2024 MLB mock draft roundup: Bazzana or Wetherholt at No. 1 for Cleveland?

There's less than a week to go until the first selection of the 2024 MLB Draft is announced at the Cowtown Coliseum in Fort Worth, Texas. An exciting end to the 2024 Men's College World Series left baseball fans with plenty to look forward to in the draft, including multiple top prospects.

In all, 600 selections will be made over 20 rounds from July 14-16. For the first time in franchise history, the Cleveland Guardians will make the first pick in the MLB Draft. The Cincinnati Reds, Colorado Rockies, Oakland Athletics, and Chicago White Sox round out the top five picks for this year's draft.

Farm system rankings: How every MLB team rates ahead of the 2024 draft

Unlike last year, when the top two picks and LSU teammates Paul Skenes and Dylan Crews were expected to go 1-2 - and did - this year's draft has a group of players who could go at any of the top five selections. Experts including USA Today's Gabe Lacques, Bleacher Report's Joel Reuter, MLB.com's Jonathan Mayo, and Pitcher List's Trevor Powers all have weighed in on how the first round will pan out.

Here's what they think:

2024 MLB Draft mock draft roundup

1. Cleveland Guardians

USA Today: Travis Bazzana, 2B, Oregon State

Bleacher Report: Travis Bazzana, 2B, Oregon State

MLB.com: Travis Bazzana, 2B, Oregon State

Pitcher List: JJ Wetherholt, 2B/SS, West Virginia

Three out of four experts point to Sydney, Australia native Bazzana becoming the second Oregon State player to go No. 1 overall (the first was Baltimore's Adley Rutschman in 2019). Bazzana came to Corvallis and had an immediate impact as a freshman with a 0.902 OPS. Since then, he's become one of the best hitters in the class with plenty of speed and power.

Wetherholt may have him beat as a hitter but missed time with a hamstring strain in his final year with the Mountaineers. He could be worth it, though, as MLB.com's draft profile notes "some area scouts think he’s the best amateur bat they’ve ever seen."

USA Today: "There’s nearly a whole month to adjust your dart tosses as teams juggle slot money and bonus pools. But Bazzana, a 21-year-old Aussie who batted .407 with 28 home runs last year, can move quickly to Cleveland and bring a near plug-and-play dynamic to their current group."

Pitcher List: "The Guardians have also shown an ability to not get hyper fixated on recency bias. They have a preference for evaluating hitters in the summer when they are using wood, and also factor in past seasons. Wetherholt came into the season as the number one draft prospect in the sport."

2. Cincinnati Reds

USA Today: Charlie Condon, 3B, Georgia

Bleacher Report: Charlie Condon, 3B, Georgia

MLB.com: Charlie Condon, 3B, Georgia

Pitcher List: Charlie Condon, 3B, Georgia

Condon earned the 2024 Golden Spikes Award (given to the best amateur baseball player in the country) after a standout season in Athens. He led the country in home runs (37), batting average (0.433), and slugging percentage (1.009) on a team that finished ninth in runs scored (544). His power from the plate is impressive and consistent against all types of pitches.

USA Today: "Sometimes a player fits snugly in a spot and that seems like Condon’s deal here, regardless of the chaos before and after this pick. Eight years after using the second overall pick on Nick Senzel, another versatile player with power from an SEC school, the Reds opt for Condon’s record-setting 37-home run pop."

MLB.com: "Though he's a below-average runner, Condon is reasonably athletic and covers ground with long strides once he gets going. After splitting time between first base and the outfield corners as a freshman, he has played all three outfield spots and third base this spring. He's not quick enough for third or center but he does have solid-to-plus arm strength and can provide average defense in left or right field."

3. Colorado Rockies

USA Today: Chase Burns, RHP, Wake Forest

Bleacher Report: Chase Burns, RHP, Wake Forest

MLB.com: Jac Caglianone, 1B/RHP, Florida

Pitcher List: Jac Caglianone, 1B/RHP, Florida

An even split for the Rockies' pick sees one of the top pitchers and one of the most electric hitters in NCAA baseball this year at No. 3. Burns pitched 100 innings this season - fifth-most in the country - and led the NCAA in strikeouts with 191, 30 more than any other pitcher. His fastball and slider are his primary pitches but he's no slouch with his curveball and changeup.

