NEWSLETTER
The Tampa Bay Rays are set to make their first-round selection in the 2024 MLB Draft with the 18th overall pick.
Exploring Potential Fits for the Tampa Bay Rays in the 1st Round of the 2024 MLB Draft
The Tampa Bay Rays have the 18th overall selection in the 2024 MLB Draft, and MLB.com’s Jim Callis has them taking a chance on Kentucky outfielder Ryan Waldschmidt. Waldschmidt is listed as MLB Pipeline’s No. 39 prospect, but that can be attributed to a slow start to his season as he worked his way back from a knee injury.
Waldschmidt’s skill set sets him apart from most players in this Draft due to his ability to consistently make contact, avoid chasing after pitches, and generate high exit velocities. His patient approach and quick right-handed stroke have improved since his first season with the Wildcats, now appearing less uphill. While he uses the entire field, he also demonstrates a preference for driving balls in the air to his pull side.
As Waldschmidt’s health has improved, so have his run times, progressing from fringy earlier in the season to solid with occasional flashes of excellence. The main criticism of Waldschmidt is his below-average performance as a left fielder, where he sometimes appears tentative. However, some evaluators question whether his quickness could make him a viable candidate for center field at the next level.
Here’s what Callis had to say about the selection:
“Interesting guy. Came back from a knee injury this year, got off to a slow start and once he got fully healthy, started just making a ton of hard contact. Runs well; I think some teams might give him a chance to try to play center field even though he plays left field at Kentucky.”
Kiley McDaniel has the Rays taking less of a chance at No. 18, adding Flordia State third baseman Cameron Smith.
“Tampa Bay is normally pretty open on player demographics, but the Rays have had a bias toward bigger power-based hitters, particularly at high picks. The board is giving them college position players and (somewhat) local product Smith fits their type. Kellon Lindsey, another local product, is another target. This is also as far as Caminiti would likely last, but I’m not sure if any of the other prep pitchers would be real options here. Mississippi State’s Jurrangelo Cijntje starts to be an option around here and for the next half dozen picks.”
The Athletic’s Keith Law has the Rays taking a chance on Westlake HS shortstop Theo Gillen.
“Gillen has become the hot name among high school hitters this year as scouts have warmed up to his hit tool, which could put him somewhere in the 15-20 range. My sense is that the Rays would be on position players — college or high school — much more than college pitchers.”
Gillen might possess the top hitting skills among all high school players in this Draft. He exhibits a disciplined approach, rapid hand speed, and a smooth left-handed swing that results in hitting line drives to all parts of the field. His strong hitting capability should enable him to tap into most of his impressive raw power, guaranteeing at least 20 home runs. He is expected to develop even more power as he gains additional strength for his physical 6-foot-2 frame.
Scouts have clocked Gillen’s running times anywhere from solid to well above average. He appears more energetic than he did last summer, especially now that his knee injury is more in the past. The Texas recruit displays better range to his left compared to his right while playing shortstop, though his arm has not fully recovered from labrum surgery and will necessitate a change in position at the next level. He could transition to an offensive second baseman, and his agility makes center field a potential option. At the very least, he should provide enough offense to fit in left field.
