Ranking the Top 10 Players from Every MLB Draft Class Since 2000
Even in a world of expanded scouting departments, advanced metrics and hours of highlight video at the click of a button, the MLB draft remains a complete and total crapshoot.
A lot of that stems from the fact that, unlike the NBA and NFL drafts, players are generally not jumping straight into the highest level of competition, instead needing at least a few years of development in the minor leagues before they are ready to contribute in the majors.
There are exceptions, with Pittsburgh Pirates ace Paul Skenes the most prominent recent example, but generally speaking there is a certain amount of future projection that goes into any MLB draft pick.
With that in mind, we dug back through the last 25 years of draft history to name the 10 best players from each draft class.
Only players who signed were eligible to be considered as part of a certain year's class, and only MLB contributions were considered when assessing where a player should fall in the rankings. That last part is especially important with the most recent draft classes, as prospect pedigree was not a factor.
Note: The number in parentheses after each player refers to the round they were drafted and the overall pick number they were in that draft. For example, (2-60) is a second-round pick, No. 60 overall.
2000 Draft
1 of 25
Top 10 Players
1. 2B Chase Utley (1-15)
2. C Yadier Molina (4-113)
3. RHP Adam Wainwright (1-29)
4. 1B Adrián González (1-1)
5. LHP Cliff Lee (4-105)
6. OF José Bautista (20-599)
7. DH Edwin Encarnación (9-274)
8. RHP Brandon Webb (8-249)
9. OF Grady Sizemore (3-75)
10. RHP James Shields (16-466)
Just Missed: OF Jason Bay (22-645), C/1B Mike Napoli (17-500), LHP Dontrelle Willis (8-223)
Quick Thoughts: This draft class will likely end up with a pair of Hall of Famers, as Chase Utley saw his support climb from 28.8 to 39.8 percent in his second year on the ballot and Yadier Molina will be eligible for the first time in 2028 and could be a first-ballot selection given his reputation.
2001 Draft
2 of 25
Top 10 Players
1. C Joe Mauer (1-1)
2. 3B David Wright (1-38)
3. 1B Mark Teixeira (1-5)
4. 1B Ryan Howard (5-140)
5. RHP Dan Haren (2-72)
6. 1B Kevin Youkilis (8-243)
7. RHP Mark Prior (1-2)
8. SS J.J. Hardy (2-56)
9. LHP C.J. Wilson (5-141)
10. 2B Dan Uggla (11-338)
Just Missed: SS Jason Bartlett (13-390), RHP Edwin Jackson (6-190), RHP Jim Johnson (5-143), OF Chris Young (16-493)
Quick Thoughts: A Hall of Famer in Joe Mauer, another elite talent in David Wright and two sluggers who combined for 791 home runs in Mark Teixeira and Ryan Howard give this draft class a strong top tier. The pitching side of things is weak, though, and Mark Prior stands as one of the bigger "what ifs" of the past 25 years.
2002 Draft
3 of 25
Top 10 Players
1. 1B Joey Votto (2-44)
2. RHP Zack Greinke (1-6)
3. LHP Jon Lester (2-57)
4. LHP Cole Hamels (1-17)
5. C Brian McCann (2-64)
6. 1B Prince Fielder (1-7)
7. OF Curtis Granderson (3-80)
8. C Russell Martin (17-551)
9. RHP Matt Cain (1-25)
10. 2B Howie Kendrick (10-294)
Just Missed: LHP Rich Hill (4-112), RHP Josh Johnson (4-113), LHP Scott Kazmir (1-15), RHP Charlie Morton (3-95), OF Nick Swisher (1-16)
Quick Thoughts: This is the famed Moneyball draft where the Oakland Athletics have seven picks inside the top-40 selections, with Nick Swisher, Joe Blanton and Mark Teahen ending up as the best of the bunch. At the top, Joey Votto and Zack Greinke will likely both end up in Cooperstown once all is said and done, while Jon Lester and Cole Hamels both had Hall of Very Good careers.