Caglianone won the John Olerud Award as the best hitter/pitcher in college baseball this past season thanks to an impressive year in both categories. He was second to Condon in home runs (35) this season while finishing third in the NCAA in batting average (0.419), fourth in on base percentage (0.544), and fourth in slugging (0.875). He may not end up pitching in the majors but more than makes up for it with his play from the plate.

USA Today: "Perhaps spending top 10 draft capital on right-handed college pitchers named Chase is the cure for Coors Field pitching woes."

Pitcher List: "The approach still needs some work, but if the advancements in the hit tool are legit with his already double-plus power, the league will be put on notice. Combine that with playing home games in Colorado, and you have the perfect recipe for success."

4. Oakland Athletics

USA Today: Jac Caglianone, 1B/RHP, Florida

Bleacher Report: Jac Caglianone, 1B/RHP, Florida

MLB.com: Braden Montgomery, RF, Texas A&M

Pitcher List: Travis Bazzana, 2B, Oregon State

Experts agree: Oakland gets a boost at the plate here. Caglianone and Bazzana are reliable, powerful bats. Montgomery has power (27 home runs in 61 games) as a switch-hitter with experience on the mound featuring a 96 mph fastball. He may end up as an outfielder full-time in the majors, though, and his broken ankle prior to the College World Series could be a concern.

MLB.com: "A switch-hitter with strength and a quick, aggressive stroke from both sides of the plate, he does more damage as a lefty hitter and his plus power plays to all parts of the ballpark. He has improved his plate discipline and his ability to handle breaking balls during the last two seasons, but he still swings and misses at pitches in the zone a bit too often and will chase non-fastballs."

Pitcher List: "Bazzana is a better version of Wilson. He showcases bat-to-ball and barrel skills that are on par with him but flashes much better power. On the season he had an average 96.2 mph exit velocity, which translated to a huge increase in power... The combination of bat-to-ball skills (84.5% contact rate), and elite exit velocity numbers, makes Bazzana a special prospect."

5. Chicago White Sox

USA Today: Hagen Smith, LHP, Arkansas

Bleacher Report: JJ Wetherholt, 2B/SS, West Virginia

MLB.com: JJ Wetherholt, 2B/SS, West Virginia

Pitcher List: Hagen Smith, LHP, Arkansas

An even split between arguably the best bat in the class and one of the top pitchers. Smith was right with Burns in most pitching statistics this season. His 161 strikeouts were second only to Burns this season but Smith has him beat in strikeouts per nine innings with 17.25 (best in the country) and earned run average at 2.04 (fourth). His fastball touches 100 and boasts an impressive slider.

USA Today: "What to get the franchise that needs everything? The entire prep draft class and a handful of very enticing college position players are available here, but Chicago opts for the sure thing in Smith."

Bleacher Report: "If he doesn't go No. 1 overall on a below-slot deal to the Guardians, there's a good chance this will be the ceiling for Wetherholt, and he would give the rebuilding White Sox a high-floor infielder with an elite hit tool to join top prospect Colson Montgomery up the middle."

6. Kansas City Royals

USA Today: Nick Kurtz, 1B, Wake Forest

Bleacher Report: Bryce Rainer, SS, Westlake HS (CA)

MLB.com: Nick Kurtz, 1B, Wake Forest

Pitcher List: Bryce Rainer, SS, Westlake HS (CA)

An even split for Kansas City as well at No. 6. Kurtz missed some time early in the season because of a rotator cuff injury but managed to lead the NCAA in walks (78) and finished eighth in on-base percentage (0.531). His size at 6 feet, 5 inches tall and 240 pounds makes him one of the biggest prospects in the top-end of the class.

Rainer is emerging as the top prep prospect in this class. He was arguably the best player at this spring's National High School Invitational with a top-four exit velocity. He settled in well at shortstop this season but could also end up at third base. He's been compared to Corey Seager and Christian Yelich.

USA Today: "While an early-season rotator cuff injury slowed some of his momentum, Kurtz still slugged 22 home runs and got on base at a .531 clip, drawing 78 walks to 42 strikeouts in 260 plate appearances. Probably the safest but not sexiest pick at this juncture."

Pitcher List: "A group that is not afraid to take high school talent that has the chance to stick up the middle, the Royals love hitters with a contact-first approach and projectability to add power. Rainer has showcased the ability to make consistent loud contact with both metal and wood, and standing at 6 foot 3 195 lbs, it is easy to dream on the frame."

