Although the 2023 MLB Draft will not conclude until July 13th, clubs are already very much involved in scouting the next crop of talent in the junior (2024) class. The late date of the draft has condensed the summer circuit for many scouting departments, so the seamless transition to next year’s group of prospects becomes even more important. Having followed this group for three years, and after a spring marked by unparalleled coverage from PBR’s boots-on-the-ground scouting staff, a pre-summer update to the 2024 Overall Rankings marks the beginning of the road to the ‘24 MLB Draft. Here are some of the storylines to follow:

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Another day another hit for PJ Morlando @MorlandoPj of @SummervilleBase This time a hard 1B up the middle off a 90 mph arm. #PBRisThere @ShooterHunt pic.twitter.com/rqWxbev8py

— PBR South Carolina (@PBR_SC) April 7, 2023

Positional Strength: OUTFIELD

Four of the top 10 prospects in the class are outfielders (Griffin, Curiel, Franco, Mullinax), and guys like #1 overall, IF/RHP Bryce Rainer and #5 C PJ Morlando have both showcased the ability to seamlessly transition to the outfield if needed. Just outside the top 10, #13 Theo Gillen (Westlake HS, TX) and #14 Garrett Shull (Enid HS, OK) are major talents with supreme athleticism that might ultimately take them to the outfield as well.

The difference maker? The bats. Each of these players possesses a carrying tool at the plate with some leaning more heavily toward power while others toward hit, and still others a combination of the two combined with a premium run tool. Data driven with a plethora of looks on the way across major summer stops including the prestigious National Program Invitational (NPI) at Lakepoint June 8-12 should help to provide better separation amongst the group. It is not easy to hit against elite arms on the circuit, but those who do tend to rise up draft boards the quickest.

‘24 SS JD Dix (WI)
Whitefish Bay HS
6’2” 180@PBRWisconsin pic.twitter.com/XNzsUhYxfZ

— Shooter Hunt (@ShooterHunt) August 12, 2022

Positional Weakness: