Best Draft Picks of All-Time for Every MLB Team
The MLB Draft is a yearly event where all 30 teams get to choose the best young talent available, hoping to find the next superstar to lead them to a championship. Some picks are instant successes, while others take years to develop. And then there are those rare gems that become legends, etching their names in baseball history forever.
Today, we’re diving into the history books to identify the best draft picks of all time for each MLB team. It’s a challenging task, considering the vast pool of talented players who’ve graced the diamond. But by using a metric called Wins Above Replacement (WAR), we can objectively analyze and compare players across eras. So buckle up, baseball fans, and get ready for a nostalgic journey through the greatest draft picks in MLB history!
- Arizona Diamondbacks: Max Scherzer, a three-time Cy Young Award winner and World Series champion, stands out as the best draft pick for the Diamondbacks with an impressive career WAR of 75.8.
- Atlanta Braves: Chipper Jones, the 1990 first-round pick, is a standout draft pick for the Braves and is known for his switch-hitting prowess and legendary career.
- Boston Red Sox: Nomar Garciaparra, a two-time batting champion and six-time All-Star, is considered one of the best draft picks for the Red Sox.
- New York Yankees: Derek Jeter, a five-time World Series champion and 14-time All-Star, is hailed as one of the greatest draft picks in Yankees history.
- Los Angeles Dodgers: Mike Piazza, a 62nd-round steal who became a Hall of Famer, is celebrated as one of the Dodgers’ best draft picks.
- San Francisco Giants: Buster Posey, a three-time World Series champion and former NL MVP, is revered as one of the Giants’ top draft picks.
- Chicago Cubs: Kris Bryant, the 2013 second overall pick who won NL Rookie of the Year and MVP honors, is highlighted as one of the Cubs’ best draft selections.
The Arizona Diamondbacks: Max Scherzer
The Arizona Diamondbacks, a relatively young franchise, have had their share of exciting draft picks. But none shine brighter than Max Scherzer, the 2006 first-round selection. While Scherzer didn’t start his career in Arizona, his dominant performances with the Washington Nationals and New York Mets solidify his place among the best pitchers of his generation. He’s a three-time Cy Young Award winner and a World Series champion, with an impressive career WAR of 75.8. Scherzer’s ferocious competitive spirit and elite pitching skills make him a true diamond in the rough.
Scherzer’s dominance on the mound is unmatched. He’s known for his overpowering fastball, devastating slider, and unwavering determination. His ability to strike out batters with ease and shut down opposing offenses is a sight to behold. In 2013, he recorded a mesmerizing 21-7 record with the Washington Nationals, becoming the first pitcher to achieve a win-loss record in the 20s since 2009.
The Diamondbacks weren’t lucky enough to witness Scherzer’s prime years, but his impact on the league is undeniable. He’s a symbol of excellence, a testament to the value of a well-executed draft pick.
The Atlanta Braves: Chipper Jones
The Atlanta Braves have a rich history, boasting a lineup of legendary players. But when it comes to draft picks, one name stands out: Chipper Jones. The 1990 first-round pick, known as “The Switch-Hitting Prodigy,” was a cornerstone of the Braves’ dynasty in the 1990s and early 2000s. Jones was an eight-time All-Star, a batting champion, an MVP, and a World Series champion. He retired in 2012 with a career WAR of 85.3, cementing his legacy as one of the greatest third basemen ever.
Jones’s versatility as a switch-hitter was a nightmare for opposing pitchers. He could launch towering home runs from both sides of the plate, making him a constant threat in the batting order. His smooth fielding skills and leadership qualities made him a vital part of the Braves’ success.
While Jones’s career was marred by injuries, he still managed to dominate the league for over two decades. He was a true icon for the Braves and a symbol of the franchise’s golden era.
The Baltimore Orioles: Cal Ripken Jr.
The Baltimore Orioles have a tradition of developing strong, dependable players. But no player embodies that spirit more than Cal Ripken Jr. Drafted in 1981, Ripken Jr. went on to become one of the greatest shortstops in baseball history. His legendary “Iron Man” streak, where he played in 2,632 consecutive games, is a testament to his unwavering commitment to the game.
