Higher than most thought.
Tennessee’s second draft pick of the night wasn’t who we were expecting — it was Blake Burke. The slugging first baseman came off the board 34th overall to the Milwaukee Brewers, despite being projected in the 50s by most analysts. MLB.com had him as the 65th best prospect on the board.
Burke improved his batting average from .280 in 2023 to .379 this year. He hit 20 home runs and drove in 61 runs. Burke also stole 11 bases and drew 35 walks. The 6-3, 235 pound first baseman is originally from Oakland, California.
Burke ended his Tennessee career second in program history with 50 home runs, trailing his teammate Christian Moore. He began his time with Tennessee as a designated hitter, drilling 14 home runs in just 95 at bats as a true freshman. Burke eventually grew into his first base role defensively, making huge strides in that department throughout his career.
Tony Vitello was on set live for the selection.
Blake to the Brew Crew!#GBO // #MLBDraft pic.twitter.com/20hmG4j0D7
— Tennessee Baseball (@Vol_Baseball) July 15, 2024
“Got a lot better defensively at first base through a lot of hard work. And I’ll tell you what. He plays like a little leaguer,” Tony Vitello told the MLB Network set. “He loves to play the game – which is required at the big league level with how many repetitions are required.”
The 34th pick in the 2024 MLB Draft has an assigned slot value of $2,698,300.
2024 Tennessee MLB Draft Picks
1st round, No. 8 overall: Christian Moore to the Los Angeles Angels
1st round, No. 34 overall: Blake Burke to the Milwaukee Brewers
2nd round, No. 60 overall: Billy Amick to the Minnesota Twins
2nd round, No. 65 overall: Dylan Dreiling to the Texas Rangers