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The Best 1st Bowman Prospects In 2024 Bowman Draft (Analysis Updated!)

2024 Bowman Draft 1st

Bowman Draft is one of the best releases for baseball prospect collectors and investors, and the 2024 release will not disappoint. There are a bunch of great players in the 2024 Bowman Draft 1st Bowman checklist, including No. 1 pick Travis Bazzana.

If you’re a frequent reader here at Cardlines, you know that baseball prospects are one of the hobby’s most volatile groups to invest in. The risk involved is so high because most of the prospects are teenagers with little to no professional experience.

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Some of the high school draft picks may have faced weak competition, leaving us with much less data to rely on.

With all this in mind, proceed with caution if you’re looking to invest in 2024 Bowman Draft 1st Bowman prospects. Singles of some of the Tier 1 prospects will have a very high price tag, so don’t sleep on the prospects in Tier 2 or even some of the better ones in Tier 3.

Breaking down the 2024 Bowman Draft 1st Bowman Prospect checklist

There are 121 1st Bowman prospects in 2024 Bowman Draft. All of the 1st Bowman prospects with any hobby value are in both the base chrome and Chrome Prospect Autograph checklist.

This article will be a work in progress because there isn’t much data or scouting reports to go on since these players were drafted just a few months ago. I’ll use the most up-to-date information when I can but will reference the 2024 MLB Draft reports when there is no other info.

Once 2025 top prospect lists are published, I’ll update with that information so I recommend bookmarking this page so you can stay up to date!

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A last thought: There is a wrinkle with Zyhir Hope, a Los Angeles Dodgers prospect that’s included in the base checklist. This is the first time he’s appearing on an official Bowman checklist, but a few autographs (like less than 5 total) have been pulled from 2024 Bowman.

To this point, 2 have been graded by PSA. It’ll be interesting to see if he’ll be given the “1st Bowman” designation considering this is the first time he’s appeared on an official Topps checklist.

Zyhir Hope has immense power and speed and would be in Tier 2 if he’s a 1st Bowman prospect in 2024 Bowman Draft.

Release day update: Zyhir Hope’s 2024 Bowman card is not a 1st, so the hope was fun while it lasted.

12/7/24 update: With Baseball America rolling out their 2025 Team Top 10s, I have a few updates to make. Keep reading for my reasoning on these changes!

