Two Kansas Jayhawks baseball players selected on second day of 2024 MLB Draft

University of Kansas pitcher Hunter Cranton was selected in the third round of the 2024 MLB Draft by the Seattle Mariners, one of two Jayhawks picked Monday afternoon.

Cranton was the first Jayhawk drafted since 2019. MLB.com had him rated as the No. 213 prospect, but he was picked No. 91 overall. That ties Jim Walker (No. 91 in 1993) as KU’s second-highest draft pick ever.

Initially a starter when he arrived in Lawrence in 2023, Cranton shifted to the bullpen midway through the year. He thrived in a relief role, racking up seven saves with a 2.16 ERA and 38 strikeouts.

“I don’t think Hunter Cranton is that far from pitching in the big leagues,” KU baseball coach Dan Fitzgerald said. “The label of being a ‘fast mover’ can often be a bit of a catch-all term, but Cranton truly can be a ‘fast mover.’ It’s not unreasonable to see him out of the pen next season, perhaps even later this season if he really takes to pro ball.”

Cranton wasn’t the only Jayhawk selected Monday. The Philadelphia Phillies picked infielder Kodey Shojinaga in the sixth round, No. 192 overall. According to MLB.com, the value of that pick is about $310,300.

Shojinaga, 21, now must decide whether to go pro or return to school. He had an impressive first two seasons with the Jayhawks, winning Big 12 freshman of the year after batting .378 with six home runs and 32 RBIs last season.

His batting average dipped in his sophomore season — .339 with 46 RBIs — but he still earned All-Big 12 second-team honors.

If he decides to go pro, he’ll be aspiring to eventually work for a fellow Jayhawk: Phillies manager Rob Thomson.