MLB draft-eligible prospects to watch in 2024 CWS

The 2024 College World Series will have a different feel with top draft-eligible players Travis Bazzana, Charlie Condon, Nick Kurtz, Chase Burns, Braden Montgomery, and Hagen Smith not participating. The tournament, which runs June 14-24, is a big opportunity for NCAA players to make a strong impression before the 2024 MLB Draft in July. While the event is missing some star power, here are four prospects to watch in Omaha, Nebraska.

Jac Caglianone, Florida

Projected pick
MLB.com: 5th, White Sox
The Athletic: 5th, White Sox
ESPN: 3rd, Rockies
Baseball America: 4th, Athletics

Caglianone was once again in the Golden Spikes conversation this season after finishing as a 2023 finalist. The "American Shohei Ohtani" is also a finalist for the John Olerud Award given to the NCAA's best two-way player. The 21-year-old is an imposing presence at 6-foot-5 in the batter's box as a left-handed slugger and can touch triple digits with his fastball from the left side. However, his future is likely as a first baseman in the majors.

James Tibbs, Florida State

Projected pick
MLB.com: 13th, Giants
The Athletic: 12th, Red Sox
ESPN: 9th, Pirates
Baseball America: 14th, Cubs

Tibbs will likely go high in the first round thanks to his left-handed power bat. The 21-year-old slugger has become a more disciplined hitter at the plate, recording 54 walks and just 31 strikeouts in 2024 - the best ratio of his collegiate career. The only knock on Tibbs is that he's limited as a defender in the outfield, which means he'll probably play left field or move to first base at the next level.

Cam Smith, Florida State

Projected pick
MLB.com: 14th, Cubs
The Athletic: 17th, Brewers
ESPN: N/R
Baseball America: 16th, Marlins

Smith already looks like a pro with his 6-foot-3, 220-pound frame. His batting average also jumped to over .400 after hitting .258 in his freshman season with the Seminoles. The 21-year-old could be a legit major-league third baseman thanks to a strong arm and improved running.

Vance Honeycutt, North Carolina

Projected pick
MLB.com: 19th, Mets
The Athletic: N/R
ESPN: N/R
Baseball America: 21st, Twins

Honeycutt has all the tools to be a dynamic MLB player. He racked up a combined 63 homers with 76 steals over three years with the Diamond Heels. He also won a second straight Atlantic Coast Conference Defensive Player of the Year Award thanks to his outstanding work in center field. The only knock against the 21-year-old is a high strikeout rate after recording 80 this season over 288 plate appearances.

Honorable mentions: Christian Moore (Tennessee), Ryan Waldschmidt (Kentucky), Billy Amick (Tennessee)