Below are reports on 10 2024 draftee pitchers who had notable professional debuts this summer.
Even more than hitters, it can be tricky to assess pitchers in their debuts with the current mid-July draft day and the fact that so many pitchers aren’t even activated. Those who are activated only throw a handful of innings in outings that are frequently abbreviated and many college arms are coming off of long spring seasons, a ramp down period and another ramp up period to throw in pro ball.
That can create a lot of noise beyond simply a small sample size, but we can look at some pitch quality data to get an idea of what’s worked for these pitchers and why—in some cases pitchers already look notably different than they did in college.
Hagen Smith, LHP, White Sox
Age: 21
Highest Level: High-A
Smith was the most prominent pitcher to debut from the 2024 class, and one of just two first-round arms who got any sort of time in official pro games this summer (along with Cam Caminiti of the Braves). Smith made three abbreviated starts in August and September with High-A Winston Salem. He generally looked as advertised in those outings.
He averaged 95 mph with his fastball, touched 97 and featured a healthy dose of mid-80s sliders. Both pitches had the same pre-draft pitch quality that allowed them to earn 70-grade projections, though it will be interesting to see how, or if, Smith’s pitch mix evolves in a full pro season.
A primary fastball/slider lefthander, there could be some platoon split questions for him if he’s not able to refine a changeup that was infrequently used throughout his college career. Still, Smith’s 1-2 punch is loud and he creates deception thanks to a low release point, a flat approach angle with his fastball and by setting up on the extreme first base side of the rubber.
Hunter Cranton, RHP, Mariners
Age: 23
Highest Level: Low-A
Cranton was a priority senior sign for the Mariners. He was already 23 years old on draft day, but Seattle signed him for $50,000 with the 91st overall pick in the third round in large part due to the quality of his fastball. He pitched in nine games out of the bullpen with Low-A Modesto and struck out 14 batters in 8.1 innings.
Cranton’s fastball has plus velocity and features above-average riding life with an extremely flat approach angle. In his pro debut, he averaged more than 97 mph with the pitch and touched 99 while generating a 20.5% swinging strike rate…