Top 3 Big 12 players selected in Round 3 of 2024 MLB draft ft. Kevin Bazzell
After an exciting Day 1 of the 2024 MLB draft, Day 2 took place with great fervor earlier today. All 30 teams continued to strengthen their squad with some smart picks, maneuvering tricky times to land some of the best prospects in their squads.
The Big 12 conference has had incredible representation in this year's draft. While West Virginia Mountaineers' JJ Wetherholt became the No. 7 overall pick thanks to the St. Louis Cardinals, other stars from the conference made their presence felt in Round 3 of the draft.
Here's a closer look at the top three outstanding talents from the Big 12 who were drafted in the third round.
Top 3 Big 12 players drafted in Round 3 of 2024 MLB draft
#3. Hunter Cranton, Kansas Jayhawks
Cranton stood out for the Jayhawks on the mound this season. In his redshirt senior season this year, the experienced Cranton finished 4-3 while recording 38 strikeouts with an ERA of 2.16 in 25.0 innings pitched.
His exploits on the mound this season earned the right-handed pitcher the No. 91 ranking in the top prospects ahead of the draft. The Seattle Mariners bolstered their pitching depth by selecting him in the third round, making Cranton the No. 91 overall pick of the draft.
#2. Brian Holiday, Oklahoma State
Holiday's call-up to the MLB is a culmination of an incredible journey. Despite starring at Land O'Lakes High School, he did not receive any major offers from colleges to play NCAA Baseball. However, he grabbed his opportunity to play his junior season for the Oklahoma State Cowboys with both hands, producing stellar numbers on the mound.
He finished the 2024 season 7-3 while recording 128 strikeouts with an ERA of 2.95 in 113 innings pitched. Ranked No. 80 in the top prospects for the draft, the St. Louis Cardinals made him the No. 80 overall pick in the third round.
#1. Kevin Bazzell, Texas Tech
In two seasons with the Red Raiders, Bazzell became one of the team's best hitters. Overall, he recorded 16 home runs and 94 RBIs with an average of .330. He was also walked 67 times, highlighting his threat at the plate.
Ranked No. 55 in the top prospects for this year's draft, the Washington Nationals made Bazzell the No. 79 overall pick in the 2024 MLB draft.