In his most recent mock draft, which was released by ESPN, Kiley McDaniel selected Mississippi State switch-handed pitcher Jurrangelo Cijntje—possibly the most fascinating prospect in the whole 2024 class—for the Braves.
The Milwaukee Brewers selected Jurrangelo Cijntje in the 18th round of the 2022 MLB Draft, but he chose to attend Mississippi State instead of playing professionally. This proved to be a smart move because he is currently predicted to go in the first round.
Cijntje was a freshman with the Bulldogs in 2023, and no one was fooled by his exceptional ability to throw from either side of the field. Although he finished with a 3-5 record and an ERA above 8.00, his 2024 campaign, as the star of the Mississippi State staff, was a far greater showcase of his abilities, with a 3.67 ERA over 90.2 innings and almost 11 strikeouts per nine innings.
And now for the good stuff. Jurrangelo Cijntje is substantially stronger from one side than the other, much like many switch hitters. At Mississippi State, he primarily pitched from the right side, reaching a high of approximately 100 mph with his fastball, which he combined with a slider and changeup. Still, he’s no slouch at the left field position, and his low-90s fastball and sweeper might provide a threat to left-handed hitters.
Jurrangelo Cijntje is projected by scouts to be picked in the first few rounds based only on his right arm, but he also has the ability to throw on both sides at the top level. As he progresses through the farm system, there isn’t a more intriguing talent to follow if he is selected by the Braves on July 14.
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