FSU baseball: James Tibbs III and Cam Smith first Nole top 15 picks in same MLB Draft

FSU baseball knew they likely had two first-round draft selections in the 2024 MLB Draft. James Tibbs III and Cam Smith hit back-to-back in the batting order for the Noles and went back-to-back in the 2024 MLB Draft. James Tibbs III went No. 13 overall to the San Francisco Giants, and Cam Smith went No. 14 to the Chicago Cubs. It was the first time in FSU history they had two players selected in the top 15 of an MLB Draft. James Tibbs III is the highest-drafted FSU player since Buster Posey in 2008. It's the third time FSU has had multiple first-round selections and the first time it's happened since 1995.

Both players played huge roles in getting FSU back to the Men's College World Series for the first time since 2019 and were instrumental in helping FSU have the biggest turnaround of any team in college baseball from last year. The Noles went from 23 wins in 2023 to 49 wins in 2024 and two wins away from competing for the elusive National Championship. Tibbs III led the Noles in home runs, and Smith led the Noles in batting average and hits. Both players had .488 on-base percentages. They were 1-2 in OPS and total bases. It's cool they went to two teams with great history and will become instant millionaires, with likely signing bonuses surpassing five million dollars. It's extremely difficult to make an MLB team, but both guys are advanced hitters, with an excellent eye at the plate. The key to their success in the minors will be getting used to the everyday grind, along with the upgrade in talent they'll face day in and day out. I like their chances to make the show sooner than later, as long as they stay healthy. Both were fairly durable while with FSU baseball. Congrats fellas and good luck representing the Noles in pro ball!