The 2024 MLB draft ended yesterday, with many Arkansas players getting their chance at the pros.
Although the Diamond Hogs‘ season and climatically — a 5-9 record in the last 14 games — Arkansas produced eight draft picks, tying for third for the most players drafted. The first of which was Hagen Smith.
Smith was taken fifth overall by the White Sox after a 2.04 ERA, 161 strikeout season. All three of Arkansas starters were taken. BradyTygert was drafted 357th overall in the 12th round to the Boston Red Sox, while Mason Molina went in the seventh round, pick 215, to the Milwaukee Brewers.
One crucial player who wasn’t selected was Kendall Diggs. He spent most of the season with a shoulder injury, which undoubtedly contributed to his lackluster stats and probably cost him a chance to go pro this year. However, the ceiling is high for Diggs, and he could be a crucial part of Arkansas’s offense next season.
Arkansas draftees
- Hagen Smith, Chicago White Sox — Rd 1, Pk 5
- Peyton Stovall, Cincinnati Reds — Rd 4, Pk 117
- Mason Molina, Milwaukee Brewers — Rd 7, Pk 215
- Jared Sprague-Lott, Oakland Athletics — Rd 9, Pk 256
- Hudson White, Boston Red Sox — Rd 9, Pk 267
- Ben McLaughlin, Arizona Diamondbacks — Rd 9, Pk 284
- Jakek Faherty, Miami Marlins — Rd 11, Pk 334
- Brady Tygart, Boston Red Sox — Rd 12, Pk 357