7. St. Louis Cardinals

USA Today: Braden Montgomery, RF, Texas A&M

Bleacher Report: Hagen Smith, LHP, Arkansas

MLB.com: Hagen Smith, LHP, Arkansas

Pitcher List: Chase Burns, RHP, Wake Forest

Three of four experts go with the top pitchers of the class for St. Louis at No. 7, while Montgomery could offer a mix of athleticism and power once recovered from his injury.

USA Today: "Another two-way player who leans strongly toward hitting, Montgomery is a dynamic defensive right fielder who hit 26 home runs but needs to improve on strike-zone recognition."

Bleacher Report: "The Cardinals have often dipped into the college pitching pool with their first-round selection, and now they have a chance to grab a legitimate top-tier arm with their highest draft position since they took J.D. Drew with the No. 5 overall pick in 1998... with power stuff and a deceptive arm slot, he has legitimate top-of-the-rotation upside."

8. Los Angeles Angels

USA Today: JJ Wetherholt, 2B/SS, West Virginia

Bleacher Report: Braden Montgomery, RF, Texas A&M

MLB.com: Chase Burns, RHP, Wake Forest

Pitcher List: James Tibbs III, RF, Florida State

Wetherholt and Burns go no later than No. 8 in this roundup. Both Wetherholt and Montgomery would be prime bats to add to the Angels' system and Burns could become a frontline starter.

The new name here - Tibbs III - was another impressive player in the College World Series. He's right behind Caglianone and Condon in the best power hitters in the class. He finished the season tied for seventh in the NCAA with 28 home runs and tied for 10th in walks with 58.

Bleacher Report: "The Angels are once again being tied to college players who could move quickly through the minors a year after selecting first baseman Nolan Schanuel and calling him up to the big leagues just a few months later."

Pitcher List: "Tell me if you’ve heard this before. The Los Angeles Angels take an MLB ready college player... Tibbs is one of the most well-rounded bats in this year’s draft. The combination of elite feel for the barrel, and plus power and hit tools should have Tibbs in a good position to be a quick riser through the MiLB."

9. Pittsburgh Pirates

USA Today: Konnor Griffin, OF/INF, Jackson Prep (MS)

Bleacher Report: Konnor Griffin, OF/INF, Jackson Prep (MS)

MLB.com: James Tibbs III, RF, Florida State

Pitcher List: Nick Kurtz, 1B, Wake Forest

Tibbs III and Kurtz both offer power from the plate with the latter slightly higher-rated by some scouts. Griffin is right with Rainer as the best prep prospect in the class. He boasts an MLB-level frame at 6 feet, 4 inches tall and led prep baseball with 87 stolen bases in 88 attempts this year. His bat speed and power make him dangerous at the plate, and he could develop into a very good defender at either shortstop or center field.

USA Today: "Finally, the run of college players ends with a talent who will play somewhere up the middle as a pro, with speed his most devastating tool. LSU commit and the Gatorade National Player of the Year."

Pitcher List: "The Pirates are going to prioritize an advanced position player to pair with their pitching heavy farm system. Jared Jones and Paul Skenes will only be in Pittsburgh for a limited amount of time, so they need reinforcements ASAP. Kurtz is a PA native and showcases some of the safest offensive tools in this year’s class."

10. Washington Nationals

USA Today: Bryce Rainer, SS, Westlake HS (CA)

Bleacher Report: Trey Yesavage, RHP, East Carolina

MLB.com: Bryce Rainer, SS, Westlake HS (CA)

Pitcher List: Konnor Griffin, OF/INF, Jackson Prep (Miss.)

Prep stars Rainer and Griffin could develop into powerful hitters for the Nationals. Yesavage is the next-best prospect on the mound after Smith and Burns. He posted a 2.02 ERA (third in the NCAA) this season despite pitching 93 and 1/3 innings over 15 games. His 145 strikeouts were fifth-best and his hits allowed per inning (4.72) were second only to Smith nationwide.

USA Today: "We try not to force comps too much, but Rainer profiles similarly to Padres rookie Jackson Merrill with his 6-3, 195-pound frame, power and arm. The former pitcher is likely to stick at shortstop, though."

Bleacher Report: "Yesavage separated himself from the pack as the clear No. 3 college starter in the 2024 class this spring... with a polished four-pitch repertoire he should move quickly toward his ceiling as a workhorse, middle-of-the-rotation starter with a chance for a bit more if he continues to smooth out his overall command."

11. Detroit Tigers

USA Today: Cam Caminiti, LHP, Saguaro HS (AZ)

Bleacher Report: Cam Caminiti, LHP, Saguaro HS (AZ)

MLB.com: Konnor Griffin, OF/INF, Jackson Prep (Miss.)

