Hagen Smith vs. Chase Burns: Which college baseball star will go No. 3 in 2024 MLB Draft?
Hagen Smith and Chase Burns are two of college baseball's most dynamic pitchers. The pair regularly struck fear into the hearts of opposing batters and are projected to be selected in the top 10 of the upcoming MLB draft.
As we count down to the draft day, let's explore which of the prospects has the chance of going off the board with the coveted third overall pick.
The case for Hagen Smith
Hagen Smith is arguably the best southpaw of this year's draft class and was an asset for the Arkansas Razorbacks at the collegiate level. Smith's prowess as a left-handed pitcher has caught the eyes of scouts throughout the talent evaluation process.
Hagen Smith plays at a 94-97 mph clip and regularly touches 100 mph with his fastball. Furthermore, his unorthodox delivery has translated to some easy strikeouts in his collegiate career.
Smith's potential is easy to spot on tapes, and his 17 strikeouts over six innings on just 78 pitches against Oregon State remains a thing of beauty. He'll be a consensus top-three draft pick in most years.
The case for Chase Burns
Chase Burns is the most electric pitcher in the 2024 MLB Draft, and few players in the major leagues bring the hype the way Burns does. The Wake Forest right-handed pitcher plays with his heart on his sleeve, and it makes for premium TV anytime he pitches.
Chase Burns just concluded a stunning junior season, earning Atlantic Coast Conference Pitcher of the Year honors after leading the D-I in strikeouts. He achieved the feat a year after ranking third in NCAA Division I in strikeout rate.
Burns plays at a 97-99 mph clip and reaches 102 with his heater. However, he might need to slightly alter his style in the MLB as his pitch is fairly straight, giving batters a good look at it coming out of his high arm slot. He, too, would be a top-three pick in most years.
Which of the college baseball stars will go number 3?
Rarely do we see too pitchers with such similar upsides heading into the MLB Draft, but Hagen Smith and Chase Burns are truly special prospects. While both Smith and Burns can go in the top three, it's likely that just one will get the honor.
The draft outlets view Chase Burns as that prospect, with the Wake Forest star regularly mocked higher than his Arkansas counterpart. Furthermore, USA Today and Bleacher Report have Burns going to the Colorado Rockies with the third pick of the upcoming draft.