MLB Draft Grades: Unveiling the Top Picks' Legacy
The MLB draft is a pivotal event, shaping the future of baseball franchises. It's a high-stakes game, where every pick carries weight, and the impact of these selections can be felt for years. So, how have the top picks from 2016 to 2025 fared? Let's dive into the grades and uncover the stories behind each team's performance.
A+ - Seattle Mariners
The Mariners have been on a roll, with every top pick from 2016 to 2023 making it to the majors. Their strategy of targeting collegiate right-handers and high school middle infielders has paid off, with Logan Gilbert, George Kirby, and Emerson Hancock forming a solid rotation. The addition of Cole Young and Colt Emerson from the 21st and 22nd spots further strengthens their infield. The Mariners' success is a testament to their draft strategy and player development.
A - Detroit Tigers
The Tigers have had a solid run, with six top 10 picks. They've managed to develop three-time All-Star outfielder Riley Greene, All-Star starting pitcher Casey Mize, and slugging first baseman Spencer Torkelson. The addition of Max Clark, an All-Star outfielder, further enhances their lineup. The Tigers' success is a result of their ability to identify and nurture top talent.
A - San Diego Padres
The Padres' high-wire act has been fascinating to observe. They've taken big bets on high-ceiling but volatile high schoolers, with nine of 10 top picks in this period spent on preps. While many of these players were traded, MacKenzie Gore, CJ Abrams, and Jackson Merrill have become All-Stars. The Padres' strategy of acquiring young talent and trading for proven players has kept their team competitive.
A- - Milwaukee Brewers
The Brewers have found their sweet spot with college bats, with slugging corner infielder Andrew Fischer and Brice Turang, an All-Star second baseman, leading the way. They've managed to keep mid-market success up despite drafting later and later. The Brewers' ability to identify and develop talent has kept them competitive in the NL Central.
B+ - Chicago Cubs
The Cubs have a type: nine of their 10 draftees were collegians. Their consistent success means the highest pick this past decade was No. 17 in 2017, spent on Clarke Schmidt. The Cubs' ability to scout and develop talent has kept them competitive, with Nico Hoerner producing a whopping 23.1 WAR.
B+ - Philadelphia Phillies
The Phillies have snagged a pair of infield stalwarts in the first round, with Bryson Stott and Alec Bohm accounting for the bulk of the big league damage. The more pressing question is how high the ceilings are for center fielder Justin Crawford and right-hander Andrew Painter. The Phillies' ability to identify and develop talent has kept them competitive.
B - Chicago White Sox
The White Sox have had a perfect decade, with eight top picks making it to the majors. Garrett Crochet, Colson Montgomery, and Jacob Gonzalez have all contributed to their success. However, they blew a No. 4 pick on infielder Nick Madrigal and No. 3 overall on first baseman Andrew Vaughn, who eventually figured it out in Milwaukee.
B - Baltimore Orioles
The Orioles have had a mix of success and failure, with Adley Rutschman, Heston Kjerstad, Colton Cowser, and Jackson Holliday constituting an appropriate haul for their good fortune. The old regime rolled the dice on prep pitchers DL Hall and Grayson Rodriguez, while the Mike Elias contingent's legacy may hinge on whether collegiate bats Enrique Bradfield, Vance Honeycutt, and Ike Irish return any value.
B- - Kansas City Royals
The Royals have produced more WAR with their top picks the past decade than anybody, with Bobby Witt Jr. leading the way. However, they've had four top 10 picks that have not made the major leagues. The Royals' ability to identify and develop talent has kept them competitive, but they've had their fair share of misses.
C+ - Atlanta Braves
The Braves have drafted late and played it safe over the years, selecting almost entirely uninspiring collegians. However, rolling the dice on prep guys was wise, with Nolan Gorman and Jordan Walker becoming their only bright spots. The Braves' ability to identify and develop talent has kept them competitive.
C - Cleveland Guardians
The Guardians have had a penchant for being Consistently Pretty Good, with Travis Bazzana becoming an All-Star just weeks after debuting. However, their highest pick was 14, and they've had to pick 23rd or higher six of the past 10 years. The Guardians' ability to identify and develop talent has kept them competitive.
C - Cincinnati Reds
The Reds have had seven top 10 picks the past decade, and produced just two All-Star selections. Another No. 2 pick, Nick Senzel, produced minus-3.1 WAR, the biggest negative among all top picks the past decade. The Reds' ability to identify and develop talent has been a work in progress.
C - San Francisco Giants
The Giants have had a mix of success and failure, with two-thirds of the production coming from their top pick in 2016, Bryan Reynolds. However, they've struggled to develop high schoolers, with only Heliot Ramos and Bryce Eldridge becoming everyday players. The Giants' ability to identify and develop talent has been a challenge.
C - Pittsburgh Pirates
The Pirates have had six consecutive top nine picks, with Paul Skenes, Konnor Griffin, and Seth Hernandez showing promise. However, they've struggled to hold onto top picks, with Shane Baz and Quinn Priester leaving early. The Pirates' ability to identify and develop talent has been a work in progress.
C- - Boston Red Sox
The Red Sox have had a mix of success and failure, with Tanner Houck and Triston Casas producing more than 1 win above replacement. However, they've struggled to develop prep lefty Jay Groome, who failed to catch on after being picked 12th overall in 2016. The Red Sox's ability to identify and develop talent has been a challenge.
D+ - Toronto Blue Jays
The Blue Jays have had a tough decade, with Alek Manoah and Trey Yesavage being their only bright spots. They've struggled to develop top picks, with Logan Warmoth and Jordan Groshans leaving early. The Blue Jays' ability to identify and develop talent has been a challenge.
D - Tampa Bay Rays
The Rays have struggled to develop top picks, with only outfielder Josh Lowe producing positive WAR. They've gone the high school route seven of 10 times, and have had to pick between 16 and 29 the next seven years. The Rays' ability to identify and develop talent has been a challenge.
D - Miami Marlins
The Marlins have had a mix of success and failure, with Trevor Rogers and JJ Bleday largely popping elsewhere. They've struggled to develop high schoolers, with six times in nine years not returning many dividends. The Marlins' ability to identify and develop talent has been a challenge.
F+ - Houston Astros
The Astros have had a tough decade, with a grim sign-stealing scheme and four players producing negative WAR in their big league careers. They've struggled to develop top picks, with Forrest Whitley and JB Bukauskas failing to live up to expectations. The Astros' ability to identify and develop talent has been a challenge.
F - Washington Nationals
The Nationals have had a mix of success and failure, with Cade Cavalli being their only bright spot. They've struggled to develop top picks, with Elijah Green struggling at high Class A. The Nationals' ability to identify and develop talent has been a challenge.
F- - Colorado Rockies
The Rockies have had a tough decade, with Ryan Vilade, Michael Toglia, Zac Veen, and Benny Montgomery all going belly up. They've struggled to develop top picks, with Riley Pint quitting baseball and returning to say, 'I'm good' after five big league games. The Rockies' ability to identify and develop talent has been a challenge.
In conclusion, the MLB draft is a high-stakes game, and the impact of these selections can be felt for years. While some teams have had success, others have struggled to develop top talent. The future of these franchises hangs in the balance, and the draft remains a pivotal event in shaping the future of baseball.
