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MINNEAPOLIS, MN - MAY 11: Fernando Tatis Jr. #23 of the San Diego Padres bats against the Minnesota Twins on May 11, 2023 at Target Field in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Brace Hemmelgarn/Minnesota Twins/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - MAY 11: Fernando Tatis Jr. #23 of the San Diego Padres bats against the Minnesota Twins on May 11, 2023 at Target Field in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Brace Hemmelgarn/Minnesota Twins/Getty Images)Brace Hemmelgarn/Minnesota Twins/Getty Images

Re-Drafting Vlad Jr., Tatis Jr. and 2015 MLB Draft Including International Prospects

Joel ReuterMay 21, 2023

What if Major League Baseball were like the National Basketball Association and international players were part of the annual draft process rather than the current free-for-all system where players go to the highest bidder within the confines of a club's predetermined bonus pool?

That's the hypothetical scenario we set out to explore with our new redraft series.

This time around we turn our attention to 2015, which had an absolutely stacked international class headlined by Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Juan Soto and Fernando Tatis Jr. and several other All-Star talents.

They join a draft pool originally headlined by Dansby Swanson (ARI), Alex Bregman (HOU), Brendan Rodgers (COL), Dillon Tate (TEX) and Kyle Tucker (HOU) as the top five picks.


You can catch up on our redraft series here: 2016, 2017

1. Arizona Diamondbacks: 1B Vladimir Guerrero Jr.

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TORONTO, ON - MAY 16:  Vladimir Guerrero Jr. #27 of the Toronto Blue Jays celebrates an RBI single in the fifth inning against the New York Yankees at Rogers Centre on May 16, 2023 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.  (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON - MAY 16: Vladimir Guerrero Jr. #27 of the Toronto Blue Jays celebrates an RBI single in the fifth inning against the New York Yankees at Rogers Centre on May 16, 2023 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images)

Actual Pick: SS Dansby Swanson

Guerrero's Actual Draft Position: International signing (TOR, $3.9 million bonus)

There might not be a better hypothetical redraft that includes international players to be sitting in the No. 1 overall slot than this one. The D-backs would have their pick of Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Juan Soto and Fernando Tatis Jr. at the top of this class, and there's really no wrong answer.

However, the opportunity to replace franchise icon Paul Goldschmidt at first base with Vlad Jr. would have helped the organization avoid a step backward.

The D-backs traded Goldschmidt to the St. Louis Cardinals prior to the 2019 season, and that's the same year that Guerrero made his MLB debut with the Toronto Blue Jays, so things would have lined up perfectly for continuity at the position.

Then again, maybe Guerrero would have been the one who was included in the ill-advised deal that sent Dansby Swanson to the Atlanta Braves less than a year after he was drafted in exchange for Shelby Miller.

2. Houston Astros: 3B Alex Bregman

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SEATTLE, WA - MAY 07: Alex Bregman #2 of the Houston Astros takes a swing during an at-bat in a game at T-Mobile Park on May 7, 2023 in Seattle, Washington. The Mariners won 3-1. (Photo by Stephen Brashear/Getty Images)
SEATTLE, WA - MAY 07: Alex Bregman #2 of the Houston Astros takes a swing during an at-bat in a game at T-Mobile Park on May 7, 2023 in Seattle, Washington. The Mariners won 3-1. (Photo by Stephen Brashear/Getty Images)

Actual Pick: SS Alex Bregman

Bregman's Actual Draft Position: No. 2 overall (Houston Astros)

Fernando Tatis Jr. and Juan Soto might have more upside going forward, but Alex Bregman's arrival in the big leagues lined up perfectly with the Houston Astros rise from rebuilding to title contention.

The LSU product made his MLB debut in 2016, and he took over as the team's everyday third baseman the following year, just in time to help lead the franchise to its ever World Series title.

Thanks in part to debuting a year earlier than Soto and two years before Tatis, Bregman has racked up 31.4 WAR, which comfortably bests the totals compiled by both Soto (24.4) and Tatis (14.9) to this point in their careers.

The Astros held the No. 2 overall pick as compensation for failing to sign prep left-hander Brady Aiken at No. 1 overall the previous year.

3. Colorado Rockies: OF Juan Soto

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LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MAY 14: Juan Soto #22 of the San Diego Padres at bat in front of Austin Barnes #15 of the Los Angeles Dodgers during a 4-0 Dodgers win at Dodger Stadium on May 14, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MAY 14: Juan Soto #22 of the San Diego Padres at bat in front of Austin Barnes #15 of the Los Angeles Dodgers during a 4-0 Dodgers win at Dodger Stadium on May 14, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

Actual Pick: SS Brendan Rodgers

Soto's Actual Draft Position: International signing (WAS, $1.5 million bonus)

The Colorado Rockies went from 91 wins and a Wild Card Game victory over the Chicago Cubs in 2018, to a 91-loss team the following year, and the organization has been a non-factor ever since.