Ripken Jr. was an 18-time All-Star, a two-time MVP, and a World Series champion. His career WAR of 106.7 is a testament to his consistent excellence over 21 seasons. He was a quiet leader, known for his dedication, his work ethic, and his ability to inspire his teammates.
Ripken Jr. was a true fan favorite in Baltimore, known for his friendly demeanor and his willingness to connect with the community. He was a true symbol of the city’s spirit, and his impact on the Orioles franchise will never be forgotten.
The Boston Red Sox: Roger Clemens
The Boston Red Sox, known for their passionate fan base and their long history of success, have had their fair share of iconic draft picks. But few have had the impact of Roger Clemens. The 1983 first-round selection quickly established himself as one of the most dominant pitchers of his generation. He won seven Cy Young Awards, including two with the Red Sox, and claimed three World Series titles, including one with Boston in 2003. His career WAR of 131.4 is a testament to his longevity and dominance on the mound.
Clemens’s fastball was legendary, reaching speeds that few other pitchers could match. His repertoire included a devastating slider and a pinpoint changeup, making him a nightmare for hitters.
Clemens’s legacy is complex, overshadowed by controversies surrounding his use of performance-enhancing drugs. However, his impact on the game is undeniable, and his place among the best pitchers of all time is secure.
The Chicago Cubs: Greg Maddux
The Chicago Cubs, known for their passionate fan base and their long history of success, have had their fair share of iconic draft picks. But few have had the impact of Greg Maddux. The 1984 first-round selection quickly established himself as one of the most dominant pitchers of his generation. He won four Cy Young Awards, including three with the Cubs, and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2014. His career WAR of 106.5 is a testament to his longevity and dominance on the mound.
Maddux was known for his precision, his pinpoint control, and his ability to outsmart hitters. He could throw any pitch at any time, making him nearly impossible to predict. Maddux’s cunning pitching style and his exceptional command of the strike zone made him a dominant force in the 1990s.
His career with the Cubs was a special one. He was a key piece in the team’s success during a difficult period for the organization. Maddux’s contributions to the Cubs’ legacy will never be forgotten, and his place among the greatest pitchers of all time is secure.
The Chicago White Sox: Frank Thomas
The Chicago White Sox have a history of drafting strong hitters, but none are as dominant as Frank Thomas, the 1989 first-round pick. Known as “The Big Hurt,” Thomas was a powerful slugger with a smooth swing and a knack for driving the ball. He was a 14-time All-Star, a five-time Silver Slugger Award winner, and two-time MVP. His career WAR of 75.4 reflects his consistent offensive output over 19 seasons.
Thomas’s power at the plate was legendary. He hit an astonishing 521 home runs during his career, earning a place among the greatest power hitters in baseball history.
Although Thomas had some injuries throughout his career, he remained a force at the plate. He was an intimidating presence for opposing pitchers and a beloved figure in Chicago. He was a key piece in the White Sox’s success in the 1990s and early 2000s. Thomas’s legacy is secure, and his place among the greatest hitters of all time is undisputed.
The Cincinnati Reds: Johnny Bench
The Cincinnati Reds have a long and storied history filled with legendary players. But few have had the impact of Johnny Bench, the 1965 second-round pick. Bench was a 14-time All-Star, a two-time MVP, a 10-time Gold Glove winner, and a World Series champion. His career WAR of 104.9 is a testament to his dominance as a catcher and his overall impact on the game.
Bench was known for his powerful swing, his incredible defensive skills, and his leadership qualities. He was a true icon of the game, and his legacy is still felt today.
Bench’s career with the Reds is a textbook example of a franchise hitting its peak, with a lineup that included legends like Pete Rose and Joe Morgan. Bench’s contributions to the Reds’ success during the 1970s are undeniable, and his place among the greatest catchers of all time is secure.
The Cleveland Guardians: Jim Thome
The Cleveland Guardians, formerly known as the Indians, have a long history of drafting talented players. But none are as powerful as Jim Thome, the 1989 13th-round pick. Thome was a powerful slugger, known for his massive home runs and his consistent offensive output. He was a 12-time All-Star, a six-time Silver Slugger Award winner, and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2018. His career WAR of 67.8 reflects his enduring impact on the game.
Thome’s power at the plate was legendary. He hit 612 home runs during his career, a testament to his exceptional strength and his ability to hit the ball a mile.
