MLB Draft Success Stories: Top Picks of the Last Decade (2026)

Here's a look at the best Draft picks from the past 10 years for each MLB club, showcasing the talent pipeline and development strategies that have led to success and potential future stars.

AL East

  • Boston Red Sox: Roman Anthony (2022, 2nd round) - A potential superstar, Anthony has established himself as the game's top prospect with a .292/.396/.463 slash line in his rookie season. His power and speed make him a force to be reckoned with.
  • Baltimore Orioles: Gunnar Henderson (2019, 2nd round) - Henderson leads Rutschman in career bWAR and wRC+, showcasing his defensive prowess and offensive capabilities.
  • Tampa Bay Rays: Joe Ryan (2018, 7th round) - Ryan's journey from a Cape Cod League All-Star to a two-time All-Star for the Twins is a testament to his potential. His 13.8 bWAR ranks among the best in the 2018 Draft class.
  • New York Yankees: Cam Schlittler (2022, 7th round) - Schlittler's dominance in his first two years at Northeastern, coupled with the Yankees' velocity enhancement, has led to an All-Star caliber pitcher.
  • Toronto Blue Jays: Bo Bichette (2016, 2nd round) - Bichette's .290 average and power, including 29 homers in 2021, make him a key player for the Blue Jays.

AL Central

  • Cleveland Guardians: Shane Bieber (2016, 4th round) - Bieber's control and velocity improvements have led to two All-Star nods and an AL Cy Young Award in 2020.
  • Kansas City Royals: Bobby Witt Jr. (2019, 1st round) - Witt's 11-year, $288.8 million contract extension speaks to his impact. He's a five-tool talent with power and speed.
  • Detroit Tigers: Tarik Skubal (2018, 9th round) - Skubal's back-to-back AL Cy Young Awards in 2024 and 2025 make him a dominant force on the mound.
  • Minnesota Twins: Brent Rooker (2017, supplemental 1st round) - Rooker's All-Star seasons and Silver Slugger Award in 2024 showcase his offensive prowess.
  • Chicago White Sox: Garrett Crochet (2020, 1st round) - Crochet's journey from the bullpen to a starting pitcher, coupled with his All-Star appearances, highlights his versatility.

AL West

  • Los Angeles Angels: Zach Neto (2022, 1st round) - Neto's 5+ WAR seasons and 49 homers in 2024 and 2025 make him a steady performer.
  • Houston Astros: Jeremy Peña (2018, 3rd round) - Peña's defensive prowess and offensive impact, including 22 homers and a Gold Glove, make him a valuable asset.
  • Oakland Athletics: Nick Kurtz (2024, 1st round) - Kurtz's Rookie of the Year and Silver Slugger Award in 2025, along with his All-Star nod, showcase his potential.
  • Seattle Mariners: Cal Raleigh (2018, 3rd round) - Raleigh's 60 homers and All-Star season in 2025, along with his MVP voting, make him a standout catcher.
  • Texas Rangers: Wyatt Langford (2023, 1st round) - Langford's .360/.480/.677 slash line and quality defense in left and center field make him a key contributor.

NL East

  • Atlanta Braves: Michael Harris II (2019, 3rd round) - Harris' 17.1 WAR and NL Rookie of the Year in 2022 showcase his offensive upside.
  • Miami Marlins: Michael King (2016, 12th round) - King's journey from a reliever to a quality starter highlights his adaptability.
  • New York Mets: Pete Crow-Armstrong (2020, 1st round) - Crow-Armstrong's elite defense and power make him a potential MVP candidate.
  • Washington Nationals: Jesús Luzardo (2016, 3rd round) - Luzardo's stability as a rotation option and All-Star appearance showcase his consistency.
  • Philadelphia Phillies: Bryson Stott (2019, 1st round) - Stott's double-digit homers and steals, along with his postseason success, make him a reliable contributor.

NL Central

  • Milwaukee Brewers: Jacob Misiorowski (2022, 2nd round) - Misiorowski's lightning-armed fastball and improved control make him a potential NL Cy Young candidate.
  • St. Louis Cardinals: JJ Wetherholt (2024, 1st round) - Wetherholt's all-around hitting and defensive prowess make him a franchise cornerstone.
  • Chicago Cubs: Nico Hoerner (2018, 1st round) - Hoerner's reliable hitting and basestealing savvy, along with his Gold Gloves, make him a valuable player.
  • Pittsburgh Pirates: Paul Skenes (2023, 1st round) - Skenes' dominant performances, including an ERA title and Cy Young Award, showcase his potential.
  • Cincinnati Reds: Andrew Abbott (2021, 2nd round) - Abbott's 13.4 WAR and All-Star nod in 2025 make him a standout pitcher.

NL West

  • Arizona Diamondbacks: Corbin Carroll (2019, 1st round) - Carroll's 30-30 season in 2025 and NL Rookie of the Year showcase his dynamic play.
  • Los Angeles Dodgers: Will Smith (2016, 1st round) - Smith's All-Star appearances and World Series success, including a game-winning home run, highlight his impact.
  • San Francisco Giants: Bryan Reynolds (2016, 2nd round) - Reynolds' All-Star seasons and defensive prowess make him a key player for the Giants.
  • San Diego Padres: James Wood (2021, 2nd round) - Wood's power-hitting potential and success in 2024 and 2025 make him a rising star.
  • Colorado Rockies: Hunter Goodman (2021, 4th round) - Goodman's power potential and All-Star appearances in 2025 and 2026 showcase his development.
MLB Draft Success Stories: Top Picks of the Last Decade (2026)
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