  • Bryce Rainer and Konnor Griffin go up to Tier 1 (from Tier 2)
  • Braden Mongomery and Seaver King go down to Tier 2 (from Tier 1)
  • Nick Kurtz goes up to Tier 2 (from Tier 3)
Card #PlayerTeamPositionTier
BDC-1, CPA-TBTravis BazzanaCleveland Guardians2B1
BDC-8, CPA-JCJac CaglianoneKansas City Royals1B1
BDC-22, CPA-KGKonnor GriffinPittsburgh PiratesSS1
BDC-86, CPA-BRBryce RainerDetroit TigersSS1
BDC-13, CPA-CMChristian MooreLos Angeles Angels2B2
BDC-44, CPA-TLTyson LewisCincinnati RedsSS2
BDC-55, CPA-CBChase BurnsCincinnati RedsP2
BDC-56, CPA-NKNick KurtzOakland Athletics1B2
BDC-58, CPA-BMBraden MontgomeryBoston Red SoxOF2
BDC-60, CPA-GBGriffin BurkholderPhiladelphia PhilliesOF2
BDC-62, CPA-SKSeaver KingWashington NationalsSS2
BDC-67, CPA-CSCam SmithChicago Cubs3B2
BDC-73, CPA-TGTheo GillenTampa Bay RaysSS/OF2
BDC-2, CPA-HSHagen SmithChicago White SoxP3
BDC-11, CPA-JTHJared ThomasColorado RockiesOF3
BDC-12, CPA-CJCarter JohnsonMiami MarlinsSS3
BDC-16, CPA-DNDante NoriPhiladelphia PhilliesOF3
BDC-18, CPA-RWRyan WaldschmidtArizona DiamondbacksOF3
BDC-20, CPA-CCCam CaminitiAtlanta BravesP3
BDC-24, CPA-KLKellon LindseyLos Angeles DodgersSS/OF3
BDC-28, CPA-CBGCarson BengeNew York MetsOF3
BDC-31, CPA-CBOCaleb BonemerChicago White SoxSS/3B3
BDC-32, CPA-MSMike SirotaCincinnati RedsOF3
BDC-35, CPA-JDJD DixArizona DiamondbacksSS3
BDC-37, CPA-BDBraylon DoughtyCleveland GuardiansP3
BDC-39, CPA-BBRBrody BrechtColorado RockiesP3
BDC-40, CPA-JTJames Tibbs IIISan Francisco GiantsOF3
BDC-68, CPA-BABilly AmickMinnesota Twins3B3
BDC-70, CPA-KMKash MayfieldSan Diego PadresP3
BDC-71, CPA-DJDakota JordanSan Francisco GiantsOF3
BDC-72, CPA-BPBraylon PayneMilwaukee BrewersOF3
BDC-83, CPA-LSLevi SterlingPittsburgh PiratesP3
BDC-87, CPA-BHBen HessNew York YankeesP3
BDC-92, CPA-TYTrey YesavageToronto Blue JaysP3
BDC-96, CPA-CHAChase HarlanLos Angeles Dodgers3B3
BDC-98, CPA-KCKaelen CulpepperMinnesota TwinsSS3
BDC-138, CPA-TSNTrey SnyderNew York MetsSS/3B3
BDC-187, CPA-RGRodney GreenOakland AthleticsOF3
BDC-3Josh HartlePittsburgh PiratesP4
BDC-6, CPA-JDEJaron DeBerryMilwaukee BrewersP4
BDC-7, CPA-ESEthan SchiefelbeinDetroit TigersP4
BDC-10, CPA-GZGage ZiehlNew York YankeesP4
BDC-9, CPA-CMECole MessinaColorado RockiesC4
BDC-14, CPA-NMNick McLainChicago White SoxOF4
BDC-17Woody HadeenDetroit TigersSS4
BDC-21, CPA-GOGriff O'FerrallBaltimore OriolesSS4
BDC-27, CPA-BWBlake WrightColorado Rockies3B4
BDC-29, CPA-ILIvan LucianoArizona DiamondbacksC4
BDC-30, CPA-JCOJacob CozartCleveland GuardiansC4
BDC-33, CPA-CSACasey SauckeChicago White SoxOF4
BDC-34, CPA-BBABoston BatemanSan Diego PadresP4
BDC-36, CPA-JKIJohnny KingToronto Blue JaysP4
BDC-41, CPA-RJRyan JohnsonLos Angeles AngelsP4
BDC-42, CPA-DDDylan DreilingTexas RangersOF4
BDC-45, CPA-TSTy SouthiseneChicago CubsSS4
BDC-49, CPA-JSPJohn SpikermanPhiladelphia PhilliesOF4
BDC-50, CPA-CFConnor FoleyArizona DiamondbacksP4
BDC-51, CPA-TNTyson NeighborsSan Diego PadresP4
BDC-53, CPA-DEDaniel EagenArizona DiamondbacksP4
BDC-54, CPA-JKJosh Kuroda-GrauerOakland AthleticsSS4
BDC-57, CPA-KTKavares TearsSan Diego PadresOF4
BDC-59, CPA-KSKhal StephenToronto Blue JaysP4
BDC-63, CPA-PTPayton TolleBoston Red SoxP4
BDC-64, CPA-GMGage MillerMiami Marlins2B/3B4
BDC-65, CPA-JSJonathan SantucciNew York MetsP4
BDC-66, CPA-CCYCasey CookTexas RangersOF4
BDC-74, CPA-CHCarter HoltonAtlanta BravesP4
BDC-75, CPA-DBDrew BeamKansas City RoyalsP4
BDC-77, CPA-CCZChris CortezLos Angeles AngelsP4
BDC-79Ethan AndersonBaltimore OriolesC/1B4
BDC-80, CPA-MMYMichael MasseyDetroit TigersP4
BDC-81, CPA-CMSCole MathisChicago Cubs1B/3B4
BDC-85, CPA-BLBlake LarsonChicago White SoxP4
BDC-88, CPA-NFNathan FlewellingTampa Bay RaysC4
BDC-89, CPA-CDCarson DeMartiniPhiladelphia Phillies3B4
BDC-91, CPA-AMAiden MayMiami MarlinsP4
BDC-94, CPA-BMEBryce MeccageMilwaukee BrewersP4
BDC-95, CPA-BBBlake BurkeMilwaukee Brewers1B4
BDC-97, CPA-BCBryce CunninghamNew York YankeesP4
BDC-99, CPA-RSRyan SloanSeattle MarinersP4
BDC-100, CPA-LHLuke HolmanCincinnati RedsP4
BDC-101, CPA-NDNate DohmNew York MetsP4
BDC-103Chandler WelchMilwaukee BrewersP4
BDC-108, CPA-KSHKodey ShojinagaPhiladelphia PhilliesC/2B4
BDC-109, CPA-AAAriel ArmasChicago CubsC4
BDC-114, CPA-NMINick MitchellToronto Blue JaysOF4
BDC-121, CPA-FTFenwick TrimbleMiami MarlinsOF4
BDC-122, CPA-BNBrandon NeelyBoston Red SoxP4
BDC-123Chase AllsupBaltimore OriolesP4
BDC-127, CPA-CMACarter MathisonPhiladelphia PhilliesOF4
BDC-129, CPA-NMONick MontgomeryAtlanta BravesC4
BDC-130Grant ShepardsonMiami MarlinsP4
BDC-132Charlie BeilensonSeattle MarinersP4
BDC-137, CPA-BHOBrian HolidaySt. Louis CardinalsP4
BDC-143, CPA-RSCRafe SchlesingerCleveland GuardiansP4
BDC-144Hunter CrantonSeattle MarinersP4
BDC-145, CPA-HHHerick HernandezAtlanta BravesP4
BDC-146Zach EhrhardBoston Red SoxOF4
BDC-151Clark CandiottiSan Diego PadresP4
BDC-153Nate KnowlesTampa Bay RaysP4
BDC-155, CPA-JCAJosh CaronSeattle MarinersC4
BDC-156, CPA-RCARyan CamposSt. Louis CardinalsC4
BDC-157, CPA-TCTytus CissellArizona DiamondbacksSS4
BDC-158, CPA-SASam AntonacciChicago White Sox3B4
BDC-159A.J. CauseyKansas City RoyalsP4
BDC-160, CPA-APAaron ParkerToronto Blue JaysC4
BDC-163, CPA-ESEEli SerranoNew York Mets1B/OF4
BDC-167, CPA-JFJaime FerrerMinnesota TwinsOF4
BDC-173Griffin HerringNew York YankeesP4
BDC-174Jackson KentWashington NationalsP4
BDC-180, CPA-EREddie RyndersPittsburgh Pirates3B4
BDC-181Ethan BagwellAtlanta BravesP4
BDC-183L.P. LangevinKansas City RoyalsP4
BDC-184Josiah RomeroOakland AthleticsP4
BDC-185Jackson WentworthToronto Blue JaysP4
BDC-186, CPA-PSMParker SmithHouston AstrosP4
BDC-192Brooks AugerLos Angeles DodgersP4
BDC-195Tanner JonesKansas City RoyalsP4
BDC-196Aidan MajorCleveland GuardiansP4
BDC-198Ryan HarveyNew York YankeesP4
BDC-199, CPA-RDRandal DiazWashington NationalsSS/3B4

