July 16, 2024
The 2024 MLB Draft has come and gone, but the impact of this year's selections will be felt for years to come. This year's draft was especially notable for the number of talented minority players from Florida who were chosen, highlighting the Sunshine State's continued legacy of producing top-tier baseball talent. These young athletes have reached their dreams of becoming professional baseball players, and their stories serve as an inspiration for the next generation of hopefuls.
Florida's Rising Stars
Jac Caglianone (TWP) – University of Florida/Plant – Kansas City Royals
Picture Courtsey: OMAHA, NEBRASKA – JUNE 25: Jac Caglianone #14 of the Florida Gators celebrates after hitting a home run during the seventh inning of Game 2 of the NCAA College World Series baseball finals against the LSU Tigers at Charles Schwab Field on June 25, 2023 in Omaha, Nebraska. Florida defeated LSU 24-4. (Photo by Jay Biggerstaff/Getty Images)
Jac Caglianone, a two-way phenom from Plant High School, has been a standout player at the University of Florida, excelling both as a pitcher and a power hitter. His versatility on the field, combined with his impressive stats, has made him a highly sought-after prospect. Selected by the Kansas City Royals in the 2024 MLB Draft, Caglianone’s ability to dominate both on the mound and at the plate adds a unique dynamic to the Royals' lineup. His dedication, hard work, and exceptional talent have paved the way for what promises to be an exciting professional career. Tampa, Florida- Stand UP!
Cam Smith (3B) – Florida State University/Palm Beach Central – Chicago Cubs
Picture Courtsey: FSU 3rd basemen Cam Smith #24 throws to 1st base against North Carloina Tar Heels druing 1st inning at Charles Schwab Field in Omaha Nebraska June 19,2024: Steven Branscombe-USA Today sports
Cam Smith, a standout third baseman from Palm Beach Central, has made a significant mark during his time at Florida State University. Known for his powerful bat and exceptional defensive skills, Smith’s athleticism and dedication have set him apart as a top prospect. Selected #14 pick by the Chicago Cubs in the 2024 MLB Draft, Cam’s combination of athleticism, plus arm, and clutch hitting, hitting for power and average makes this “Florida Boy" an exciting addition to the Cubs' roster. Big Cam’s journey from Palm Beach to the big leagues is a testament to his hard work and commitment to excellence. Palm Beach in the House!
Jurrangelo Cijntje (LHP/RHP) – Mississippi State/Champagnat – Seattle Mariners
Jurrangelo Cijntje is a rare talent, excelling as both a left-handed and right-handed pitcher. Hailing from Champagnat Catholic School in Florida and further honing his skills at Mississippi State, Cijntje's versatility on the mound has captivated scouts and fans alike. Drafted by the Seattle Mariners, the 15th overall pick in the First Round of the 2024 Major League Baseball Draft, his unique ability to compete effectively with both arms gives him a strategic advantage that few possess. We look forward to following Cijntje’s journey to the MLB and gracing the mound for the Mariners’. JC style of play proves that being different is cool and pays off well!! From the Netherlands to Miami to the Big Leagues!
A Message to the Next Generation
To all the young minority players dreaming of one day being drafted into the MLB, remember this: With the right attitude, work ethic, and faith, you can achieve your goals. The path to success is never easy, but it's the challenges and obstacles you overcome that make the journey worthwhile.
Stay dedicated to your craft, surround yourself with a supportive community, and never stop believing in yourself. The stories of these future MLB Stars show that dreams do come true. Let their success fuel your passion and drive, and always remember that you too have the potential to reach the stars.
Keep pushing, keep striving, and one day, your name might be called in the MLB Draft, just like these incredible athletes from Florida. The future of baseball is bright, and with hard work and perseverance, you can be a part of it.
