The Astros discovered themselves with an unprecedented benefit within the 2015 Draft. As a result of they did not signal No. 1 total choose Brady Aiken the yr earlier than, they acquired the No. 2 alternative as compensation. And after posting the fourth-worst MLB file in 2014, additionally they garnered the No. 5 choice.
No workforce earlier than or since has ever owned two of the primary 5 picks in a single Draft. And Houston made essentially the most of them.
The Astros parlayed these two decisions into the 2 greatest gamers in your entire Draft: Alex Bregman at No. 2 and Kyle Tucker at No. 5. Bregman confirmed up at Minute Maid Park only a yr later and Houston made the playoffs in every of his eight full seasons in Houston, profitable two World Collection and 4 American League pennants. Tucker arrived in 2018 and in addition grew to become an integral a part of, by far, essentially the most profitable run in franchise historical past.
In our annual redraft of the occasion that befell 10 years in the past, based mostly on careers to this point and future projections, the Astros and Cardinals tied for essentially the most retroactive first-rounders with 4 apiece. Houston additionally hit on its first two alternatives on the Draft’s third day, Eleventh-rounder Patrick Sandoval and Twelfth-rounder Myles Straw. St. Louis did not get a lot out of its high three picks however scored with its subsequent 4: Harrison Bader (third spherical), Jordan Hicks (supplemental third), Paul DeJong (fourth) and Ryan Helsley (fifth).
All informed, 15 of the 36 real-life first-rounders from 2015 maintained that standing within the redraft. The Rangers discovered the 2 largest bargains with a pair of faculty seniors, Appalachian State’s Jeffrey Springs for $1,000 within the thirtieth spherical and Central Florida’s Dylan Moore for $10,000 within the seventh. The newest choice to make our up to date first spherical was Ty France, a Padres Thirty fourth-rounder out of San Diego State.
1. Diamondbacks: Alex Bregman, SS, Louisiana State
Precise choose: Dansby Swanson, SS, Vanderbilt ($6.5 million). Bregman: first spherical, No. 2, Astros ($5.9 million).
Bregman starred for 3 seasons at LSU and was arguably one of the best pure hitter within the faculty class, commonly drawing comparisons to Dustin Pedroia due to his dimension, instruments and make-up. There have been some gentle questions on if he’d have greater than common energy (he would) or if he may play shortstop within the Majors (which grew to become moot as a result of the Astros had Carlos Correa). He shortly asserted himself as baseball’s greatest prospect earlier than Houston known as him up 13 months after he went second total — behind his pal and former U.S. collegiate nationwide workforce double-play companion Swanson, which rankled him nonetheless. Bregman gained two World Collection, a Gold Glove and a Silver Slugger whereas making two All-Star groups with the Astros earlier than signing with the Crimson Sox as a free agent final offseason.
There have been persistent rumors that the Diamondbacks have been going to chop a massively discounted deal at No. 1 with somebody like Georgia prep catcher Tyler Stephenson, however they in the end took the consensus high faculty expertise in Swanson. Arizona signed him for $2.1 million underneath slot however oddly pocketed nearly the entire financial savings, then surprised the business by together with him in a commerce with the Braves for Shelby Miller 5 months later. Swanson grew to become nearly precisely the high-floor participant scouts anticipated, swapping a little bit of hitting potential for some additional energy whereas changing into a two-time All-Star and Gold Glover.
2. Astros: Kyle Tucker, OF, Plant HS, Tampa, Fla.
Precise choose: Bregman ($5.9 million). Tucker: first spherical, No. 5, Astros ($4 million).
The youthful brother of then-Astros outfielder Preston Tucker, Kyle supplied one of the best mixture of hitting potential and energy potential in the highschool crop and has lived as much as that evaluation. He did not crack Houston’s lineup on a full-time foundation till 2020 however has performed up to now three All-Star Video games and been probably the greatest gamers within the Nationwide League this season following his December commerce to the Cubs.
Signing Tucker for $1.5 million underneath slot allowed the Astros to present an similar $4 million bonus to supplemental first-rounder and fellow prep outfielder Daz Cameron, who ranked one spot forward of Tucker (No. 6 vs. No. 7) on MLB Pipeline’s Draft Prime 200. Whereas Cameron by no means panned out, he was a key a part of the 2017 Justin Verlander commerce with the Tigers, which led to 2 World Collection titles.