Tier 1: 1st Bowman prospects worth ripping for in 2024 Bowman Draft Baseball

Travis Bazzana

Second baseman in Cleveland Guardians organization (BDC-1, CPA-TB)

  • Baseball America Grades: Hit: 65 | Power: 55 | Speed: 60 | Field: 50 | Arm: 50 | Overall: 60
  • #1 prospect in Guardians organization by Baseball America (2025)
  • #18 prospect in MLB by Baseball America (2024 End of Year)

Bazzana became the first Australian-born and second baseman to ever be selected with the No. 1 overall pick when the Guardians selected him with the top spot in the 2024 MLB Draft. He was seen as one of the best pure hitters in the draft, making both a high rate of contact and high quality in terms of exit velocity and launch angle. He also grades out as an above-average power hitter with plus speed, making 20/20 seasons a reasonable projection.

As a high-floor, high-ceiling player, the only knock against Bazzana from a hobby standpoint is the team. Cleveland zapped hobby hype from José Ramírez, one of the best players in baseball. Because Bazzana didn’t have the traditional baseball background, as he played half a dozen sports as a child in Australia, there might be some additional room for growth that you don’t see with traditional college prospects. Bazzana doesn’t have the flashiest tools from a hobby standpoint, but he seems like the safest bet in Tier 1.

Bazzana established a reputation as one of the best pure hitters in the country, ranked No. 2 on the BA draft board and finished his career as a .360 hitter with Oregon State…

Bazzana should be a quick mover who will be ready for upper minors exposure in 2025. He looks like a safe bet to be Cleveland’s second baseman of the future with everyday impact potential that could result in all-star appearances. He has the highest offensive floor in the system and the physical tools to be a solid or better defender at an up-the-middle position.

Baseball America

Jac Caglianone

First baseman and pitcher in Kansas City Royals organization (BDC-8, CPA-JC)

  • Baseball America Grades: Overall: 60
    • Hit: 50 | Power: 70 | Speed: 40 | Field: 50 | Arm: 60
    • Fastball: 60 | Slider: 50 | Changeup: 55 | Cutter: 50 | Control: 45
  • #1 prospect in Royals organization by Baseball America (2025)
  • #48 prospect in MLB by Baseball America (2024 End of Year)

A two-way player for the University of Florida, Caglianone was often referred to as “the Shohei Ohtani of college baseball.” That’s high praise and a high bar for the slugger the Royals selected with the No. 6 pick in the 2024 MLB Draft. Caglianone was announced as a two-way player but for now it doesn’t look like he’ll pitch, but we’ll still touch on his outlook on the mound.

As a hitter, Caglianone is a slugging first baseman with immense power. His plate discipline needs to be improved because the 43% chase rate during his college career is far too high and will be exploited even further by more advanced pitchers. The good news is that he made significant strides from his sophomore to junior season. He set the Gators’ single-season home run record with 33 homers his sophomore season while posting 5.3% walk and 18.2% strikeout rates. In his junior season, he broke his own record with 35 home runs and improved his plate discipline to impressive 18.4% walk and 8.2% strikeout rates.

On the mound, the southpaw touched triple digits as a sophomore before dipping to the mid-90s his junior season. Caglianone also has an above-average changeup to go with a slider and cutter, but his ability to improve his below-average control will be the determining factor on the mound.

In terms of pure talent, it will be hard for any player in the 2024 class to match what Caglianone brings to the table. He’s a massive presence with a 6-foot-5, 250-pound frame and is one of the better college two-way players since Louisville’s Brendan McKay [2017]…

Despite 80-grade raw power and the ability to homer to all fields with ease, Caglianone will need to improve his swing decisions and pure hitting ability to maximize that juice in games.

Baseball America

Konnor Griffin

Shortstop in Pittsburgh Pirates organization (BDC-22, CPA-KG)

  • Baseball America Grades: Hit: 50 | Power: 60 | Speed: 70 | Field: 60 | Arm: 60 | Overall: 60
  • #2 prospect in Pirates organization by Baseball America (2025)
  • #74 prospect in MLB by Baseball America (2024 End of Year)

Griffin was the first prep player to go off the board when the Pirates selected him at No. 9 in the 2024 MLB Draft. He has 5-tool potential, and his elite power/speed combination gives him the highest upside of any 1st Bowman prospect in 2024 Bowman Draft. Despite this, I initially had him in Tier 2 because there were significant questions about his hit tool toward the end of the 2024 season. As the 2025 scouting reports roll out, people smarter than me are becoming more confident in the hit tool.

Baseball America reports that “the Pirates were encouraged by Griffin’s early contact quality in instructs and have started to work with Griffin on improving certain angles of his swing to induce better contact quality and stay behind the ball more consistently.” If he can make enough contact, he’s a star. He also stole a comical 85 bases on his way to earning the title of BA High School Player of the Year. Ultimately, the latter part of Griffin’s extreme risk, extreme reward profile won out.

Most evaluators agree that Griffin is a tool shed. He has a freakish combination of size, strength and explosiveness. He’s a plus-plus runner once underway with plus raw power, and receives rave makeup reviews. Griffin also has a plus arm—some amateur scouts believed he had legitimate two-way potential—and touched mid-90s on the mound. There is far less consensus on whether Griffin can make enough contact to regularly dip into the rest of his tools…

Griffin’s ascension through the minors hinges on the development of his hit tool. If it clicks, he has all-star upside.

