As the MLB Draft transitioned into round 12, many international prospects were still on the board. Three got picked in that round; here is information on all of them.
Sean Heppner – Cleveland Guardians
The Cleveland Guardians have selected pitcher Sean Heppner with the 355th pick of the MLB Draft.
Born in British Columbia, Canada, Heppner played high school baseball for Vancouver College before attending the University of British Columbia.
He started playing for British Columbia in 2022, having a 5.67 ERA in 11 games in his first season. That summer, Heppner played for the Kamloops Northpaws in the West Coast League. Heppner had a 2.64 ERA in 44.1 innings pitched. He also struck out 43 and went 4-0 during that time.
He had a 3.23 ERA in 15 games in 2023, pitching 86.1 innings. He would only increase his walks by one in 40 more innings and struck out 91. In the summer, Heppner also had a 2.70 ERA for the Victoria Harbour Cats of the West Coast League.
In 2024, Heppner had a 4.79 ERA in 14 games at British Columbia. However, he had 107 strikeouts, which continued to be a strength for him going into play for the Thunder Bay Border Cats of the Northwoods League.
In 11 games for Thunder Bay, Heppner had a 1.83 ERA, striking out 29 in 19.2 innings pitched.
Connor Caskenette – Miami Marlins
Near the end of the 12th round, the Miami Marlins picked Connor Caskenette 364th. Caskenette played college baseball for the Purdue Boilermakers but is originally from Duncan, British Columbia.
As a senior he was a semifinalist for the Buster Posey Award and third team all Big Ten as he hit .308 with 71 RBIs and 14 home runs. Caskenette went to Cowichan Secondary School in his hometown before joining the boilermakers for 2023 and 2024. With a sub-two-second pop time, Caskenette looks to bring value to both sides of the plate for the Miami system.
Jack Lines – Tampa Bay Rays
Another Canadian prospect has been selected in the MLB Draft. The Tampa Bay Rays selected Jack Lines, a shortstop from Okotoks, Alberta, in the 12th round with the 366th pick. Lines played high school baseball at the TNXL Academy and is committed to Florida State.
Congratulations to Jack Lines on being selected by the @RaysBaseball in the 12th round of the 2024 #MLBDraft! pic.twitter.com/RdN3KhKejM
— Baseball Canada 🇨🇦⚾️ (@baseballcanada) July 16, 2024
The 18-year-old shortstop is a reliable defender in the infield and showcases quality arm speed. During a Prep Baseball Canada event, Lines flashed his ability in the infield with an 83 mph throwing velocity. He also flew around the bases when he would get on, clocking a 6.70 60-yard dash time. With a top exit velocity of 97.1 mph, Lines showed off his compact swing and some pull-side power.
2024 Jack Lines (@jacklines15) is an all around athlete, standing at 6’2”, advanced tools on both sides of the ball. Jack collects on a grand slam in the @naaconference Conference Championship game! @TNXLAcademy | @PerfectGameUSA #DoubtedAthletes pic.twitter.com/S4U7bCQfpJ
— Doubted Athletes (@DoubtedAthletes) May 21, 2024
Lines was a highly touted prospect out of Canada. He ranked as the highest prospect in Alberta in the 2024 class. He provides the Rays some upside in their infield should he decide to begin his professional career and join their farm system.
Photo Credit: 2024 Baseball Hall of Fame Inductee Adrian Beltre and Major League Baseball commissioner Robert D. Manfred Jr. take the stage at the start of the 2024 MLB Draft at Cowtown Coliseum on July 14, 2024 in Fort Worth, Texas. (Photo by Richard Rodriguez/Getty Images)
