In less than a month, on July 14, the Cleveland Guardians will have the honor of making the No. 1 overall selection in the 2024 Major League Baseball draft. This will mark the first time in franchise history that the Guardians have held the top pick. As the draft approaches, the team's scouting director, Ethan Purser, is carefully evaluating the pool of talented players to determine who will be the best fit for the Guardians.

While the Guardians have previously picked second on multiple occasions, most recently in 1992 when they selected right-hander Paul Shuey, this year presents a unique opportunity for the team to secure their highest-selected player in franchise history. The decision of who to select with the top pick in the draft is not an easy one, as there are several highly skilled players to consider.

With an impressive bonus pool of over $18 million, the Guardians have ample resources to negotiate with their top pick. The allotted bonus amount for the No. 1 selection is $10.57 million, although it is unlikely that any player will require such a large sum. Last year, the top two picks, Paul Skenes and Dylan Crews, both signed contracts exceeding $9 million. The Guardians may also leverage their position to gain additional savings that can be utilized in later rounds of the draft.

CBS Sports has identified five players who are likely to be in contention for the No. 1 pick. These prospects have been ranked based on their perceived chances of being selected. Topping the list is Oregon State's Travis Bazzana, a highly skilled lefty hitter who has impressed with his exceptional batting average of .418 and impressive power numbers. Bazzana's performance this season has garnered attention from the Guardians, and many believe he may indeed be their top choice.

Following closely behind is Georgia's Charlie Condon, a versatile player capable of playing third base and center field. Condon's standout season, highlighted by a batting average of .443 and an impressive 35 home runs, has solidified his position as a top prospect. His innate strength and ability to handle fastballs make him an intriguing option for the Guardians.

West Virginia's JJ Wetherholt, despite a hampering hamstring injury that limited his playing time this season, remains a strong contender for the No. 1 pick. Wetherholt's offensive skills, comparable to Bazzana's, and his expected position at second base make him an attractive choice for the Guardians.

Florida's Jac Caglianone, a unique two-way talent known for his powerful swing as a batter, presents an interesting option for the Guardians. However, his pitching ability and command may require further development. While the Guardians have historically favored hitters with good plate discipline, Caglianone's potential may entice them to deviate from their usual approach.

Finally, the Guardians might also consider Wake Forest's Chase Burns, a right-handed pitcher with a strong fastball-slider combination. Despite some organizations' hesitation to select pitchers in the first round due to attrition rates, the Guardians have shown a willingness to prioritize arms in previous drafts. Given Burns' impressive numbers, it is possible the Guardians may include him in their considerations.

Ultimately, the decision for the Guardians' No. 1 pick rests with Ethan Purser and his scouting team. With the draft fast approaching, speculation remains about which player will join the Guardians' organization and make franchise history. Only time will tell who the Guardians will select as their top prospect in the highly anticipated 2024 MLB draft.