3. Rockies: Austin Riley, 3B, DeSoto Central HS, Southhaven, Miss.
Precise choose: Brendan Rodgers, SS, Lake Mary (Fla.) HS ($5.5 million). Riley: supplemental first spherical, Braves ($1.6 million).
Groups most popular Riley as a pitcher till his stuff leveled off as a Mississippi highschool senior, and most rated him as a third-round expertise as a hitter. The Braves preferred his bat greater than that, accurately projecting that he’d develop right into a slugger who may play a reliable third base. A two-time All-Star and Silver Slugger recipient, he has completed within the high 10 within the NL MVP voting in every of his three full and wholesome seasons.
MLB Pipeline’s top-rated prospect, Rodgers confirmed the potential for strong or higher instruments throughout the board with a pleasant mix of bodily potential and polished expertise. The Rockies debated between him and Illinois left-hander Tyler Jay, and whereas they made the proper name, Rodgers by no means reached his ceiling. He battled accidents, did not turn out to be an everyday till 2021 and by no means has completed a lot offensively, although he did win a Gold Glove in 2022.
4. Rangers: Dansby Swanson, SS, Vanderbilt
Precise choose: Dillon Tate, RHP, UC Santa Barbara ($4.2 million). Swanson: first spherical, No. 1, Diamondbacks ($5.9 million).
Tate did not make UC Santa Barbara’s rotation till his third faculty season but grew to become the primary pitcher chosen, wowing scouts with a mid-90s fastball and an upper-80s slider again when few pitchers had that mixture. However he shortly wore out his welcome with the Rangers, who included him in a three-prospect bundle shipped to the Yankees for Carlos Beltrán on the 2016 Commerce Deadline. Tate had bother staying wholesome, grew to become a full-time reliever in 2019 and located some middling success with the Orioles.
5. Astros: Ian Happ, OF, Cincinnati
Precise choose: Tucker ($4 million). Happ: first spherical, No. 9, Cubs ($3 million).
The Cubs coveted Andrew Benintendi at No. 9 however have been pressured to accept Happ, who rated as the highest place prospect within the Cape Cod League throughout every of his two summers in faculty. He has turn out to be a gradual huge league performer, batting round .250 with 20 homers most years and profitable the final three NL Gold Gloves in left subject.
6. Twins: Cedric Mullins, OF, Campbell
Precise choose: Tyler Jay, LHP, Illinois ($3,889,500). Mullins, thirteenth spherical, Orioles ($100,000).
Mullins flew underneath the radar as a result of he was a 5-foot-8 outfielder who hit 4 homers as a junior at Campbell after spending two seasons at Louisburg (N.C.) JC. The 403rd total choose within the 2013 Draft, he has been a fixture in middle subject for the Orioles for the previous six seasons and recorded the primary 30/30 season of their historical past in 2021.
Like Tate a dominant reliever on the 2014 U.S. collegiate nationwide workforce, Jay stayed within the bullpen as a junior and nonetheless went sixth total. The Twins tried to develop him as a starter however that did not work, and he had bother staying wholesome and sustaining what had been reputable first-round stuff. He lastly reached the large leagues in 2024, pitching in 5 video games with the Mets and Brewers.
7. Crimson Sox: Brandon Lowe, 2B, Maryland
Precise choose: Andrew Benintendi, OF, Arkansas ($3,590,400). Lowe: third spherical, Rays ($697,500).
Maryland (Lowe, LaMonte Wade) and Vanderbilt (Swanson, Walker Buehler) are the one two faculties with two retro first-rounders. Whereas the Commodores tied a Draft file with three first-rounders (these two and Carson Fulmer), Lowe went within the third spherical and Wade within the ninth. Scouts thought-about Lowe a elegant hitter with unusual athletic potential, a report that has largely held true apart from he has bought out for extra energy within the Majors.
After hitting only one homer as an Arkansas freshman in 2014, Benintendi led NCAA Division I with 20 as a sophomore and gained the Golden Spikes Award. He made a powerful debut with the Crimson Sox on the finish of 2016, ranked as the sport’s greatest prospect coming into 2017 and performed a key function in Boston’s 2018 World Collection championship. However his manufacturing dropped off precipitously afterward, exterior of a quick revival with the Royals in 2021-22.
