Top 3 SEC players selected in Round 3 of 2024 MLB draft ft. Drew Beam

The 2024 MLB draft is well underway, with Day 2 of the three-day event seeing all 30 MLB teams add more promising college baseball stars to their rosters after an eventful first day on Sunday. Some teams struck some excellent deals, strengthening their rosters with clever picks after an exciting set of events in the first two rounds.

In the 2024 NCAA Baseball season, 11 teams from the SEC made the postseason, setting a new record. In this year's draft, some of those conference's stars shone bright, with teams picking them in the third round. Here's a closer look at the top three SEC players drafted in Round 3.

Top 3 SEC players picked in 3rd round of 2024 MLB draft

#3. Ryan Prager, Texas A&M

After missing out on the 2023 season due to injury, Prager returned to the mound with an impressive 2024 season, helping the Aggies reach the College World Series Finals for the first time in program history. He finished the season an impressive 9-1 while recording 124 strikeouts with an ERA of 2.95 in 97.2 innings pitched.

Ranked No. 61 in the top prospects for this year's draft, Prager was among the top pitching prospects available to all MLB teams. The Los Angeles Angels made use of their third-round pick to bring Prager into the fold, making him the No. 81 overall pick in the 2024 MLB draft.

#2. Cole Messina, South Carolina Gamecocks

Messina produced two impressive seasons at the plate for the Gamecocks. In his sophomore year, the catcher recorded 17 home runs and 65 RBIs with a .307 average. He improved in his junior season this year, recording 21 home runs and 71 RBIs with a .326 average.

Ranked No. 100 in the top prospects for the draft, the Colorado Rockies made him their third pick and the No. 77 overall pick in the draft.

#1. Drew Beam, Tennessee Volunteers

Beam starred on the mound for the Vols in their historic 2024 season. En route to helping them win their maiden College World Series, Beam finished 9-2 while recording 99 strikeouts with an average of 4.22 in 102.1 innings pitched.

Ranked No. 64 in the top prospects for the draft, the Kansas City Royals made him the second pick of the third round and the No. 76 overall pick in the draft.