CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA (CVILLE RIGHT NOW) – In the wake of a disappointing defeat to UNC in the College World Series, UVA Baseball will see 5 of the perennial starters from the 2024 season enter the MLB draft hoping to take the next leap in their careers.  According to the latest from MLB Pipeline, here is how the Hoos’ draft prospects are shaping up going into Draft Day on July 14th. 

Griff O’Ferrell: The 2024 Brooks Wallace award winner is currently ranked #38 in the top 250 draft prospects and is the third highest ranked college shortstop on the board, beyond only Kaeleen Culpepper of Kansas State (#31) and JJ Weatherholt of West Virginia (#4).  He started every game for the Cavaliers at Shortstop since his arrival in 2022 and joined Ryan Zimmerman as the only UVA player with back-to-back 90 hit seasons.   He is predicted to be picked at #34 by the Milwaukee Brewers.   

Ethan Anderson: Anderson provides upside on both offense and defense for any team looking to draft him.  He can play Catcher, First Base, and Designated Hitter depending on the need, and anyone in the market for a power bat at a premium skill position.  He’s currently ranked #78 in the Top 250 prospects and is likely to be picked midway through round 2.   

Harrison Didawick: The Hoos five-tool centerfielder is ranked #125 of the 250 Top Prospects.  He would likely be ranked higher if not for his age and a loaded draft class of outfielders in 2024.  This past season, he notched 70 hits for the Hoos, 23 of them were homeruns.  Expect him to be taken in round 3. 

Casey Saucke: Saucke trails his teammate Didawick by two spots in the Top 250, checking in a #127. The rising senior hit 14 homeruns and 65 RBIs in 2024, and played great defense in rightfield for the Hoos.  He also showed great patience at the plate, drawing 28 walks.  He will likely also be taken in round 3.   

Jay Woolfolk: Woolfolk rounds out the Top 250, just cracking the list at #250.  He was a two-sport athlete entering UVA playing both Football and Baseball.  As such, his athleticism, good pitch mix, and good velocity will likely make him a desirable reliever to most teams.  However, relievers are not often drafted high on the board, so he will likely be taken in round 3 or 4.   

 

You can watch and see if MLB teams take the Hoos off the board beginning July 14th at 6pm on ESPN and MLB Network.