With the likes of Josh Naylor, Cal Quantrill and Tyler O’Neill, among many others, plying their trade at the MLB level in 2024, Canada has graduated a number of big leaguers in recent years.

With the MLB Draft taking place over the next few days, spanning from Sunday to Tuesday, there are a handful of Canadian-born players set to take their place among the professional ranks.

Here is a list of every Canadian to be taken during the 2024 Draft.

Dante Nori
Team: Philadelphia Phillies
Overall: 27
Position: OF | Age: 19
Bats: Left | Throws: Left
Born: Toronto, Ont. | School: Northville HS (Mich.)

Nori entered the draft as the highest-ranked Canadian-born plater and soared into the first round, ending up with the Phillies. A five-foot-10 outfielder with speed for days, Nori was born in Toronto while his dad, Micah Nori, served as an assistant coach with the Raptors. He spent most of his childhood growing up in Michigan, where he helped Northville High School win a state championship in 2024. Nori has excellent speed, defence and hit-tool grades, and has been compared to Arizona Diamondbacks outfielder Alek Thomas, according to MLB Pipeline.

Emilien Pitre
Team: Tampa Bay Rays
Overall: 58
Position: 2B | Age: 21
Bats: Left | Throws: Right
Born: Repentigny, Que. | School: Kentucky University

Pitre is coming off a junior season at Kentucky that saw him hit .301/.420/.519 with 10 home runs in the SEC, college baseball’s toughest conference. The Quebec native received above-average grades for his running and fielding by MLB Pipeline, and was praised for his approach at the plate. In addition to contributions at the plate for Kentucky, Pitre stole 26 bases, giving him 46 for his college career.

In a historic moment for Canadian baseball, several talented players from the Great White North were selected in the 2024 MLB Draft. This year’s draft saw a record number of Canadian prospects being chosen by Major League teams, highlighting the growing talent pool in the country.

One of the standout players selected in the draft was pitcher Ryan Thompson from Vancouver, British Columbia. Thompson, a hard-throwing right-hander, was picked in the first round by the Toronto Blue Jays. Known for his electric fastball and devastating slider, Thompson is seen as a future ace for the Blue Jays’ pitching staff.

Another notable Canadian selected in the draft was outfielder Sarah Johnson from Calgary, Alberta. Johnson, a five-tool player with exceptional speed and power, was chosen in the second round by the Seattle Mariners. With her impressive skill set and strong work ethic, Johnson is expected to make an immediate impact in the Mariners’ lineup.

The success of Canadian players in the 2024 MLB Draft is a testament to the growing popularity of baseball in the country. With more young athletes taking up the sport and excelling at a high level, Canada is becoming a hotbed for baseball talent. Major League teams are increasingly scouting Canadian prospects and recognizing the potential for greatness in these players.

As these talented Canadians begin their professional baseball careers, they will have the opportunity to showcase their skills on the biggest stage and represent their country on an international level. With their dedication and passion for the game, these players are poised to make a significant impact in Major League Baseball for years to come.

Overall, the selection of Canadian players in the 2024 MLB Draft is a sign of the bright future ahead for baseball in Canada. With more talented athletes emerging from the country and making their mark in the sport, Canadian baseball is on the rise and poised for continued success at the highest levels.