2016 MLB Draft: Who Were The Top Picks?

Hey baseball fanatics! Let's dive deep into the 2016 MLB draft, a pivotal moment for many young players and a day that shaped the future of several Major League Baseball teams. This draft class, like any other, was filled with hype, potential, and the hopes of teams looking to build their dynasties. We'll be taking a closer look at the top 1st round draft picks from that year, analyzing their performances, and seeing where they are now. Get ready to reminisce and maybe even debate some of the choices made back in 2016!

The Top 10: A Deep Dive into the 2016 Draft's Elite

Let's get straight to the point, and examine the cream of the crop, the players who heard their names called early and were handed the keys to their respective organizations' futures. The 2016 MLB draft's top picks represented a blend of power, pitching prowess, and all-around talent, and were supposed to be the future of baseball. In this section, we will explore the top 10 picks from the 2016 MLB draft, what teams selected them, and how their careers have unfolded since they were drafted. From the highly touted high school phenoms to the polished college stars, we'll see how these players have lived up to, or fallen short of, the expectations placed upon them on draft day.

1. Mickey Moniak, OF (Philadelphia Phillies)

Chosen with the first overall pick, Mickey Moniak was the center fielder from La Costa Canyon High School. The Phillies, hoping to add an elite bat and defensive presence in center, took a chance on Moniak. However, his professional career hasn't lived up to the hype, struggling to find his footing in the majors. He was traded to the Los Angeles Angels in 2022 and has shown flashes of potential, but consistency has been an issue. He is still fighting for a regular role in the league, and hopefully, he can turn his career around! Moniak's selection underscores the inherent risk in drafting high school players, even those with significant upside.

2. Nick Senzel, 3B (Cincinnati Reds)

Nick Senzel, a versatile infielder from the University of Tennessee, was selected second overall by the Cincinnati Reds. Senzel was regarded as one of the most polished college bats in the draft. He was expected to be a key piece for the Reds' offense. While he eventually reached the majors, injuries have plagued his career. Senzel has showcased his potential in glimpses, but he has not been able to stay healthy enough to become the star many hoped he would be. Injuries have significantly impacted his development and ability to reach his full potential.

3. Ian Anderson, RHP (Atlanta Braves)

Ian Anderson, a right-handed pitcher from Shenendehowa High School, was a prized selection for the Atlanta Braves. Anderson quickly rose through the Braves' system, and he was a key part of their World Series-winning team in 2021. Injuries have also affected his career recently. If he can stay healthy, he still has the potential to be a very effective starting pitcher in the league. His early success demonstrated the Braves' keen eye for talent and ability to develop young pitchers.

4. Riley Pint, RHP (Colorado Rockies)

Selected by the Colorado Rockies, Riley Pint, a high school right-hander, was seen as a potential power pitcher. Unfortunately, his professional career was filled with struggles, as he was unable to find success. He later transitioned to a position player and ultimately retired. Pint's story serves as a reminder of the challenges and uncertainties that come with player development.

5. A.J. Puk, LHP (Oakland Athletics)

A.J. Puk, a left-handed pitcher from the University of Florida, was the fifth overall pick by the Oakland Athletics. He showcased dominant stuff and was anticipated to be a front-of-the-rotation starter. Although injuries also affected him, he has had some success as a reliever for the Athletics and later the Miami Marlins. Puk's career shows the adaptation and resilience required to succeed at the professional level.

6. Corey Ray, OF (Milwaukee Brewers)

Corey Ray, an outfielder from the University of Louisville, was a power-speed threat selected by the Milwaukee Brewers. After struggling to find his footing in the majors, he did not live up to expectations. Ray's case illustrates the difficulty of projecting college players to the next level, especially when considering the importance of all-around performance.

7. Braxton Garrett, LHP (Miami Marlins)

Braxton Garrett, a high school left-handed pitcher, was drafted by the Miami Marlins. After facing significant injuries early in his career, he has found some success, and has become a solid starting pitcher for the Marlins. His perseverance highlights the importance of resilience in overcoming career challenges.

