Two international prospects were taken in the final round of the 2024 MLB Draft. Here are some facts and stats on both of them.
Fernando Gonzalez
With pick 598 in the last round of the draft, the San Francisco Giants chose the five-foot-ten catcher out of the University of Georgia, Fernando Gonzalez. Originally from Panama City, Panama, Gonzalez moved to the United States in 2018.
He graduated from North Cobb Christian High School in Kennesaw, Georgia, in 2020. He decided to stay in state to play college baseball for the Georgia Bulldogs and had a successful four years there. He played at least 40 games in every season and only improved at the plate as he progressed.
His best season was this past year, when, as a senior, Gonzalez had an .896 OPS in 48 games for the Bulldogs. Now, the 22-year-old Panamanian gets a chance to keep playing baseball for the Giants.
Eric Hartman
With pick number 611 in the 2024 MLB draft, the Atlanta Braves selected Eric Hartman from the Holy Trinity Baseball Academy in Alberta, Canada. Hartman is the 15th and final Canadian-born player drafted in the 2024 MLB draft.
Hartman is a young man, just turning 18, who will surely be a player the Braves hope to develop in their farm system. Hartman was committed to Washington State University; however, the Braves look to fast-track the six-foot-one-inch outfielder’s development.
Hartman was a highly touted high school prospect and is someone who could be a first or second day talent in upcoming drafts. Because the Braves have such a loaded roster, Hartman will not have expectations to make a Major League impact in the next couple of years. This pick is mutually beneficial for both parties; the Braves get a high-upside prospect, while Hartman receives an opportunity to learn from some of the best outfielders in baseball: Acuña, Ozuna, and Duvall.
