The 2024 MLB Draft lottery is here, and it means we’re out here rooting for ping-pong balls just like we do in the NBA and in the NHL.
Here’s what you need to know before we dive into the odds: all the non-playoff teams are lottery eligible for the top pick initially, with the worst teams (hello, Oakland A’s). But you won’t see the Washington Nationals on this list because they were selected last year, and because they pay revenue sharing money, they’re not eligible this year. The top six teams will be chosen, and then picks No. 7 to 18 be filled by the rest of the franchises by standings order.
Then, three teams will be docked: The New York Mets, New York Yankees and San Diego Padres. That’s because they spent into the second tier of salaries into the competitive balance tax. Per MLB.com: “they will have their first overall pick dropped 10 spots — unless they get a top six pick in the lottery, in which case their second-highest pick will be dropped 10 spots.”
Let’s dive into the odds for every team: