The 2024 MLB Draft opened with a flurry of excitement as three University of Georgia baseball standouts heard their names called in the first four rounds.
A Historic Draft Night for the Bulldogs
Daniel Jackson, a Sandy Springs native, was the first Georgia player selected, going 37th overall to the Colorado Rockies. Jackson capped a spectacular collegiate career with a .379 batting average, 32 home runs and 87 RBI, earning the Golden Spikes Award and the Dick Howser Trophy.
Joey Volchko followed in the third round, chosen 77th overall by the Chicago White Sox. The right‑hander served as the team’s pitching ace, finishing the season 11‑2 with 119 strikeouts.
Rylan Lujo was the next Bulldog to come off the board, taken 109th overall by the Los Angeles Angels in the fourth round. Lujo started 52 games in center field and hit .358 for Georgia.
A Record‑Breaking Season
The selections come after a school‑record 53‑win campaign that saw the Bulldogs capture both the SEC regular‑season and tournament titles before finishing third at the College World Series. The achievement marks the program’s continued pipeline to the professional ranks.
Major league teams have until 5 p.m. on July 27 to finalize signing agreements and agree on bonus terms with the drafted players. While financial details have not been disclosed, the draft will continue Sunday with rounds five through twenty, offering more opportunities for Georgia talent.
Georgia has had at least one player drafted every year since 1987, underscoring the program’s sustained excellence. The Bulldogs’ recent success adds to a legacy that keeps fans optimistic about the future of the program.