Pitcher List: Cam Caminiti, LHP, Saguaro HS (AZ)

A consensus on a prep pick but a slight disagreement on which one. Griffin would be the top prep hitter left at this spot in MLB.com's scenario. Caminiti re-classified to the 2024 MLB Draft and is still the best prep pitching prospect. His fastball is already at high-90 speed and he's developing his curve, slider, and changeup to be pro-ready.

USA Today: "The cousin of former NL MVP Ken Caminiti, Cam is a powerful lefty with a fastball that’s touched 96 mph. Struck out 119 in 52 2/3 innings and batted .493. Has committed to LSU."

MLB.com: "Griffin has a big league frame at 6-foot-4 and 205 pounds and he possesses five-tool potential. His size does add some length to his right-handed stroke and he has some timing issues he's ironing out at the plate, but he controls the strike zone well and makes regular contact. His combination of electric bat speed, strength and leverage could translate into 30-homer power as he learns to drive the ball in the air more consistently."

12. Boston Red Sox

USA Today: Christian Moore, 2B, Tennessee

Bleacher Report: Christian Moore, 2B, Tennessee

MLB.com: Christian Moore, 2B, Tennessee

Pitcher List: Christian Moore, 2B, Tennessee

Just the second consensus pick of the first round so far sees the Red Sox choose one of the best hitters from the best offense in the NCAA this season. Moore led the NCAA in hits with 111 and finished third to Condon and Caglianone in home runs with 34. He's not shy on the big stage, as shown by his home run in game three of the College World Series.

USA Today: "Broke the Vols’ career home run record by slugging 60 longballs, including 33 this season for the national champions, and became just the third player in SEC history to win the Triple Crown."

MLB.com: "Solidly built at 6-foot-1 and 210 pounds, Moore looks to do damage with an aggressive approach. His mindset, bat speed and strength give him power that plays to all fields and 25-30 homer potential, and he works deep counts in search of pitches to drive and draws a healthy amount of walks."

13. San Francisco Giants

USA Today: Vance Honeycutt, OF, North Carolina

Bleacher Report: Nick Kurtz, 1B, Wake Forest

MLB.com: Cam Caminiti, LHP, Saguaro HS (AZ)

Pitcher List: Braden Montgomery, RF, Texas A&M

Kurtz and Montgomery both bring reinforcements at the plate for San Francisco at No. 13, both at a much lower spot than other roundups. Caminiti can grow into a reliable starter thanks to his tools at the prep level. Honeycutt's different from all three as arguably the best defensive player in the class. He boasts Golden Glove potential but is no slouch from the plate. He posted career-highs in batting average (0.318), slugging (0.714), and home runs (28) in 2024. That home run total was tied with the likes of Bazzana and Tibbs III.

USA Today: "A Giants draftee (20th round, 2021), Honeycutt instead became a Tar Heel walk-off king, lifting them to the College World Series while slugging 28 home runs and 65 in three years. The Giants will spend a much higher pick on him this time."

Pitcher List: "His batted ball profile was even more impressive; Montgomery averaged an 98.7 mph exit velocity, while only whiffing at 25.6% of pitches. That is an impressive combination of both bat-to-ball skills and powers. The Giants will still be big game hunting in free agency, but Montgomery could help alleviate their outfield concerns."

14. Chicago Cubs

USA Today: Trey Yesavage, RHP, East Carolina

Bleacher Report: James Tibbs III, RF, Florida State

MLB.com: Trey Yesavage, RHP, East Carolina

Pitcher List: Cam Smith, 3B, Florida State

Yesavage brings a top-notch pitching profile to Chicago and Tibbs III brings plenty of power to the plate. Tibbs III's teammate Smith led all Seminole starters in batting average (0.387) and hits (104, tied for third in the NCAA). His raw power hasn't aways come through at the plate (16 home runs last season) but he's very consistent.

MLB.com: "The American Athletic Conference Pitcher of the Year, Yesavage has a quality four-pitch arsenal highlighted by a mid-80s slider/cutter with more depth than lateral movement. His fastball parks at 93-95 mph and peaks at 98, overcoming a lack of life with plenty of carry from a high arm slot. He also has a low-80s spike curveball and a splitter with similar velocity, and both miss bats as well."