Perhaps the arrival of Juan Soto in 2019 would have helped jump start things.

The precocious outfielder debuted at the age of 19 that year, hitting .292/.406/.517 with 22 home runs and 70 RBI in 116 games while helping the Washington Nationals rebound from a slow start to win a World Series title.

Could his debut have had a similar impact on the Rockies organization?

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4. Texas Rangers: SS/OF Fernando Tatis Jr.

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LOS ANGELES, CA - MAY 13: San Diego Padres right fielder Fernando Tatis Jr. (23) at bat during the MLB game between the San Diego Padres and the Los Angeles Dodgers on May 13, 2023 at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, CA. (Photo by Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - MAY 13: San Diego Padres right fielder Fernando Tatis Jr. (23) at bat during the MLB game between the San Diego Padres and the Los Angeles Dodgers on May 13, 2023 at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, CA. (Photo by Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Actual Pick: RHP Dillon Tate

Tatis' Actual Draft Position: International signing (CWS, $700,000)

The Texas Rangers have had a tough time finding stability in center field since Josh Hamilton departed in free agency, so perhaps Fernando Tatis Jr. would have made the shift to the outfield even earlier in their organization and been the answer at that spot.

That might have helped keep him healthy in 2021 when he launched an NL-leading 42 home runs, but played in only 130 games while dealing with a nagging back issue. Could that have been a 50-homer campaign for the then-22-year-old if he were in Texas?

Of course, the PED suspension and his relatively slow start to the 2023 campaign while he shakes off the rust has to be talked about, and there's also the question of whether the Rangers spend so freely on Marcus Semien and Corey Seager had they already signed Tatis to a long-term extension.

Still, his upside and impact potential makes it impossible to justify dropping him any lower than No. 4 in this hypothetical.

5. Houston Astros: LHP Framber Valdez

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ATLANTA, GA - APRIL 22: Framber Valdez #59 of the Houston Astros pitches during the fourth inning against the Atlanta Braves at Truist Park on April 22, 2023 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA - APRIL 22: Framber Valdez #59 of the Houston Astros pitches during the fourth inning against the Atlanta Braves at Truist Park on April 22, 2023 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)

Actual Pick: OF Kyle Tucker

Valdez's Actual Draft Position: International signing (HOU, $10,000)

The Houston Astros had a wildly successful year of adding talent to the organization in 2015, drafting Alex Bregman (No. 2 overall), Kyle Tucker (No. 5 overall), Patrick Sandoval (11th round) and Myles Straw (12th round) while also signing pitchers Framber Valdez, Cristian Javier, Jose Urquidy and Enoli Paredes on the international market.

We already have them re-upping their selection of Bregman with the No. 2 pick, and now they face a tough choice between doubling down on the Tucker selection or prioritizing pitching and taking Valdez.

As good as Tucker already is with a terrific mix of power, speed and defense, there's a strong case to be made that Valdez is the more important player to the team's success as a standout postseason performer and the new ace of the staff following the departure of Justin Verlander in free agency.

While most teams walk away with a better situation in this hypothetical redraft than they had in real life, the Astros are a rare example of a team that would get worse through this exercise.

6. Minnesota Twins: OF Kyle Tucker

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HOUSTON, TEXAS - MAY 16: Kyle Tucker #30 of the Houston Astros reacts to hitting an RBI double during the fourth inning against the Chicago Cubs at Minute Maid Park on May 16, 2023 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TEXAS - MAY 16: Kyle Tucker #30 of the Houston Astros reacts to hitting an RBI double during the fourth inning against the Chicago Cubs at Minute Maid Park on May 16, 2023 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)

Actual Pick: LHP Tyler Jay

Tucker's Actual Draft Position: No. 5 overall (Houston Astros)

The Minnesota Twins walked away with one of the biggest busts of the 2015 draft class as they selected University of Illinois closer Tyler Jay and failed to successfully transition him into a starting role. He topped out at the Double-A level and is currently pitching for the Joliet Slammers in indy ball.

This redraft gives them an All-Star corner outfielder in Kyle Tucker, who originally went one pick higher as one of the top prep players in the class.

In fact, his sweet left-handed swing is so smooth he served as a stand-in for Ted Williams in the 2018 documentary "American Masters" Ted Williams: The Greatest Hitter Who Ever Lived while he was still in the minors.

The 26-year-old had a 126 OPS+ with 30 home runs, 25 steals and 5.3 WAR while also winning his first Gold Glove last season, and he would bring some welcome stability to the Twins' outfield.