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2003 Draft
4 of 25
Top 10 Players
1. 2B Ian Kinsler (17-496)
2. OF Adam Jones (1-37)
3. OF Matt Kemp (6-181)
4. RHP Jonathan Papelbon (4-114)
5. OF Nick Markakis (1-7)
6. OF Andre Ethier (2-62)
7. 2B Aaron Hill (1-13)
8. OF Michael Bourn (4-115)
9. LHP John Danks (1-9)
10. RHP Chad Billingsley (1-24)
Just Missed: OF Carlos Quentin (1-29), 2B Rickie Weeks (1-2)
Quick Thoughts: With all due respect to Ian Kinsler and his 53.8-WAR career, this is one of the worst draft classes of all time. Three of the first six picks failed to reach the majors, and the three that did make it to the Show were Delmon Young, Rickie Weeks and Tim Stauffer.
2004 Draft
5 of 25
Top 10 Players
1. RHP Justin Verlander (1-2)
2. 2B Dustin Pedroia (2-65)
3. 2B/OF Ben Zobrist (6-184)
4. RHP Jered Weaver (1-12)
5. OF Lorenzo Cain (17-496)
6. OF Hunter Pence (2-64)
7. LHP Gio Gonzalez (1-38)
8. RHP Yovani Gallardo (2-46)
9. 2B Neil Walker (1-11)
10. RHP Huston Street (1-40)
Just Missed: RHP Wade Davis (3-75), SS/OF Ian Desmond (3-84), SS Stephen Drew (1-15), OF Dexter Fowler (14-410), LHP J.A. Happ (3-92), C Kurt Suzuki (2-67)
Quick Thoughts: The Padres taking Matt Bush over Justin Verlander with the No. 1 overall pick in 2004 stands as one of the biggest blunders in draft history, though the rest of the first round was more miss than hit. The Astros originally drafted Ben Zobrist, but he was flipped to the Rays for Aubrey Huff before he made his MLB debut.
2005 Draft
6 of 25
Top 10 Players
1. OF Andrew McCutchen (1-11)
2. OF Ryan Braun (1-5)
3. SS Troy Tulowitzki (1-7)
4. OF Alex Gordon (1-2)
5. 3B Ryan Zimmerman (1-4)
6. OF Justin Upton (1-1)
7. OF Brett Gardner (3-109)
8. OF Michael Brantley (7-205)
9. OF Jay Bruce (1-12)
10. OF Jacoby Ellsbury (1-23)
Just Missed: RHP Clay Buchholz (1-42), RHP Matt Garza (1-25), 3B Chase Headley (2-66), OF Austin Jackson (8-259), RHP Sergio Romo (28-852)
Quick Thoughts: The 2005 first round is a strong contender for the best in draft history, evidenced by the fact that eight of the top 10 players on the list above were taken inside the first 23 selections. Andrew McCutchen has reached several major milestones with 2,000+ hits, 300+ home runs, 1,000+ RBI and 200+ steals in his 17-year career.
2006 Draft
7 of 25
Top 10 Players
1. LHP Clayton Kershaw (1-7)
2. RHP Max Scherzer (1-11)
3. 3B Evan Longoria (1-3)
4. 3B Justin Turner (7-204)
5. RHP Tim Lincecum (1-10)
6. 2B Daniel Murphy (13-394)
7. OF Josh Reddick (17-523)
8. RHP David Robertson (17-524)
9. RHP Mark Melancon (9-284)
10. 1B Chris Davis (5-148)
Just Missed: RHP Chris Archer (5-161), LHP Zack Britton (3-85), RHP Alex Cobb (4-109), RHP Doug Fister (7-201), 3B David Freese (9-273), RHP Ian Kennedy (1-21), LHP Andrew Miller (1-6), RHP Adam Ottavino (1-30), OF Tommy Pham (16-496)
Quick Thoughts: In a draft class that included Clayton Kershaw, Max Scherzer and two-time Cy Young winner Tim Lincecum, the first four pitchers taken were Luke Hochevar (No. 1, KC), Greg Reynolds (No. 2, COL), Brad Lincoln (No. 4, PIT) and Brandon Morrow (No. 5, SEA).
