Travis Bazzana, Charlie Condon, and Jac Caglianone are generating all the buzz heading into the 2024 MLB Draft. Yet there are several sleeper prospects who could eventually become solid major leaguers. Here are 10 NCAA players and high school prep stars to watch July 14-16.
Slade Caldwell, OF, Valley View HS (Arkansas)
Caldwell was named the Gatorade Player of the Year in Arkansas for baseball in back-to-back seasons from 2023-24. The 18-year-old is undersized at 5-foot-9 but makes up for his small frame with his aggressive bat and speed. He also brings a lot of energy.
Tyson Lewis, SS, Millard West HS (Nebraska)
Lewis could become a legit power-speed threat thanks to a compact left-handed swing. The Arkansas commit also has plus speed and an above-average arm, which will likely help him at shortstop as a professional.
Kaelen Culpepper, SS, Kansas State
Culpepper has a shot to make Kansas State history as the first-ever first-round position player produced by the school. The 21-year-old isn't a big power threat yet but has the ability to hit the ball all over the field with a disciplined approach at the plate.
Aidan May, RHP, Oregon State
May's fastball can reach 97 mph, and his sinker is in the 92-94 mph range. He also has a sweeping slider with great spin and movement. However, there are questions if he'll be a starter or reliever as a pro. He's also dealt with several injuries.
Caleb Lomavita, C, California
Lomavita brings a lot of upside with a very aggressive bat that he uses to drive the ball to all parts of the field. He also runs really well for a catcher, and his athleticism helps him behind the plate. The 21-year-old is from the same Hawaiian high school that produced former major leaguers Jordan Yamamoto and Brandon League.
Joey Oakie, RHP, Ankeny Centennial HS (Iowa)
The 18-year-old prep ace can already touch 97 mph with his fastball, and scouts believe he can add to his velocity. Oakie also has great movement on the pitch. His off-speed offerings include a nasty slider with great spin rates and a developing changeup.
Gage Miller, IF, Alabama
Miller's strength and bat speed could allow him to get 20 home runs at the next level. However, the biggest issue with the Crimson Tide alma mater is that he doesn't really have a defined position because of his average arm strength. He could play anywhere from third, second, first, or left field.
Bryce Meccage, RHP, The Pennington School (New Jersey)
Meccage will likely become only the second player ever drafted out of the private school he attends after Don Anderson was taken in 1967. Meccage already has the look of a pro baseball player thanks to his 6-foot-4 frame and a mid-90s fastball with an 84-86 mph slider.
PJ Morlando, OF, Summerville HS (South Carolina)
Morlando is Gatorade's Player of the Year for prep schools in South Carolina. He's got a great resume that includes winning the MVP award at the All-American Game during the All-Star Game last July, and he's had a big role with the 18-and-under national team. However, there are some questions regarding power and athleticism.
Griff O'Ferrall, SS, Virginia
O'Ferrall comes out of a University of Virginia program that's produced major-league talent such as Ryan Zimmerman, Chris Taylor, and Zack Gelof. The former has great instincts and makeup that help him get the most out of a bat that lacks power.
