Ryan Prager MLB draft 2024: 5 landing spots for Texas A&M pitcher ft. Chicago Cubs
Ryan Prager has been one of the key pieces behind Texas A&M's resurgence in the 2024 NCAA baseball tournament. This season, Prager posted a 9-1 record in 19 starts with a 2.95 ERA. The sophomore out of Dallas, Texas, has pitched 97 2/3 innings, striking out 124 batters and walking 20 others.
The six-foot-three left-hander has pitched solidly in the 2024 College World Series, particularly in the second round against Kentucky and the final against Tennessee. Prager has pitched a combined 10 2/3 innings in the aforementioned games, recording 10 strikeouts and walking one batter.
Despite having a solid season, Prager isn't highly regarded in various mock drafts and prospect rankings. He is pegged between the 45th and 59th pick range. Although he might rise due to his excellent pitching display in the ongoing College World Series, the Texas A&M athlete is a possible second-round draft choice.
With this in mind, here are the five teams that could likely pick Prager in this year's MLB draft.
Five potential landing spots for Ryan Prager in the 2024 MLB draft.
#1. Chicago Cubs
The Chicago Cubs' pitching staff boasts an ERA of 3.92 and has four excellent starting pitchers — Shota Imanaga, Javier Assad, Jameson Taillon and Justin Steele. If drafted, Ryan Prager has the makings of a staff ace and could become the third or fourth starter in the rotation, potentially bumping off Taillon and Steele.
#2. Los Angeles Angels
Ryan Prager could become one of the pillars of the Los Angeles Angels' resurgence in the coming years. Tyler Anderson leads the LA Angels' campaign this year with a 6-7 record and a 2.48 ERA. As the rest of the pitching staff slumps to two or three wins, Prager's winning mentality could help the Halos work their way back to relevance in the American League.
#3. Seattle Mariners
The Seattle Mariners have an established pitching staff of Logan Gilbert, Luis Castillo, George Kirby and Bryce Miller. Adding Ryan Prager would be a luxury for the Mariners, who are at the top of the American League West standings. If selected, Prager could start as the team's fifth pitcher and work his way to become a staff ace, like what he did with the Texas A&M Aggies.
#4. New York Yankees
The New York Yankees already have a formidable pitching rotation composed of Nestor Cortes, Marcus Stroman, Carlos Rodon, Luis Gil, Clarke Schmidt and Gerrit Cole. Inserting Ryan Prager into the lineup would take a few years but could be worth it. If drafted, Prager would be placed in the Yankees' farm system and learn new pitches that could serve as his weapon going into the major league.
#5. Miami Marlins
The Miami Marlins could elevate Ryan Prager as their staff ace within a year or two if he's still available in the draft. Miami has become a great training ground for pitchers who want to make it big in MLB. The team has been home to prospect pitchers like Eury Perez, Jose Fernandez and Jesus Luzardo and former Cy Young winner Sandy Alcantara. Prager could be their new prospect, possibly becoming a sensation once he plays with the Marlins.