The Major League Baseball’s three-day amateur draft wrapped up on Tuesday, with all 30 teams making their selections in a speedy 3 1/2 hours session. The final day of drafting, comprising rounds 11 through 20, saw some recognizable last names being chosen by teams. The Los Angeles Angels picked outfielder Lucas Ramirez, son of 12-time All-Star Manny Ramirez, in the 17th round. In the 19th round, the Boston Red Sox chose D’Angelo Ortiz, son of Hall of Famer David Ortiz. Toronto Blue Jays selected USC shortstop Bryce Martin-Grudzielanek, son of former All-Star Mark Grudzielanek, in the 20th round.
Kicking off the 11th round, the Oakland Athletics selected Texas Tech right-handed pitcher Kyle Robinson as the first pick. The following 10 rounds unfolded swiftly, with selections occurring approximately every 45 seconds. The day concluded with the Texas Rangers taking junior college catcher Mac Rose in the 20th round. Australian second baseman Travis Bazzana was chosen by the Cleveland Guardians as the No. 1 overall pick on Sunday, while right-handed pitcher Drew Beam, a standout from Tennessee’s College World Series-winning team, was among the top picks on Monday during rounds three to 10.
Historically, late rounds have produced notable players, like Albert Pujols, who hit 703 career home runs after being drafted in the 13th round in 1999. Hall of Famers such as Andre Dawson (11th round), Nolan Ryan (12th round), and Ryne Sandberg (20th round) were also late-round finds. Post-draft, MLB teams will commence contract negotiations with their picks. Players with remaining college eligibility can sign until August 1st at 5 p.m. EDT, while others have until a week before the 2025 draft.
Last year, only one player picked in the first 10 rounds did not reach an agreement: UC Irvine outfielder Caden Kendle, who returned for a senior year. Kendle’s decision paid off as he was chosen in the fifth round by the Twins this year. While most draft picks spend time in the minors, there are exceptions like third baseman Nolan Schanuel, who made his MLB debut just 40 days after being selected 11th overall by the Los Angeles Angels, and Texas outfielder Wyatt Langford, who was on the opening-day roster this season.
