Inbox: Redo of the 2024 Draft's First 10 Picks
The Pipeline Inbox receives daily inquiries about the release of our 2026 Top 30 Prospects list, which we'll unveil in the first week of March. Now, let's address a more intriguing question.
If the 2024 R4 draft were to be redrafted today, who would be the top 10 picks? Dennis Nosco (@DennisNosco) posed this dilemma on February 6, 2026, highlighting the immediate challenge of choosing between Nick Kurtz and Konnor Griffin.
I opt for Konnor Griffin, despite Nick Kurtz's impressive .290/.383/.619 slash line and 36 homers in 117 big league games. Griffin's potential is undeniable.
Here's the revised list:
- Konnor Griffin, SS/OF, Pirates (originally picked 9th)
- Nick Kurtz, 1B, Athletics (originally 4th)
- J.J. Wetherholt, INF, Cardinals (originally 7th)
- Trey Yesavage, RHP, Blue Jays (originally 20th)
- Chase Burns, RHP, Reds (originally 2nd)
- Travis Bazzana, 2B, Guardians (originally 1st)
- Jac Caglianone, OF/1B, Royals (originally 6th)
- Carson Benge, OF, Mets (originally 19th)
- Payton Tolle, LHP, Red Sox (originally 50th, 2nd round)
- Bryce Rainer, SS, Tigers (originally 11th)
This ranking is subjective and may change post-2026 season. The top six picks are clear, but Caglianone's performance last summer raises questions.
The next prospects in line are Ryan Sloan and Braden Montgomery. Eleven more Top 100 prospects could have been included: Kaelen Culpepper, Gage Jump, Ryan Waldschmidt, Mike Sirota, Caleb Bonemer, Cam Caminiti, Charlie Condon, Hagen Smith, Theo Gillen, Jurrangelo Cijntje, and Nate George.
This exercise sparked a debate among MLB.com colleagues, with the Royals' Blake Mitchell as the most controversial pick. Mitchell, the 8th overall pick in 2023, dipped to .207/.372/.296 in High-A after a strong first pro season. Initially ranked 53rd, 68th, and 108th by colleagues, the differing opinions highlight the challenge of predicting future success.
For further insights, check out the MLB Pipeline Newsletter.
Additionally, a Twitter user, Kyle Weatherly, inquired about the top International Free Agent picks, comparing Luis Hernández and Wandy Asigen. Jesse Borek's analysis emphasizes Hernández's Venezuelan Major League experience and defensive capabilities, making him a strong contender for the top spot.
