The 2024 MLB Draft is complete, and the Giants have already turned heads with their impressive crop of prospects.
San Francisco kicked off the three-day event with Florida State’s outside linebacker James Tibbs III being selected with the No. 13 pick in the first round on Sunday.
The Giants rounded out their selections by selecting six right-handed pitchers, four outfielders, three left-handed pitchers, two shortstops, a third baseman, a first baseman and a catcher. But some picks stood out from the rest.
ESPN Network Kelly McDaniel in his latest columnHighlights some of his favorite picks by the Giants.
Best value: Dakota Jordan, midfielder, #116 overall
Where is the best player selected on the team roster ranked: 5th (James Tibbs)
Sleeping to watch: Robert Hipwell (No. 178), 3b
“Hipwell had a great second season in Santa Clara, but he missed the first half of 2024 due to suspension,” McDaniel wrote. “He’ll fit in at one of the four corners defensively, with above-average endurance and strength on the left side that means he has a chance to be a starter.”
One big idea: “Tibbs was a safe first-round pick, and then the Giants took a bigger risk with Jordan with their next pick,” McDaniel added. “I don’t know exactly how much he naturally dropped, but Jordan scared some teams with his lack of skill while impressing others with his 80-grade speed and power. After selecting Bryce Eldridge and Walker Martin with the top two picks last year, this year’s crop follows a similar risk profile with hard hitters who bring some defensive value, but not much.”
Some believe Jordan, who at one point was a potential Day 1 pick, is a potential steal in the fourth round.
If he and Thibbs can succeed, the New York Giants — who have struggled to develop homegrown midfielders in recent years — could have plenty of exciting, youthful depth in the midfield in the near future.
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