The final day of the 2024 MLB Draft saw the Kansas City Royals continue to add arms to their bullpen, while the St Louis Cardinals turned their focus to the infield by selecting three shortstops.
The Royals drafted seven more pitchers Tuesday, including Kyle DeGroat from Wallkill High School in New York in the 14th round. The right-hander recorded fast balls in the 92 to 94 mile per hour range, while also showing strength in his curveball and change-up. He’s committed to pitch for the Texas Longhorns this spring if he doesn’t opt to sign for the Royals. Pitchers the Royals also selected include Zachary Cawyer (RHP, TCU), Tommy Molsky (RHP, Oklahoma State), Tyler Davis (LHP, Mississippi State), Andrew Morones (RHP, Cal State Fullerton), Dane Burns (LHP, Canada), and Dash Albus (LHP, Abilene Christian). The Royals also drafted third baseman Sam Kulasingam of the Air Force Academy and outfielders Corey Cousin of Slidell, La. and Carter Frederick of Oklahoma.
The Cardinals once again struck a 50/50 balance between pitching and position players. Three of the five position players were shortstops, with Jon Jon Gazdar of Austin Peay selected in the 11th round, Christian Martin of Virginia Tech in the 18th, and Brendan Lawson of the P27 Academy in the 19th round. The Cardinals also selected outfielder Ian Petrutz of Alabama and third baseman Deniel Ortiz of Walters State Community College. The five pitchers drafted by the Redbirds were Nolan Sparks (RHP, Rochester), Mason Burns (RHP, Western Kentucky), Sam Brodersen (RHP, Louisiana Tech), Brandt Thompson (RHP, Missouri State), and Owen Rice (LHP, Milwaukee).
Thompson was one of seven Missourians drafted yesterday. His teammate from Missouri State, right-handed pitcher Eric Loomis, was selected in the 16th round by Texas. Three pitchers from Mizzou were picked up: lefty Ryan Magdic is set to join the Athletics, while righty Carter Rustad was taken by the Orioles and righty Bryce Mayer selected by the Astros. St Louis University saw a pair of Billiken players drafted as well, outfielder Patrick Clohisy by the Braves and right-handed pitcher Evan Gray by the Giants.