7. Boston Red Sox: IF/OF Jazz Chisholm Jr.

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MIAMI, FLORIDA - APRIL 29: Jazz Chisholm Jr. #2 of the Miami Marlins at bat against the Chicago Cubs during the first inning at loanDepot park on April 29, 2023 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images)
MIAMI, FLORIDA - APRIL 29: Jazz Chisholm Jr. #2 of the Miami Marlins at bat against the Chicago Cubs during the first inning at loanDepot park on April 29, 2023 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images)

Actual Pick: OF Andrew Benintendi

Chisholm's Actual Draft Position: International signing (ARI, $200,000 bonus)

How high does the upside that Jazz Chisholm Jr. provides move him up the board in a redraft that is loaded with established MLB contributors?

Players like Dansby Swanson, Austin Riley and Walker Buehler are still on the board here, and while all three have accomplished more than him in the majors, there's a strong case to be made that Chisholm still has the highest ceiling of the group.

With Rafael Devers entrenched at third base, Riley is a less appealing target for the Red Sox than he might otherwise be, and Chisholm would help address what has become a major question mark at the middle infield spots following the departure of Xander Bogaerts in free agency.

Chisholm, 25, has dealt with injuries the past two seasons and is still trying to establish himself as a star. That said, he has 162-game averages of 22 doubles, 27 home runs, 80 RBI, 88 runs scored, 34 steals and 3.3 WAR in his young career.

8. Chicago White Sox: RHP Walker Buehler

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SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - JUNE 10: Walker Buehler #21 of the Los Angeles Dodgers pitches against the San Francisco Giants at Oracle Park on June 10, 2022 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - JUNE 10: Walker Buehler #21 of the Los Angeles Dodgers pitches against the San Francisco Giants at Oracle Park on June 10, 2022 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)

Actual Pick: RHP Carson Fulmer

Buehler's Actual Draft Position: No. 24 overall (Los Angeles Dodgers)

Right-hander Walker Buehler would have been a candidate to go as high as No. 5 overall in this redraft prior to undergoing the second Tommy John surgery of his young career last August.

Viewed by many as the best college pitcher in the 2015 class going into his junior year at Vanderbilt, he ended up sliding to No. 24 overall in the draft when it was revealed that he would need Tommy John surgery before starting his pro career.

Despite that early setback, he still made his MLB debut in 2017 and quickly developed into one of the game's top young starters, peaking in 2021 when he went 16-4 with a 2.47 ERA, 0.97 WHIP and 212 strikeouts in 207.2 innings to finish fourth in NL Cy Young voting.

Considering how little the Chicago White Sox got out of his Vanderbilt teammate Carson Fulmer as the actual selection at No. 8 overall, he would be a game-changing addition to their starting rotation.

9. Chicago Cubs: 3B Austin Riley

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ATLANTA, GA - MAY 09: Austin Riley #27 of the Atlanta Braves readies himself during the sixth inning against the Boston Red Sox at Truist Park on May 9, 2023 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA - MAY 09: Austin Riley #27 of the Atlanta Braves readies himself during the sixth inning against the Boston Red Sox at Truist Park on May 9, 2023 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)

Actual Pick: OF Ian Happ

Riley's Actual Draft Position: No. 41 overall (Atlanta Braves)

A rising star like Austin Riley would have made it much easier for the Chicago Cubs to turn the page on Kris Bryant and others from the 2016 World Series core, and perhaps they would have even pulled the trigger on moving Bryant earlier when his trade value was still significantly higher.

Riley was one of the top two-way players in the 2015 draft class, and many scouts actually liked him better as a pitcher going into his senior year of high school, but he hit well enough that spring to play his way into the back of the first round as a third baseman.

After enduring some growing pains in 2019 and 2020, he was a breakout star during the 2021 season with a 33-homer, 107-RBI campaign, and he backed that performance up with similar numbers and his first All-Star selection last year.

The Atlanta Braves locked him up with a 10-year, $212 million extension last season, and he would similarly serve as a cornerstone piece for the North Siders.

10. Philadelphia Phillies: SS Dansby Swanson

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MINNEAPOLIS, MN - MAY 13: Dansby Swanson #7 of the Chicago Cubs takes an at-bat against the Minnesota Twins in the third inning at Target Field on May 13, 2023 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Twins defeated the Cubs 11-1. (Photo by David Berding/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - MAY 13: Dansby Swanson #7 of the Chicago Cubs takes an at-bat against the Minnesota Twins in the third inning at Target Field on May 13, 2023 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Twins defeated the Cubs 11-1. (Photo by David Berding/Getty Images)

Actual Pick: OF Cornelius Randolph

Swanson's Actual Draft Position: No. 1 overall (Arizona Diamondbacks)

Dansby Swanson hit .335/.423/.623 with 15 home runs, 64 RBI and 16 steals in 71 games during his junior year at Vanderbilt while also showing rave reviews for his makeup and baseball IQ, and the Arizona Diamondbacks made him the No. 1 overall pick in the 2015 draft.

