Introducing the 6 Jewish Baseball Stars Drafted in 2024 MLB

This week saw a historic moment in Jewish baseball history as six Jewish players were selected in the 2024 MLB Draft, surpassing the previous year’s record of five. Held during the All-Star break in Arlington, Texas, the draft featured 615 players picked over three days. These six Jewish athletes represent less than 1% of the new MLB class, but their selection is a notable achievement for the Jewish community.

Levi Sterling, 37th overall

Pitcher and shortstop Levi Sterling entered the draft as the No. 58-ranked prospect and was selected 37th overall by the Pittsburgh Pirates. The 17-year-old, who pitched at Notre Dame High School in Sherman Oaks, California, and for the USA Baseball 18U national team, is committed to the University of Texas. It remains to be seen whether he will play for the Longhorns next season or start his professional career with the Pirates. The 6-foot-5 righthander, known for his exceptional command, is expected by many scouts to focus on pitching. If he joins the Pirates, Sterling would train with Team Israel alum Jeremy Bleich, the Pirates’ assistant director of pitching.

Ryan Prager, 81st overall

Southpaw Ryan Prager, who recently led Texas A&M to a second-place finish in the NCAA Division I College Baseball World Series, was selected 81st overall by the Los Angeles Angels. The 6-foot-3 Dallas native posted a 9-1 record with 124 strikeouts and a 2.95 ERA this past season. MLB ranked Prager as the No. 62 draft prospect and praised his fastball as “unhittable.” Prager has emphasized the importance of his Jewish faith and family virtues in his life, telling the Texas Jewish Post, “Baseball doesn’t define who you are.”

Charlie Beilenson, 154th overall

Relief pitcher Charlie Beilenson, who posted a 2.01 ERA with 92 strikeouts and 12 saves in 34 appearances for Duke University, was selected 154th overall by the Seattle Mariners. The 24-year-old Los Angeles native, a member of New Zealand’s national team, is the grandson of Anthony Beilenson, a former U.S. Congressman. Beilenson was named a First Team All-American by the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association and the American Baseball Coaches Association.

Michael Snyder, 304th overall

University of Oklahoma third baseman Michael Snyder was selected in the 10th round by the Miami Marlins. The L.A. native hit .354 with 59 RBIs and 26 doubles this past season. Snyder attended Harvard-Westlake High School, which counts Atlanta Braves star pitcher Max Fried as an alum, and played four seasons at the University of Washington before transferring to Oklahoma.

Josh Blum, 473rd overall

Right-handed relief pitcher Josh Blum, who spent three years at the University of Southern California, was selected by the New York Mets in the 16th round. The 21-year-old from Bellaire, Texas, posted a 1.87 ERA with 10 saves and 45 strikeouts in 27 appearances for USC this past season. For his bar mitzvah project, Blum collected baseball equipment for underprivileged children.

Lyle Miller-Green, 499th overall

Lyle Miller-Green, selected in the 17th round by the Chicago White Sox, has a unique background. Born Oleg Sergevich Kornev in Russia, he was adopted and brought to Virginia, where he was given a new name and a Jewish upbringing. Miller-Green, who attended Jewish day school until third grade, set records at Austin Peay State University in Tennessee with 30 home runs and 94 runs scored in a single season. He hit .393 with 94 RBIs this past season and was named to five different All-America teams.

Whether these players will make it to the major leagues remains to be seen, as baseball often requires years of development in the minor leagues. However, their selection is a significant milestone for Jewish athletes and a source of pride for the Jewish community.

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