8. Buddy Reed, OF (Oakland Athletics)

Buddy Reed, an outfielder from the University of Florida, was selected by the Oakland Athletics. He never reached the major leagues, and unfortunately, he did not live up to his draft expectations. Reed's career trajectory underscores the unpredictable nature of player development.

9. Forrest Whitley, RHP (Houston Astros)

Forrest Whitley, a high school right-handed pitcher, was drafted by the Houston Astros. He was seen as a high-upside pitching prospect. While he has shown flashes of brilliance, he has battled injuries and inconsistency, struggling to establish himself in the majors. Whitley's career exemplifies the challenges of projecting high school pitchers and the hurdles they face in their development.

10. Blake Rutherford, OF (New York Yankees)

Blake Rutherford, an outfielder from high school, was selected by the New York Yankees. He has not yet reached the majors and has struggled to realize his potential. He was traded to the Chicago White Sox in 2017. His journey exemplifies the difficulties of making it to the major leagues and the impact of performance and opportunities.

The Rest of the First Round: More Talents and Stories

Beyond the top ten, the 2016 MLB draft saw several other notable talents selected, each with their own unique story and path to the majors. Let's briefly touch on some of the other first-round picks. These players, who came from diverse backgrounds, each had their own strengths and weaknesses. Some have become stars, and some have struggled, underscoring the unpredictable nature of player development.

11. Will Craig, 1B (Pittsburgh Pirates)

Will Craig, a first baseman from Wake Forest University, was drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates. He is best known for a bizarre play that ended his minor league career and has not made a significant impact in the majors. Craig's story is an example of the unpredictable nature of baseball, showing how a single moment can change the course of a career.

12. Matt Manning, RHP (Detroit Tigers)

Matt Manning, a right-handed pitcher from high school, was drafted by the Detroit Tigers. He had flashes of brilliance, showing the potential of a top-of-the-rotation starter. He has struggled with injuries but remains an important part of the Tigers' rotation. Manning's career highlights the development of young pitchers and the value of patience.

13. Josh Lowe, 3B (Tampa Bay Rays)

Josh Lowe, a third baseman from high school, was selected by the Tampa Bay Rays. He has become an essential part of the Rays' roster. His versatility and development have made him a crucial player. Lowe’s development shows the Rays' expertise in developing talent and their innovative approach to player development.

14. Gavin Lux, SS (Los Angeles Dodgers)

Gavin Lux, a shortstop from high school, was drafted by the Los Angeles Dodgers. He was seen as a top prospect, but he struggled to consistently perform at the major league level and was later traded. Lux's situation shows the high expectations and demands placed on young players in a high-profile market.

15. Dakota Hudson, RHP (St. Louis Cardinals)

Dakota Hudson, a right-handed pitcher from Mississippi State, was selected by the St. Louis Cardinals. He has been a solid starter in the Cardinals' rotation. His success shows the Cardinals' ability to evaluate and develop pitching talent.

16. Nate Pearson, RHP (Toronto Blue Jays)

Nate Pearson, a junior college right-handed pitcher, was drafted by the Toronto Blue Jays. He has battled injuries but still shows potential. Pearson’s career illustrates the challenges of staying healthy and reaching full potential.

17. Anthony Kay, LHP (New York Mets)

Anthony Kay, a left-handed pitcher from the University of Connecticut, was drafted by the New York Mets. He has had limited success in the majors and has since been traded. Kay’s career is a reminder of the competitive nature of professional baseball and the importance of adapting.

18. Jordan Sheffield, RHP (Los Angeles Dodgers)

Jordan Sheffield, a right-handed pitcher from Vanderbilt, was drafted by the Los Angeles Dodgers. He has had a limited career in the majors. His story is an example of the ups and downs of baseball.

19. Beau Burrows, RHP (Detroit Tigers)

Beau Burrows, a right-handed pitcher from high school, was drafted by the Detroit Tigers. He never reached his full potential, and was traded. His career illustrates the challenges of reaching the majors and the difficulty of projecting high school pitchers.

