After selecting a couple of outfielders on day 1 of the 2024 MLB Draft, including Slade Caldwell in the 1st round, the Diamondbacks focused on pitchers on day 2, choosing pitchers with five of their eight picks.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Among these arms, only one was selected straight from high school, and only one, Luke Craig, is a lefty.
Here’s a quick rundown of four picks made by the Diamondbacks in rounds 3-6 of the MLB Draft:
Daniel Eagen
Have you ever heard of Presbyterian College? Most likely not. Besides being a small school in South Carolina, they haven’t had a player make it to the major leagues since World War II hero Lou Brissie. But this changed when Daniel Eagen was called in the 3rd round, marking the earliest round a player has been drafted from Presbyterian College in its history. Last season, Eagen set a school record with 122 strikeouts, which he achieved in just 77 innings. He was also named Big South Conference Pitcher of the Year.
Tytus Cissell
An 18-year-old shortstop from Francis Howell High School in Missouri, Cissell was drafted by the Arizona Diamondbacks in the 4th round (132nd overall) of the 2024 MLB Draft. Scouts are divided on his hitting ability, but some believe his bat speed and potential to add strength could lead to 20-homer power. Known for his plus running ability, Cissell displays solid arm strength and could potentially transition to center field if he doesn’t stick at shortstop.
Connor Foley
Connor Foley, a 21-year-old right-handed pitcher from Indiana, was selected by the Arizona Diamondbacks in the 5th round (164th overall) of the 2024 MLB Draft. Standing at 6’5″ and weighing 235 pounds, Foley transitioned from relieving to starting in 2024 after a strong freshman year, which included an NCAA regional playoff win over Kentucky. Despite missing some time due to back issues, Foley returned with his velocity intact, working at 93-95 mph and touching 99 with his fastball.
Mason Marriott
Another pitcher, Marriott struggled last season with the Baylor Bears, posting a 5.94 ERA and a 3-7 record. However, he did set a career-high in strikeouts and limited his walks. During his junior year, Marriott pitched at least five innings in 10 of his 14 starts. On Opening Day, he struck out 10 batters against Nebraska to start the season.
Rounds 7-10
- Round 7: Luke Craig (P), UNC Wilmington
- Round 8: Travis Garnett (P), William & Mary
- Round 9: Ben McLaughlin (3B), Arkansas
- Round 10: Trent Youngblood (OF), Transylvania University