He has since developed into a rock solid everyday shortstop in the big leagues, though the D-backs did not reap any of the rewards of his production after he was dealt to the Atlanta Braves during the 2015-16 offseason in an ill-advised deal for Shelby Miller.

After a career year in 2022, Swanson signed a seven-year, $177 million deal with the Chicago Cubs during the offseason, and at the same time the Philadelphia Phillies inked Trea Turner to a 11-year, $300 million contract to be their new shortstop.

In the alternate universe we're creating here, it's worth wondering if he might have been the recipient of an early extension in Philadelphia, similar to the ones they handed out to Aaron Nola and Scott Kingery. In that case, maybe Turner never ends up in Philadelphia at all.

11. Cincinnati Reds: RHP Cristian Javier

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ANAHEIM, CA - MAY 10: Houston Astros pitcher Cristian Javier (53) throws a pitch during the MLB game between the Houston Astros and the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim on May 10, 2023 at Angel Stadium of Anaheim in Anaheim, CA. (Photo by Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
ANAHEIM, CA - MAY 10: Houston Astros pitcher Cristian Javier (53) throws a pitch during the MLB game between the Houston Astros and the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim on May 10, 2023 at Angel Stadium of Anaheim in Anaheim, CA. (Photo by Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Actual Pick: C Tyler Stephenson

Javier's Actual Draft Position: International signing (HOU, $10,000)

The Cincinnati Reds have quietly been one of the best teams in baseball at developing pitching talent in recent years, making this a great place for the uber-talented Cristian Javier to land.

Javier turned heads every step of the way in the minors, posting a 2.22 ERA and 1.03 WHIP while piling up 512 strikeouts in 377 innings before making his MLB debut during the 2020 season.

The 26-year-old has a 3.08 ERA, 1.03 WHIP and 437 strikeouts in 357 innings in the big leagues, and he was part of a combined no-hitter in the World Series last year. He would slot in as the de-facto ace of the Cincinnati staff right now ahead of the up-and-coming trio of Hunter Greene, Graham Ashcraft and Nick Lodolo.

12. Miami Marlins: 2B Brandon Lowe

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TORONTO, ON - APRIL 15:  Brandon Lowe #8 of the Tampa Bay Rays bats during a game against the Toronto Blue Jays at Rogers Centre on April 15, 2023 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. All players are wearing the number 42 in honor of Jackie Robinson Day.  (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON - APRIL 15: Brandon Lowe #8 of the Tampa Bay Rays bats during a game against the Toronto Blue Jays at Rogers Centre on April 15, 2023 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. All players are wearing the number 42 in honor of Jackie Robinson Day. (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images)

Actual Pick: 1B Josh Naylor

Lowe's Actual Draft Position: No. 87 overall (Tampa Bay Rays)

Middle-of-the-order run production has been a glaring weakness for the Miami Marlins since Giancarlo Stanton, Christian Yelich and Marcell Ozuna were all traded following the 2017 season.

That makes slugging second baseman Brandon Lowe the ideal addition.

The University of Maryland product was a third-round pick in the 2015 draft, but he has been one of the most productive offensive players from that class, posting a 128 OPS+ while averaging 34 home runs and 97 RBI per 162 games during his career.

He has a pair of top-10 finishes in AL MVP voting, and his peak performance thus far came in 2021 when he finished with a 140 OPS+ while tallying 39 home runs and 99 RBI in 149 games.

13. Tampa Bay Rays: SS Oneil Cruz

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PITTSBURGH, PA - APRIL 09:  Oneil Cruz #15 of the Pittsburgh Pirates in action against the Chicago White Sox during inter-league play at PNC Park on April 9, 2023 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.  (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PA - APRIL 09: Oneil Cruz #15 of the Pittsburgh Pirates in action against the Chicago White Sox during inter-league play at PNC Park on April 9, 2023 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)

Actual Pick: OF Garrett Whitley

Cruz's Actual Draft Position: International signing (LAD, $950,000)

Due to the financial restrictions they face as an organization, the Tampa Bay Rays are in a prime position to gamble on a player with superstar upside who has not yet proven as much in the majors as some others still on the board.

Oneil Cruz is a real life create-a-player from a video game as a 6'7" shortstop with top-of-the-scale speed, light-tower power and a rocket arm, and he debuted with a bang last year when he posted a 108 OPS+ with 17 home runs, 54 RBI and 10 steals in 87 games.

A popular pick for a breakout season this year, he instead played just nine games before suffering a fractured ankle that is expected to keep him on the sidelines until well after the All-Star break. That said, he is still only 24 years old, and the future remains extremely bright.