Baseball America

Bryce Rainer

Shortstop in Detroit Tigers organization (BDC-86, CPA-BR)

  • Baseball America Grades: Hit: 50 | Power: 60 | Speed: 40 | Field: 55 | Arm: 70 | Overall: 60
  • #4 prospect in Tigers organization by Baseball America (2025)
  • #81 prospect in MLB by Baseball America (2024 End of Year)

The Tigers selected Rainer with the No. 11 pick in the 2024 MLB Draft, and the prep shortstop instantly became one of Detroit’s best prospects. Initially more of a pitching prospect early on in high school, Rainer showed up “bigger, stronger, and faster” for his senior season and turned himself into an offensive star.

Rainer’s projection as a smooth, hit-over-power shortstop is one that the hobby loves, but there seems to be some discrepancies about his speed. Baseball America gives him a below-average grade, but both FanGraphs and MLB Pipeline scouts project above-average speed. More speed obviously improves his hobby potential, but I don’t think it’s going to make or break his stock. I’ll admit, Rainer is my least favorite prospect in Tier 1. I initially had him in Tier 2, but I think he’s a tick above all the prospects there, even though I don’t love him as much as the other prospects in Tier 1.

Rainer has plus power potential, but he’s also done a good job of shortening his swing to become a better pure hitter while doing an excellent job using right field…

Ideally, he becomes the Tigers’ shortstop of the future, but his power and hitting ability would make him an excellent fit at third base as well.

Baseball America

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Tier 2: 1st Bowman prospects I’m cautiously optimistic about in 2024 Bowman Draft Baseball

Christian Moore

Second baseman in Los Angeles Angels organization (BDC-13, CPA-CM)

  • Baseball America Grades: Hit: 50 | Power: 55 | Speed: 50 | Field: 45 | Arm: 45 | Overall: 55
  • #8 prospect in Angels organization by Baseball America (2024)
  • #85 prospect in MLB by Baseball America (2024 End of Year)

Moore put together a fantastic junior season with the Tennessee Volunteers, slashing .375/.451/.797 with 34 home runs and an improvement in his contact rates. The Angels love to be ultra-aggressive with their top prospects, and Moore looked the part at Double-A where he went 29-for-90 with 5 home runs in a 23-game stretch.

The power is immense, but scouts at FanGraphs mention that “he’s already swinging through a lot of fastballs in the zone and his head doesn’t stay on the ball very well.” They see a future 40-grade hit tool, which will put pressure on his power production to remain relevant. If you’re looking for short-term plays, Moore is probably your guy. It wouldn’t surprise me to see him on the Angels 2025 Opening Day roster.

Moore was a power-over-hit offensive player with big strikeout questions during his first two seasons, but in 2024 he cut his strikeout rate from around 25% to just 15%, and his overall contact rate jumped from a poor 65% mark to an impressive 77%…

Moore immediately becomes one of the best hitters and sluggers in the Angels’ system.

Baseball America

Tyson Lewis

Shortstop in Cincinnati Reds organization (BDC-44, CPA-TL)

  • Baseball America Grades: Hit: 50 | Power: 55 | Speed: 60 | Field: 50 | Arm: 50 | Overall: 55
  • #9 prospect in Reds organization by Baseball America (2025)

While Konnor Griffin and Bryce Rainer are the shortstops with flashy tools, Lewis flies under the radar with above-average power and plus speed at the shortstop position. His simple approach in the box doesn’t scream power right now, but there’s potential for at least double-digit homers as he grows. Lewis’ speed and athleticism give him a nice upside, but it’ll take some time for it to all come together.

Like many Reds draftees, Lewis didn’t get in an official game after signing, but he impressed the organization’s front office officials and coaches with his athleticism and his consistent at-bats in the bridge league. Lewis faced concerns about his swing earlier in his high school career, but he rose up draft boards as a senior after making some useful changes…

He may need some time to acclimate to the faster speed of the pro game, but Lewis is one of the most talented all-round athletes in the Reds organization.

Baseball America

Chase Burns

  • Baseball America Grades: Fastball: 70 | Slider: 70 | Curveball: 55 | Changeup: 50 | Control: 50 | Overall: 60
  • #2 prospect in Reds organization by Baseball America (2025)
  • #28 prospect in MLB by Baseball America (2024 End of Year)

Burns, the flamethrowing right-handed pitcher from Wake Forest, was taken at No. 2 overall in the 2024 MLB Draft. The Reds selected back-to-back Wake Forest pitchers in the first round, with Rhett Lowder in 2023 and now Burns in 2024. His fastball sits in the upper 90s, and he’s frequently touched triple digits. His best secondary pitch is the slider, an upper-80s offering with vertical movement that generates a ton of whiffs. Burns’ control lags behind his arsenal, but he has ace or No. 2 upside.

Burns is not as polished as Lowder was coming out of Wake Forest, but he has a higher ceiling. After all, few pitchers have a pair of 70-grade pitches on their scouting report. Burns should follow a similar track as Lowder did, with Double-A Chattanooga likely to be his main destination for 2025. A late season callup to Cincinnati isn’t out of the question.