Pitcher List: "The Chicago Cubs‘ 2023 first round pick, Matt Shaw, was an eerily similar profile to Smith... They even both chased at a similar rate, with Smith chasing at 21.4% of pitches out of the zone, and Shaw chasing at 22.9%. You might think why would teams pick similar prospects that play the same position, but MLB organization have types. Smith fits the Cubs type, and I fully expect them to be interested in him at 14."

15. Seattle Mariners

USA Today: James Tibbs III, RF, Florida State

Bleacher Report: Ryan Sloan, RHP, York High School (IL)

MLB.com: Seaver King, 3B/OF, Wake Forest

Pitcher List: Trey Yesavage, RHP, East Carolina

Tibbs III and Yesavage go no later than No. 15 in this roundup. Two new names enter the roundup here, starting with Sloan, a Wake Forest recruit with the size (6 feet, 4 inches tall and 220 pounds) and strength to eat innings already. His fastball tops out at 99 mph already and he has a surprisingly advanced changeup.

King likely won't be a reliable power hitter from the plate in the majors, but his bat speed and consistency translate well. His arm strength and speed make him a versatile defender who may fit best at shortstop or second base.

Bleacher Report: "The Mariners have drafted a high school hitter in the first round three years in a row, and a pivot point in the middle of this year's draft board they could go in a wide variety of different directions... He might offer the best mix of stuff, upside and signability from this year's prep pitcher class."

MLB.com: "This could be the end of the three-year run of high school hitters taken by the Mariners in the first round, but King could be the choice if they still want a bat... While he has added 20 pounds since arriving in college and has impressive bat speed, his approach and flat stroke may not be conducive to more than 12-15 homers per year."

16. Miami Marlins

USA Today: Cam Smith, 3B, Florida State

Bleacher Report: Cam Smith, 3B, Florida State

MLB.com: Cam Smith, 3B, Florida State

Pitcher List: Seaver King, 3B/OF, Wake Forest

Smith stays in Florida in three of four mock drafts here while King brings consistency and upside on defense to the Marlins.

USA Today: "It’s back-to-back Seminoles as the Marlins snag Smith, who posted a .488 OBP and 16 homers and moves well with a 225-pound frame that suggests more power is in the offing."

Pitcher List: "It isn’t very common to be able to say one of the best athletes in the class is a college position player. Even less frequently are you able to say that with a guy who played most his career at a D2 school. But that is what Seaver King offers. There have been some whispers that he reminds people of Mookie Betts, and from an athletic standpoint, it holds validity.

17. Milwaukee Brewers

USA Today: Carson Benge, OF, Oklahoma State

Bleacher Report: Vance Honeycutt, OF, North Carolina

MLB.com: Vance Honeycutt, OF, North Carolina

Pitcher List: Carson Benge, OF, Oklahoma State

A mix of two prospects for Milwaukee. Honeycutt's a plus prospect on defense with strong hitting numbers as well. Benge is similarly versatile at the plate and on defense, exemplified by finishing as a semifinalist for the John Olerud Award this year (won by Caglianone). His combination of exit velocity and contact numbers compares well to Bazzana and Condon.

USA Today: "Another two-way talent who underwent Tommy John surgery in 2022 and now profiles as a outfielder with elite exit velocity. Brewers have had success with collegiate outfielders Garrett Mitchell (UCLA) and Sal Frelick (Boston College), and Benge gives them another solid and projectable option with loud skills."

Bleacher Report: "One of the most polarizing prospects in this year's first-round picture, Honeycutt has an elite combination of power, speed and athleticism... his upside and the added value of Gold Glove-caliber defense in center field gives him a high enough floor to roll the dice on his huge upside."

18. Tampa Bay Rays

USA Today: Tommy White, 3B, LSU

Bleacher Report: Carson Benge, OF, Oklahoma State

MLB.com: Carson Benge, OF, Oklahoma State

Pitcher List: Jurrangelo Cijntje, RHP/LHP, Mississippi State

White finished top 25 in the NCAA this season in home runs (24, 16th) and hits (92, 22nd) with power that's been consistent since his prep days. Benge can't match that power but still offers the consistency and velocity a lot of teams like. Cijntje is in the next tier of college pitchers after the Smith-Burns-Yesavage group. He's a switch pitcher but may fare better as a right-handed starter and a left-handed reliever. His smaller frame at 5 feet, 11 inches tall causes some concern despite his strength and athleticism.

USA Today: "A star at both N.C. State and LSU, his elite power should transfer well to the bigs. Can play either corner spot and it’s easy to envision the Rays deploying him at both."