14. Atlanta Braves: OF Cedric Mullins

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BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - MAY 12: Cedric Mullins #31 of the Baltimore Orioles watches his three run home run to complete the cycle against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the eighth inning at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on May 12, 2023 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - MAY 12: Cedric Mullins #31 of the Baltimore Orioles watches his three run home run to complete the cycle against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the eighth inning at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on May 12, 2023 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)

Actual Pick: LHP Kolby Allard

Mullins' Actual Draft Position: No. 403 overall (Baltimore Orioles)

Truth be told, this feels too low for Cedric Mullins to be going off the board in this redraft, but there is sound logic to all of the picks that have been made before him, so the Atlanta Braves get a steal at No. 14 overall.

A 13th-round pick out of Campbell University who struggled to establish himself in the big leagues during sporadic opportunities in 2018, 2019 and 2020, he was one of the biggest breakout stars of the 2021 season.

The 28-year-old became the first 30/30 player in Baltimore Orioles history that year, and while he has not quite matched that production, he has still settled in nicely as a productive everyday center fielder. The Braves could shift him to left field to plug a clear long-term hole on the roster, with defensive standout Michael Harris II manning center field.

15. Milwaukee Brewers: RHP Triston McKenzie

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GOODYEAR, ARIZONA - MARCH 21, 2023: Triston McKenzie #24 of the Cleveland Guardians throws a pitch during the first inning of a spring training game against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Goodyear Ballpark on March 21, 2023 in Goodyear, Arizona. (Photo by Chris Bernacchi/Diamond Images via Getty Images)
GOODYEAR, ARIZONA - MARCH 21, 2023: Triston McKenzie #24 of the Cleveland Guardians throws a pitch during the first inning of a spring training game against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Goodyear Ballpark on March 21, 2023 in Goodyear, Arizona. (Photo by Chris Bernacchi/Diamond Images via Getty Images)

Actual Pick: OF Trent Grisham

McKenzie's Actual Draft Position: No. 42 overall (Cleveland Guardians)

Just imagine adding Triston McKenzie to a starting rotation already fronted by the All-Star trio of Corbin Burnes, Brandon Woodruff and Freddy Peralta.

The definition of physically projectable coming out of high school as a rail-thin 6'5" right-hander with present plus stuff, McKenzie never quite filled out as hoped and remains just 165 pounds, but he has proven capable of handling a starter's workload.

Last year, he finished 11-11 with a 2.96 ERA, 0.95 WHIP and 190 strikeouts in a career-high 191.1 innings, and while he is currently sidelined with a strained teres major muscle, the 25-year-old remains one of the game's most promising young starters.

16. New York Yankees: OF Ian Happ

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MINNEAPOLIS, MN - MAY 13: Ian Happ #8 of the Chicago Cubs bats against the Minnesota Twins on May 13, 2023 at Target Field in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Brace Hemmelgarn/Minnesota Twins/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - MAY 13: Ian Happ #8 of the Chicago Cubs bats against the Minnesota Twins on May 13, 2023 at Target Field in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Brace Hemmelgarn/Minnesota Twins/Getty Images)

Actual Pick: RHP James Kaprielian

Happ's Actual Draft Position: No. 9 overall (Chicago Cubs)

The revolving door in left field for the New York Yankees would come to a screeching halt if they could add Ian Happ to the mix.

The University of Cincinnati standout hit .369/.492/.672 with 18 doubles, 14 home runs and 44 RBI in 56 games during his junior year on campus, and the Chicago Cubs made him the No. 9 overall pick that spring and put him on the fast track to the majors.

He debuted with a 113 OPS+ and 24 home runs during the 2017 season, and has been a steady producer in the Cubs lineup ever since. The 28-year-old had a career year in 2022, earning his first All-Star selection and winning Gold Glove honors in left field, and the Cubs signed him to a three-year, $61 million extension in April.

17. Cleveland Guardians: IF Jake Cronenworth

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SAN DIEGO, CA - MAY 16:  Jake Cronenworth #9 of the San Diego Padres hits an RBI single during the fifth inning of a baseball game against the Kansas City Royals May 16 2023 at Petco Park in San Diego, California. (Photo by Denis Poroy/Getty Images)
SAN DIEGO, CA - MAY 16: Jake Cronenworth #9 of the San Diego Padres hits an RBI single during the fifth inning of a baseball game against the Kansas City Royals May 16 2023 at Petco Park in San Diego, California. (Photo by Denis Poroy/Getty Images)

Actual Pick: LHP Brady Aiken

Cronenworth's Actual Draft Position: No. 208 overall (Tampa Bay Rays)

Jake Cronenworth was the starting shortstop and closer during his time at the University of Michigan, hitting .338/.419/.494 with 27 extra-base hits at the plate and posting a 3.67 ERA with 9.7 K/9 and eight saves in 20 appearances on the mound during his junior season.

The Tampa Bay Rays drafted him as an infielder in the seventh round, and they briefly gave him a look as a two-way player in 2019 before including him along with Tommy Pham in a deal to acquire Hunter Renfroe, Xavier Edwards and Esteban Quiroz from the San Diego Padres.

