MLB Draft Picks 2013: Biggest Reaches in Round 1

Most prospects picked in the 2013 MLB draft won’t play in the majors for years, but their selections are already drawing criticism.

Here are the greatest reaches in the first round out of Thursday’s selections which left their fanbases asking, "Who?" and analysts asking, "Why?"

First-round projections are according to Keith Law of ESPN’s final mock and rankings are according to Jonathan Mayo of MLB.com.

3. RHP Phil Bickford, Oaks Christian High (Calif.)

Projected: Undrafted (in first round)

Ranked: No. 26

Picked: No. 10 by the Toronto Blue Jays

According to Jason A. Churchhill and Chris Crawford of ESPN, the top five and seven out of the top nine players in the Blue Jays’ farm system are pitchers. Teams can never have too many quality arms, but to reach so far for a position that’s not even close to a need was a mistake.

Of course, their mistake shouldn't be a surprise. They have now used their first-round pick on a pitcher in seven out of the past eight years.

2. SS Christian Arroyo, Hernando High (Fl.)

Projected: Undrafted (in first round)

Ranked: Unranked (in top 100)

Picked: No. 25 by the San Francisco Giants

San Francisco wasn’t desperate for a shortstop with Joe Panik in the fold. It ignored that fact, however—as well as superior-ranked bats Eric Jagielo and Aaron Judge—to select Arroyo, who wasn’t on anyone’s first-round radar.

"Few scouts see him as a shortstop in the big leagues," wrote Conor Glassey of Baseball America.

1. SS Hunter Dozier, Stephen F. Austin

Projected: No. 29

Ranked: No. 48

Picked: No. 8 by the Kansas City Royals

Speaking of criticism, here’s what Rany Jazayerli of Grantland tweeted following Dozier’s selection.

"

Just got home. I'll be happy to tell you what I think of Hunter Dozier, just as soon as I find out WHO THE HELL IS HUNTER DOZIER.

— Rany Jazayerli (@jazayerli) June 7, 2013"

Shortstop Adalberto Mondesi is one of the most talented players in the Royals’ farm system, but that didn’t stop them from reaching for another shortstop with the eighth overall pick. Dozier is also four years older than the 17-year-old Mondesi who made his minor league debut last year.

David Daniels is a breaking news writer at Bleacher Report and a news editor at Wade-O Radio.

Follow @TheRealDDaniels