The 2024 MLB Draft is firmly in the rearview mirror. The Diamondbacks selected 22 players in total, four on the first day, then eight on the second, and 10 on the final day. Here’s what prospect pundits had to say about the Diamondbacks’ 2024 draft class.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!R.J. Anderson – CBS Sports (A)
“The Diamondbacks had five of the first 102 picks, but they did not make their initial selection until No. 29. Slade Caldwell is a toolsy, undersized outfielder. We don’t think Arizona’s front office minds — they’ve benefitted from taking chances on Corbin Carroll, Alek Thomas, and, dating back to their days in Boston, Mookie Betts and Andrew Benintendi. Getting Ryan Waldschmidt, an accomplished SEC outfielder with sparkling analytics who grew on scouts as the season progressed, at No. 31 seems like a potential steal. Throw in shortstop JD Dix, catcher Ivan Luciano, and righty Daniel Eagen, and I think the D-backs did well despite a late start.”
Keith Law – The Athletic (A)
“The D-backs landed two players from my top 15: high school outfielder Slade Caldwell (No. 29) and Kentucky outfielder Ryan Waldschmidt (No. 31). Caldwell, a diminutive outfielder from Arkansas, might have gone much higher if he were 6 feet tall, but he excels in hitting and defense. Waldschmidt, one of the top hitters in the college group, slipped due to concerns about a knee injury (ACL) that ended his 2023 season.”
Adam Wells – Bleacher Report (A)
“Having three of the first 35 picks and four of the top 64 selections does make it easier to have a nice class, but the Arizona Diamondbacks made the most of their draft capital this year. Slade Caldwell, the No. 29 overall pick, seemed like a very Arizona selection because he has drawn comparisons to Corbin Carroll due to having loud tools in a smaller package.”
Guarav Vedek – SB Nation (A-)
“After a great first day that saw the Diamondbacks take home a pair of highly rated outfielders in Slade Caldwell and Ryan Waldschmidt, the Diamondbacks had an extremely strong Day 2 adding a trio of top 250 players in Daniel Eagen, Tytus Cissell and Connor Foley. Add to that the addition of some intriguing arms in Mason Marriott and Kyle Ayers and Arizona had themselves a very strong draft.”
The pundits seem to be in a consensus that the Diamondbacks turned out an excellent draft, universally praising the Slade Caldwell and Ryan Waldschmidt selections with the No. 29 and 31 picks. Additionally, you can check out my initial thoughts on Arizona’s top three selections of the draft.
Initial thoughts on the Diamondbacks first round selections in the 2024 MLB Draft
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Michael McDermott covers the Arizona Diamondbacks, Arizona Cardinals, and more for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on X via @MichaelMcDMLB
