With the 27th pick in the 2024 MLB Draft, the Philadelphia Phillies selected Dante Nori, a 19-year-old outfielder from Northville High School in Michigan. It's a pick that wasn't mocked on many draft boards but is in tune with recent Phillies' top-round picks. Here's what to know about Nori.
- Grading the Phillies' last 5 first-round draft picks
- Phillies 2024 MLB Draft Guide: How to watch, schedule, order
Instant Takeaways: Phillies pick high school standout OF Dante Nori in first round
- Turning 20 years old in October of this year, Nori is one of the oldest high school prospects in the draft. He was originally committed to Mississippi State University.
- Nori was ranked as the 48th-best prospect on MLB Pipeline's draft board. His all-around game has a similar skillset to that of the Diamondbacks' Alek Thomas but it's believed that Nori's hit tool can develop better at the next level.
- The biggest negative with Nori is the perceived lack of competition in the Michigan baseball scene. He's seen as a high-risk/high-reward type selection. The defense and speed will play but the offense could be boom or bust.
- A talent who can stick in centerfield, the Michigan native has speed that can cover from gap to gap as he can fly with a 65-graded running tool. Although he's smaller in stature at 5-foot-10, Nori still has an above-average arm in the outfield.
- During his senior season, Nori was crowned the Michigan Player of the Year after hitting .477 with a .575 on-base percentage while scoring 52 runs en route to Northville High School's first state championship.
- Dante's grandfather, Fred Nori, originally recruited Kyle Schwarber when he was the assistant baseball coach at Indiana University.
- With the state that the major league club is in at the moment, the Phillies didn't have any immediate needs in the draft. With many players locked up to long-term contracts, the front office felt comfortable selecting a high school prospect with more of a superstar upside. While Nori is an older high schooler, he has plenty of time to develop as the Phillies replenish the system.
The next selection by the Phillies comes in the second round at pick No. 63.