MLB Draft 2024: Top 5 ACC players selected on Day 1 ft. Chase Burns
Day 1 of the MLB draft 2024 saw several incredible prospects chosen to showcase their talent in the big leagues. Sunday's draft had five ACC players taken within the first 14 draftees, so let's take a closer look at the top Atlantic Coast Conference baseball stars who were draft-eligible.
Top 5 ACC players selected on Day 1 of the MLB draft 2024
#1 Chase Burns, Wake Forest
It did not take long for an ACC player to get selected, as Wake Forest pitcher Chase Burns was the second pick in the MLB draft 2024 by the Cincinnati Reds. He was named the 2024 ACC Pitcher of the Year, as in 16 starts, he finished 10-1 with a 2.70 ERA and had 191 strikeouts in 100.0 innings on the bump.
His fastball sits at 98 MPH, and it pairs extremely well with his devastating slider. Hitters are going to have a tough time against Burns, who is expected to be a one-two punch with Hunter Greene at the top of Cincinnati's rotation.
#2 Nick Kurtz, Wake Forest
First baseman Nick Kurtz was taken by the Oakland Athletics with the fourth pick in the MLB draft 2024. He had an incredible year with the Demon Deacons, as he slashed .306/.531/.763 with 22 homers while also having the highest walk rate in the NCAA.
While there are legitimate conversations about choosing Kurtz or Jac Caglianone with this pick at first base, Kurtz should have a solid career in Oakland.
#3 Seaver King, Wake Forest
The Washington Nationals rounded out the top 10 of the MLB draft 2024 by selecting shortstop Seaver King. He really elevated his game from being a Division III transfer and still wound up producing with a .308 batting average while slugging 16 long flies as well.
King has a high ceiling with his outstanding arm and defensive ability, so he could wind up playing at third base or be up in the middle with CJ Abrams being a pairing on double plays. This will be an interesting pick, as the team has a lot of quality outfielders and the shortstop position was deep in this draft.
#4 James Tibbs III, Florida State
Right fielder James Tibbs III was selected by the San Francisco Giants with the 13th pick in the MLB draft 2024. Tibbs was arguably the second-best hitter in the draft class. He posted a 1.264 OPS and a .363 batting average last season.
Adding some left-handed pop to this Giants lineup can be reminiscent of someone who hit the most home runs in MLB history out in the Bay.
#5 Cam Smith, Florida State
Tibbs' teammate at Florida State did not need to wait long after him, as the Chicago Cubs used the 14th pick in the MLB draft 2024 to choose third baseman Cam Smith. He has a lot of power in his swing, as he produced a 1.142 OPS last season with the Seminoles.
Despite hitting 16 home runs for Florida State, the player has a lot of raw power that still needs to be tapped into. The Cubs needed another power bat in their future lineup, making Smith a perfect fit.