The Winter Meetings in December 2016 marked the unofficial beginning of MLB's offseason, but it was the 2017 MLB First-Year Player Draft that set the stage for the league's future. Held on June 12-14 at Marlins Park, Miami, the draft offered a glimpse into the next generation of Major League Baseball stars.
The 2017 draft was the first under the sport's new collective bargaining agreement, which reduced the number of draft rounds from 40 to 35. Despite the change, the anticipation remained high, with the spotlight shining brightly on potential prospects that could shape the future of their respective teams.
The Top Draft Picks and Trends
The 2017 draft was notable for its top selection, with the Minnesota Twins opting for right-handed pitcher Hunter Greene from Notre Dame High School in California. Greene's unprecedented power, measured at 102 mph on the radar gun, captivated the baseball world and solidified his status as a generational talent.
After Greene, the Chicago White Sox selected outfielder Luis Robert from the Cuban National Series. Robert's exceptional raw talent, combined with his athleticism and premium speed, made him an attractive pick despite the challenges of signing an international prospect.
The Preferred Pitching arms
The 2017 draft unveiled a clear preference for high-velocity pitching arms, with teams prioritizing velocity and power. This trend was evident in the early rounds, as 13 of the first 15 picks were either pitchers or power hitters with elite bat speed.
Teams continued to invest in premium pitching talent throughout the draft, with 24 of the first 37 picks being pitchers. This concentration of arms raised intriguing questions about strategies for developing and deploying these raw, high-velocity talents.
International Prospects Dominate the Draft
The 2017 draft saw a significant influx of international prospects, reflecting the growing trend of teams investing in international talent. Nine of the first 37 picks were international players, with notable talents like Robert, OF Franklin Barreto (signed with the Atlanta Braves), and SS Wander Javier (signed with the Minnesota Twins) making a name for themselves.
The influx of international prospects not only boosted the overall talent level of the draft but also highlighted the international market's growing significance in MLB's pipeline. Teams continued to invest in the global talent pool, seeking advantages gained through employing diverse skillsets and perspectives.
Notable Picks and Sleepers
While the top picks garnered most of the attention, the 2017 draft also produced its share of notable sleepers and intriguing prospects. The Baltimore Orioles selected OF Adam Hall in the 3rd round, a speedy, contact-driven player with exceptional instincts and plate discipline. Hall's tools and high baseball IQ made him an under-the-radar steal at pick No. 84.
Another noteworthy selection was RHP Logan Allen by the San Diego Padres in the 8th round. Allen's pitchability and craftiness on the mound belied his undersized frame (5'10", 180 lbs), making him an appealing risk-reward pick late in the draft.
Division III Standouts
The 2017 draft featured several standout performers from Division III colleges, a testament to the growing depth of talent at the lower NCAA levels. Catcher M.J. Melendez (Missouri Western State) and pitcher Jake några (Mankato State) both found homes in the Kansas City Royals organization, while RHP Alex Manasa ( niederländische meinung Cape St. Claire) was selected by the Kansas City Royals.
These Division III prospects underscored the potential for talent to be found across all NCAA divisions, challenging traditional scouting methodologies and expanding the pool of available prospects.
Undrafted Free Agents
In addition to the 1,215 players selected in the 2017 draft, numerous undrafted free agents (UDFAs) signed with MLB organizations. Some notable UDFA signings included RHP AlexիայիChrisенWarner (Indiana University-Purdue University Columbus), who inked a deal with the Baltimore Orioles, and OF Luke Ritter (Mississippi State University), who signed with the San Francisco Giants.
These undrafted prospects presented an opportunity for clubs to take a chance on high-upside talent at minimal financial risk, with some UDFAs ultimately carving out significant professional baseball careers.
The 2017 MLB First-Year Player Draft provided an exciting glimpse into the future of Major League Baseball, as teams inked deals with elite prospects and uncovered hidden gems from across the baseball landscape. As these prospects begin their professional journeys, eager fans and analysts alike await the arrival of the next generation of baseball stars.