When Royce Lewis of
JSerra Catholic (San Juan Capistrano, Calif.) was selected with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2017 Major League Baseball Draft, the number of high school players taken with the top pick in the draft surpassed the number of college players selected – 27 to 26 – since the draft began in 1965.
Since then, however, college players have been the choice in five of the last six drafts. The 2024 draft will likely make it six out of seven. Mock drafts suggest no prep players among the top 10 players selected, let alone the No. 1 overall pick.
That being said, the high school Class of 2024 looks to have anywhere from eight to 10 players selected in the first round with emphasis on the outfield.
Following is a look at the top 10 players from the Class of 2024 based on mock draft selections and recruiting service rankings.
Despite reclassifying, Konnor Griffin has a chance to be the top high school player drafted in 2024. (Photo: Brad Bridges)
Konnor Griffin, Jackson Prep (Jackson, Miss.), OF
Great size at 6-foot-4, 205 pounds despite reclassifying from the Class of 2025. His plus skill comes at the plate where he projects as a power hitter at the next level. He hit eight home runs last year with a .537 batting average. Also a pitcher at the prep level, Griffin will be an every day player in the pros and has a chance to be an every day centerfielder.
P.J. Morlando, Summerville (S.C.), OF
Considered the best pure hitter among high school prospects. He batted .463 last year in high school play and has been a regular on the summer circuit. He also led Team USA 18U in batting with a .409 average. Likely goes in the middle of the first round, just behind Griffin.
Slade Caldwell, Valley View (Jonesboro, Ark.), OF
Although not much of a power hitter, Caldwell is a good contact hitter who is capable of getting doubles and triples. He batted .512 last year with seven doubles and seven triples and also had 40 stolen bases. His speed and range make him a lock to play center field at the next level.
Noah Franco, IMG Academy (Bradenton, Fla.), OF/P
Once a member of the Class of 2025, Franco has also reclassified. A true two-way player, their is no consensus yet on where he might play at the next level. A strong showing at the plate during the summer has him going in the draft as an outfielder. However a strong effort on the mound for the Ascenders could make him a pitching prospect. He is slotted in the bottom half of the first round by most mock drafts.
Cam Caminiti, Saguaro (Scottsdale, Ariz.), P
Another reclassified member of the Class of 2025, Caminiti is the cousin of former MLB third baseman Ken Caminiti. Cam could be the top pitcher in the class. A lefthander, Caminiti has four pitches to work with and has good control. Didn't pitch for Saguaro last year, according to his MaxPreps bio, but he was an All-American based on his hitting as he batted .446. Could end up an everyday player.
Caleb Bonemer, Okemos (Mich.), 3B
The top high school infield prospect, Bonemer could end up at shortstop or third base. Strong defensive skills and outstanding power make him a prized prospect. He batted .541 with eight home runs last year. Won't last past the first round.
Ryan Sloan, York (Elmhurst, Ill.), P
One of the harder throws in the Class of 2024, Sloan could be the first pure prep pitcher chosen, although he could also drop to the second round. He has hit 96 miles per hour on the fastball and he has a large frame at 6-4, 220 pounds.
Derek Curiel, Orange Lutheran (Orange, Calif.), OF
Highly regarded throughout his underlcass years when he was the top prospect in the class, Curiel has slipped a bit and is more than likely a second round pick. Considered a strong defensive center field candidate, Curiel's offense is not at the same level. He has a career high school batting average of .319.
Michael Mullanix, North Cobb Christian (Kennesaw, Ga.), OF
Mullanix can hit for power and for average, as he has shown the past two seasons as a MaxPreps Underclass All-American. He also has the athleticism and arm strength to be a full-time centerfielder in the Major Leagues. Mock drafts from July had Mullanix as a first round pick, however more recent mocks have him falling out of the first round.
Cade Arrambide, Tomball (Texas), C
Possibly the first catcher chosen, Arrambide was a MaxPreps All-American last year. He has a big frame at 6-3, 210 pounds. He has a plus arm behind the plate and good power at the plate on offense. He was the champion of the Home Run Derby at the Perfect Game All-American Classic and he batted .543 last year.