Baseball America

Nick Kurtz

First baseman in Oakland Athletics organization (BDC-56, CPA-NK)

  • Baseball America Grades: Hit: 60 | Power: 60 | Speed: 40 | Field: 60 | Arm: 50 | Overall: 55
  • #2 prospect in Athletics organization by Baseball America (2025)
  • #55 prospect in MLB by Baseball America (2024 End of Year)

Drafted by the Athletics with the No. 4 pick in the 2024 MLB Draft, Kurtz is a well-rounded offensive force out of Wake Forest. I initially had him in Tier 3 because he’s a first baseman playing for the Athletics; but the more I read about Kurtz’s plus hit and power combination, the more I wanted to push him up. Who knows what the A’s moving to Sacramento and (maybe?) Las Vegas will do to the hobby value of their players, but Kurtz seems like the guy who can potentially break through that noise.

Kurtz has a terrific blend of raw power and advanced bat-to-ball skills with a surprisingly compact swing and a great batting eye…

While he is a first baseman, he is a potentially plus defender at the position who moves well around the bag and has reliable hands and a solid throwing arm.

Baseball America

Braden Montgomery

Outfielder in Boston Red Sox organization (BDC-58, CPA-BM)

  • Baseball America Grades: Hit: 50 | Power: 60 | Speed: 50 | Field: 55 | Arm: 70 | Overall: 55
  • #6 prospect in Red Sox organization by Baseball America (2025)
  • #59 prospect in MLB by Baseball America (2024 End of Year)

Montgomery is a switch-hitting outfielder who slashed at .322/.454/.733 with 27 home runs during his junior season at Texas A&M. He broke his ankle during the Aggies postseason run, which may have contributed to his slide to pick No. 12, but it isn’t an injury that should impact him moving forward. Montgomery got bumped down from Tier 1 to Tier 2 based on scouting report updates from just after the draft to the 2025 preseason rankings. Both his hit and power tools initially graded out as plus (60), but the hit tool got bumped down a full grade, and there are significant strikeout concerns.

Montgomery describes his approach as one built around a determination to “hammer strikes.” While his aggressive swing as a junior resulted in a relatively high strikeout and in-zone whiff rates that suggests a power-over-hit approach…

Montgomery profiles as a Three True Outcomes corner outfielder with strong defense…He could emerge as a big-league option by 2026.

Baseball America

Griffin Burkholder

Outfielder in Philadelphia Phillies organization (BDC-60, CPA-GB)

  • Baseball America Grades: Hit: 50 | Power: 50 | Speed: 70 | Field: 55 | Arm: 55 | Overall: 55
  • #8 prospect in Phillies organization by Baseball America (2025)

Burkholder is a speedy outfielder that should stick in centerfield. Although he has plus raw power, he hasn’t figured out how to get to it in games yet. The Phillies liked him enough to give him an over-slot bonus to lure him away from his commitment at West Virginia. Burkholder has hobby upside, but it’s rooted in him being able to turn his raw power into actual, in-game power. I’m not sold here, but there’s enough raw talent to land him in Tier 2.

At his best, Burkholder has the skills to potentially provide a light version of the power-speed combination teams dream about…

If he reaches his ceiling, he could be an above-average big leaguer with the speed and power to make himself a threat in all facets of the game.

Baseball America

Seaver King

Shortstop in Washington Nationals organization (BDC-62, CPA-SK)

  • Baseball America Grades: Hit: 50 | Power: 55 | Speed: 70 | Field: 50 | Arm: 50 | Overall: 55
  • #5 prospect in Nationals organization by Baseball America (2025)

King’s above-average power and plus-plus speed had me leaning toward Tier 1, but more research has made me less confident in the power than I was initially. He can play all over the field, and while that’s a plus for the Nationals, leaving the shortstop position could detract from his hobby value. Scouts at FanGraphs gave King comparisons to Ezequel Duran and Christopher Morel, which solidified his bump down to Tier 2 from a hobby standpoint.

Defensive versatility figures to help King get to Washington quickly. His athleticism and bat speed should make him a mainstay in the Nationals’ lineup, where his double-plus speed should mesh with Washington’s aggressive basestealing game plan.

Baseball America

Cam Smith

Third baseman in Chicago Cubs organization (BDC-67, CPA-CS)

  • Baseball America Grades: Hit: 55 | Power: 60 | Speed: 50 | Field: 40 | Arm: 60 | Overall: 55
  • #6 prospect in Cubs organization by Baseball America (2025)

Cam Smith is one of the best options in Tier 2. He’s an above-average hitter with huge power that showed up during his professional debut. In 32 games, Smith slashed .313/.396/.609 with 5 doubles, 4 triples, and 7 home runs. He’s not a threat on the basepaths and he might outgrow third base, but for now I’m excited about the offensive profile.

Over the last two years, Smith has matured from a pure power prospect with heavy swing-and-miss to a well-balanced hitter with a blend of contact, approach and power…

Smith is an advanced hitter with on-base skills and power. Questions about his future defensive position persist, but his above-average bat should be a fit anywhere on the diamond.

Baseball America

Theo Gillen

Shortstop/outfielder in Tampa Bay Rays organization (BDC-73, CPA-TG)

  • Baseball America Grades: Hit: 55 | Power: 55 | Speed: 60 | Field: 50 | Arm: 45 | Overall: 55
  • #10 prospect in Rays organization by Baseball America (2025)

Gillen is a rare high school hitter with both strong hit and power tools. Add in plus speed and you have an all-around impact player. Gillen’s had a bunch of injuries that culminated in a shoulder surgery, and despite showing some rust at times, he was “one of the best, most consistent hitters in the high school class.” I love the upside here, especially considering the Rays’ development team knows how to get the most out of their prospects.

The 2024 draft was not considered deep with prep hitters, which made Gillen’s bat stand out even more. He was viewed as the best amateur hitter in Texas, and some scouts noted that might include college players. Gillen has long impressed scouts with his steady, productive approach.

