On Tuesday during winter meetings, Cleveland Guardians made history when they unexpectedly won a second draft lottery win and secured themselves as the top overall selection in 2024 MLB draft – setting themselves up for an exciting and eventful season ahead.
Historic Triumph. Guardians’ Historic Triumph
On Tuesday, The Guardians made headlines when they stunned everyone by winning the draft lottery with only a 2.2% chance, surpassing eight other teams including Oakland Athletics, Kansas City Royals and Colorado Rockies which all held 18.3% chances. All teams battled it out for optimal percentage.
Draft Day Details
The Cincinnati Reds will hold onto their No. 2 pick on July 14, 2016 in Arlington, Texas for Draft Day details. Colorado, Oakland, Chicago White Sox, Kansas City St Louis Los Angeles Angels Pittsburgh Washington join them.
Cleveland Shows Determination
Cleveland demonstrated their determination by winning their second lottery drawing held at Galleria Cleveland Resort and Convention Center. The drawing featured 3-9-11-13 being chosen out of 1,001 possible combinations; thus making one lucky citizen an instant winner! Washington unfortunately could not compete due to collective bargaining revenue-sharing arrangements so instead chose outfielder Dylan Cruz with their second selection this time around.
Unveil of Drafting Process Revealed
The completion of preparations and the selection of 8-14-10-7 as the lottery winners, designated the Guardians. They revealed the results during a show broadcast live from the ballroom of Winter Meetings venue a couple hours later on MLB network television.
History of Franchise Growth.
After finishing 2023 season with an impressive 76-86 record and qualifying as 22nd among 30 teams in terms of records, the Cincinnati Guardians made history by winning lottery outcomes to secure the first pick for themselves for the very first time in franchise history. Cleveland moved up the draft board significantly; reaching the 9th position overall while Cincinnati claimed the 13th spot based on lottery outcomes.
Potential Top Picks
Players like West Virginia infielder J.J. Weatherholt, Wake Forest first baseman Nick Kurtz and Chess Burns — right-handed pitcher from Wake Forest — Oregon State second baseman Travis Bazana as well as Florida first baseman/left-handed pitcher Jack Caglianone are early frontrunners to be taken with the top selection pick.
Lottery Mechanics
Under the new collective bargaining agreement, introduced last year, the Draft Lottery (or Lotterie de Draft, as it’s commonly known) provides 18 teams that did not reach postseason qualification and did not secure one of six initial picks via Lotterie du Draft with the opportunity to determine who gets pick number six as early draft selections.
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Reverse Selection Process
After postseason play concludes, they select teams from 7th through 18th positions using an alternative win percentage-based selection system to fill those spots.
Select Teams Available Here Including Mets, Yankees and Padres
Due to luxury tax restrictions, the New York Mets, Yankees and San Diego Padres may miss out on any top-10 draft selections this year; projections suggest they might pick 19th for Mets; 25th for Padres; 26th for Yankees
Challenges Await A’s in 2025
After posting one of the worst records in major league history (50-112) and finishing fourth overall in 2025’s revenue sharing formula, Oakland A’s face an uphill struggle when vying for top six selection. They no longer qualify as they already own two direct top-six picks.
Cleveland Guardians victory in 2024 MLB draft lottery stands as proof of their dedication and resilience, promising an exhilarating season ahead.