The first night of the 2024 MLB Draft has come and gone, and as expected, we heard some familiar names called who played right here in the Garden State. The biggest question remains whether they will sign with the team that drafted them or choose to play in college first. Let’s take a look at the three names that were drafted Sunday night. 

Nationals’ Treasure

Luke Dickerson flew up MLB Draft Boards during his Senior season, and it was only a matter of when, not if, the Virginia commit would be selected in the early rounds. After watching the first round fly by, Luke’s moment came just five picks into round two. The Washington Nationals selected Dickerson as the 44th overall pick in the draft, making him the 5th high school shortstop taken in the draft.

The Nats selected Wake Forest SS Seaver King earlier in the draft with the 10th overall pick, so taking Dickerson may have surprised some. The Nationals see Dickerson as sliding over to 2nd or 3rd and rapidly making his way up the farm system.

Jersey Boys Brew Crew

A few weeks back, we looked at the state’s top two high school pitching prospects and how their senior years had gone. Chris Levonas and Bryce Meccage were “Jersey’s Finest” on the mound, and the Milwaukee Brewers, recognizing their potential, selected both for the 2nd round on Sunday night.

The Brewers’ strategic decision to take these two in the same round and develop them into Big League arms is praiseworthy. Baseball isn’t like the NBA or NFL, where you’re drafted and go right into the league; it takes time and patience to get the show. For a 17 or 18-year-old, it can be daunting going into an MLB Farm system now that you are being paid to play the game you love.

Milwaukee’s “Jersey Boys” will have the opportunity to grow together and, if all goes well, make their big league debuts together. Milwaukee’s farm system is already loaded with pitching prospects, so they will be able to take plenty of time developing their two young arms.

There are still seven more rounds to go in the 2024 MLB Draft which means more high school players from the Garden State could hear their names called. Be sure to keep up with Big State Sports on our social media accounts for updates!