Guardians Select Power-Hitting Infielder In First MLB.com Mock Draft

MLB.com predicts 1B Nick Kurtz to go to the Cleveland Guardians in the 2024 Draft.
In this story:

Everyone was shocked when the Cleveland Guardians won the 2024 MLB Draft Lottery. The organization only had a two percent chance of taking home the number one pick, yet that's what exactly happened. 

Now, everyone's focus has shifted to who the front office might decide to take with the pick. MLB.com put together their first mock draft for the 2024 class and they have the Guardians addressing one of their biggest needs with their selection.

They predict Cleveland to take 1B Nick Kurtz with the No. 1 overall pick. 

Kurtz will be playing in his third season with Wake Forest in his upcoming collegiate season. MLB.com's rationale for this pick is "Kurtz has the most usable power in this class, which would fill the Guardians' most glaring need."

There's no denying that Kurtz has a ton of pop. He slugged .758 which included 22 home runs, and 10 doubles, while driving in 64 RBI during the 2023 season. 

Yes, there's already depth at first. The Guardians have Josh Naylor there now, just drafted Deyvison De Los Santos in the Rule 5 Draft, and Kyle Manzardo should enter the mix sometime during the 2024 season as well.

However, you don't pass on a prospect of this caliber because of depth. You acquire the talent and make it work later on.

Nick Kurtz plays first base for Wake University.
Nick Kurtz plays first base for Wake University / Photo Credit: Wake Forst University Athletics

Cleveland won't make their selection for another seven months and there isn't a consensus number one overall pick. JJ Wethanholt out of West Virginia is another intriguing prospect who is being projected to go second overall to the Cincinnati Reds.

This prediction likely changes a couple of times before the pick is in. However, Guardians fans should be happy if Kurtz does end up being who goes to Cleveland as MLB.com projects here. 


Published