2007 Draft
8 of 25
Top 10 Players
1. 1B Freddie Freeman (2-78)
2. OF Giancarlo Stanton (2-76)
3. LHP Madison Bumgarner (1-10)
4. LHP David Price (1-1)
5. 1B Anthony Rizzo (6-204)
6. RHP Corey Kluber (4-134)
7. 3B Josh Donaldson (1-48)
8. OF Jason Heyward (1-14)
9. RHP Jake Arrieta (5-159)
10. 3B Todd Frazier (1-34)
Just Missed: LHP Danny Duffy (3-96), RHP Greg Holland (10-306), 3B Mike Moustakas (1-2), RHP Rick Porcello (1-27), C Matt Wieters (1-5), RHP Jordan Zimmermann (2-67)
Quick Thoughts: There is a lot of hardware in this draft class, including MVP winners Giancarlo Stanton, Freddie Freeman and Josh Donaldson, Cy Young winners David Price, Corey Kluber, Jake Arrieta and Rick Porcello and one legendary postseason resume from Madison Bumgarner. How many Hall of Famers will this group end up with?
2008 Draft
9 of 25
Top 10 Players
1. C Buster Posey (1-5)
2. RHP Craig Kimbrel (3-96)
3. SS Brandon Crawford (4-117)
4. RHP Nathan Eovaldi (11-337)
5. RHP Lance Lynn (1-39)
6. OF Charlie Blackmon (2-72)
7. 1B Eric Hosmer (1-3)
8. LHP Wade Miley (1-43)
9. C Alex Avila (5-163)
10. IF Josh Harrison (6-191)
Just Missed: LHP Brad Hand (2-52), OF Aaron Hicks (1-14), RHP Jake Odorizzi (1-32), RHP Tanner Roark (25-753), SS Dee Strange-Gordon (4-127)
Quick Thoughts: There might end up being a pair of Hall of Famers from this draft class, depending on how Craig Kimbrel ultimately stacks up to other all-time great relief pitchers, but it's not the deepest class. Nathan Eovaldi (11th round) and Tanner Roark (25th round) both blew past expectations as Day 3 selections on the mound.
2009 Draft
10 of 25
Top 10 Players
1. OF Mike Trout (1-25)
2. 1B Paul Goldschmidt (8-246)
3. 3B Nolan Arenado (2-59)
4. RHP Zack Wheeler (1-6)
5. RHP Stephen Strasburg (1-1)
6. OF J.D. Martinez (20-611)
7. 3B Kyle Seager (3-82)
8. 1B Brandon Belt (5-147)
9. IF Matt Carpenter (13-399)
10. 2B Brian Dozier (8-252)
Just Missed: LHP Patrick Corbin (2-80), C Yan Gomes (10-310), IF/OF Enrique Hernández (6-191), LHP Dallas Keuchel (7-221), 2B Jason Kipnis (2-63), RHP Mike Leake (1-8), LHP Mike Minor (1-7), 1B/OF Wil Myers (3-91), OF AJ Pollock (1-17)
Quick Thoughts: Mike Trout is obviously the No. 1 player in this draft class, but there is a fun debate to be had between Paul Goldschmidt (64.1 WAR, 370 HR, 1,219 RBI, 7x All-Star, 2022 NL MVP) and Nolan Arenado (57.8 WAR, 351 HR, 1,173 RBI, 8x All-Star, 10x Gold Glove) for the No. 2 spot.