20. Cal Quantrill, RHP (San Diego Padres)

Cal Quantrill, a right-handed pitcher from Stanford University, was drafted by the San Diego Padres. He was later traded and had success with the Cleveland Guardians. Quantrill's success reflects his talent and determination, as well as the importance of finding the right environment to thrive.

21. Bryan Reynolds, OF (Pittsburgh Pirates)

Bryan Reynolds, an outfielder from Vanderbilt University, was drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates. He has become a solid hitter and a valuable player for the Pirates. Reynolds is a testament to perseverance and the ability to adapt and excel at the major league level.

22. Josh Staumont, RHP (Kansas City Royals)

Josh Staumont, a right-handed pitcher from Azusa Pacific University, was drafted by the Kansas City Royals. He has found success as a reliever for the Royals. Staumont's performance shows the value of having a strong bullpen.

23. Eric Lauer, LHP (Milwaukee Brewers)

Eric Lauer, a left-handed pitcher from Kent State University, was drafted by the Milwaukee Brewers. He has had a moderate impact in the majors. Lauer’s career illustrates the value of college pitchers and the importance of development.

24. Zack Collins, C (Chicago White Sox)

Zack Collins, a catcher from the University of Miami, was drafted by the Chicago White Sox. He has had a limited career in the majors. Collins’ story underscores the challenges of projecting college players and the importance of performance.

25. T.J. Friedl, OF (Cincinnati Reds)

T.J. Friedl, an outfielder from high school, was drafted by the Cincinnati Reds. He later signed with the Reds and has become a valuable contributor. Friedl's career shows the impact of hard work and adapting.

26. Dakota Chalmers, RHP (Oakland Athletics)

Dakota Chalmers, a right-handed pitcher from high school, was drafted by the Oakland Athletics. He has yet to reach the majors. Chalmers' journey reflects the long road and setbacks.

27. Buddy Baumann, LHP (San Diego Padres)

Buddy Baumann, a left-handed pitcher from high school, was drafted by the San Diego Padres. He never reached the majors. Baumann's story highlights the difficulty of the path to the majors.

28. Justin Dunn, RHP (New York Mets)

Justin Dunn, a right-handed pitcher from Boston College, was drafted by the New York Mets. He has had a limited career in the majors. Dunn’s career illustrates the challenges of staying healthy and finding success at the professional level.

29. Robert Tyler, RHP (Colorado Rockies)

Robert Tyler, a right-handed pitcher from the University of Georgia, was drafted by the Colorado Rockies. He never reached the majors. Tyler’s career showcases the unpredictable nature of player development.

30. Nolan Watson, RHP (Kansas City Royals)

Nolan Watson, a right-handed pitcher from high school, was drafted by the Kansas City Royals. He has yet to reach the majors. Watson's journey reflects the ups and downs of baseball.

The Aftermath: Assessing the 2016 Draft's Legacy

Looking back, the 2016 MLB draft delivered mixed results. Some teams drafted future stars who have exceeded expectations, while others saw their top picks fail to live up to the hype. This just proves how tough it is to predict a prospect's career. The draft class has had its ups and downs, but it has added a lot of talent to the league. This is a reminder that player development is an ongoing process. The 2016 MLB draft showcases the complexities of player evaluation, the importance of player development, and the unpredictable nature of professional baseball. The success stories of those drafted in 2016 have had a major impact, and many of these players are still making their mark. The careers of the drafted players remind us that not every highly touted prospect becomes a star, and sometimes, players picked later in the draft become key contributors. It's a testament to the fact that the draft is just the beginning of a player's journey, which involves consistent hard work, and the right coaching and support. So, the 2016 MLB draft is a reminder of the hope and uncertainty that comes with every draft class. The players drafted in 2016 still continue to write their baseball stories.

So, there you have it, folks! A comprehensive look at the 2016 MLB draft. I hope you enjoyed this deep dive, and it gave you some food for thought. Who do you think was the biggest steal? Let me know in the comments. Keep enjoying the game, and thanks for reading!