With the 2024 MLB Draft starting on July 14, it is time to look at potential Philadelphia Phillies first-round draft choices. The Phillies have the 27th pick in the first round. There are a few directions the Phillies could go with their first-round pick. In the last four drafts, the Phillies have selected a high school player for the first round. Last year, the Phillies selected infielder Aidan Miller with their first-round pick at 27th overall. In 2021, with the 13th overall pick, the Phillies selected Andrew Painter. This marks the most recent the Phillies have drafted a pitcher in the first round. Bryson Stott is the most recent college player to be the Phillies first-round draft choice in 2019.
Potential Phillies First Round Draft Choices
Brody Brecht, RHP, Iowa
Brody Brecht is among the many college pitching prospects projected to go in the first round. Brecht had a 10-9 record in three seasons at Iowa with a 3.49 ERA and 281 strikeouts. Brecht made 49 appearances, including 32 starts in three years at Iowa. In 2023, Brecht led all NCAA Division I pitchers in batting average against. Brecht would become the first Iowa player to be drafted in the first round since 1990, when Tim Costo went 8th overall. The last time the Phillies drafted a college pitcher in the first round was in 2014, when they selected Aaron Nola with the 7th pick.
Caleb Lomavita, C, California
Caleb Lomavita is an intriguing pick for the Phillies. It would be a wise move for the Phillies to draft a potential catcher of the future in the first round. Additionally, having as much catching depth as possible is always good. In three seasons at Cal, Lomavita had a .302/.369/.534 line with 38 home runs and 141 RBI. Throughout those 158 games, Lomavita also recorded 36 stolen bases. Lomavita is viewed as one of the top catchers in this draft class. Adding Lomavita would improve the Phillies catching depth tremendously and should be considered if available.
Kash Mayfield, LHP, Elk City High School (Oklahoma)
Kash Mayfield is a choice that would continue recent Phillies draft trends. In two of the last four drafts, the Phillies have selected a high school pitcher for the first round. Mayfield was named Gatorade High School Player of the Year for Oklahoma in 2023 and 2024. During the 2024 season, Mayfield had a 0.16 ERA and recorded 115 strikeouts. In 2024, opposing batters had a .030 average against Mayfield. Mayfield is committed to Oklahoma State, which could complicate the signing process. This would be a high-risk and high-reward pick for the Phillies.
PJ Morlando, RF, Summerville High School (South Carolina)
PJ Morlando is another high school prospect the Phillies may be interested in. Morlando was named the 2024 Gatorade Prep Player of the Year in South Carolina. Some scouts view Morlando as a first baseman and corner outfielder. In three high school seasons on the varsity roster, Morlando had a .440 batting average and hit seven home runs. Morlando also drove in 20 runs. While recording 17 stolen bases. Morlando is committed to South Carolina, which could impact the signing process. Outfield and first base depth is always helpful for a team.
Tommy White, 3B, LSU
Tommy White would be an interesting pick for the Phillies. In 187 college games between NC State and LSU, White had a .355/.419/.705 line with 75 home runs and 249 RBI. White has been given the nickname “Tommy Tanks” due to his power-hitting abilities. In his three college seasons, White hit at least 20 home runs while driving in at least 65 runs. In 2023, White had a 105 RBI season. However, White is not as good defensively. Some scouts anticipate White being moved to first base in the pros as a result. In college, White primarily played third base.
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