2010 Draft
11 of 25
Top 10 Players
1. OF Bryce Harper (1-1)
2. 3B Manny Machado (1-3)
3. RHP Jacob deGrom (9-272)
4. LHP Chris Sale (1-13)
5. OF Christian Yelich (1-23)
6. C J.T. Realmuto (3-104)
7. SS Andrelton Simmons (2-70)
8. OF Kevin Kiermaier (31-941)
9. LHP Robbie Ray (12-356)
10. C Yasmani Grandal (1-12)
Just Missed: OF Nick Castellanos (1-44), RHP Matt Harvey (1-7), RHP Merrill Kelly (8-251), 2B/OF Whit Merrifield (9-269), LHP James Paxton (4-132), OF Joc Pederson (11-352), LHP Drew Pomeranz (1-5), RHP Noah Syndergaard (1-38), RHP Jameson Taillon (1-2)
Quick Thoughts: After dealing with injuries earlier in his career, Jameson Taillon no longer looks quite so out of place sandwiched between Bryce Harper and Manny Machado as the No. 2 overall pick in this draft class, though the Pirates no doubt still regret not taking Machado. This class also produced arguably the two best glove-first players of their era in Andrelton Simmons and Kevin Kiermaier.
2011 Draft
12 of 25
Top 10 Players
1. OF/SS Mookie Betts (5-172)
2. SS Francisco Lindor (1-8)
3. RHP Gerrit Cole (1-1)
4. 2B Marcus Semien (6-201)
5. LHP Blake Snell (1-52)
6. OF George Springer (1-11)
7. RHP Sonny Gray (1-18)
8. 3B Anthony Rendon (1-6)
9. RHP Kyle Hendricks (8-264)
10. RHP José Fernández (1-14)
Just Missed: SS Javier Báez (1-9), RHP Tyler Glasnow (5-152), RHP Seth Lugo (34-1,032), RHP Joe Musgrove (1-46), OF Brandon Nimmo (1-13), SS Trevor Story (1-45), 2B Kolten Wong (1-22)
Quick Thoughts: Despite a loaded first round that stands as one of the best of the last 25 years, there is little question Mookie Betts is the top talent to emerge from the 2011 draft. One of the biggest surprises of this exercise was realizing that Marcus Semien has racked up 47.9 WAR in his career, good for the 18th-highest total among active players.
2012 Draft
13 of 25
Top 10 Players
1. SS Corey Seager (1-18)
2. SS Carlos Correa (1-1)
3. 1B Matt Olson (1-47)
4. LHP Max Fried (1-7)
5. OF Byron Buxton (1-2)
6. IF Max Muncy (5-169)
7. RHP Kevin Gausman (1-4)
8. LHP Josh Hader (19-582)
9. RHP Marcus Stroman (1-22)
10. RHP Michael Wacha (1-19)
Just Missed: RHP José Berríos (1-32), RHP Edwin Díaz (3-98), RHP Zach Eflin (1-33), OF Joey Gallo (1-39), RHP Lucas Giolito (1-16), OF Mitch Haniger (1-38), IF/OF Chris Taylor (5-161), 1B Christian Walker (4-132), LHP Alex Wood (2-85)
Quick Thoughts: There might not be a Cy Young winner or future Hall of Famer in the bunch, but this was a great draft for pitching, especially when you add some of the names that ended up in the "just missed" category to the conversation. Still, the headliners from this class are shortstops Corey Seager and Carlos Correa, who sport two of the most impressive postseason resumes of any active players.
2013 Draft
14 of 25
Top 10 Players
1. OF Aaron Judge (1-32)
2. 3B Kris Bryant (1-2)
3. 1B/OF Cody Bellinger (4-124)
4. 2B/OF Jeff McNeil (12-356)
5. 3B Ryan McMahon (2-42)
6. SS Tim Anderson (1-17)
7. SS J.P. Crawford (1-16)
8. LHP Sean Manaea (1-34)
9. RHP Michael Lorenzen (1-38)
10. RHP Jon Gray (1-3)
Just Missed: LHP Matthew Boyd (6-175), C Mitch Garver (9-260), RHP Tyler Mahle (7-225), RHP Nick Pivetta (4-136), OF Tyler O'Neill (3-85), OF Mike Yastrzemski (14-429), RHP Devin Williams (2-54)
Quick Thoughts: This is an extremely top-heavy class, with a future Hall of Famer in Aaron Judge and a pair of former NL MVPs in Kris Bryant and Cody Bellinger, then a fairly steep drop-off to everyone else. It also stands out as one of the thinnest drafts for pitching talent, with Sean Manaea as the best of the bunch.
