An Early Look at Cincinnati Reds Options with No. 2 Overall Pick in 2024 MLB Draft

The Reds have a chance to add a top talent to their organization.

The Cincinnati Reds were gifted a pleasant surprise on Tuesday night and will be picking No. 2 in the 2024 MLB Draft. The world is their oyster when it comes to this draft.

After having a 0.9% chance of landing the No. 1 overall pick, the Reds missed it by one spot. This is typically a good spot to draft any way, but this year's draft is considered top heavy. The surefire prospects are few and far between after the top three.

It’s possible some players may earn their way into the discussion of pick two between now and the draft, but at this moment there are three clear top choices: Wake Forest first baseman Nick Kurtz, West Virginia second baseman JJ Weatherholt, and Oregon State second baseman Travis Bazzana.

Baseball America has Kurtz as the top prospect in this draft. He hits the ball very, very far. He hit .338 as a freshman and .353 as a sophomore. He hit 24 homers as a sophomore and he walked more times (63) than he struck out (50). The 6-6, 230 pound left-handed hitter has long arms and can barrel up the baseball anywhere in the zone. He’s also a really good glove at first and could even move to the corner outfield.

Weatherholt was ridiculous as a sophomore in 2023. He led the nation in hitting as he slashed .449/.517/.782. Yes, that .782 is his slugging percentage, not his overall on-base plus slugging. He also played with Team USA after the season and continued to show off his ability to hit the ball to all fields.

Bazzana is a five-tool guy at second base. He hit .374 with 20 doubles and 11 home runs last year, while also stealing 36 bases. He has a line drive swing that plays to all fields, according to scouting reports, and is an elite athlete. He also has an infectious personality and will grow into a clubhouse leader very quickly.

Based on the quick looks I’ve gotten of each player, I’d take Bazzana if the Guardians don’t pick him No. 1 overall. Any of these three guys will be big time prospects for the Reds and should make it to the majors quickly after their draft year.

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