The MLB draft is unique. With 20 rounds, teams can practically select whoever they want. Eligible draft candidates include high school graduates, junior college players that completed at least one season and four-year college players that either finished their junior season or turned 21 years old.
With the wide array of options, college teams are often left in limbo until the draft is complete. Georgia baseball is no exception, as the Bulldogs have incoming freshmen, transfer portal commits and current players with their eyes on the draft. Georgia also has a number of players out of eligibility as possibilities.
Below is a list of Bulldogs to hear their names called in the 2024 MLB Draft, which spans from Sunday to Tuesday and to sign as an undrafted free agent. It will be updated as necessary.
Round 1, Pick No. 3: Charlie Condon (Colorado Rockies)
Condon made history as Georgia baseball’s highest draft pick when he was selected third overall Sunday night. He will join an organization that features former Bulldog Aaron Schunk.
Condon swept national honors in 2024 and became the first Bulldog to win the Golden Spikes Award. His 62 career home runs and 37 single season one’s each broke the Georgia records, while the latter set the new mark for homers in the BBCOR era of college baseball.
The SEC Player of the Year will likely thrive playing in Coors Field. The ballpark sits about 5,200 feet above sea level, allowing baseballs to travel further than most places. For a slugger like Condon, this should equate to continued offensive success.
Round 6, Pick No. 173: Corey Collins (New York Mets)
Collins was the second Bulldog off the board during the 2024 MLB Draft. The Georgia-native lands in the National League East with one of the Braves’ biggest rivals.
Collins had a breakout senior season with the Bulldogs. He finished with a .354 batting average, 20 home runs and a 1.346 OPS. Collins was the first SEC Player to lead the NCAA in on-base percentage, as he finished with a .574.
Collins primarily played first base for Georgia last season, with 32 starts at the position. The Second Team All-American also has experience behind the plate but projects as a first baseman at the professional level. The Mets have a question mark at the position, with Pete Alonso’s upcoming free agency.
Round 14, Pick No. 427: portal commit J.R. Freethy (Toronto Blue Jays)
Freethy committed to the Bulldogs through the transfer portal after three seasons at Nevada. The California-native was selected by the Blue Jays with pick No. 427 in the 2024 MLB Draft.
Freethy showcased a patient eye at the plate, as he finished with more walks than strikeouts. Last season, the switch hitter led the Wolf Pack with a .414 OBP and 45 runs scored.
Round 15, Pick No. 460: commit Erik Parker (Los Angeles Dodgers)
Parker is an incoming freshman from Suwanee, Georgia. The shortstop committed to the Bulldogs but has yet to sign his papers. Parker entered the MLB Draft as Baseball America’s 134th-ranked prospect. His late selection likely entails he will play for the Bulldogs.
Round 16, Pick No. 474: portal commit Brian Curley (Pittsburgh Pirates)
Curley committed to Georgia through the transfer portal after two seasons at VCU. In 2024, the right-hander compiled a 2.87 ERA in 19 appearances. If Curley opts to play with the Bulldogs, he will be a prominent piece out of their bullpen.
Round 17, Pick No. 511: portal commit JoJo Jackson (New York Yankees)
Jackson committed to Georgia through the transfer portal after three seasons at Georgia State. Last season, he hit .315 with 16 home runs in 51 games. Jackson is a switch hitter and is regarded as a five-tool player. When he committed, Jackson said he would be keeping an eye on the MLB Draft.
The Yankees selected Jackson in the 17th round with pick No. 511. He opted to sign a contract with them, so the Georgia native will not play for the Bulldogs next season.
Round 20, Pick No. 598: Fernando Gonzalez (San Francisco Giants)
Gonzalez was the third and final Bulldog on the 2024 roster to get drafted. Gonzalez stepped up both his offensive and defensive game in his final year at Georgia.
The Panama-native hit a career-best .292 last season with nine home runs. Gonzalez also averaged over an RBI per game, as he finished with 53 in 48 games. Behind the plate, Gonzalez provided a consistent presence for his pitchers. Head coach Wes Johnson allowed him to call pitches throughout the season, which is a rare instance in college baseball.
Gonzalez also showcased a solid glove throughout his time with the Bulldogs. In 2024, he was named to the SEC All-Defense team in a vote of the conference's coaches for the second straight year. In 1,437 chances, he posted a career .994 fielding percentage. Gonzalez now joins a Giants organization led by manager Bob Melvin, who helped develop catchers such as Atlanta’s Sean Murphy.
Undrafted free agent: Chandler Marsh (New York Mets)
Marsh was the first Bulldog to sign as an undrafted free agent. The junior right-hander joins Collins in the Mets organization.
Marsh finished his Georgia career 7-4 with a 5.05 ERA. In 59 appearances, he tallied 111 strikeouts to just 61 walks. Marsh’s most memorable moment came in Georgia’s Regional-clinching win against Georgia Tech, where he induced a bases-loaded groundout to send the game to extra innings. The Bulldogs eventually won 8-6 to advance to their first Super Regional in 16 years.
Undrafted free agent: Christian Mracna (Toronto Blue Jays)
Mracna transferred to Georgia after four seasons split between Belmont Abbey College, Northwest Florida State College and George Mason. The right-hander made 20 appearances with 10 starts for the Bulldogs. Mracna finished with a 5.32 ERA and 73 strikeouts with only 25 walks.
At then-ranked No. 1 Texas A&M, Mracna struck out six in two innings to close out Georgia's one-run victory. He also made two appearances in the Athens Regional, pitching 2.1 scoreless innings.