2014 Draft
15 of 25
Top 10 Players
1. SS Trea Turner (1-13)
2. 3B Matt Chapman (1-25)
3. RHP Aaron Nola (1-7)
4. RHP Logan Webb (4-118)
5. OF Kyle Schwarber (1-4)
6. LHP Carlos Rodón (1-3)
7. RHP Dylan Cease (6-169)
8. RHP Brandon Woodruff (11-326)
9. OF Michael Conforto (1-10)
10. RHP Jack Flaherty (1-34)
Just Missed: LHP Kyle Freeland (1-8), 1B Rhys Hoskins (5-142), RHP Mitch Keller (2-64), LHP Jordan Montgomery (4-122), LHP Justin Steele (5-139)
Quick Thoughts: This was a draft of late-round pitching steals, with Logan Webb (No. 118), Jordan Montgomery (No. 122), Justin Steele (No. 139), Dylan Cease (No. 169) and Brandon Woodruff (No. 326) all taken outside the first 100 picks. That makes the fact that Brady Aiken and Tyler Kolek were taken with the top two picks even more egregious for the Astros and Marlins.
2015 Draft
16 of 25
Top 10 Players
1. 3B Alex Bregman (1-2)
2. OF Kyle Tucker (1-5)
3. 3B Austin Riley (1-41)
4. SS Dansby Swanson (1-1)
5. OF Ian Happ (1-9)
6. RHP Walker Buehler (1-24)
7. 2B Brandon Lowe (3-87)
8. IF Jake Cronenworth (7-208)
9. OF Cedric Mullins (13-403)
10. 3B Ke'Bryan Hayes (1-32)
Just Missed: OF Harrison Bader (3-100), OF Andrew Benintendi (1-7), OF Trent Grisham (1-15), RHP Ryan Helsley (5-161), 1B Ryan Mountcastle (1-36), OF Taylor Ward (1-26)
Quick Thoughts: Props to the Astros for walking away with the two best players from this draft class. They used the compensatory pick they received for failing to sign 2014's top pick Brady Aiken to take Alex Bregman at No. 2 overall, then grabbed Kyle Tucker three picks later. They also took Myles Straw (12th round) and Patrick Sandoval (11th round) on Day 3.
2016 Draft
17 of 25
Top 10 Players
1. 1B Pete Alonso (2-64)
2. RHP Corbin Burnes (4-111)
3. C Will Smith (1-32)
4. RHP Zac Gallen (3-106)
5. OF Bryan Reynolds (2-59)
6. RHP Shane Bieber (4-122)
7. SS Bo Bichette (2-66)
8. IF/OF Tommy Edman (6-196)
9. C Sean Murphy (3-83)
10. LHP Cole Ragans (1-30)
Just Missed: RHP David Bednar (35-1,044), RHP Tony Gonsolin (9-281), OF Austin Hays (3-91), RHP Michael King (12-353), 1B Nathaniel Lowe (13-390), LHP Jesús Luzardo (3-94), OF Brandon Marsh (2-60), UT Zach McKinstry (33-1,001)
Quick Thoughts: This was a deep overall draft class, and a unique one in that none of the players listed above was taken higher than No. 30 overall when the Rangers selected prep left-hander Cole Ragans. The best picks from inside the top 30 include Gavin Lux (No. 20), Josh Lowe (No. 13), Cal Quantrill (No. 8) and A.J. Puk (No. 6).
