MLB Draft Grades: Unveiling the Top Picks' Impact Over the Last Decade
The MLB draft is a pivotal event, shaping the future of baseball franchises. It's not just about the first pick; it's about the strategic decisions made throughout the entire process. In this analysis, we delve into the grades of top picks from 2016 to 2025, examining their impact on team success and uncovering the stories behind the numbers.
Seattle Mariners: A+ Grade
The Mariners have consistently hit the mark with their top picks, producing eight big leaguers with a total WAR of 30.7. Their strategy of targeting collegiate right-handers and high school middle infielders has paid dividends, with Logan Gilbert, George Kirby, and Emerson Hancock forming a strong rotation. The addition of Cole Young and Colt Emerson as middle infielders further solidifies their success.
Detroit Tigers: A Grade
The Tigers have had a remarkable run, with six top 10 picks resulting in seven major leaguers and a total WAR of 24.3. Their strategy of drafting versatile players has been effective, with Riley Greene, Casey Mize, and Spencer Torkelson contributing significantly. The acquisition of Kevin McGonigle further strengthens their roster.
San Diego Padres: A- Grade
The Padres' high-wire act has yielded mixed results. While they've produced six major leaguers with a total WAR of 37, their strategy of betting on high-ceiling but volatile high schoolers has been risky. The trade of many top picks highlights the need for a balanced approach. The future of Kash Mayfield and Kruz Schoolcraft remains uncertain.
Milwaukee Brewers: A- Grade
The Brewers have found their sweet spot with college bats, producing six major leaguers with a total WAR of 27.3. Their strategy of drafting versatile players has been effective, with Brice Turang, Garrett Mitchell, and Sal Frelick contributing significantly. The addition of Andrew Fischer further strengthens their roster.
New York Yankees: B+ Grade
The Yankees' consistent success is evident, with every top pick touching the majors. Their strategy of drafting versatile players has been effective, with Anthony Volpe and Austin Wells contributing significantly. The highest pick this past decade was No. 17 in 2017, spent on Clarke Schmidt.
Chicago Cubs: B+ Grade
The Cubs have a type: nine of their 10 draftees were collegians. Their strategy of drafting versatile players has been effective, with Nico Hoerner producing a whopping 23.1 WAR. The addition of Cade Horton, Matt Shaw, and Cam Smith further strengthens their roster.
New York Mets: B Grade
The Mets' strategy of drafting versatile players has been effective, with Pete Crow-Armstrong producing 13.8 WAR. However, their failure to retain him highlights the need for a balanced approach. The future of Carson Benge remains uncertain.
Philadelphia Phillies: B Grade
The Phillies have produced seven major leaguers with a total WAR of 17.3. Their strategy of drafting versatile players has been effective, with Bryson Stott and Alec Bohm contributing significantly. The future of Justin Crawford and Andrew Painter remains uncertain.
Chicago White Sox: B Grade
The White Sox have had a remarkable run, with eight major leaguers and a total WAR of 27.2. Their strategy of drafting versatile players has been effective, with Garrett Crochet, Colson Montgomery, and Jacob Gonzalez contributing significantly. The addition of Hagen Smith further strengthens their roster.
Arizona Diamondbacks: C+ Grade
The Diamondbacks' strategy of drafting versatile players has been effective, with Corbin Carroll producing 18.9 WAR. However, the lack of significant contributions from other top picks highlights the need for a balanced approach. The future of Jordan Lawlar and Druw Jones remains uncertain.
Baltimore Orioles: B- Grade
The Orioles' strategy of drafting versatile players has been effective, with Adley Rutschman, Heston Kjerstad, Colton Cowser, and Jackson Holliday contributing significantly. The old regime's dice-rolling approach has yielded mixed results, with DL Hall and Grayson Rodriguez showing promise.
Kansas City Royals: B+ Grade
The Royals have produced more WAR with their top picks than anybody, with 70% tied up in Bobby Witt Jr. Their strategy of drafting versatile players has been effective, with Blake Mitchell and Gavin Cross showing promise. However, the failure to retain top picks highlights the need for a balanced approach.
Los Angeles Dodgers: C Grade
The Dodgers' strategy of drafting versatile players has been effective, with Dalton Rushing producing significant WAR. However, their top picks have fallen outside the top 30, highlighting the need for a balanced approach. The future of Jeren Kendall and Kody Hoese remains uncertain.