The lefthanded hitter has a line-drive swing with plenty of bat speed. He doesn’t really sell out for power, but with his bat speed and developing strength, he should eventually have above-average game power to go with an above-average hit tool. He’s also a plus runner.

Baseball America

Tier 3: 1st Bowman prospects with a higher risk than the potential reward in 2024 Bowman Draft Baseball

Hagen Smith, P in Chicago White Sox organization (BDC-2, CPA-HS): Smith was the No. 5 pick in the 2024 MLB Draft. He’s got a nasty fastball/slider combination and it’s likely we’ll see him in Chicago in 2025.

Jared Thomas, OF in Colorado Rockies organization (BDC-11, CPA-JTH): Thomas has shown pretty good contact and improved his power output from his first to second year at Texas. Scouts project more room for growth and added power, making him an intriguing outfielder to keep an eye on.

Carter Johnson, SS in Miami Marlins organization (BDC-12, CPA-CJ): A hit-over-power shortstop and playing for the Marlins, Johnson’s current hobby value is limited. He has a good knowledge of the strike zone and above-average barrel control but is currently limited in the power and speed areas.   

Dante Nori, OF in Philadelphia Phillies organization (BDC-16, CPA-DN): Baseball America reports that “Nori’s skill set is centered around speed, defense, and athleticism.” His 70-grade speed is by far his best tool. If he were to develop more power, Nori would unlock greater hobby value.

Ryan Waldschmidt, OF in Arizona Diamondbacks organization (BDC-18, CPA-RW): Waldschmidt is the Diamondbacks’ #8 prospect and grades out with average tools across the board. He makes a ton of contact, walks more than he strikes out, and boosted his power output during his junior season at Kentucky. Still, he remains a high-floor, lower-ceiling type of prospect. He’s received a Randal Grichuk comp from BA which doesn’t get me excited about hobby value.

Cam Caminiti, P in Atlanta Braves organization (BDC-20, CPA-CC): The nephew of Ken Caminiti, Cam was the top prep pitcher in the 2024 MLB Draft and the Braves first-round pick. His fastball is in the mid-to-upper 90s, but secondaries lag a bit further behind. He benefits from landing in Atlanta from both a hobby and real-life perspective with how well the Braves have developed their young pitchers recently.

Kellon Lindsey, SS/OF in Los Angeles Dodgers organization (BDC-24, CPA-KL): Lindsey has elite, 80-grade speed that will play in centerfield if shortstop doesn’t work out. Scouts at both Baseball America and FanGraphs view his speed and swing as similar to a young Trea Turner. Having been a high school quarterback prospect, he never really specialized and thus his tools are still raw. The Dodgers are a perfect landing spot for development and make Lindsey one of my favorites in Tier 3.

Carson Benge, OF in New York Mets organization (BDC-28, CPA-CBG): An above-average contact guy, Benge also produces high exit velocities and has average speed. His barrel control and contact rates are impressive considering his big swing, one that scouts at FanGraphs described as “a smooth lefty cut with a Griffeyesque finish.” The key to unlocking his hobby value is more power.

Caleb Bonemer, SS/3B in Chicago White Sox organization (BDC-31, CPA-CBO): Bonemer is one of the better prospects in Tier 3. The combination of above-average power and speed is just what the hobby likes, even if he winds up at third base. Reports are that Bonemer was streaky at showcase events, red hot at some and then completely cold at others. The hit tool could take some time, but I like the potential for above-average tools.

Mike Sirota, OF in Cincinnati Reds organization (BDC-32, CPA-MS): An outfielder from Northeastern University, Sirota put up big numbers as a sophomore but then saw a drop off in power and overall performance the following year. He profiles as a fast, power-hitting centerfielder. How the hit tool develops will determine if he’s an everyday player or fourth outfielder.

JD Dix, SS in Arizona Diamondbacks organization (BDC-35, CPA-JD): Dix is a switch-hitting shortstop who can play all over the infield. Based on scouting reports from a variety of different outlets, there’s a range of opinions on his outlook. Baseball America praises his bat speed and strength as indicators he’ll hit for both average and power. FanGraphs sees more of a utility player unless the hit tool takes a step forward. MLB Pipeline remarks that his offensive profile is similar to D.J. LeMahieu. That’s a wide range of outcomes that feels like a safe Tier 3 bet.

Braylon Doughty, P in Cleveland Guardians organization (BDC-37, CPA-BD): The dichotomy of Doughty is that he landed in the perfect spot to maximize his potential in Cleveland’s pitching factory, but one of the worst spots for hobby hype. His slider and curveball are two plus pitches with incredible spin, and he commands them both well. I don’t think he’s a true ace which gives him a tough road to climb even before considering the organization he’s in.

Brody Brecht, P in Colorado Rockies (BDC-39, CPA-BBR): Brecht deploys an upper-90s fastball with a nasty, whiff-inducing slider. Command and control are both lacking and, coupled with no clear third pitch, there is huge reliever risk here. Add in that he’ll be pitching at Coors Field and that’s a tough hobby sell.

James Tibbs III, OF in San Francisco Giants organization (BDC-40, CPA-JT): Tibbs, selected at 13th overall, was regarded as one of the best pure hitters in the 2024 MLB Draft. His above-average hit and power tools give him a higher floor than most Tier 3 prospects. Tibbs is a well-rounded player but no tool really stands out, which is why he isn’t in Tier 2.

Billy Amick, 3B in Minnesota Twins organization (BDC-68, CPA-BA): Amick has plus raw power that should translate to seasons of 20-25 home runs. Although he kept his strikeout rate under 20% during his sophomore season at Clemson and junior season at Tennessee, he had below-average contact and chase rates. The hit tool is really shaky and there’s a solid chance he winds up at first base.