Pitcher List: "What organization would be able to maximize a switch pitcher’s development the most? The Tampa Bay Rays. Cijntje just feels like a perfect fit... The stuff is definitely better from the right side, but thankfully the majority of hitters will face him right-handed. The Rays will be able to be so creative with Cijntje that it will be fun to follow."

19. New York Mets

USA Today: Jurrangelo Cijntje, RHP/LHP, Mississippi State

Bleacher Report: Seaver King, 3B/OF, Wake Forest

MLB.com: Slade Caldwell, OF, Valley View High School (AR)

Pitcher List: Brody Brecht, RHP, Iowa

Cijintje and King bring versatility to the mound and on defense, respectively. Caldwell's a shorter prep prospect at 5 feet, 9 inches but his impressive bat speed and strength more than make up for shorter arms. He won't be a power hitter but his good speed makes him a good fit for center field. Brecht is in that second tier of college pitching prospects with Cijintje. He finished fifth in the country in strikeouts per nine innings with 14.71 despite pitching just 78.1 innings this season.

MLB.com: "Though [Caldwell] lacks size, he's a dynamic player who's an outfield version of the Mets' Jett Williams... [he] is an advanced hitter with a mature approach who makes consistent line-drive contact to all fields. His 5-foot-9 frame means he has shorter levers and a smaller strike zone than most prospects, and he parlays them into a quick left-handed stroke and on-base ability."

Pitcher List: "The reason many are so high on Brecht, even with concerns of strike throwing ability, is because the 2024 season was his second season focusing on baseball. He was a former two-sport athlete as a Wide Receiver for the Iowa football team. Many believe that with a continued focus on pitching only, his athleticism will translate. It is a high-risk, high-reward pick at this point in the draft."

20. Toronto Blue Jays

USA Today: Seaver King, SS, Wake Forest

Bleacher Report: Ryan Waldschmidt, OF, Kentucky

MLB.com: Ryan Waldschmidt, OF, Kentucky

Pitcher List: Caleb Lomavita, C, Cal

King offers consistency at the plate for Toronto. Waldschmidt's combination of contact and consistently high exit velocities is one of the best in the class. He does have some question marks on defense in left field and may move to center field in the majors. Lomavita has an unusual swing but it is effective and he has the athleticism to potentially move to third base or the outfield.

Bleacher Report: "Loud exit velocity numbers and a high contact rate have helped Waldschmidt make a late surge up draft boards as evaluators have started to dig further into batted-ball data and other metrics... while he doesn't have the same track record of production as someone like LSU slugger Tommy White, Waldschmidt has a more well-rounded skill set."

Pitcher List: "Lomavita fits the mold of the best offensive catcher in this class. He showcases a plus hit tool with above-average power for the position... He struggles with receiving and throwing at time, but the Blue Jays have been historically successful with their defensive development for catchers."

21. Minnesota Twins

USA Today: Billy Amick, 3B, Tennessee

Bleacher Report: Caleb Lomavita, C, Cal

MLB.com: Kaelen Culpepper, SS, Kansas State

Pitcher List: Ryan Waldschmidt, OF, Kentucky

Amick racked up 23 home runs on Tennessee's College World Series-winning offense. He needs to improve his consistency but that power should translate well in the majors. Culpepper's bat speed and strength are good enough for the majors but he wouldn't be a slugger at that level. He projects as a potential Gold Glover at third base. Lomavita and Waldschmidt are both consistent at the plate as well.

USA Today: "Not a ton of upside but also just tapping into it after transferring from Clemson to Knoxville, where he hit 23 homers for the national champs. Twins can work to reverse his plate discipline – he had 53 strikeouts to 29 walks this season."

MLB.com: "A right-handed hitter, Culpepper has a disciplined approach that prioritizes making consistent contact and using the entire field... Culpepper handled shortstop on the Cape and in fall practice better than scouts expected, though he probably lacks the lateral quickness to play there regularly in the big leagues."

22. Baltimore Orioles

USA Today: Ryan Waldschmidt, OF, Kentucky

Bleacher Report: Brody Brecht, RHP, Iowa

MLB.com: Caleb Lomavita, C, Cal

Pitcher List: Vance Honeycutt, OF, North Carolina

There are consistent hitters in Waldschmidt and Lomavita, as well as a top-end defender in Honeycutt for Baltimore here. Brecht could become a consistent starter for the Orioles in time.

