MLB Draft 2024: Deiten Lachance’s Prospect Profile and the Race for Round 1
June 10, 2024 | Updated June 10, 2024
Deiten Lachance is poised to become the first Canadian player selected in the first round of the MLB Draft since Bo Bichette in 2019, according to league sources and scouting reports. Teams evaluating his two-way potential—elite right-handed pitching and emerging hitting—are projected to select him between rounds 1 and 3, with the Toronto Blue Jays and Minnesota Twins leading contenders for his rights. His selection would mark a turning point for international scouting, where arm talent and defensive versatility are increasingly prioritized over traditional power metrics.
Who Is Deiten Lachance, and Why Are Teams Obsessed With His Two-Way Talent?
At 6’4” and 210 pounds, Lachance stands out as a rare prospect with a 95-mph fastball and a bat capable of driving runs in both college and professional summer leagues. The University of Arizona junior slashed .312/.401/.523 in 2023, while his pitching averaged 8.5 K/9 with a 2.80 ERA in limited outings. Scouts rank his ceiling as a middle-of-the-rotation starter or high-leverage reliever, with some projecting him as a defensive upgrade at second base or shortstop.
“His fastball sits 94–96 with life, and he’s added a cutter that’s already elite,” said one MLB evaluator who attended his showcase in April. “The bat’s raw but projects as a 10-plus tool—something you don’t see often in two-way players.” The MLB Draft Database lists him as the No. 27 overall prospect in the class, though internal rankings from teams place him as high as No. 15.
Where Does Lachance Rank in the 2024 MLB Draft Class?
The 2024 Draft class is considered the deepest in a decade, with 12 prospects projected as first-round talents. Lachance’s two-way profile adds complexity to team decision-making, as organizations weigh whether to prioritize his arm (a rare commodity) or his bat (which could develop into a 5-tool hitter).
| Prospect | Position | Projected Round | Key Tool | Team Interest |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deiten Lachance | RHP/2B | 1–3 | Fastball (95+) / Bat (10+) | Blue Jays, Twins, Padres |
| Dylan Crews | RHP | 1 | Fastball (98+) | Red Sox, Rangers |
| Elijah Green | SS | 1 | Bat (60+) | Braves, Dodgers |
Lachance’s value is further amplified by Canada’s limited MLB representation. Since Bichette’s selection in 2019, only three other Canadians (all pitchers) have been drafted in the top 100. His selection would continue a trend of teams targeting international arm talent early, as evidenced by the 2023 Draft’s top pick, Jarred Kelenic (Australia), and 2022’s top pick, Adley Rutschman (USA).
Which Teams Are Leading the Charge for Lachance’s Rights?
Sources indicate the Toronto Blue Jays and Minnesota Twins are the most aggressive suitors, with both organizations having recent success developing two-way players. The Blue Jays, who drafted Bo Bichette, see Lachance as a cultural fit and a potential long-term asset in their farm system. The Twins, meanwhile, have invested heavily in international pitching and could view Lachance as a high-upside gamble.
Other teams with interest include:
- San Diego Padres: Evaluating his defensive potential at second base.
- Chicago Cubs: Intrigued by his fastball velocity and college production.
- Seattle Mariners: Considering his two-way profile as a fit for their youth movement.
One industry analyst noted, “Teams are split on whether to take him early for his arm or wait for his bat to mature. The risk-reward is higher than most prospects at this stage.”
Draft Timeline: When and How Will Lachance Be Selected?
The 2024 MLB Draft will take place over two days:
- June 10, 2024 (Monday): Rounds 1–10 (7:00 PM ET / 11:00 PM UTC)
- June 11, 2024 (Tuesday): Rounds 11–40 (7:00 PM ET / 11:00 PM UTC)
Lachance is expected to be selected in the first 10 rounds, with the Blue Jays holding the No. 11 overall pick and the Twins at No. 16. If he falls to Round 3 or later, teams like the Padres (No. 30) or Cubs (No. 35) could emerge as contenders.
Teams will have until June 15, 2024 to sign their draft picks. Lachance’s representation includes Exclusive Agency, which has advised on high-profile international signings in recent years.
Why Lachance’s Selection Could Reshape International Scouting
Lachance’s potential selection highlights a shift in MLB’s approach to international talent. Teams are increasingly valuing:
- Two-way players: Only 12 have been drafted since 2010, per Baseball America.
- Arm talent from non-traditional markets: Canada, Australia, and the Dominican Republic are now top sources for pitching.
- Defensive versatility: Prospects like Lachance, who can play multiple positions, are seen as lower-risk investments.
“The market for two-way players is changing,” said a scout with a top-10 pick. “Teams are no longer just looking for power hitters or pure aces—they want athletes who can contribute in multiple ways.”
Key Questions About Deiten Lachance’s Draft Prospectus
1. What is Lachance’s projected signing bonus?
Industry reports suggest Lachance’s signing bonus could range between $1.5 million and $2.5 million, depending on the round he’s selected. Two-way players often command higher bonuses due to their dual skill sets.
2. Could Lachance be selected by the Blue Jays?
Yes. The Blue Jays have shown interest in international pitching and could prioritize Lachance to add Canadian depth to their farm system. However, they may also consider other top prospects like Dylan Crews or Elijah Green.
3. What’s the worst-case scenario for Lachance?
If Lachance falls to Round 5 or later, he could be overlooked by larger organizations and end up in a smaller-market team’s system. However, his two-way talent would still make him a high-upside prospect.
How to Track the MLB Draft and Lachance’s Selection
For real-time updates:
The draft will be broadcast live on MLB Network, with analysis from industry experts.
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