The Challenge of Drafting in MLB

Drafting in Major League Baseball (MLB) is one of the most challenging aspects of the sport. With the 2025 MLB draft approaching, it's time to reflect on the past decade of drafts. From 2015 to 2024, we've redrafted the top 10 picks to see how teams could have made better choices. Only 16 of the 80 top-10 selections made it into our redrafted top 10, highlighting the difficulty of projecting young talent.

2015 MLB Draft: A Weak Class?

The 2015 draft was considered weak at the time, and a decade later, it still lacks star power. Alex Bregman, originally picked 2nd by the Houston Astros, emerges as the top pick in our redraft. The Astros also selected Kyle Tucker, who might end up as the best player from this draft. Notable misses include Cornelius Randolph, who never made it past Double-A.

2016 MLB Draft: Hidden Gems

The 2016 draft lacked a clear-cut No. 1 pick, but it produced some hidden gems. Will Smith, originally drafted 32nd by the Los Angeles Dodgers, is our top pick. Corbin Burnes and Shane Bieber, both fourth-round picks, have shown significant promise, though injuries have limited their career values.

2017 MLB Draft: A Historically Weak Class?

The 2017 draft is possibly the weakest in recent history. Hunter Greene, originally picked 2nd by the Cincinnati Reds, is our top pick. Despite the lack of star power, players like Daulton Varsho and MacKenzie Gore have shown potential.

2018 MLB Draft: Depth Over Stars

The 2018 draft didn't produce many stars but has impressive depth. Tarik Skubal, originally drafted 255th by the Detroit Tigers, is our top pick. Cal Raleigh and Logan Gilbert also stand out, though injuries have affected many pitchers from this class.

2019 MLB Draft: A Promising Class

The 2019 draft looks more promising, with Bobby Witt Jr. emerging as the top pick in our redraft. Gunnar Henderson and Corbin Carroll also show significant potential. This draft class could produce several future stars.

2020 MLB Draft: Pandemic Impact

The 2020 draft was heavily impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to unpredictable results. Pete Crow-Armstrong, originally drafted 19th by the New York Mets, is our top pick. Spencer Strider and Garrett Crochet also show promise, though it's still early to judge this class.

2021 MLB Draft: Emerging Talent

The 2021 draft is shaping up to be deep in talent, especially on the pitching side. James Wood, originally drafted 62nd by the San Diego Padres, is our top pick. Jackson Merrill and Marcelo Mayer also show significant potential.

2022 MLB Draft: High School Stars

The 2022 draft featured several talented high school players, though many have yet to perform. Roman Anthony, originally drafted 79th by the Boston Red Sox, is our top pick. Zach Neto and Jackson Holliday also show promise, though it's still early in their careers.

2023 MLB Draft: Early Standouts

The 2023 draft is still in its early stages, but Paul Skenes, the top pick by the Pittsburgh Pirates, remains the standout. Jacob Wilson and Wyatt Langford also show significant potential, though it's too early to make definitive judgments.

2024 MLB Draft: A Bright Future

The 2024 draft looks to be one of the most interesting in recent years. Jac Caglianone, originally drafted 6th by the Kansas City Royals, is our top pick. Chase Burns and Konnor Griffin also show significant promise, making this a draft class to watch.

Conclusion

Drafting in MLB is an inexact science, but by revisiting the past decade of drafts, we can better understand the challenges and successes teams face. As the 2025 draft approaches, teams will continue to search for the next generation of stars.