Bleacher Report: "With a loaded farm system already in place and an enviable core of young talent in the big leagues, the Orioles are in a prime position to swing for the fences on upside while drafting outside the Top 20 for the first time since 2017."

Pitcher List: "This match is one that draft and player development circles are hoping for. The Orioles have become the best offensive player development group in the league, and Honeycutt needs some refining to his game... If Vance is going to reach his MVP production ceiling, the Orioles are the best equipped to maximize it."

23. Los Angeles Dodgers

USA Today: Kash Mayfield, LHP, Elk City HS (OK)

Bleacher Report: William Schmidt, RHP, Catholic HS (Baton Rouge, La.)

MLB.com: William Schmidt, RHP, Catholic HS (Baton Rouge, La.)

Pitcher List: Ryan Sloan, RHP, York HS (IL)

All four mock drafts agree on a prep pitcher for the Dodgers. Mayfield is one of the best lefties in this class - prep or college - with a high 90s fastball and a very good changeup already. Schmidt similarly boasts a top-tier fastball but with arguably the best curveball in this class as well.

USA Today: "The 6-4 19-year-old has touched 97 mph with his fastball. The Dodgers and other late-round clubs may need to get creative with their bonus pool to lure the top prep lefty away from Oklahoma State."

Bleacher Report: "The Dodgers don't pick again until No. 98 overall after surrendering their second-round pick as compensation for signing Shohei Ohtani, so the expectation is that they will be prioritizing upside with their first selection. Schmidt offers a tantalizing combination of present stuff with a three-pitch repertoire."

24. Atlanta Braves

USA Today: Brody Brecht, RHP, Iowa

Bleacher Report: Jurrangelo Cijntje, RHP/LHP, Mississippi State

MLB.com: Brody Brecht, RHP, Iowa

Pitcher List: Walker Janek, C, Sam Houston

Brecht offers efficiency at the mound and Cijntje's switch-pitching brings versatility to Atlanta. Janek is right with Lomavita as the top prospect at the position. The Conference USA 2024 Defensive Player of the Year and Buster Posey Award winner (given to the best catcher in college baseball), Janek shows power from the plate but needs to improve on chasing pitches.

Bleacher Report: "[Cijntje] might benefit from focusing solely on pitching right-handed, and it will be interesting to see how he is utilized at the onset of his pro career. The Braves have a great track record of developing pitchers, so this would be an ideal landing spot for his future development."

Pitcher List: "Janek has an argument to be made as the best catcher in the class. His defense is good enough to stick behind the plate with plus arm strength... Coming from a small school is the only reason there is not more confidence in Janek’s profile, due to the perceived lack of competition."

25. San Diego Padres

USA Today: Dakota Jordan, OF, Mississippi State

Bleacher Report: Theo Gillen, SS, Westlake High School (TX)

MLB.com: Ryan Sloan, RHP, York High School (IL)

Pitcher List: Theo Gillen, SS, Westlake High School (TX)

Jordan brings some of the best bat speed in the class at the plate with strength that should translate. He does need to improve his plate discipline, though. Gillen similarly has the best bat speed of any prep prospect in the class and goes well with his raw power and MLB-level frame (6 feet, 2 inches tall).

USA Today: "It’s been eight years since the Padres have taken a collegiate player with their first pick – but they also don’t typically draft 25th, this position partly a punishment for grossly exceeding the luxury tax. But Jordan is no low-upside safety pick. He has power to all fields, elite exit velocity and arm strength from right field."

Bleacher Report: "The last time the Padres took a college player in the first round was Stanford right-hander Cal Quantrill back in 2016, so there's no reason to expect them to buck that trend this year... Gillen fits the type of player they have been drawn to in years past. He could prove to be one of the steals of the first round if he falls this far, especially if he maximizes his power potential and develops into a 20-plus home run threat."

26. New York Yankees

USA Today: Kaelen Culpepper, SS, Kansas State

Bleacher Report: Tommy White, 3B, Louisiana State

MLB.com: Jurrangelo Cijntje, RHP/LHP, Mississippi State

Pitcher List: Dakota Jordan, OF, Mississippi State

New York goes in four different directions across these mocks. Cijntje's the lone pitcher and goes no later than No. 26 in this roundup.

USA Today: "A consummate glue guy on the left side of the infield, Culpepper has both pop and speed, neither elite but also an excellent package for this end of the first round. With Anthony Volpe entrenched, the hot corner would be calling Culpepper."