Thome’s contributions to the Guardians’ legacy are significant. He was a key piece in the team’s success in the late 1990s and early 2000s. Thome’s legacy is secure, and his place among the greatest power hitters of all time is undisputed.
The Colorado Rockies: Todd Helton
The Colorado Rockies have been a relatively young franchise, but they’ve had their share of star players. But none are as iconic as Todd Helton, the 1995 first-round pick. Helton was a versatile first baseman known for his smooth swing, his consistent hitting, and his strong defensive skills. He was a five-time All-Star, a four-time Silver Slugger Award winner, and a World Series champion. His career WAR of 69.1 reflects his consistently high performance over 17 seasons.
Helton’s contributions to the Rockies’ legacy are significant. He was a key piece in the team’s success in the late 1990s and early 2000s. Helton was a true fan favorite in Denver, known for his humility and his willingness to connect with the community. He was a true symbol of the team’s spirit, and his legacy will never be forgotten.
The Detroit Tigers: Justin Verlander
The Detroit Tigers have a long and storied history, filled with legendary players. But few have had the impact of Justin Verlander, the 2004 second-round pick. Verlander has been a dominant force on the mound for over two decades. He is a two-time Cy Young Award winner, a World Series champion, and an MVP. His career WAR of 74.7 reflects his consistently high performance over 19 seasons.
Verlander’s fastball is legendary, reaching speeds that few other pitchers could match. He’s a true testament to the power and dominance of a well-executed draft pick.
Verlander’s contributions to the Tigers’ legacy are significant. He was a key piece in the team’s success in the late 2000s and early 2010s. Verlander is a true icon of the team, and his legacy will never be forgotten.
The Houston Astros: Kenny Lofton
The Houston Astros have a long history of drafting talented players. But few have had the impact of Kenny Lofton, the 1991 17th-round pick. Lofton was an electrifying center fielder known for his speed, his defensive prowess, and his ability to get on base. He was a seven-time All-Star, a six-time Gold Glove winner, and a World Series champion. His career WAR of 68.2 reflects his consistently high performance over 17 seasons.
Lofton’s speed on the basepaths was legendary. He stole over 600 bases during his career, earning a place among the greatest base stealers in baseball history.
Lofton’s contributions to the Astros’ legacy are significant. He was a key piece in the team’s success in the late 1990s and early 2000s. Lofton was a true fan favorite in Houston, known for his exciting play and his ability to get the crowd on its feet. He was a true symbol of the team’s spirit, and his legacy will never be forgotten.
The Kansas City Royals: George Brett
The Kansas City Royals have a long history of drafting talented players. But few have had the impact of George Brett, the 1971 14th-round pick. Brett was a versatile third baseman known for his smooth swing, his consistent hitting, and his strong defensive skills. He was a 13-time All-Star, a 10-time Silver Slugger Award winner, and a World Series champion. His career WAR of 88.3 reflects his consistently high performance over 21 seasons.
Brett’s swing was legendary. He was known for his smooth, effortless approach and his ability to hit the ball with power and precision.
Brett’s contributions to the Royals’ legacy are significant. He was a key piece in the team’s success in the 1970s and 1980s. Brett was a true fan favorite in Kansas City, known for his passion for the game and his willingness to connect with the community. He was a true symbol of the team’s spirit, and his legacy will never be forgotten.
The Los Angeles Angels: Mike Trout
The Los Angeles Angels have a history of drafting talented players. But few have had the impact of Mike Trout, the 2009 first-round pick. Trout is widely considered to be the best player in baseball. He’s a 10-time All-Star, a three-time MVP, and a World Series champion. His career WAR of 87.8 reflects his consistently high performance over 14 seasons.
Trout’s skills are unmatched. He’s a combination of power, speed, and defense, making him a true triple threat.
Trout’s contributions to the Angels’ legacy are significant. He’s been a true cornerstone of the team’s success in the 2010s and 2020s. He’s a true fan favorite in Anaheim, known for his exciting play and his humble personality. He’s a true symbol of the team’s spirit, and his legacy will never be forgotten.
The Los Angeles Dodgers: Clayton Kershaw
The Los Angeles Dodgers have a long history of drafting talented players. But few have had the impact of Clayton Kershaw, the 2006 seventh-round pick. Kershaw is widely considered to be one of the best pitchers of his generation. He is a three-time Cy Young Award winner, a World Series champion, and an MVP. His career WAR of 70.1 reflects his consistently high performance over 16 seasons.
Kershaw’s curveball is legendary, considered to be one of the best pitches in baseball history. He’s a true icon of the game, and his legacy is still being written.
Kershaw’s contributions to the Dodgers’ legacy are significant. He’s been a key piece in the team’s success in the 2010s and 2020s. He’s a true fan favorite in Los Angeles, known for his dominance on the mound and his humble personality. He’s a true symbol of the team’s spirit, and his legacy will never be forgotten.
The Miami Marlins: Giancarlo Stanton
The Miami Marlins have a long history of drafting talented players. But few have had the impact of Giancarlo Stanton, the 2009 second-round pick. Stanton is a powerful slugger known for his massive home runs and his ability to drive the ball. He was a seven-time All-Star, a three-time Silver Slugger Award winner, and an MVP. His career WAR of 54.8 reflects his consistently high performance over 15 seasons.
Stanton’s power at the plate is legendary. He hit over 400 home runs during his career, earning a place among the greatest power hitters in baseball history.
Stanton’s contributions to the Marlins’ legacy are significant. He was a key piece in the team’s success in the 2010s, and he’s a true fan favorite in Miami, known for his exciting play and his willingness to connect with the community.
The Milwaukee Brewers: Robin Yount
The Milwaukee Brewers have a long history of drafting talented players. But few have had the impact of Robin Yount, the 1973 first-round pick. Yount was a versatile shortstop known for his smooth swing, his consistent hitting, and his strong defensive skills. He was a 14-time All-Star, a two-time MVP, and a World Series champion. His career WAR of 94.7 reflects his consistently high performance over 20 seasons.
Yount’s contributions to the Brewers’ legacy are significant. He was a key piece in the team’s success in the 1970s and 1980s. He was a true fan favorite in Milwaukee, known for his exciting play and his willingness to connect with the community.
The Minnesota Twins: Bert Blyleven
The Minnesota Twins have a long history of drafting talented players. But few have had the impact of Bert Blyleven, the 1969 first-round pick. Blyleven was a dominant pitcher known for his curveball and his ability to strike out batters. He was a six-time All-Star, a Cy Young Award winner, and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2011. His career WAR of 78.3 reflects his consistently high performance over 22 seasons.
Blyleven’s contributions to the Twins’ legacy are significant. He was a key piece in the team’s success in the 1970s and 1980s. He was a true fan favorite in Minnesota, known for his exciting play and his willingness to connect with the community.
The New York Mets: Nolan Ryan
The New York Mets have a long history of drafting talented players. But few have had the impact of Nolan Ryan, the 1966 14th-round pick. Ryan was a dominant pitcher known for his fastball and his ability to strike out batters. He was a seven-time All-Star, a seven-time Cy Young Award winner, and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1999. His career WAR of 100.3 reflects his consistently high performance over 27 seasons.
Ryan’s fastball was legendary. He threw seven no-hitters during his career, a record that still stands today.
Ryan’s contributions to the Mets’ legacy are significant. He was a key piece in the team’s success in the 1970s. He was a true fan favorite in New York, known for his exciting play and his willingness to connect with the community.
The New York Yankees: Derek Jeter
The New York Yankees, a team synonymous with success, have a long history of drafting legendary players. But few are as iconic as Derek Jeter. The 1992 first-round pick, known as “The Captain,” was a cornerstone of the Yankees’ dynasty in the late 1990s and early 2000s. Jeter was a 14-time All-Star, a five-time World Series champion, and a five-time Gold Glove winner. His career WAR of 79.6 exemplifies his consistent excellence throughout his 20 seasons.
Jeter’s smooth fielding skills, clutch hitting, and leadership qualities made him a true fan favorite. He was a quiet leader, known for his dedication and his ability to inspire his teammates.
Jeter’s legacy is cemented in Yankee history. He led the team to five World Series titles and was a key piece in their success during a golden era. His place among the greatest shortstops of all time is undisputed.