Kash Mayfield, P in San Diego Padres organization (BDC-70, CPA-KM): Mayfield’s fastball took a huge step forward, jumping from the upper-80s to mid-90s in his draft season. His changeup is at least plus, and he also has plus control. He seems like a solid mid-rotation starter.

Dakota Jordan, OF in San Francisco Giants organization (BDC-71, CPA-DJ): Jordan’s power/speed combination is what gives him immense hobby upside. Depending on the outlet, they grade as 60/60 or 70/70. So why Tier 3? The hit tool is a 40 at best and 30 at worst, giving him extreme risk as both a prospect and hobby investment.

Braylon Payne, OF in Milwaukee Brewers organization (BDC-72, CPA-BP): Payne looks like a prototypical top-of-the-order bat with 70-grade speed and above-average defense in centerfield. How much power he develops will determine his hobby future, but right now it looks like more doubles than home runs.

Levi Sterling, P in Pittsburgh Pirates organization (BDC-83, CPA-LS): Sterling is a huge 6-foot-5 righthander with three above-average pitches: a low-90s fastball, low-80s changeup, and mid-70s curveball. He was one of the younger pitchers in the class and still has room to grow, but right now the upside looks like a mid-rotation one.

Ben Hess, P in New York Yankees organization (BDC-87, CPA-BH): The Yankees have their own 6-foot-5 righthanded pitcher in Hess. He deploys a mid-90s fastball and spins a curveball and slider well, but throwing strikes has been an issue. He’s also been limited by injuries. I worry there’s reliever risk here.

Trey Yesavage, P in Toronto Blue Jays organization (BDC-92, CPA-TY): Yesavage is the Blue Jays’ #2 prospect heading into 2025, behind only Chase Burns and Hagen Smith as the top pitchers in the class. Despite this, his ceiling seems to be in the middle of a rotation. The Blue Jays aren’t a great hobby landing spot, but Yesavage could be a decent short-term play that we might see in the big leagues in 2025.

Chase Harlan, 3B in Los Angeles Dodgers organization (BDC-96, CPA-CHA): Harlan’s size and bat speed give him above-average power at the hot corner. He’s also already shown exit velocities at the top of the scale for the draft class. Like many prep players, the hit tool needs development. I kind of see Harlan as a fringy Tier 3/4 guy, but the Dodgers give him a huge boost where I’m comfortable placing him in Tier 3.

Kaelen Culpepper, SS in Minnesota Twins organization (BDC-98, CPA-KC): Culpepper’s game is making contact, getting on base, and playing solid defense. He makes hard contact but it hasn’t resulted in a ton of power, limiting his hobby upside if it doesn’t improve. He’s a shortstop for now but could slide to second or third base. Some scouts see him as more of a utility infielder than an everyday player, so I’m not hunting Culpepper.

Trey Snyder, SS/3B in New York Mets organization (BDC-138, CPA-TSN): Snyder’s ceiling isn’t all that high and he’s really only a hobby asset if he can turn the gap-to-gap doubles into more home runs. He looks like more of a third baseman than a shortstop but he should be a solid defender. There’s an argument that he fits in Tier 4, but I’m comfortable saying he’s a Tier 3 dart throw.

Rodney Green, OF in Oakland Athletics organization (BDC-187, CPA-RG): Green has plus raw power and speed, but a 40-grade hit tool should limit your expectations. He whiffs too much and struck out 30% of the time at Cal. There’s upside if Green can make more contact, but that’s a big if right now. Playing for the Athletics also dings his hobby interest.

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Tier 4: 1st Bowman prospects with little to no current value in the hobby in 2024 Bowman Draft Baseball

Josh Hartle, P in Pittsburgh Pirates organization (BDC-3)

Jaron DeBerry, P in Milwaukee Brewers organization (BDC-6, CPA-JDE)

Ethan Schiefelbein, P in Detroit Tigers organization (BDC-7, CPA-ES)

Cole Messina, C in Colorado Rockies organization (BDC-9, CPA-CME)

Gage Ziehl, P in New York Yankees organization (BDC-10, CPA-GZ)

Nick McLain, OF in Chicago White Sox organization (BDC-14, CPA-NM)

Woody Hadeen, SS in Detroit Tigers organization (BDC-17)

Griff O’Ferrall, SS in Baltimore Orioles organization (BDC-21, CPA-GO)

Blake Wright, 3B in Colorado Rockies organization (BDC-27, CPA-BW)

Ivan Luciano, C inArizona Diamondbacks organization (BDC-29, CPA-IL)

Jacob Cozart, C in Cleveland Guardians organization (BDC-30, CPA-JCO)

Casey Saucke, OF in Chicago White Sox organization (BDC-33, CPA-CSA)

Boston Bateman, P in San Diego Padres organization (BDC-34, CPA-BBA)

Johnny King, P in Toronto Blue Jays organization (BDC-36, CPA-JKI)

Ryan Johnson, P in Los Angeles Angels organization (BDC-41, CPA-RJ)

Dylan Dreiling, OF in Texas Rangers organization (BDC-42, CPA-DD)

Ty Southisene, SS in Chicago Cubs organization (BDC-45, CPA-TS)

John Spikerman, OF in Philadelphia Phillies organization (BDC-49, CPA-JSP)

Connor Foley, P in Arizona Diamondbacks organization (BDC-50, CPA-CF)

Tyson Neighbors, P in San Diego Padres organization (BDC-51, CPA-TN)

Daniel Eagen, P in Arizona Diamondbacks organization (BDC-53, CPA-DE)

Josh Kuroda-Grauer, SS in Oakland Athletics organization (BDC-54, CPA-JK)