Pitcher List: "Jordan is one of the more impressive athletes in the sport, looking more like an SEC Linebacker than a OF. There were a lot of peaks and valleys to his game, but in his draft eligible Sophomore season, he hit .354 with 20 home runs in 63 games. The caveat there is the 84 strikeouts."

27. Philadelphia Phillies

USA Today: Caleb Lomavita, C, Cal

Bleacher Report: Kash Mayfield, LHP, Elk City HS (OK)

MLB.com: Tommy White, 3B, Louisiana State

Pitcher List: William Schmidt, RHP, Catholic HS (Baton Rouge, La.)

Lomavita brings consistency and White offers power at the plate for Philadelphia. Mayfield and Schmidt are top prep pitchers and follow in Philadelphia's run of four consecutive first-round prep players.

Bleacher Report: "The 6'4", 200-pound southpaw went from throwing in the upper 80s as a junior to bumping 97 mph this spring, and his secondary stuff has similarly ticked up. He turned 19 years old in February, which will scare some teams off, but the Phillies didn't flinch at a similar situation with Aidan Miller last year."

MLB.com: "White hit 24 more homers this spring to rank eighth all-time in NCAA Division I with 75 for his career, generating huge right-handed power to all fields with strength, bat speed and an uncanny ability to barrel balls. Known more for his slugging, he's underrated as a hitter who makes repeated contact with impressive exit velocities. Though he's overly aggressive and regularly expands his strike zone, he rarely swings and misses."

28. Houston Astros

USA Today: Walker Janek, C, Sam Houston

Bleacher Report: Walker Janek, C, Sam Houston

MLB.com: Theo Gillen, SS, Westlake High School (TX)

Pitcher List: Tommy White, 3B, Louisiana State

Houston goes with good hitters in each mock draft with the prep potential in Gillen or power in White and Janek.

MLB.com: "Gillen may have the best bat of any high schooler in this Draft. He has a disciplined approach, quick hands and a sweet left-handed swing that combine to produce line drives to all fields. His hitting ability will allow him to get to most of his plus raw power, giving him a 20-homer floor, and he should develop more pop as he adds more strength to his physical 6-foot-2 frame.."

Pitcher List: "The questions around White are not about the bat. He is most likely a 1B at the next level, but his defense at 3B has consistently improved every year. I would imagine whatever org he is drafted by will give him the chance to stick at 3B. The Astros would be a good org to maximize White’s potential offensive impact."

29. Arizona Diamondbacks

USA Today: Slade Caldwell, OF, Valley View HS (AZ)

Bleacher Report: Billy Amick, 3B, Tennessee

MLB.com: Malcolm Moore, C, Stanford

Pitcher List: Kellen Lindsey, SS, Hardee HS (FL)

Caldwell offers bat speed and athleticism and Amick brings power from the plate for Arizona. Moore is another top catcher prospect in the class thanks mostly to his impressive metrics and raw stats from the plate. His defense is concerning, though, and he may need to move to first base. Lindsey is a plus athlete who is developing at the plate to pair with solid defense at shortstop.

MLB.com: "[Moore]'s shown he can have an advanced approach at the plate, including doing damage with two strikes, though he wore out catching every day in his first year of college. While his surface numbers were down for much of his sophomore season, he still had elite chase rates and swing-and-miss rates in the zone. If teams think he can be an average catcher, he could easily be considered a top 10 pick."

Pitcher List: "The hit tool is ahead of his power by a decent margin, but that could come with physical and mental development. He is new to just focusing on baseball, so the sky is the limit for what he can continue to grow into. Arizona has shown an affinity for guys who can run, and Lindsey definitely can run."

30. Texas Rangers

USA Today: Theo Gillen, SS, Westlake High School (TX)

Bleacher Report: Malcolm Moore, C, Stanford

MLB.com: Walker Janek, C, Sam Houston

Pitcher List: Billy Amick, 3B, Tennessee

Gillen and Janek both squeak in as consensus first-rounders. Amick and Moore are similarly impactful at the plate with their speed and power.

Bleacher Report: "He might have been a top-15 pick if he had put together a better spring, but that just means potential value for a team like the Rangers drafting at the end of the first round that still believes in his offensive upside."

Pitcher List: "The last six Rangers first-round picks have been college players. They definitely have an affinity for gaining the most information on a player they can get... Amick is an unfinished product and would do well in the Rangers offensive development system."

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: MLB mock draft roundup: Experts predict every first round pick