8. White Sox: Ke’Bryan Hayes, 3B, Concordia Lutheran HS, Tomball, Texas
Precise choose: Carson Fulmer, RHP, Vanderbilt ($3,470,600). Hayes: first spherical, No. 32, Pirates ($1,855,000).
Hayes boosted his inventory as a senior, displaying superior hitting potential, common energy potential and improved protection at third base. He matured right into a strong hitter and a Gold Glover on the sizzling nook, although his pop has but to materialize as hoped.
Fulmer rated as MLB Pipeline’s top-rated pitching prospect within the 2015 Draft after serving to Vanderbilt win the 2014 Faculty World Collection and end runner-up as an encore. He paired a mid-90s fastball with an influence curveball, although his up-tempo supply led to worries that he’d be higher suited to the bullpen. That in the end proved appropriate and he has bounced across the Majors with 5 groups over eight seasons.
9. Cubs: Ryan Mountcastle, SS, Hagerty HS, Oviedo, Fla.
Precise choose: Happ ($3 million). Mountcastle: first spherical, No. 36, Orioles ($1.3 million).
Although most golf equipment evaluated Mountcastle as a third-round expertise, the Orioles spent the ultimate choose of the primary spherical on his offensive upside regardless that they knew he would not stick at shortstop. That call paid off with 86 homers in his first 4 full huge league seasons whereas he has settled in at first base.
10. Phillies: Jake Cronenworth, 2B, Michigan
Precise choose: Cornelius Randolph, SS, Griffin (Ga.) HS ($3,231,300). Cronenworth: seventh spherical, Rays ($198,900).
We ranked Cronenworth at No. 164 on our Draft Prime 200 — as a right-hander with an 88-94 mph fastball and one of the best splitter within the Draft. The Rays popped him within the seventh spherical and made the Michigan two-way participant a full-time infielder, although he did dabble with pitching at Triple-A. Good name, as a result of he completed second within the 2020 NL Rookie of the Yr balloting and made a few All-Star groups after a commerce to the Padres.
If the Astros hadn’t taken Tucker at No. 5, he most likely would have gotten to No. 10 and turn out to be a Phillie. As a substitute, Philadelphia opted for one more extremely regarded prep bat in Randolph. He slashed .251/.340/.373 in seven Minor League seasons, had defensive limitations as nicely and have become the best choice within the 2015 Draft to fall wanting the Majors.
11. Reds: Andrew Benintendi, OF, Arkansas
Precise choose: Tyler Stephenson, C, Kennesaw (Ga.) Mountain HS ($3,141,600). Benintendi: first spherical, No. 7, Crimson Sox ($3,590,400).
12. Marlins: Walker Buehler, RHP, Vanderbilt
Precise choose: Josh Naylor, 1B, St. Joan of Arc SS, Mississauga, Ont. ($2.2 million). Buehler, first spherical, No. 24, Dodgers ($1,777,500).
13. Rays: Harrison Bader, OF, Florida
Precise choose: Garrett Whitley, OF, Niskayuna (N.Y.) HS ($2,959,600). Bader, third spherical, Cardinals ($400,000).
14. Braves: Trent Grisham, OF, Richland HS, North Richland Hills, Texas
Precise choose: Kolby Allard, LHP, San Clemente (Calif.) HS ($3,042,400). Grisham: first spherical, No. 15, Brewers ($2.7 million).
15. Brewers: Ryan Helsley, RHP, Northeastern State (Okla.)
Precise choose: Grisham ($2.7 million). Helsley: fifth spherical, Cardinals ($225,000).
16. Yankees: Josh Naylor, 1B, St. Joan of Arc SS, Mississauga, Ont.
Precise choose: James Kaprielian, RHP, UCLA ($2,650,000). Naylor: first spherical, No. 12, Marlins ($2.2 million).
17. Indians: Paul DeJong, 3B, Illinois State
Precise choose: Brady Aiken, LHP, IMG Academy, Bradenton, Fla. ($2,513,280). DeJong: fourth spherical, Cardinals ($200,000).
