Coming off season for the ages, Mississippi star could be the first high school player off the board.
The Major League Baseball Draft gets underway Sunday with the Cleveland Guardians owning the No. 1 overall pick. Ahead of the draft, MaxPreps is breaking down the top high school players at each position and where they might be selected during the three-day event.
After breaking down the top
pitchers,
catchers and
infielders earlier this week, we continue our position-by-position breakdown today with the outfielders.
Ratings are based on
MLB.com's Top 250 player evaluations.
In addition to leading the nation in stolen bases with 85 and runs scored with 76, Konnor Griffin also knocked in 39 runs and had 13 doubles, four triples and nine home runs. On the mound, he was 10-0 with 107 strikeouts and a 0.72 ERA in 67.2 innings. (Photo: Mississippi Scoreboard)
1. Konnor Griffin, Jackson Prep (Jackson, Miss.)
For
most of the season, Griffin has been listed as the high school player
most likely to be chosen first in the 2024 draft, but lately some mock
drafts have placed Bryce Rainer ahead of the MaxPreps National Player of
the Year. Griffin still remains a logical choice as the top prep pick
thanks to his versatility (he can play infield or outfield) and his
five-tool skill set. His best features include one of the best arms at
the prep level along with quickness, power and strong fielding ability.
He likely goes among the top 10 picks.
2. Slade Caldwell, Valley View (Jonesboro, Ark.)
Caldwell
won't blow away scouts with his power and he doesn't have great size at
5-foot-9 and 180 pounds, but he has great speed and will be a top
centerfielder at the next level. Likely goes at the end of the first
round or beginning of the second.
3. P.J. Morlando, Summerville (S.C.)
At
one time considered a first-round draft pick after an outstanding
summer season, Morlando has slipped to the second round after the recent
high school season. He has shown he can hit for average but he
had fewer displays of power this past spring thatn expected. Still, it
will be hard for teams to pass up Morlando's hitting potential. Look for
him to go middle of the second round.
4. Dante Nori, Northville (Mich.)
Age
will be a factor for Nori, who will turn 20 in October. He has the
speed and fielding ability necessary to make him a highly-enticing
prospect. Although power is lacking, he can hit for average. Expect him
to go midway through the second round.
5. Braylon Payne, Fort Bend Elkins (Missouri City, Texas)
For
pure defensive ability, Payne might be the best prep outfielder this
side of Griffin. His top-notch speed puts him at the top of the
high school list in that category and he also scores well for his
fielding abilities. Weaknesses include his ability to hit for power and
the lack of a strong arm. Likely to fall to the end of the second round.
6. Griffin Burkholder, Freedom (South Riding, Va.)
Another
along the same lines as Payne and Griffin, Burkholder is very speedy
and an excellent fielder. May not hit quite as well as Payne, but still
has adequate power. Teams that miss out on Payne will definitely scoop
up Burkholder as a replacement somewhere late in the second.
7. Garrett Shull, Enid (Okla.)
Shull
showed great power as a junior when he hit 15 home runs, however those
power numbers were much lower in 2024. He is still one of the better
power hitters among the crop of prep outfielders and he has one of the
better arms. Will likely slip into the third round.
8. Noah Franco, IMG Academy (Bradenton, Fla.)
Reclassified
from the Class of 2025, Franco could possibly go as a pitcher but he
also has received looks as an outfielder. He has one of the top arms of
any of the prep outfielders and he is better than average as a fielder
and a hitter. He didn't have as big a year in 2024 as he did last year
when he helped IMG Academy win a national championship, but he
is still a top prep prospect at either position. Could slip into the
fourth round.
9. Derek Curiel, Orange Lutheran (Orange, Calif.)
The
No. 1 prospect in the Class of 2024 as a freshman and sophomore, Curiel
has slipped down the rankings over the past two seasons. He still ranks
among the best defensive fielders in the class but his power numbers
and ability to consistently hit for average could drop him down to
the end of the fourth or beginning of the fifth round.
10. Terrence Kiel, Pace Academy (Atlanta, Ga.)
A college football prospect as well, Kiel is at the top
of the charts when it comes to speed and fielding ability. His lack of
power and ability to consistently hit for average drops him down the
fifth round.