The Oakland Athletics: Rickey Henderson
The Oakland Athletics have a long history of drafting talented players. But few have had the impact of Rickey Henderson, the 1978 fourth-round pick. Henderson was an electrifying leadoff hitter known for his speed, his ability to get on base, and his incredible base stealing skills. He was a 10-time All-Star, a two-time MVP, and a World Series champion. His career WAR of 104.2 reflects his consistently high performance over 25 seasons.
Henderson’s speed on the basepaths was legendary. He stole over 1,400 bases during his career, a record that still stands today.
Henderson’s contributions to the Athletics’ legacy are significant. He was a key piece in the team’s success in the 1980s and 1990s. He was a true fan favorite in Oakland, known for his exciting play and his willingness to connect with the community.
The Philadelphia Phillies: Mike Schmidt
The Philadelphia Phillies have a storied history, filled with legendary players. But few have had the impact of Mike Schmidt, the 1971 first-round pick. Schmidt was a powerful third baseman known for his smooth swing, his consistent hitting, and his strong defensive skills. He was a 12-time All-Star, a three-time MVP, and a World Series champion. His career WAR of 109.9 reflects his consistently high performance over 18 seasons.
Schmidt’s power at the plate was legendary. He hit over 500 home runs during his career, earning a place among the greatest power hitters in baseball history.
Schmidt’s contributions to the Phillies’ legacy are significant. He was a key piece in the team’s success in the 1970s and 1980s. He was a true fan favorite in Philadelphia, known for his exciting play and his willingness to connect with the community.
The Pittsburgh Pirates: Barry Bonds
The Pittsburgh Pirates have a long history of drafting talented players. But few have had the impact of Barry Bonds, the 1985 first-round pick. Bonds was an electrifying outfielder known for his power, his speed, and his ability to get on base. He was a 14-time All-Star, a seven-time MVP, and a World Series champion. His career WAR of 162.8 is a testament to his consistently high performance over 22 seasons.
Bonds’s power at the plate was legendary. He hit over 760 home runs during his career, a record that still stands today.
Bonds’s contributions to the Pirates’ legacy are significant. He was a key piece in the team’s success in the 1980s and 1990s. He was a true fan favorite in Pittsburgh, known for his exciting play and his willingness to connect with the community.
The San Diego Padres: Ozzie Smith
The San Diego Padres have a history of drafting talented players. But few have had the impact of Ozzie Smith, the 1978 second-round pick. Smith was an electrifying shortstop known for his incredible defensive skills, his smooth swing, and his ability to get on base. He was a 15-time All-Star, a 13-time Gold Glove winner, and a World Series champion. His career WAR of 73.3 reflects his consistently high performance over 19 seasons.
Smith’s defensive skills were legendary. He was known for his incredible range, his smooth fielding, and his ability to make spectacular plays.
Smith’s contributions to the Padres’ legacy are significant. He was a key piece in the team’s success in the 1980s and 1990s. He was a true fan favorite in San Diego, known for his exciting play and his willingness to connect with the community.
The San Francisco Giants: Will Clark
The San Francisco Giants have a long history of drafting talented players. But few have had the impact of Will Clark, the 1985 second-round pick. Clark was a powerful first baseman known for his smooth swing, his consistent hitting, and his strong defensive skills. He was a six-time All-Star, a three-time Silver Slugger Award winner, and a World Series champion. His career WAR of 65.6 reflects his consistently high performance over 15 seasons.
Clark’s power at the plate was legendary. He hit over 200 home runs during his career, earning a place among the greatest power hitters in baseball history.
Clark’s contributions to the Giants’ legacy are significant. He was a key piece in the team’s success in the 1980s and 1990s. He was a true fan favorite in San Francisco, known for his exciting play and his willingness to connect with the community.
The Seattle Mariners: Alex Rodriguez
The Seattle Mariners have a history of drafting talented players. But few have had the impact of Alex Rodriguez, the 1993 first-round pick. Rodriguez was an electrifying shortstop known for his power, his speed, and his ability to get on base. He was a 14-time All-Star, a three-time MVP, and a World Series champion. His career WAR of 117.4 reflects his consistently high performance over 22 seasons.
Rodriguez’s power at the plate was legendary. He hit over 690 home runs during his career, earning a place among the greatest power hitters in baseball history.
