Florida standout Jac Caglianone and LSU third baseman Tommy White are two of the most talented and well-known players in college baseball. Despite their impressive performances, they are not typically considered top candidates for the No. 1 overall draft pick in 2024. Let’s take a closer look at each player to understand why.
Caglianone, a highly regarded prospect from Tampa’s Plant High School, garnered plenty of attention from scouts. However, he underwent Tommy John surgery shortly after graduating, which led him to honor his commitment to the University of Florida. In his freshman year, Caglianone did not pitch but made appearances as a designated hitter. Standing at 6-foot-5 and weighing 250 pounds, he displayed incredible power with seven home runs and a .548 slugging percentage. These impressive numbers made him a popular breakout pick for the following season. He exceeded expectations by becoming the best two-way player in the country, hitting .323/.389/.738 with a record-breaking 33 home runs. On the mound, he went 7-4 with a 4.34 ERA and 87 strikeouts. Caglianone’s outstanding performance earned him first-team All-America honors and a spot on USA Baseball’s Collegiate National Team.
White, like Caglianone, was highly regarded in high school and made it to college. Standing at 6 feet and weighing 236 pounds, he showcased his power at IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida. Despite going undrafted, White had an exceptional freshman year at North Carolina State, hitting .362/.425/.757 with 27 home runs. He set a program record and established an NCAA freshman record. White surprised the college baseball world by entering the transfer portal and eventually committing to LSU. In his sophomore season, he continued to impress with a .374/.432/.725 batting line, 24 home runs, and a Division I-leading 105 RBIs. White’s performance helped lead LSU to a national championship. He proved to be a clutch player, hitting walk-off and game-tying home runs in crucial moments.
Despite their impressive performances, neither Caglianone nor White are currently projected to be the No. 1 overall draft pick. White’s defensive abilities are a concern, as he may need to transition to first base in the professional leagues. Additionally, his tendency to chase pitches outside the strike zone may hinder his profile as a right-right first baseman. Many scouts believe White would be best suited for a pick range between No. 10 and 25 overall.
Caglianone, on the other hand, has a better chance of being drafted first overall due to his potential as a two-way player. While he may not have the same level of college accomplishments as players like Brendan McKay, Caglianone possesses exceptional power both as a hitter and a pitcher. It is important to evaluate him separately in each role. Caglianone has impressive bat speed and raw power but struggles with expanding the strike zone. He also comes with some reliever risk as he lacked pitchability and command in the past. However, he has shown progress in fall ball, refining his skills and improving his delivery. If his improved command and control continue to show in the spring, he will become an even more enticing prospect.
The fact that Caglianone and White are not projected as the top picks is not a knock against their abilities but rather a testament to the talent of other players like West Virginia’s JJ Wetherholt, Oregon State’s Travis Bazzana, and Wake Forest’s Nick Kurtz. Regardless, college baseball fans can enjoy the greatness of Caglianone and White for one more season before they embark on their professional careers.
Caglianone is an imposing presence both at the plate and on the mound. He has a powerful swing tailored to do damage in the air, ranking third in college baseball with a 90th percentile exit velocity of 113.6 mph. His athleticism and arm strength make him effective around the first base bag. On the mound, Caglianone attacks from a three-quarters slot with a blazing fastball that reaches 95-99 mph and has touched 101. His changeup complements his fastball with separation and tumbling life, generating an elite miss rate. He also has a solid mid-80s slider and a low-90s cutter that can be effective against right-handed hitters.
White has a stocky build and impressive wrist and forearm strength. He has a loose swing with quick and whippy hands, allowing him to drive the ball with authority to all fields. He has a hitter’s mindset, stepping into the box ready to hit and showing outstanding barrel control. White’s bat-to-ball skills and power make him a formidable hitter. Defensively, he held his own at third base and displayed an average arm, although his range was limited.
In conclusion, Caglianone and White are exceptional players in college baseball, but they are not currently projected as the top picks in the upcoming draft. Their respective strengths and weaknesses contribute to this evaluation. However, they have one more season to showcase their talents and leave a lasting impact on the college baseball world.
According to the Source baseballamerica.com