The 2024 MLB Draft concluded with a flurry of intriguing selections in Rounds 11-20, proving once again that diamonds in the rough can be found even in the draft’s later stages. From top-ranked prospects who slipped through the cracks to sons of baseball legends, Day 3 offered a fascinating mix of potential future stars.
The Potential of Late-Round Selections
While the spotlight often shines brightest on early-round picks, Day 3 selections have a history of producing remarkable talent. All-Stars like Matt Strahm, Kirby Yates, and Seth Lugo were all chosen after the 10th round. Even more impressively, Hall of Famers Andre Dawson, Ryne Sandberg, and Jim Thome began their professional journeys as late-round picks.
Notable Prospects Selected on Day 3
Several highly-touted players found themselves waiting longer than expected to hear their names called:
- Kyle Robinson (RHP, Texas Tech) – 11th round, Oakland Athletics
- Trey Gregory-Alford (RHP, Coronado HS) – 11th round, Los Angeles Angels
- Brady Tygart (RHP, Arkansas) – 12th round, Boston Red Sox
- Zander Darby (1B/3B, UC Santa Barbara) – 12th round, San Francisco Giants
These selections could prove to be steals for their respective teams if the players can realize their potential at the professional level.
Highlights from Each Round
Each round of Day 3 brought its own share of excitement and intrigue:
Round 11
- Dalton Pence (LHP, North Carolina) caught the Texas Rangers’ eye with his impressive fastball and potential as a reliever.
Round 12
- Ali Camarillo (SS, Texas A&M), nabbed by the Oakland Athletics, promises elite defensive skills at shortstop.
Round 13
- Pierce George (RHP, Alabama), chosen by the Chicago White Sox, boasts a blistering 102 mph fastball but struggles with control.
- Cody Schrier (SS, UCLA), once a top prospect, looks to bounce back with the Miami Marlins after an injury-plagued college career.
Round 14-16
- Kyle DeGroat (RHP, Walkill Senior HS) offers the Kansas City Royals an intriguing combination of size and a wicked curveball.
- Jeremiah Jenkins (1B, Maine) brings prodigious power to the San Francisco Giants organization.
- Sir Jamison Jones (C, St. Rita HS) not only has one of the draft’s most unique names but also shows promise behind the plate for the Washington Nationals.
Round 17-20
- Lucas Ramirez (OF, American Heritage School), son of Manny Ramirez, hopes to follow in his father’s footsteps with the Los Angeles Angels.
- D’Angelo Ortiz (3B, Miami Dade CC Kendall), David Ortiz’s son, gets a chance to create his own legacy with the Boston Red Sox.
- Mason Russell (LHP, Casteel HS) could be a coup for the Cincinnati Reds if they can sign the talented left-hander away from his college commitment.
Unique Stories and Backgrounds
Day 3 also brought to light some fascinating personal stories:
- Lyle Miller-Green (17th round, White Sox) was born in Siberia and adopted at age 1, showcasing a unique journey to professional baseball.
- Coen Niclai (15th round, Marlins) became the first player from Alaska to participate in the MLB Draft Combine, representing his home state with pride.
The Path Forward for Day 3 Draftees
While these late-round picks face long odds to reach the majors, their selection is just the beginning of their professional journey. With hard work, development, and a bit of luck, some of these Day 3 draftees could become the unexpected stars and fan favorites of tomorrow.
As the dust settles on the 2024 MLB Draft, teams now turn their attention to signing their picks and integrating them into their minor league systems. Only time will tell which of these late-round selections will beat the odds and make their mark in the big leagues.