Rodriguez’s contributions to the Mariners’ legacy are significant. He was a key piece in the team’s success in the 1990s and early 2000s. He was a true fan favorite in Seattle, known for his exciting play and his willingness to connect with the community.
The St. Louis Cardinals: Albert Pujols
The St. Louis Cardinals have a long history of drafting talented players. But few have had the impact of Albert Pujols, the 2001 13th-round pick. Pujols was a powerful first baseman known for his smooth swing, his consistent hitting, and his strong defensive skills. He was a 11-time All-Star, a 10-time Silver Slugger Award winner, and a three-time MVP. His career WAR of 102.1 reflects his consistently high performance over 22 seasons.
Pujols’s power at the plate was legendary. He hit over 700 home runs during his career, earning a place among the greatest power hitters in baseball history.
Pujols’s contributions to the Cardinals’ legacy are significant. He was a key piece in the team’s success in the 2000s and 2010s. He was a true fan favorite in St. Louis, known for his exciting play and his willingness to connect with the community.
The Tampa Bay Rays: Evan Longoria
The Tampa Bay Rays have a long history of drafting talented players. But few have had the impact of Evan Longoria, the 2006 third-round pick. Longoria was a powerful third baseman known for his smooth swing, his consistent hitting, and his strong defensive skills. He was a three-time All-Star, a three-time Silver Slugger Award winner, and a World Series champion. His career WAR of 61.1 reflects his consistently high performance over 16 seasons.
Longoria’s power at the plate was legendary. He hit over 300 home runs during his career, earning a place among the greatest power hitters in baseball history.
Longoria’s contributions to the Rays’ legacy are significant. He was a key piece in the team’s success in the 2000s and 2010s. He was a true fan favorite in Tampa Bay, known for his exciting play and his willingness to connect with the community.
The Texas Rangers: Kevin Brown
The Texas Rangers have a long history of drafting talented players. But few have had the impact of Kevin Brown, the 1986 11th-round pick. Brown was a dominant pitcher known for his fastball and his ability to strike out batters. He was a four-time All-Star and a Cy Young Award winner. His career WAR of 69.5 reflects his consistently high performance over 19 seasons.
Brown’s fastball was legendary. He threw over 200 strikeouts in a season four times during his career.
Brown’s contributions to the Rangers’ legacy are significant. He was a key piece in the team’s success in the 1990s. He was a true fan favorite in Texas, known for his exciting play and his willingness to connect with the community.
The Toronto Blue Jays: Roy Halladay
The Toronto Blue Jays have a long history of drafting talented players. But few have had the impact of Roy Halladay, the 1995 first-round pick. Halladay was a dominant pitcher known for his fastball, his ability to strike out batters, and his complete-game dominance. He was an eight-time All-Star, a two-time Cy Young Award winner, and a World Series champion. His career WAR of 76.1 reflects his consistently high performance over 16 seasons.
Halladay’s ability to pitch complete games was legendary. He threw 67 complete games during his career, a testament to his exceptional stamina and his ability to shut down opposing offenses.
Halladay’s contributions to the Blue Jays’ legacy are significant. He was a key piece in the team’s success in the 2000s. He was a true fan favorite in Toronto, known for his exciting play and his willingness to connect with the community.
The Washington Nationals: Randy Johnson
The Washington Nationals have a long history of drafting talented players. But few have had the impact of Randy Johnson, the 1984 second-round pick. Johnson was a dominant pitcher known for his fastball, his ability to strike out batters, and his incredible intimidation factor. He was a 10-time All-Star, a five-time Cy Young Award winner, and a World Series champion. His career WAR of 110.2 reflects his consistently high performance over 22 seasons.
Johnson’s fastball was legendary. He threw over 300 strikeouts in a season five times during his career, a record that still stands today.
Johnson’s contributions to the Nationals’ legacy are significant. He was a key piece in the team’s success in the 2000s. He was a true fan favorite in Washington, known for his exciting play and his willingness to connect with the community.
These are just a few of the best draft picks of all time for each MLB team. There are many other deserving players who could be included on this list. But these players are all legends in their own right, and their contributions to their respective teams and the game of baseball are undeniable.
