2024 MLB draft: Favorite Day 1 picks, best available on Day 2 - ESPN

With Day 1 of the 2024 MLB draft now complete, it's time to look at which picks in the first round stood out most.

After months of speculation about the various directions the Cleveland Guardians could go with the No. 1 overall pick, Cleveland settled on Oregon State second baseman Travis Bazzana, setting the stage for a college player-heavy top of the first round.

While the nature of the baseball draft means that some of the picks we aren't quite sure about on Day 1 will become clearer when we see how teams spread their bonus allotment around later in the draft, here are the early picks I liked the most along with the top players still available entering Day 2.

Jac Caglianone, 1B, Kansas City Royals (No. 6)
I've been slow to fully come around on Caglianone, skeptical given his chase rates for the past two springs. But over this past spring, as I dialed in to his unique aspects and outlier abilities, I moved him to No. 4 on my board — and No. 39 on my top 100 prospects once he signs. He was rumored to be in the final mix at every pick from Nos. 1 to 5, with No. 6 to K.C. perceived as the furthest he would drop. The Royals are doing things well at the big league level right now and might've found a franchise player if it all clicks.

J.J. Wetherholt, SS, St. Louis Cardinals (No. 7)
Caglianone was fourth on my board as a virtual coin flip with Wetherholt, who was third. Wetherholt was in play at the Nos. 1, 4 and 5 picks, so the Cardinals are the beneficiaries of his fall to No. 7. He has some things in common with a number of hitters who have moved quickly through the St. Louis system, and I think he will join them.

P.J. Morlando, RF, Miami Marlins (No. 16)
Braylon Payne, CF, Milwaukee Brewers (No. 17)
I'll be interested to