2017 Draft
18 of 25
Top 10 Players
1. RHP Hunter Greene (1-2)
2. OF Brent Rooker (1-35)
3. LHP MacKenzie Gore (1-3)
4. OF Daulton Varsho (2-68)
5. OF Heliot Ramos (1-19)
6. RHP Bailey Ober (12-346)
7. RHP Tanner Houck (1-24)
8. LHP David Peterson (1-20)
9. RHP Griffin Canning (2-47)
10. 3B Royce Lewis (1-1)
Just Missed: RHP Shane Baz (1-12), 1B/3B Jake Burger (1-11), IF Ernie Clement (4-132), OF Jake Meyers (13-391), RHP Will Vest (12-365), IF Taylor Walls (3-79)
Quick Thoughts: Recent breakouts from guys like Brent Rooker, Heliot Ramos and David Peterson have made this class look a bit better, but it still ranks as one of the thinnest over this 25-year snapshot. MacKenzie Gore could give Hunter Greene a run for his money in the coming years if the first half of his 2025 season is any indication.
2018 Draft
19 of 25
Top 10 Players
1. LHP Tarik Skubal (9-255)
2. C Cal Raleigh (3-90)
3. OF Steven Kwan (5-163)
4. 2B Nico Hoerner (1-24)
5. SS Jeremy Peña (3-102)
6. OF Jarren Duran (7-220)
7. RHP Joe Ryan (7-210)
8. 2B Brice Turang (1-21)
9. IF/OF Brendan Donovan (7-213)
10. LHP Shane McClanahan (1-31)
Just Missed: 3B Alec Bohm (1-3), LHP Kris Bubic (1-40), OF Lawrence Butler (6-173), LHP Tyler Holton (9-279), IF Jonathan India (1-5), OF Lars Nootbaar (8-243), RHP Drew Rasmussen (6-185), RHP Brady Singer (1-18)
Quick Thoughts: There is a relatively easy case to be made that this draft features the best pitcher (Tarik Skubal) and best catcher (Cal Raleigh) in baseball right now, and neither of them were taken on Day 1 of the draft. This class also produced some of the best defensive players in the game, with Raleigh and Brice Turang taking home their league's respective Platinum Glove awards last year, while Nico Hoerner, Steven Kwan and Jeremy Peña all have Gold Glove wins on their resume.
2019 Draft
20 of 25
Top 10 Players
1. SS Bobby Witt Jr. (1-2)
2. OF Corbin Carroll (1-16)
3. SS Gunnar Henderson (2-42)
4. C Adley Rutschman (1-1)
5. OF Riley Greene (1-5)
6. RHP Hunter Brown (5-166)
7. OF Michael Harris II (3-98)
8. SS CJ Abrams (1-6)
9. SS Anthony Volpe (1-30)
10. RHP George Kirby (1-20)
Just Missed: OF Kerry Carpenter (19-562), 3B Josh Jung (1-8), C Shea Langeliers (1-9), LHP Nick Lodolo (1-7), RHP Alek Manoah (1-11), RHP Ryan Pepiot (3-102), IF Josh Smith (2-67), 2B Bryson Stott (1-14)
Quick Thoughts: Bobby Witt Jr. and Corbin Carroll are the two best players from this draft class, but tip of the cap to the Orioles for walking away with both Adley Rutschman and Gunnar Henderson. They also took Kyle Stowers (No. 71) and Joey Ortiz (No. 108) in this draft, who went on to emerge as top prospects and valuable trade chips.
2020 Draft
21 of 25
Top 10 Players
1. OF Pete Crow-Armstrong (1-19)
2. LHP Garrett Crochet (1-11)
3. RHP Spencer Strider (4-126)
4. SS Masyn Winn (2-54)
5. IF Jordan Westburg (1-30)
6. C Austin Wells (1-28)
7. 1B Spencer Torkelson (1-1)
8. IF Colt Keith (5-132)
9. C Patrick Bailey (1-13)
10. 1B Tyler Soderstrom (1-26)
Just Missed: 1B/OF Alec Burleson (2-70), OF Evan Carter (2-50), LHP Reid Detmers (1-10), C Dillon Dingler (2-38), RHP Bryce Elder (5-156), RHP Jared Jones (2-44), OF Garrett Mitchell (1-20), RHP Brandon Pfaadt (5-149)
Quick Thoughts: The biggest breakout star of the 2025 season, Pete Crow-Armstrong is now the headliner of the 2020 draft class, and he looks poised to be a perennial 30/30 threat and Gold Glove contender in center field. The drop-off on the pitching side after Garrett Crochet and Spencer Strider is steep.