Texas Rangers: C+ Grade
The Rangers' strategy of drafting versatile players has been effective, with Cole Ragans producing significant WAR. However, their top picks have had mixed results, with Jack Leiter and Kumar Rocker showing promise. The addition of Wyatt Langford further strengthens their roster.
Atlanta Braves: C+ Grade
The Braves' strategy of drafting versatile players has been effective, with Ian Anderson producing significant WAR. However, the lack of significant contributions from other top picks highlights the need for a balanced approach. The future of Cam Caminiti remains uncertain.
Cleveland Guardians: C Grade
The Guardians' strategy of drafting versatile players has been effective, with Travis Bazzana producing significant WAR. However, their penchant for being Consistently Pretty Good has reduced their draft position, highlighting the need for a balanced approach. The future of Gavin Williams and Chase DeLauter remains uncertain.
Cincinnati Reds: C Grade
The Reds' strategy of drafting versatile players has been effective, with Hunter Greene and Chase Burns producing significant WAR. However, the failure to retain top picks highlights the need for a balanced approach. The future of Nick Senzel remains uncertain.
San Francisco Giants: C- Grade
The Giants' strategy of drafting versatile players has been effective, with Bryan Reynolds producing significant WAR. However, the lack of significant contributions from other top picks highlights the need for a balanced approach. The future of Heliot Ramos and Bryce Eldridge remains uncertain.
Pittsburgh Pirates: B- Grade
The Pirates' strategy of drafting versatile players has been effective, with Nick Gonzales and Henry Davis contributing significantly. The addition of Paul Skenes, Konnor Griffin, and Seth Hernandez further strengthens their roster. The failure to retain Shane Baz highlights the need for a balanced approach.
Athletics: C- Grade
The Athletics' strategy of drafting versatile players has been effective, with Kyler Murray producing significant WAR. However, the failure to retain top picks highlights the need for a balanced approach. The future of Tyler Soderstrom and Nick Kurtz remains uncertain.
Boston Red Sox: C- Grade
The Red Sox's strategy of drafting versatile players has been effective, with Tanner Houck and Triston Casas producing significant WAR. However, the failure to retain top picks highlights the need for a balanced approach. The future of Jay Groome remains uncertain.
St. Louis Cardinals: C Grade
The Cardinals' strategy of drafting versatile players has been effective, with Nolan Gorman and Jordan Walker producing significant WAR. The addition of Michael McGreevy and JJ Wetherholt further strengthens their roster. The failure to retain top picks highlights the need for a balanced approach.
Minnesota Twins: C Grade
The Twins' strategy of drafting versatile players has been effective, with Royce Lewis and Aaron Sabato showing promise. The future of Walker Jenkins, Kaelen Culpepper, and Marek Houston remains uncertain.
Los Angeles Angels: D+ Grade
The Angels' strategy of drafting versatile players has been effective, with Zach Neto and Reid Detmers producing significant WAR. However, the lack of significant contributions from other top picks highlights the need for a balanced approach. The future of Will Wilson and Sam Bachman remains uncertain.
Toronto Blue Jays: D Grade
The Blue Jays' strategy of drafting versatile players has been effective, with Alek Manoah producing significant WAR. However, the failure to retain top picks highlights the need for a balanced approach. The future of Logan Warmoth and Jordan Groshans remains uncertain.
Tampa Bay Rays: D Grade
The Rays' strategy of drafting versatile players has been effective, with Josh Lowe producing significant WAR. However, the failure to retain top picks highlights the need for a balanced approach. The future of Brendan McKay remains uncertain.
Miami Marlins: D+ Grade
The Marlins' strategy of drafting versatile players has been effective, with Max Meyer producing significant WAR. However, the failure to retain top picks highlights the need for a balanced approach. The future of Aiva Arquette remains uncertain.
Houston Astros: F Grade
The Astros' strategy of drafting versatile players has been effective, with Brice Matthews producing significant WAR. However, their sign-stealing scheme has had a negative impact on their top picks. The future of Forrest Whitley, JB Bukauskas, and Seth Beer remains uncertain.
Washington Nationals: F- Grade
The Nationals' strategy of drafting versatile players has been effective, with Cade Cavalli producing significant WAR. However, the failure to retain top picks highlights the need for a balanced approach. The future of Elijah Green remains uncertain.
Colorado Rockies: F- Grade
The Rockies' strategy of drafting versatile players has been effective, with Zac Veen producing significant WAR. However, the failure to retain top picks highlights the need for a balanced approach. The future of Chase Dollander and Ethan Holliday remains uncertain.
