The MLB amateur draft is just around the corner, and the Cleveland Guardians will make their first-ever No. 1 pick on Sunday, July 14.
Previously, they’ve picked second five times, most recently in 1992 when they chose Paul Shuey from UNC. Leading up to this draft, experts have analyzed and ranked the top 30 players in this year’s class.
Now, let’s dive into four players who have caught more attention recently.
1. Gage Jump, LHP, LSU
Gage Jump has been on our radar since 2021 when he was a promising high school player committed to UCLA. His journey has been rocky due to limited playtime and Tommy John surgery that took out his 2023 season. This spring, he made a strong comeback with 17 appearances (15 starts), a 3.47 ERA, and an impressive strikeout-to-walk ratio of 4.59. In the SEC tournament against Georgia, he delivered seven innings with just one run allowed. Although he’s shorter at six feet tall , his skill set might see him picked within the first 50 selections.
23 Strikes Out ✌️ More@gagejump1 | SECN
— LSU Baseball (@LSUbaseball)
2. Kash Mayfield, LHP, Elk HS (OK)
Kash Mayfield stands out as a physical lefty at 6-foot-4 who can throw into the upper-90s effortlessly. His ability to spin the ball makes him an exciting prospect for many teams dreaming big about his future potential. Despite concerns typical for hard-throwing young pitchers keeping him outside the top 30 rankings, it’s unlikely he’ll end up at Oklahoma State.
3. Wyatt Sanford, SS, Independence HS (TX)
Wyatt Sanford is known for his strong defense at shortstop and being a left-handed hitter. Scouts are divided over his batting skills; however, some believe he could be selected in either the first or supplemental round if evaluations are favorable enough . His father Chance played briefly in MLB during the late ’90s after being drafted in the 27th round—Wyatt seems poised for a much higher selection than that.
Fans might think these rising stars bring excitement and unpredictability to this year’s draft!
4. Ryan Sloan, RHP, York HS (IL)
Ryan Sloan shares similarities with Mayfield as another potential first-round pick thanks to his physical presence on the mound already resembling a major league pitcher . With a powerful fastball complemented by promising secondary pitches projecting him as a possible mid-rotation starter someday soon—it seems improbable he’ll attend Wake Forest this fall instead of joining an MLB team.
What do you think about these prospects? Let us know!