Following the trade, he immediately broke through as San Diego's starting second baseman during the abridged 2020 season, and he has racked up 11.1 WAR and a pair of All-Star selections since debuting.

18. San Francisco Giants: C William Contreras

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William Contreras
William Contreras

Actual Pick: RHP Phil Bickford

Contreras' Actual Draft Position: International signing (ATL, $10,000)

It's looking less and less like Joey Bart is going to be the franchise cornerstone the San Francisco Giants were expecting when they took the Georgia Tech catcher No. 2 overall in the 2018 draft.

That leaves a major question mark behind the plate going forward, and it would be answered by adding William Contreras to the mix in this redraft.

Signed out of Venezuela for just $10,000 by the Atlanta Braves, Contreras posted a 136 OPS+ with 20 home runs in 376 plate appearances last season to earn an All-Star selection. He was traded to the Milwaukee Brewers during the offseason and now looks like their long-term answer behind the plate.

19. Pittsburgh Pirates: 3B Yoán Moncada

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HOUSTON, TEXAS - MARCH 30: Yoan Moncada #10 of the Chicago White Sox throws out Jose Abreu #79 of the Houston Astros in the ninth inning on Opening Day at Minute Maid Park on March 30, 2023 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TEXAS - MARCH 30: Yoan Moncada #10 of the Chicago White Sox throws out Jose Abreu #79 of the Houston Astros in the ninth inning on Opening Day at Minute Maid Park on March 30, 2023 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images)

Actual Pick: SS Kevin Newman

Moncada's Actual Draft Position: International signing (BOS, $31.5 million bonus)

Viewed as a future MLB superstar following his defection from Cuba, infielder Yoán Moncada was given a massive $31.5 million bonus by the Boston Red Sox, who paid a matching tax penalty on their end.

He was later included in the blockbuster deal to acquire Chris Sale from the Chicago White Sox, and he has been the South Siders starting third baseman the past four years after originally breaking into the league as a second baseman.

At his best, the 27-year-old has been a star, posting a 5.2-WAR season in 2019 and a 4.0-WAR season in 2021.

However, he has also battled injuries and inconsistency, and there is an interesting debate to be had here for the Pittsburgh Pirates with Ke'Bryan Hayes also on the board at this point in the draft. Does his defensive prowess and remaining upside trump the 13.8-WAR career that Moncada has compiled?

20. Oakland Athletics: OF Andrew Benintendi

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CHICAGO, IL - MAY 14:  Andrew Benintendi #23 of the Chicago White Sox bats against the Houston Astros at Guaranteed Rate Field on May 14, 2023 in Chicago, Illinois.  (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images)
CHICAGO, IL - MAY 14: Andrew Benintendi #23 of the Chicago White Sox bats against the Houston Astros at Guaranteed Rate Field on May 14, 2023 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images)

Actual Pick: SS Richie Martin

Benintendi's Actual Draft Position: No. 7 overall (Boston Red Sox)

Andrew Benintendi was the 2015 Golden Spikes Award winner for the nation's best amateur player after hitting .376/.488/.717 with 20 home runs, 57 RBI and 24 steals in 65 games as a draft-eligible sophomore at the University of Arkansas.

He was the No. 1 prospect in baseball in 2017 and finished runner-up in AL Rookie of the Year voting that year with a 20-homer, 90-RBI, 20-steal debut. However, those all still stand as career high marks as he failed to build off that stellar rookie campaign.

While he has not developed into the superstar many were expecting, he has still put together a solid career, winning Gold Glove honors in 2021 and earning his first All-Star selection last year before signing a five-year, $75 million deal with the Chicago White Sox in free agency.

For the Oakland Athletics, he almost certainly would have been a trade chip long before he ever hit the open market.

21. Kansas City Royals: RHP Emmanuel Clase

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CLEVELAND, OH - MAY 14: Cleveland Guardians relief pitcher Emmanuel Clase (48) delivers a pitch to the plate during the ninth inning of the Major League Baseball game between the Los Angeles Angels and Cleveland Guardians on May 14, 2023, at Progressive Field in Cleveland, OH.  (Photo by Frank Jansky/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OH - MAY 14: Cleveland Guardians relief pitcher Emmanuel Clase (48) delivers a pitch to the plate during the ninth inning of the Major League Baseball game between the Los Angeles Angels and Cleveland Guardians on May 14, 2023, at Progressive Field in Cleveland, OH. (Photo by Frank Jansky/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Actual Pick: RHP Ashe Russell

Clase's Actual Draft Position: International signing (SD, $125,000 bonus)

The Kansas City Royals built back-to-back AL pennant winners on the strength of speed, defense and a lights out bullpen, so it's not hard to see the organization valuing a player like Emmanuel Clase.