18. Giants: Tyler Stephenson, C, Kennesaw (Ga.) Mountain HS
Precise choose: Phil Bickford, RHP, JC of Southern Nevada ($2,333,800). Stephenson: first spherical, No. 11, Reds ($3,141,600).
19. Pirates: Dylan Moore, SS, Central Florida
Precise choose: Kevin Newman, SS, Arizona ($2,175,000). Moore: seventh spherical, Rangers ($10,000).
20. Athletics: Taylor Ward, C, Fresno State
Precise choose: Richie Martin, SS, Florida ($1,950,000). Ward: first spherical, No. 26, Angels ($1,670,000).
21. Royals: Jeffrey Springs, LHP, Appalachian State
Precise choose: Ashe Russell, RHP, Cathedral Catholic HS, Indianapolis ($2,190,200). Springs: thirtieth spherical, Rangers ($1,000).
22. Tigers: LaMonte Wade Jr., OF, Maryland
Precise choose: Beau Burrows, RHP, Weatherford (Texas) HS ($2,154,200). Wade: ninth spherical, Twins ($163,800).
23. Cardinals: Alexis Díaz, RHP, Maunez HS, Naguabo, P.R.
Precise choose: Nick Plummer, OF, Rice HS, Bloomfield Hills, Mich. ($2,124,400). Diaz: Twelfth spherical, Reds ($130,000).
24. Dodgers: Brendan Rodgers, SS, Lake Mary (Fla.) HS
Precise choose: Buehler ($1,777,500). Rodgers: first spherical, No. 3, Rockies ($5.5 million).
25. Orioles: Myles Straw, OF, St. Johns River State (Fla.) JC
Precise choose: D.J. Stewart, OF, Florida State ($2,064,500). Straw: Twelfth spherical, Astros ($100,000).
26. Angels: Ty France, 3B, San Diego State
Precise choose: Ward ($1,670,000). France: Thirty fourth spherical, Padres ($100,000).
27. Rockies: A.J. Minter, LHP, Texas A&M
Precise choose: Mike Nikorak, RHP, Stroudsburg (Pa.) HS ($2.3 million). Minter: supplemental second spherical, Braves ($814,300).
28. Braves: Pete Fairbanks, RHP, Missousi
Precise choose: Michael Soroka, RHP, Bishop Carroll HS, Calgary, Alb. ($1,974,700). Fairbanks: ninth spherical, Rangers ($100,000).
29. Blue Jays: Kevin Newman, SS, Arizona
Precise choose: Jon Harris, RHP, Missouri State ($1,944,800). Newman: first spherical, No. 19, Pirates ($2,175,000).
30. Yankees: David Fletcher, SS, Loyola Marymount
Precise choose: Kyle Holder, SS, San Diego ($1.8 million). Fletcher: sixth spherical, Angels ($406,900).
31. Giants: Patrick Sandoval, LHP, Mission Viejo (Calif.) HS
Precise choose: Chris Shaw, 1B, Boston Faculty ($1.4 million). Sandoval: Eleventh spherical, Astros ($900,000).
32. Pirates: Evan Phillips, RHP, UNC Wilmington
Precise choose: Hayes ($1,855,000). Phillips: seventeenth spherical, Braves ($100,000).
33. Royals: Jordan Hicks, RHP, Cypress Creek HS, Houston
Precise choose: Nolan Watson, RHP, Lawrence North HS, Indianapolis ($1,825,200). Hicks: supplemental third spherical, Cardinals ($600,000).
34. Tigers: Michael Soroka, RHP, Bishop Carroll HS, Calgary, Alb.
Precise choose: Christin Stewart, OF, Tennessee ($1,795,100). Soroka: first spherical, No. 28, Braves ($1,974,700).
35. Dodgers: Triston McKenzie, RHP, Royal Palm Seaside (Fla.) HS
Precise choose: Kyle Funkhouser, RHP, Louisville (didn’t signal). McKenzie: supplemental first spherical, Indians ($2,302,500).
36. Orioles: Bryan Hudson, LHP, Alton (Sick.) HS
Precise choose: Mountcastle ($1.3 million). Hudson: third spherical, Cubs ($1.1 million).