2024 MLB Amateur Draftees
Congratulations to all the phenomenal Florida high school and college players who were drafted in the 2024 MLB Amature Draft! Your dedication, hard work, and perseverance have paid off, and we couldn't be prouder of your achievements. From the sun-soaked fields of Florida to the grand stages of professional baseball, you are carrying forward a legacy of excellence for future generations. Here's to your bright futures and the incredible journeys ahead. Keep shining and making us proud! ⚾ #FloridaStrong #MLBDraft2024 #FutureStars
1st Round
6. Jac Caglianone (TWP) University of Florida/Plant – Kansas City Royals
14. Cam Smith (3B) Florida State University/Palm Beach Central – Chicago Cubs
15. Jurrangelo Cijntje (LHP/RHP) Mississippi State/Champagnat – Seattle Mariners
23. Kellon Lindsey (SS/OF) Hardee – Los Angeles Dodgers
2nd Round
40. Tommy White (3B) LSU/IMG Academy – Oakland Athletics
Competitive Balance B
68. Blake Larson (LHP) IMG Academy – Chicago White Sox
3rd Round
86. Brandon Neely (RHP) University of Florida/Spruce Creek – Boston Red Sox
90. Ronny Cruz (SS) Miami Christian – Chicago Cubs
95. Johnny King (LHP) Naples – Toronto Blue Jays
4th Round
106. Blake Wright (3B) Clemson University/Clearwater Central Catholic – Colorado Rockies
115. Zach Ehrhard (OF) Oklahoma State University/Wharton – Boston Red Sox
123. Marco Dinges (C) Florida State University/East Lake – Milwaukee Brewers
126. Jaime Ferrer (OF) Florida State University/TNXL Academy – Minnesota Twins
129. Herick Hernandez (LHP) University of Miami/Hialeah – Atlanta Braves
5th Round
139. Lebarron Johnson Jr. (RHP) University of Texas/Paxon School of Advanced Studies – Colorado Rockies
143. Dylan Jordan (RHP) Viera – New York Mets
165. Devin Fitz-Gerald (SS) Douglas – Texas Rangers
6th Round
180. Darrien McDowell (OF) University of West Florida/Tate – San Diego Padres
7th Round
219. Carson Dorsey (LHP) Florida State University/Arnold – Baltimore Orioles
8th Round
229. Aaron Combs (RHP) University of Tennessee/IMG Academy – Chicago White Sox
234. Gavin Adams (RHP) Florida State University/St. John Paul II – Pittsburgh Pirates
9th Round
257. Canyon Brown (C) North Carolina A&T/Seabreeze – Kansas City Royals
260. Jackson Ross (3B) Ole Miss/George Jenkins – Washington Nationals
271. Tanner Bauman (LHP) Auburn University/Atlantic Coast – New York Yankees
273. Aiden Butler (RHP) Polk State College/North Florida Christian – Seattle Mariners
10th Round
288. Fisher Jameson (RHP) University of Florida/Park Vista – Colorado Rockies
295. Chase Mobley (RHP) Durant – Cleveland Guardians
297. Devin Futrell (LHP) Vanderbilt University/American Heritage – Boston Red Sox
11th Round
318. Alan Espinal (C) Vanderbilt University/Viera – Colorado Rockies
329. Edgar Colon (RHP) Varela – Cincinnati Reds
331. Mack Estrada (RHP) Northwest Florida State College/Lakeland Christian – New York Yankees
337. Troy Guthrie (RHP) Parrish Community – Toronto Blue Jays
12th Round
366. Jack Lines (SS) TNXL Academy – Tampa Bay Rays
369. Andrew Tess (C) Calvary Christian Clearwater – Baltimore Orioles
13th Round
382. Fulton Lockhart (RHP) College of Central Florida/Newsome – Los Angeles Angels
386. Lucas Elissalt (RHP) Chipola College/Southwest Miami – Detroit Tigers
401. Colby Jones (SS) Northwest Florida State College/Holmes County – Atlanta Braves
14th Round
410. Yoel Tejeda (RHP) Florida State University/North Broward Prep – Washington Nationals
412. Najer Victor (RHP) College of Central Florida/East Ridge – Los Angeles Angels
414. Ian Farrow (OF) Florida Gulf Coast University/Merritt Island – Pittsburgh Pirates
15th Round
445. Conner Whittaker (RHP) Florida State University/Sarasota – Cleveland Guardians
16th Round
469. T.J. McCants (OF) University of Alabama/Pensacola Catholic – Chicago White Sox
485. Jayden Dubanewicz (1B) Douglas – Milwaukee Brewers
17th Round
502. Lucas Ramirez (OF) American Heritage – Los Angeles Angels
503. Jacoby Long (OF) University of Miami/Dwyer – New York Mets
18th Round
538. Ryan Slater (RHP) University of Florida/East Lake – San Francisco Giants
539. Jalen Hairston (3B) State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota/Winter Haven – Cincinnati Reds
540. Victor Figueroa (1B) Florida Southwestern State College/River Ridge – San Diego Padres
19th Round
563. Frank Elissalt (RHP) Nova Southeastern University/Southwest Miami – New York Mets
566. Chase Davis (LHP) Leon – Detroit Tigers
567. D’Angelo Ortiz (3B) Miami-Dade Community College-Kendall/Westminster Christian – Boston Red Sox
572. Owen Ayers (C) Marshall University/Sarasota – Chicago Cubs
573. Brian Walters (RHP) University of Miami/Bayside – Seattle Mariners
20th Round
589. Myles Bailey (1B) Lincoln – Chicago White Sox
590. Colby Shelton (3B) University of Florida/Bloomingdale – Washington Nationals
592. Zachary Redner (RHP) Hillsborough Community College/Strawberry Crest – Los Angeles Angels
604. Chase Centala (RHP) College of Central Florida/Sickles – Miami Marlins
614. Hunter Carns (C) First Coast – Arizona Diamondbacks
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