remains uncertain as the event approaches. Cleveland has strategic and financial reasons for withholding their choice until the Draft begins at 7 p.m. ET on Sunday.

The Guardians are considering three college hitters: Oregon State second baseman Travis Bazzana, Georgia outfielder/third baseman Charlie Condon, and West Virginia middle infielder JJ Wetherholt. According to sources, "Condon will command the highest bonus and may break Paul Skenes' Draft record of $9.2 million even if he doesn't go No. 1." If Cleveland passes on Bazzana, he is expected to fall to the Athletics at No. 4, while Wetherholt might peak with the White Sox at No. 5.

Other top prospects include Florida first baseman/left-handed pitcher Jac Caglianone, Wake Forest right-hander Chase Burns, and Arkansas left-hander Hagen Smith, though they are considered longshots for the top spot.

Cincinnati Reds are likely to select Condon if available at No. 2, followed by Chase Burns being a potential pick for the Rockies at No. 3. The Athletics could choose Nick Kurtz from Wake Forest if Bazzana is unavailable.

Further down in the order:

- The White Sox might opt for Jac Caglianone or Konnor Griffin.

- The Royals have shown interest in Hagen Smith.

- The Cardinals could consider JJ Wetherholt or Nick Kurtz.

- Other teams such as Angels, Pirates, Nationals, Tigers, Red Sox, Giants, Cubs, Mariners, Marlins also have various strategies depending on how earlier picks unfold.

MLB Pipeline provides detailed scouting reports and rankings for these players in their Draft Top 250 list.

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