2021 Draft
22 of 25
Top 10 Players
1. OF James Wood (2-62)
2. OF Jackson Merrill (1-27)
3. LHP Andrew Abbott (2-53)
4. RHP Bryan Woo (6-174)
5. RHP Tanner Bibee (5-156)
6. RHP Mason Miller (3-97)
7. RHP Spencer Schwellenbach (2-59)
8. OF Sal Frelick (1-15)
9. OF Colton Cowser (1-5)
10. 2B Matt McLain (1-17)
Just Missed: 2B Zack Gelof (2-60), C Hunter Goodman (4-109), RHP Bryce Miller (4-113), 1B Ben Rice (12-363), SS Trey Sweeney (1-20), RHP Gavin Williams (1-23)
Quick Thoughts: The Padres could have had James Wood and Jackson Merrill sharing the outfield, but instead Wood was used as one of the prospect centerpieces in the Juan Soto blockbuster. Now they stand as "1" and "1A" in this draft class, with a long list of quality arms right behind them. Andrew Abbott and Bryan Woo are two of the most underrated pitchers in baseball right now.
2022 Draft
23 of 25
Top 10 Players
1. SS Zach Neto (1-13)
2. RHP Jacob Misiorowski (2-63)
3. C Drake Baldwin (3-96)
4. RHP Orion Kerkering (5-152)
5. 2B Jackson Holliday (1-1)
6. RHP Jonathan Cannon (3-101)
7. IF Brooks Lee (1-8)
8. RHP Ben Joyce (3-89)
9. OF Victor Scott II (5-157)
10. IF Chase Meidroth (4-129)
Just Missed: OF Roman Anthony (2-79), RHP Hayden Birdsong (6-196), OF Jordan Beck (1-38), RHP Brad Lord (18-531), C/OF Dalton Rushing (2-40), OF Chandler Simpson (2-70)
Quick Thoughts: Zach Neto played just 48 games in the minors before making his MLB debut on April 15, 2023, and after a solid showing during an injury-shortened rookie season, he posted a team-leading 5.1 WAR over 155 games in 2024. It's only a matter of time before Roman Anthony starts to climb this list, but remember these rankings are based solely on what has been accomplished to date at the MLB level.
2023 Draft
24 of 25
Top 10 Players
1. RHP Paul Skenes (1-1)
2. SS Jacob Wilson (1-6)
3. OF Wyatt Langford (1-4)
4. 1B Nolan Schanuel (1-11)
5. 3B Matt Shaw (1-13)
6. RHP Seth Halvorsen (7-202)
7. C Kyle Teel (1-14)
8. 3B Ben Williamson (2-57)
9. RHP Rhett Lowder (1-7)
10. 2B Kristian Campbell (4-132)
Just Missed: OF Dylan Crews (1-2), RHP Chase Dollander (1-9), RHP Logan Evans (12-367), IF Luke Keaschall (2-49), RHP Grant Taylor (2-51), RHP Andrew Walters (2-62)
Quick Thoughts: It's still early days, but this has a chance to be an all-time great draft class, with Paul Skenes leading the way as a generational talent on the mound and both Jacob Wilson and Wyatt Langford looking like foundational pieces for their respective clubs. The sheer volume of players from this class that are already in the majors is shocking.
2024 Draft
25 of 25
Top 10 Players
1. OF Cam Smith (1-14)
2. 1B Nick Kurtz (1-4)
3. 2B Christian Moore (1-8)
4. RHP Chase Burns (1-2)
5. RHP Ryan Johnson (2-74)
Quick Thoughts: As of writing this, five players from the 2024 draft class have reached the majors, which is a respectable number considering we are less than a year removed from that event. Cam Smith and Nick Kurtz are the top candidates to chase down Jacob Wilson in the AL Rookie of the Year race, and while both face an uphill battle catching him, their futures look extremely bright.
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