2024 MLB Draft Report: Draft bonus pools released; updated Top 50 list featuring Charlie Condon No. 1 overall

The 2024 MLB draft pool and bonus slot values have been published on Baseball America. Chris Getz and Mike Shirley will have quite a bit more to spend on this upcoming draft class compared to last year. With a total bonus pool of $14,593,300, an increase of $5,520,500 from last year, the White Sox will have some leeway to get financially creative after the first round.

Whoever the White Sox take fifth overall has a good chance of eclipsing the club bonus record Andrew Vaughn set in the 2019 Draft when he signed for $7,221,200. Where Getz and Shirley can get creative is with their two second-round picks. If they can find a way to save on bonuses in later rounds, they could increase their offer at Pick 43 to $3 million. That total would be more than the bonus slot at pick 30, which belongs to the Texas Rangers — a possible angle of selecting and signing two first-round talents. 

Now, which draft prospects are considered to be first-round talents? There have been enough games played in the college and prep seasons to re-rank the 2024 MLB Draft prospects. I’m highlighting the Top five prospects who can serve as my new Watch Board for the White Sox.

Sox Machine Top 50 2024 MLB Draft Prospects

(Stats as of 4/3/2024)

No. 1: Charlie Condon - 3B, University of Georgia

SEC pitching hasn’t slowed down Charlie Condon, who continues to impress at the plate. If Condon were a left-handed batter, I think he would be the slam-dunk No. 1 overall pick come July. His plus power (60+ grade) is compelling, and I believe Condon has done a good enough job at third base to merit an MLB club to at least try him there in the minors. Ultimately, Condon may move to left field or first base when reaching the majors. 

No. 2: Travis Bazzana - 2B, Oregon State University

When the 2024 season is over, Travis Bazzana might beat Charlie Condon in multiple offensive categories, as PAC-12 pitching has been no challenge to the Aussie. In eight conference games, Bazzana has only struck out once while tormenting pitchers with seven home runs. As I wrote on Opening Weekend, Bazzana’s improved bat speed produces terrific results. There were rumors before the college season started that Cleveland was considering Bazzana with the first pick. I imagine the Condon vs. Bazzana debate will continue until draft day. It’s an excellent position for Cleveland.

No. 3: Jac Caglianone - 1B/LHP, University of Florida

Scouting grades for Jac Caglianone are all over the place. He's got 70 grades for his power potential and throwing velocity, but it's 40-grade speed and pitch control. I would love to see an MLB team try Caglianone in right field to take advantage of his big arm, but there's a concern about his range. Even though the idea of Caglianone being a two-way player professionally will be touted up to draft day, it's best to see if he can stick as a middle-of-the-order bat. 

If Caglianone can hit in the minors, we could be looking at a Matt Olson-type first baseman. The power is legit and scary good. Pitching can be a backup plan if Caglianone's destructive chase habits return. 

No. 4: Hagen Smith - LHP, University of Arkansas

I wrestled with the idea of flipping Hagen Smith with Caglianone and Bazzana on this list, especially since Smith embarrassed Bazzana earlier this season, striking him out three times. It’s incredible how Smith couldn’t get out of the first inning against James Madison on Opening Day, allowing three earned runs. In his last six starts, Smith has only allowed three more earned runs in 34 innings (0.79 ERA). Smith still maintains 96+ MPH deep into his starts with a wicked slider and splitter. 

After watching Garrett Crochet’s first two starts of 2024, I wonder what White Sox director of pitching Brian Bannister and pitching coach Ethan Katz could do with Smith. I think he’s got the chance to be a fast riser and be inserted into an MLB starting rotation by 2026. There’s no need for Smith to waste bullets working his way through every level of the minor leagues. 

No. 5: Chase Burns - RHP, Wake Forest University

Despite striking out 14 batters in his last start against North Carolina, Chase Burns allowed four home runs in suffering his first loss of 2024. What helps Burns is that he did give fellow first-rounder Vance Honeycutt a terrible time by striking him out three times. 

Burns grabs headlines with his 100+ MPH four-seamer, and while that top level of velocity is excellent, I’m more impressed by his ability to maintain 97+ MPH beyond the fifth inning. There was reliever risk with Burns entering the season, but I think his work in the Wake Forest pitching lab has solidified his starting ability. The slider is devastating, living in the low 90s, and I like his curveball against lefties. His changeup is not great, and maybe that’s a pitch an MLB club will have to dump or spend some time with further development. 

Games I’m Watching This Weekend

West Virginia vs. Kansas 

Friday: 6:00 PM CT - ESPN+
Saturday: 2:00 PM CT - ESPN+
Sunday: 11:30 AM CT - ESPN+

Preseason No. 1 draft prospect JJ Wetherholt returns from injury. After missing significant time due to a hamstring injury, Wetherholt has some work to catch up to Condon, Bazzana, and Caglianone. The good news is that there’s still plenty of time for Wetherholt to impress and help West Virginia get back into the postseason race.