2017 MLB Draft Overview
The 2017 Major League Baseball (MLB) Draft was held from June 12th-14th, 2017 in Secaucus, New Jersey. This was the 53rd annual MLB Draft, during which teams selected eligible players in reverse order of the previous season’s standings. The draft consists of 40 rounds and 1,214 selections, giving teams the opportunity to add new talent to their rosters. With many teams looking to rebuild, the 2017 draft was one of the most anticipated in recent years.
Who Was Drafted First?
The first overall pick in the 2017 MLB Draft was Royce Lewis, an 18-year-old shortstop from the JSerra Catholic High School in San Juan Capistrano, California. He was chosen by the Minnesota Twins. Lewis was considered to be the top prospect in the draft due to his combination of athleticism, speed, and power. He has a great throwing arm and is considered to have the potential to be an All-Star shortstop.
Other Top Picks
After Lewis, the next four picks were also high school players. The San Diego Padres used their second overall pick on MacKenzie Gore, a left-handed pitcher from Whiteville High School in Whiteville, North Carolina. Third overall, the Atlanta Braves chose Kyle Wright, a right-handed pitcher from Vanderbilt University. The Oakland Athletics selected the fourth overall pick, Austin Beck, an outfielder from North Davidson High School in Lexington, North Carolina. Finally, the Arizona Diamondbacks rounded out the top five picks with Pavin Smith, a first baseman from the University of Virginia.
Notable Selections
The 2017 MLB Draft had its fair share of notable selections. In addition to the top five picks, the following players were chosen in the first round:
- Hunter Greene, a right-handed pitcher from Notre Dame High School in Sherman Oaks, California, was chosen by the Cincinnati Reds with the second pick in the first round.
- Jeren Kendall, an outfielder from Vanderbilt University, was chosen by the Los Angeles Dodgers with the 23rd pick in the first round.
- Brendan McKay, a first baseman and left-handed pitcher from the University of Louisville, was chosen by the Tampa Bay Rays with the fourth pick in the first round.
- David Peterson, a left-handed pitcher from the University of Oregon, was chosen by the New York Mets with the 20th pick in the first round.
- Shane Baz, a right-handed pitcher from Concordia Lutheran High School in Tomball, Texas, was chosen by the Pittsburgh Pirates with the 12th pick in the first round.
Impact of the Draft
The 2017 MLB Draft was one of the most important drafts in recent years, as many teams were looking to rebuild and add new talent to their rosters. The top five picks were all high school players, and the first round had numerous notable selections. These players will now have the opportunity to develop their skills and make an impact on the future of their respective teams.
Draft Results
The 2017 MLB Draft had a total of 1,214 selections. Below is a list of the top 10 picks in the draft:
- Royce Lewis, SS, Minnesota Twins
- MacKenzie Gore, LHP, San Diego Padres
- Kyle Wright, RHP, Atlanta Braves
- Austin Beck, OF, Oakland Athletics
- Pavin Smith, 1B, Arizona Diamondbacks
- Hunter Greene, RHP, Cincinnati Reds
- Adam Haseley, OF, Philadelphia Phillies
- Nick Pratto, 1B, Kansas City Royals
- Jeren Kendall, OF, Los Angeles Dodgers
- Brendan McKay, 1B/LHP, Tampa Bay Rays
Impact of the Draft on the Teams
The 2017 MLB Draft was a big success for many teams. The Minnesota Twins, who selected Royce Lewis with the first overall pick, are hoping he can be the cornerstone of their rebuild. The San Diego Padres, who selected MacKenzie Gore with the third overall pick, are hoping he can develop into a top-of-the-rotation starter. The Atlanta Braves, who selected Kyle Wright with the fifth overall pick, are hoping he can help lead their young pitching staff. The Oakland Athletics, who selected Austin Beck with the sixth overall pick, are hoping he can be the middle-of-the-order bat they have been searching for. Finally, the Arizona Diamondbacks, who selected Pavin Smith with the seventh overall pick, are hoping he can provide them with a powerful left-handed bat.
Future of the 2017 Draft Class
The 2017 MLB Draft class has the potential to be one of the best in recent years. Royce Lewis, MacKenzie Gore, Kyle Wright, Austin Beck, and Pavin Smith are all players with the potential to make an impact at the major league level. Hunter Greene, Adam Haseley, Nick Pratto, Jeren Kendall, and Brendan McKay are all players with the potential to be impact players in the future. The future of the 2017 MLB Draft class is bright, and these players have the potential to make an impact in the years to come.
Conclusion
The 2017 MLB Draft was one of the most anticipated drafts in recent years. With many teams looking to rebuild, the draft provided them with the opportunity to add new talent to their rosters. Royce Lewis was chosen as the first overall pick by the Minnesota Twins, and he was followed by MacKenzie Gore, Kyle Wright, Austin Beck, and Pavin Smith. The 2017 MLB Draft class has the potential to be one of the best in recent years, and the future of these players is bright.
References
- Hoh, B. (2017, June 12). 2017 MLB Draft Results: Full List of Picks, Teams, Prospects. Retrieved from bleacherreport.com/articles/2707370-2017-mlb-draft-results-full-list-of-picks-teams-prospects
- Baseball Draft 2017 – Major League Baseball – ESPN. (n.d.). Retrieved from espn.com/mlb/draft/rounds/_/year/2017