The flame-throwing right-hander was traded twice before finding a home with the Cleveland Guardians, who acquired him from the Texas Rangers in the deal that sent two-time Cy Young winner Corey Kluber out of town.

Since his stellar rookie season in 2021, Clase has a 1.53 ERA, 0.89 WHIP and 9.0 K/9 while converting 81 of 94 save opportunities in 171 appearances.

22. Detroit Tigers: OF Harrison Bader

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BRONX, NEW YORK - MAY 10:  Harrison Bader #22 of the New York Yankees in action against the Oakland Athletics at Yankee Stadium on May 10, 2023 in Bronx, New York. The Yankees defeated the Athletics 11-3. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
BRONX, NEW YORK - MAY 10: Harrison Bader #22 of the New York Yankees in action against the Oakland Athletics at Yankee Stadium on May 10, 2023 in Bronx, New York. The Yankees defeated the Athletics 11-3. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)

Actual Pick: RHP Beau Burrows

Bader's Actual Draft Position: No. 100 overall (St. Louis Cardinals)

With a pair of 3-WAR seasons on his resume, Harrison Bader has been a solidly above-average center fielder at times in his career, but injuries have kept him from establishing himself as a perennial contributor.

The 28-year-old played just 189 games combined in 2021 and 2022, and he spent the first 30 games of the 2023 season on the sidelines nursing an oblique injury, but he remains an extremely valuable player thanks to his Gold Glove defense in center field and above-average offensive game to complement his glove work.

The Tigers have holes up and down the roster, so they are an obvious candidate to take the best available player on the board.

23. St. Louis Cardinals: LHP Patrick Sandoval

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CLEVELAND, OH - MAY 14: Patrick Sandoval #43 of the Los Angeles Angels pitches during the second inning of the game against the Cleveland Guardians at Progressive Field on May 14, 2023 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Lauren Leigh Bacho/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OH - MAY 14: Patrick Sandoval #43 of the Los Angeles Angels pitches during the second inning of the game against the Cleveland Guardians at Progressive Field on May 14, 2023 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Lauren Leigh Bacho/Getty Images)

Actual Pick: OF Nick Plummer

Sandoval's Actual Draft Position: No. 319 overall (Houston Astros)

Patrick Sandoval is just the fifth starting pitcher to hear his name called 23 picks into this redraft, so while this class is loaded with star-level talent, the bulk of it is found on the position-player side of things.

The Houston Astros traded Sandoval along with international bonus pool money for catcher Martín Maldonado at the 2018 trade deadline, and he has quietly developed into a good young starter for the Los Angeles Angels.

Since the start of the 2021 season, he has a 3.18 ERA, 1.27 WHIP and 276 strikeouts in 280.1 innings, and he is still only 26 years old through the end of the 2023 season. With a starting rotation that currently ranks 22nd in the majors with a 5.00 ERA, the St. Louis Cardinals would welcome him with open arms.

24. Los Angeles Dodgers: RHP Camilo Doval

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MEXICO CITY, MEXICO - APRIL 30:  Camilo Doval #75 of the San Francisco Giants pitches in the eighth inning during the game between the San Francisco Giants and the San Diego Padres at Alfredo Harp Helú Stadium on Sunday, April 30, 2023 in Mexico City, Mexico. (Photo by Daniel Shirey/MLB Photos via Getty Images)
MEXICO CITY, MEXICO - APRIL 30: Camilo Doval #75 of the San Francisco Giants pitches in the eighth inning during the game between the San Francisco Giants and the San Diego Padres at Alfredo Harp Helú Stadium on Sunday, April 30, 2023 in Mexico City, Mexico. (Photo by Daniel Shirey/MLB Photos via Getty Images)

Actual Pick: RHP Walker Buehler

Doval's Actual Draft Position: International signing (SF, $100,000 bonus)

The Los Angeles Dodgers will get to see plenty of young closer Camilo Doval slamming the door in the ninth inning for the San Francisco Giants in the coming years, and this gives them a chance to steal the hard-throwing right-hander away from their biggest rivals.

Armed with a heavy sinker, a cutter that touches triple-digits and a wipeout slider, Doval has a 2.60 ERA, 1.16 WHIP and 11.4 K/9 since making his MLB debut in 2021.

The 25-year-old moved into the closer's role late in the year during his rookie season and has converted 41 of 48 save opportunities. He has tossed eight scoreless innings against the Dodgers in his career, allowing just one hit and four walks while racking up 13 strikeouts.

25. Baltimore Orioles: 3B Ke'Bryan Hayes

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BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - MAY 14: Ke'Bryan Hayes #13 of the Pittsburgh Pirates bats against the Baltimore Orioles during the seventh inning at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on May 14, 2023 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Jess Rapfogel/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - MAY 14: Ke'Bryan Hayes #13 of the Pittsburgh Pirates bats against the Baltimore Orioles during the seventh inning at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on May 14, 2023 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Jess Rapfogel/Getty Images)

Actual Pick: OF D.J. Stewart

Hayes' Actual Draft Position: No. 32 overall (Pittsburgh Pirates)

How valuable is an elite defensive third baseman who can't really hit?

