Redrafting MLB’s 2014 Class: Could Trea Turner’s No. 1 Pick to the Astros Have Changed Their World Series Fate?

Revisiting MLB’s 2014 Draft: Trea Turner Goes No. 1, Cubs Miss Out on World Series Champion

The 2014 MLB draft is a fascinating case study in the unpredictable nature of the game. Looking back a decade later, it’s clear that some teams made brilliant selections, while others missed out on key opportunities. One player who stands out as a glaring “what if” is Trea Turner, a dynamic shortstop who has become one of the most exciting players in baseball. In a redraft, Turner would undoubtedly be the top pick, with the Houston Astros potentially landing a cornerstone for their future success.

In the original 2014 draft, the Astros selected left-handed pitcher Brady Aiken with the first overall pick. However, Aiken’s draft slot was No. 169 for the Chicago Cubs, and injury concerns led to Houston not reaching a deal with him. Turner, meanwhile, fell to the 13th pick, selected by the Padres. This decision by the Astros, based on the uncertainty surrounding Aiken’s health, set in motion a domino effect that changed the trajectory of both franchises. Turner’s path to stardom was delayed, while the Astros were left to scramble for a replacement at shortstop.

Imagine the impact Turner would have had on the Astros, a team that was on the cusp of greatness. Turner’s speed, power, and defensive prowess would have complemented the young talent already in place, creating a formidable core. Turner’s arrival would have solidified the Astros’ infield, alongside the likes of Carlos Correa, forming one of the most feared infields in baseball.

The Astros eventually found success, winning the World Series in 2017, but they had to navigate a more challenging path without Turner. His presence at shortstop would have undoubtedly made their journey smoother, providing a dynamic spark that could have propelled them to even greater heights. Turner’s explosive offensive style and exceptional defensive range would have been a perfect fit for the Astros’ high-octane offense and aggressive style of play.

The Cubs, on the other hand, missed out on a chance to draft a future World Series champion. They selected pitcher Kyle Schwarber with the fourth pick, a player who has had a solid career but hasn’t reached the same heights as Turner. While Schwarber has been a valuable contributor, the Cubs could have had a dynamic duo in the infield with Turner and Kris Bryant, who was drafted second overall in 2013.

• Trea Turner would be the top pick in a redraft of the 2014 MLB draft, potentially going to the Houston Astros as the No. 1 overall pick.
• The Astros’ original pick, left-handed pitcher Brady Aiken, did not sign due to injury concerns, leading to Turner being selected later in the draft by the Padres.
• Turner’s presence on the Astros could have significantly impacted their success, complementing their young talent and solidifying their infield alongside players like Carlos Correa.
• The Cubs missed out on drafting Turner in 2014, highlighting how one decision can alter the trajectory of both individual careers and franchise outcomes in baseball.

Reimagining the 2014 Draft: Turner’s Impact on the Astros and Beyond

Looking back at the 2014 draft, it’s impossible to ignore the potential that Turner brought to the table. His impressive skillset and undeniable talent make him the clear-cut No. 1 pick in a redraft. The Astros’ decision to pass on Turner in the original draft was understandable given the injury concerns surrounding Aiken, but in hindsight, it’s a decision that could have significantly altered the course of their franchise. Turner’s presence at shortstop would have solidified their infield and potentially propelled them to even greater heights.

It’s fascinating to imagine the impact Turner would have had on the Astros, a team that was on the verge of greatness. His explosive offensive style, including his unmatched speed on the basepaths, would have perfectly complemented the young talent already in place, creating a fearsome offensive lineup. With Turner at shortstop, the Astros would have had one of the most dynamic infields in baseball, a unit capable of making plays both offensively and defensively.

The Cubs, on the other hand, missed out on a chance to draft a future World Series champion. Their decision to select Schwarber over Turner, despite Schwarber’s solid career, is a reminder of how unpredictable the draft can be. Imagine the impact Turner would have had on the Cubs’ lineup, playing alongside Bryant, a dynamic duo capable of carrying the team to championship glory.

The 2014 draft is a testament to the unpredictable nature of the game. Teams make decisions based on the information available at the time, but with the benefit of hindsight, it’s clear that some selections could have been different. In a redraft of the 2014 class, Turner would be the clear-cut No. 1 pick, and his presence would have significantly impacted the trajectories of both the Astros and the Cubs. It’s a reminder that even the most talented players can fall through the cracks, and that the draft is a game of calculated risks and unpredictable outcomes.

Redrafting MLB’s 2014 Class

With the benefit of a decade of hindsight, we can revisit the 2014 draft and make informed decisions based on the players’ careers. Here is a redraft of the top 10 picks, with Turner at the top of the list, setting in motion a chain reaction that would have significantly altered the course of multiple franchises.

It’s interesting to see how the draft could have unfolded if Turner had been the top pick. The Astros gain a dynamic shortstop to lead their infield, while the Marlins secure a top-tier pitching prospect in Nola. The White Sox land a valuable starter in Webb, while the Cubs get a defensive stalwart in Chapman. The Redraft shows how the top picks could have been different, leading to a shift in the league’s power dynamics.

The Impact of Turner’s Presence

Turner’s presence at the top of the draft would have had a profound impact on the Astros, the Cubs, and the league as a whole. The Astros would have had a formidable infield, with Turner and Correa forming a dynamic duo. Turner’s offensive prowess would have added another dimension to the Astros’ already potent lineup, potentially leading to more championships and more dominance in the American League.

The Cubs, on the other hand, would have had a more balanced team with Turner in the infield. His speed, power, and defensive skills would have complemented Bryant’s offensive threat, creating a formidable duo that could have propelled the Cubs to greater success. Turner’s impact on the Cubs would have been significant, potentially leading to more playoff appearances and a deeper run in the postseason.

Turner’s presence would have also had an impact on the league as a whole. He would have been a constant threat on the basepaths, forcing teams to adjust their defensive strategies to contain his speed. His offensive and defensive prowess would have made him a perennial All-Star, and his competitiveness would have raised the bar for the league’s top shortstops.

The 2014 draft is a reminder that even the most talented players can fall through the cracks. It’s also a reminder that with the benefit of hindsight, we can make informed decisions based on the players’ careers. In a redraft of the 2014 class, Turner would be the clear-cut No. 1 pick, and his presence would have significantly altered the course of multiple franchises. It’s a fascinating thought experiment that highlights the unpredictable nature of the draft and the impact that one player can have on a franchise and the league as a whole.