Baseball America unveils its 2024 Preseason All-America college teams, as voted on by the scouting departments of major league organizations. The first team features Wake Forest’s Nick Kurtz and Florida’s Jac Caglianone as unanimous selections. Wake Forest leads all schools with three players on the first team and four players overall across the three teams.
Every year, Baseball America surveys major league scouting directors to determine its Preseason All-America teams. The directors are asked to base their selections on performance, talent, and professional potential. The BA Preseason All-America teams have proven to be a reliable indicator of both first round draft prospects and team success in previous years.
Out of the 13 eligible first team members from the 2023 preseason All-America team, 12 went on to be selected in the first round of the draft. Only reliever Andrew Walters was drafted in the second round, breaking the trend.
This year’s teams include seven players who were nominated in previous years. Righthander Chase Burns returns to the first team in 2024 after being named to the first team as an underclassman in 2023. Other repeat nominees include Tommy White, Vance Honeycutt, Braden Montgomery, Nick Kurtz, Brody Brecht, and Carter Holton.
Baseball America received votes from 13 organizations.
First Team
Malcolm Moore, C, Stanford
Moore was an exceptional hitter in high school and had an impressive freshman season, batting .311/.386/.564 with 15 home runs and 20 doubles. Although his defensive skills need improvement, he possesses above-average arm strength and tremendous power potential.
Nick Kurtz, 1B, Wake Forest
Kurtz is a top contender for the first overall pick in the upcoming draft. Standing at 6-foot-5, he possesses the ideal build for a power hitter. Despite his size, his swing is compact, and he excels in both contact hitting and plate discipline. Additionally, he is a skilled defender at first base and may even be capable of playing in the outfield.
JJ Wetherholt, 2B, West Virginia
Wetherholt led the nation in hitting in 2023, boasting a .449/.517/.782 slash line with 16 home runs, 23 doubles, and 35 stolen bases. He showcased his talent further as a member of Team USA during the summer, despite battling a hamstring injury. Wetherholt’s strong hands give him surprising power, and he will have the opportunity to prove himself as a shortstop this season.
Tommy White, 3B, LSU
White has the potential to become one of the greatest sluggers in college baseball history. In his freshman year, he hit 24 home runs for NC State, followed by 27 home runs in his sophomore season with LSU. Pitchers struggle to face him due to his exceptional bat-to-ball skills, power, and aggressive approach. Although his defensive abilities may be questionable, his offensive prowess makes him a likely first-round pick.
Kaelen Culpepper, SS, Kansas State
Culpepper will take over the shortstop position following Nick Goodwin’s departure. He has already proven himself capable of handling the position with his above-average arm strength and outstanding athleticism. In 2023, he showcased his skills with a .325/.423/.576 slash line for Kansas State and performed well as a member of Team USA. He is also known for his smart baserunning.
Charlie Condon, OF, Georgia
Condon was named Baseball America’s freshman of the year in 2023. He had an exceptional season, hitting 26 home runs and finishing with a .386/.484/.800 slash line. While he may have some swing-and-miss concerns, his ability to make solid contact and his average exit velocity of 94 mph give confidence that he will be a impactful hitter. After playing first base last year, he may see time in the outfield this season.
Mike Sirota, OF, Northeastern
Sirota’s well-rounded profile sets him apart from other players. Despite not playing in a power conference, he possesses above-average contact ability, quick hands, excellent swing decisions, and solid power. His defensive skills in center field and his speed further enhance his value. With his potential for 20-20 performance and his impressive track record in the Cape Cod League, any doubts about his abilities at a smaller school should be put to rest.
Vance Honeycutt, OF, North Carolina
Honeycutt stands out for his athleticism and skill set. He is an exceptional runner and makes acrobatic plays in center field with ease. In his freshman year at UNC, he hit 25 home runs and stole 29 bases. While he needs to improve his hit tool, his overall talent makes him a strong candidate for a first-round pick.
Josh Hartle, SP, Wake Forest
Hartle possesses first-round talent and chose to attend Wake Forest instead of entering the draft in 2021. He is a left-handed pitcher with excellent command and pitchability, similar to Nick Lodolo. His strikeout rate significantly improved from 2022 to 2023, and he now averages a 96 mph fastball. Combined with his curveball, changeup, and cutter, Hartle has one of the best repertoires in the nation.
Chase Burns, SP, Wake Forest
Burns returns to the first team as a preseason All-American after making the list last year. He has displayed exceptional arm talent since his high school days and transitioned to a bullpen role in 2023. However, he will aim to regain his status as a starting pitcher this season. With a fastball that averages 96 mph and reaches triple digits, as well as a devastating slider, Burns possesses some of the best stuff in the country.
Hagen Smith, SP, Arkansas
Smith is known for creating challenging at-bats with his electric arsenal and effective command. He has been a starter for Arkansas for two years and experienced a significant increase in velocity from 2022 to 2023. His fastball now sits at 93 mph and has reached 98 mph. Additionally, his mid-80s slider is considered above-average, and he also utilizes a useful changeup. Sharpening his command could further boost his draft stock.
Drew Beam, SP, Tennessee
Beam’s track record as a starter is unmatched in the 2024 college draft class. In his two seasons with Tennessee, he posted a solid 3.20 ERA in 32 starts and 160.1 innings. He possesses a diverse five-pitch mix, with a mid-90s fastball as his primary weapon. His curveball and changeup are also effective in generating swings and misses. Standing at 6-foot-4 and weighing 208 pounds, Beam possesses the physical traits of a starting pitcher.
Tyson Neighbors, RP, Kansas State
Neighbors emerged as one of the top relievers in the country in 2023. He recorded a 1.85 ERA in 48.2 innings, striking out 46.7% of batters faced while maintaining an 8.7% walk rate. His fastball, which reaches 99 mph, features impressive riding life. He complements it with a plus slider in the mid-80s and a high-spin curveball. Neighbors’ performance in the Cape Cod League further solidifies his reputation.
Jac Caglianone, UTL, Florida
Caglianone’s exceptional talent is evident on both offense and defense. Despite the presence of Wyatt Langford, he led the Gators and the nation with 33 home runs. Additionally, he served as a Sunday starter, posting a 4.34 ERA with a heavy-running fastball that averaged 95 mph. To maximize his potential, Caglianone must improve his swing decisions as a hitter and throw more strikes as a pitcher.
Second Team
Third Team
Best Athlete
Best Pure Hitter
Best Power
Fastest Runner
Best Defensive Infielder
Best Defensive Outfielder
Best Infield Arm
Best Outfield Arm
Best Catcher Arm
Best Fastball
Best Fastball Movement
Best Breaking Ball
Best Changeup
Best Command
Best Athlete (Pitcher)
Closest To the Majors