MLB Draft 2024: Top 5 high school players selected on Day 1 ft. Konnor Griffin
Day 1 of the 2024 MLB Draft has come and gone, and 39 players heard their names called. These players will begin their MLB careers in unique situations.
Following Day 1 of the Draft, here's a look at the top high school players selected.
The top five high school players selected on Day 1 of the 2024 MLB Draft
Here are the highest-drafted high school players of this year's draft:
#5 Theo Gillen, Second baseman, Westlake (Texas) - Tampa Bay Rays
The Tampa Bay Rays drafted Theo Gillen with the 18th pick of the 2024 MLB Draft. Gillen is considered one of the finest pure hitters in the 2024 class.
Theo Gillen hit .416 as a senior, proving he might be a notch higher than his competition. He joins a Tampa Bay side that is heavily focused on building a roster that could stand the test of time. Gillen might be their most important addition in years.
#4 Braylon Payne, Centerfielder, Elkins (Texas) - Milwaukee Brewers
The Milwaukee Brewers drafted Braylon Payne with the 17th pick of the 2024 MLB Draft. Payne is just 17 and is viewed as one of the most intriguing development players in this year's draft.
Braylon Payne was initially projected to be picked later in the draft, but we understand why the Brewers decided to pick him at 17. Payne is one of the fastest players in this year's draft and a fascinating player to develop. His ceiling is one of the highest in his draft class.
#3 PJ Morlando, Centerfielder/First baseman, Summerville (South Carolina) - Miami Marlins
The Miami Marlins drafted PJ Morlando with the 16th pick of the 2024 MLB Draft. He shone for Summerville and will be able to continue his development at the highest level.
PJ Morlando has been on the draft radar for a while, thanks to his all-around skills at the plate. That's why the Miami Marlins have elected to take a chance with him despite a less-than-ideal senior year at Summerville.
#2 Bryce Rainer, Shortstop, Harvard-Westlake (California) - Detroit Tigers
The Detroit Tigers drafted Bryce Rainer with the 11th pick of the 2024 MLB Draft. He was a two-way star in high school but is expected to stick to a position at the professional level.
Bryce Rainer has been compared with Texas Rangers superstar Corey Seager and is tipped to be an all-star shortstop shortly. The Tigers are expected to take their time with Rainer's development, as he's still a raw prospect coming out of Harvard-Westlake.
#1 Konnor Griffin, Shortstop, Jackson Prep (Mississippi) - Pittsburgh Pirates
The Pittsburgh Pirates drafted Konnor Griffin with the ninth pick of the 2024 MLB Draft. Griffin was regarded as the second-best two-way prospect in this year's draft.
According to ESPN, Konnor Griffin won the Gatorade national player of the year award after hitting .559 with 9 home runs and 87 stolen bases in 43 games. He'll be entering a rebuilding Pittsburgh Pirates known for their impressive talent development.