Justin Lamkin MLB Draft 2024: Top 5 landing spots for Texas A&M star ft. Chicago White Sox
Justin Lamkin has been one of the Texas A&M Aggies' most reliable pitchers this season. The sophomore has played quite the role in their success this season, helping them achieve their highest seeding in program history and making their maiden College World Series final with an unbeaten run in the postseason.
The left-handed pitcher has been in splendid form on the mound, becoming a stronger pitcher than he was in his freshman season. He is 3-2 in 18 appearances this season, recording 86 strikeouts and an ERA of 5.00 in 63.0 innings pitched.
He also threw two no-hitters in his junior high school year, when he pitched for Corpus Christi Calallen High School. His exploits made him the No. 5 left-handed pitcher and 34th overall prospect in the state of Texas by Perfect Game.
Armed with a fastball consistently going over 90mph, Lamkin has the tools to succeed in the major leagues. However, he is still a raw talent, which means he is likely to be a good addition to MLB teams' farm systems. Here is a look at the top five landing spots for the Aggies' sophomore pitcher.
Top 5 landing spots for Justin Lamkin in the MLB Draft 2024
1. Chicago White Sox
The White Sox have the opportunity to mold a starting pitcher for the future. While they are likely to use the No. 5 overall draft pick to choose a reliable starting pitcher, they can pick Lamkin in later rounds of the draft and assign Lamkin to the minor leagues to help shape his career and improve his skill set.
2. Houston Astros
The Astros arguably have one of the strongest pitching line-ups in the MLB today. While they have the 28th pick in the first round of the 2024 draft, Lamkin can be a solid option for a later round of the draft. The Corpus Christi-born pitcher can continue to improve in his home state through their farm system and could feature for their minor league teams in the future.
3. New York Mets
While the Mets will turn to free agents like Max Fried to boost their bullpen for next season, they could develop Lamkin into a relief pitcher for the future by including him in their farm system. He could be a good option for the Mets in later rounds of the MLB Draft given that they will have the 19th overall pick in the first round.
4. Oakland Athletics
The Athletics are clearly in need of a solid pitcher in their bullpen. While Lamkin might not be an immediate solution, he could be ready for them after going through their farm system in a year or two.
The A's are likely to represent Lamkin's quickest route to the major leagues, although they are likely to make a top prospect the 4th overall pick of the draft, which might hurt his chances of joining them.
5. Baltimore Orioles
The Orioles farm system has seen the team make incredible leaps in the major leagues over the past few years. While they have two first-round picks in the draft, Lamkin can be a good addition to the team. They can develop him into a reliable pitcher for the future.