That's quickly becoming the scouting report on Ke'Bryan Hayes, who has yet to deliver on his promising potential at the plate. The 26-year-old hit .244/.314/.345 for an 88 OPS+ in 560 plate appearances last season, and he's batting .228/.289/.329 with just one home run through his first 173 trips to the plate this year.

Despite his lackluster offensive production, he was still a 4.3-WAR player last year thanks to his outstanding defensive game.

For a Baltimore Orioles team on the rise with a young pitching staff, that kind of security in the field would be a valuable addition to the roster.

26. Los Angeles Angels: 1B Ty France

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OAKLAND, CA - MAY 2: Ty France #23 of the Seattle Mariners bats during the game against the Oakland Athletics at RingCentral Coliseum on May 2, 2023 in Oakland, California. The Mariners defeated the Athletics 2-1. (Photo by Michael Zagaris/Oakland Athletics/Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA - MAY 2: Ty France #23 of the Seattle Mariners bats during the game against the Oakland Athletics at RingCentral Coliseum on May 2, 2023 in Oakland, California. The Mariners defeated the Athletics 2-1. (Photo by Michael Zagaris/Oakland Athletics/Getty Images)

Actual Pick: C Taylor Ward

France's Actual Draft Position: No. 1,017 overall (San Diego Padres)

There were 1,016 players drafted before Ty France finally heard his name called in the 34th round of the 2015 draft.

He hit .336 with a .428 on-base percentage during his junior season at San Diego State, but his ceiling seemed limited due to his middling power as he tallied just four home runs in 299 plate appearances.

He hit an absurd .399/.477/.770 with 27 home runs and 89 RBI in 76 games at Triple-A in 2019, then he was traded to the Seattle Mariners during the 2020 season in a seven-player deal that also brought Andrés Muñoz to the M's in exchange for catcher Austin Nola.

After a breakout season in 2021 and an All-Star selection in 2022, he would plug a hole at first base for the Angels.

Compensatory Round

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Ryan Mountcastle
Ryan Mountcastle

27. Colorado Rockies: RHP Edward Cabrera
(Pick assigned for losing Michael Cuddyer in free agency)

28. Atlanta Braves: LHP Jeffrey Springs
(Pick assigned for losing Ervin Santana in free agency)

29. Toronto Blue Jays: 2B Andrés Giménez
(Pick assigned for losing Melky Cabrera in free agency)

30. New York Yankees: RHP José Urquidy
(Pick assigned for losing David Robertson in free agency)

31. San Francisco Giants: RHP Andrés Muñoz
(Pick assigned for losing Pablo Sandoval in free agency)

32. Pittsburgh Pirates: 1B Ryan Mountcastle
(Pick assigned for losing Russell Martin in free agency)

33. Kansas City Royals: SS Paul DeJong
(Pick assigned for losing James Shields in free agency)

34. Detroit Tigers: IF/OF Christopher Morel
(Pick assigned for losing Max Scherzer in free agency)

35. Los Angeles Dodgers: RHP Alexis Díaz
(Pick assigned for losing Hanley Ramirez in free agency)

36. Baltimore Orioles: RHP Michael Soroka
(Pick assigned for losing Nelson Cruz in free agency)

Competitive Balance Round A

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Trent Grisham
Trent Grisham

37. Houston Astros: RHP Ryan Helsley

38. Colorado Rockies: OF Trent Grisham

39. St. Louis Cardinals: IF/OF Esteury Ruiz

40. Milwaukee Brewers: IF Isaac Paredes

41. Atlanta Braves: IF David Fletcher

42. Cleveland Guardians: RHP Pete Fairbanks

Notable Undrafted Players

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Tyler Stephenson
Tyler Stephenson

Undrafted Position Players

  • 1B/OF Seth Brown
  • IF/OF Oswaldo Cabrera
  • IF/OF Dylan Moore
  • 1B Josh Naylor
  • IF Brendan Rodgers
  • C Tyler Stephenson
  • OF Myles Straw
  • OF Leody Taveras
  • 1B/OF LaMonte Wade Jr.
  • 1B Jared Walsh
  • OF Taylor Ward

Undrafted Pitchers

  • LHP Tyler Alexander
  • RHP Phil Bickford
  • RHP JT Brubaker
  • RHP Scott Effross
  • RHP Jimmy Herget
  • RHP Jordan Hicks
  • LHP A.J. Minter
  • RHP Chris Paddack
  • RHP Evan Phillips
Skenes' Perfect Game Bid Ends 😔

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