Kavares Tears, OF in San Diego Padres organization (BDC-57, CPA-KT)

Khal Stephen, P in Toronto Blue Jays organization (BDC-59, CPA-KS)

Payton Tolle, P in Boston Red Sox organization (BDC-63, CPA-PT)

Gage Miller, 2B/3B in Miami Marlins organization (BDC-64, CPA-GM)

Jonathan Santucci, P in New York Mets organization (BDC-65, CPA-JS)

Casey Cook, OF in Texas Rangers organization (BDC-66, CPA-CCY)

Carter Holton, P in Atlanta Braves organization (BDC-74, CPA-CH)

Drew Beam, P in Kansas City Royals organization (BDC-75, CPA-DB)

Chris Cortez, P in Los Angeles Angels organization (BDC-77, CPA-CCZ)

Ethan Anderson, C/1B in Baltimore Orioles organization (BDC-79)

Michael Massey, P in Detroit Tigers organization (BDC-80, CPA-MMY)

Cole Mathis, 1B/3B in Chicago Cubs organization (BDC-81, CPA-CMS)

Blake Larson, P in Chicago White Sox organization (BDC-85, CPA-BL)

Nathan Flewelling, C in Tampa Bay Rays organization (BDC-88, CPA-NF)

Carson DeMartini, 3B in Philadelphia Phillies organization (BDC-89, CPA-CD)

Aiden May, P in Miami Marlins organization (BDC-91, CPA-AM)

Bryce Meccage, P in Milwaukee Brewers organization (BDC-94, CPA-BME)

Blake Burke, 1B in Milwaukee Brewers organization (BDC-95, CPA-BB)

Bryce Cunningham, P in New York Yankees organization (BDC-97, CPA-BC)

Ryan Sloan, P in Seattle Mariners organization (BDC-99, CPA-RS)

Luke Holman, P in Cincinnati Reds organization (BDC-100, CPA-LH)

Nate Dohm, P in New York Mets organization (BDC-101, CPA-ND)

Chandler Welch, P in Milwaukee Brewers organization (BDC-103)

Kodey Shojinaga, C/2B in Philadelphia Phillies organization (BDC-108, CPA-KSH)

Ariel Armas, C in Chicago Cubs organization (BDC-109, CPA-AA)

Nick Mitchell, OF in Toronto Blue Jays organization (BDC-114, CPA-NMI)

Fenwick Trimble, OF in Miami Marlins organization (BDC-121, CPA-FT)

Brandon Neely, P in Boston Red Sox organization (BDC-122, CPA-BN)

Chase Allsup, P in Baltimore Orioles organization (BDC-123)

Carter Mathison, OF in Philadelphia Phillies organization (BDC-127, CPA-CMA)

Nick Montgomery, C in Atlanta Braves organization (BDC-129, CPA-NMO)

Grant Shepardson, P in Miami Marlins organization (BDC-130)

Charlie Beilenson, P in Seattle Mariners organization (BDC-132)

Brian Holiday, P in St. Louis Cardinals organization (BDC-137, CPA-BHO)

Rafe Schlesinger, P in Cleveland Guardians organization (BDC-143, CPA-RSC)

Hunter Cranton, P in Seattle Mariners organization (BDC-144)

Herick Hernandez, P in Atlanta Braves organization (BDC-145, CPA-HH)

Zach Ehrhard, OF in Boston Red Sox organization (BDC-146)

Clark Candiotti, P in San Diego Padres organization (BDC-151)

Nate Knowles, P in Tampa Bay Rays organization (BDC-153)

Josh Caron, C in Seattle Mariners organization (BDC-155, CPA-JCA)

Ryan Campos, C in St. Louis Cardinals organization (BDC-156, CPA-RCA)

Tytus Cissell, SS in Arizona Diamondbacks organization (BDC-157, CPA-TC)

Sam Antonacci, 3B in Chicago White Sox organization (BDC-158, CPA-SA)

A.J. Causey, P in Kansas City Royals organization (BDC-159)

Aaron Parker, C in Toronto Blue Jays organization (BDC-160, CPA-AP)

Eli Serrano, 1B/OF in New York Mets organization (BDC-163, CPA-ESE)

Jaime Ferrer, OF in Minnesota Twins organization (BDC-167, CPA-JF)

Griffin Herring, P in New York Yankees organization (BDC-173)

Jackson Kent, P in Washington Nationals organization (BDC-174)

Eddie Rynders, 3B in Pittsburgh Pirates organization (BDC-180, CPA-ER)

Ethan Bagwell, P in Atlanta Braves organization (BDC-181)

L.P. Langevin, P in Kansas City Royals organization (BDC-183)

Josiah Romero, P in Oakland Athletics organization (BDC-184)

Jackson Wentworth, P in Toronto Blue Jays organization (BDC-185)

Parker Smith, P in Houston Astros organization (BDC-186, CPA-PSM)

Brooks Auger, P in Los Angeles Dodgers organization (BDC-192)

Tanner Jones, P in Kansas City Royals organization (BDC-195)

Aidan Major, P in Cleveland Guardians organization (BDC-196)

Ryan Harvey, P in New York Yankees organization (BDC-198)

Randal Diaz, SS/3B in Washington Nationals organization (BDC-199, CPA-RD)

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Nicole Cahill

Nicole Cahill

Nicole Cahill is a freelance writer with recent bylines at Pitcher List and Fish On First and also works at a local card shop. She’s a baseball fanatic, mental health advocate, and Zack Greinke’s biggest fan. You can find her on Twitter at @NicoleCahill_ and Bluesky at @NicoleCahill.bsky.social

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