1997 Major League Baseball draft

The 1997 Major League Baseball draft was the 33rd annual amateur draft in which Major League Baseball teams selected high school, college, and other eligible amateur players to replenish their minor league systems, held over two days in early June 1997 just before the league's expansion to include the Arizona Diamondbacks and Tampa Bay Devil Rays.^[1] The event featured 92 rounds and a total of 1,607 selections across all phases, with teams prioritizing pitchers and position players from prominent programs.^[2] The Detroit Tigers held the first overall pick and chose right-handed pitcher Matt Anderson from Rice University, a decision aimed at bolstering their bullpen prospects.^[3] Among the first-round selections, several players emerged as cornerstones for their teams and the league. The Philadelphia Phillies selected outfielder J.D. Drew second overall from Florida State University, though he declined to sign and re-entered the draft the following year.^[4] The Anaheim Angels followed with third baseman Troy Glaus from UCLA, who later became a four-time All-Star, won the 2000 American League Rookie of the Year Award, and helped anchor the Angels' 2002 World Series championship.^[3] Other standout picks included outfielder Vernon Wells (fifth overall, Toronto Blue Jays from James Bowie High School), who earned three All-Star nods and three Gold Gloves; first baseman Lance Berkman (16th overall, Houston Astros from Rice University), a six-time All-Star with over 1,900 hits; and catcher/outfielder Jayson Werth (22nd overall, Baltimore Orioles from Glenwood High School), who contributed to the 2008 World Series title with the Phillies and later the 2019 championship with the Nationals.^[3] The draft's impact extended beyond the first round, yielding 180 eventual Major League players who collectively amassed significant value, including 31 from the initial 52 picks that produced 258.8 Wins Above Replacement.^[2][3] It also marked a transitional year, with compensation picks for free-agent signings and unsigned players from prior drafts adding depth, while the expansion franchises selected at the end of the first round to build their inaugural rosters.^[3]

Background

Draft Rules and Eligibility

The eligibility for the 1997 Major League Baseball amateur draft was limited to amateur players who were residents of the United States, Canada, or U.S. territories such as Puerto Rico, or who had enrolled in qualifying educational institutions in those areas.^[5] Eligible players included high school seniors who had graduated without prior college attendance, college juniors and seniors from four-year institutions, college underclassmen who had formally renounced their remaining eligibility, and junior college players regardless of years completed.^[5] International amateurs from outside these regions were excluded and instead pursued professional contracts as international free agents, typically upon turning 16 or completing high school.^[5] The draft itself was structured as an annual event for amateur selections, originally planned for 50 rounds but ultimately extending to 92 rounds, resulting in 1,607 total picks across all teams.^[2] It took place over two days in June 1997, with rounds 1 through 25 on the first day and rounds 26 through 92 on the second.^[6] Signing rules required teams to offer contracts within a deadline approximately one week before the following year's draft, with recommended bonuses scaled by draft slot to control costs; for example, the first overall pick received approximately $2.5 million.^[7][5] Failure to sign a player, particularly in the first round, resulted in penalties including forfeiture of the pick and receipt of compensatory selection in the next draft one slot lower than the original position.^[5] A distinctive feature of the 1997 draft was the inclusion of supplemental first-round picks, primarily as compensation for teams that had lost eligible free agents (such as Type A players) during the previous offseason, as per the collective bargaining agreement. These picks, numbered 32 through 52, were awarded to clubs losing eligible free agents and also included selections for teams that failed to sign prior-year draftees, enhancing opportunities for rebuilding franchises amid the league's expansion to 30 teams.^[8]

Selection Order and Process

The selection order for the first round of the 1997 Major League Baseball draft was determined by the reverse order of the 1996 regular-season standings, granting the earliest picks to the teams with the worst records from the prior year.^[3] Unlike drafts in other major sports leagues, MLB did not employ a lottery system; instead, it followed a straightforward inverse ranking of overall team performance across both the American and National Leagues.^[9] In cases of tied records, tiebreakers were based on reverse order of finish from previous seasons, though no such ties significantly altered the 1997 order.^[5] The expansion teams, Arizona Diamondbacks and Tampa Bay Devil Rays, were awarded the last picks in the first round (29, 30, and 31) to begin building their minor league systems ahead of their 1998 debut.^[9] The draft process was conducted as a live conference call from Major League Baseball headquarters in New York, where representatives from the 30 participating teams submitted selections sequentially according to the predetermined order.^[5] Following the standard first round, a supplemental first round was held immediately after, awarding extra picks (positions 32 through 52) to clubs that had lost eligible free agents during the 1996-97 offseason without receiving equivalent compensation in return; these slots were influenced directly by free agency movements, such as the Oakland Athletics receiving a pick for the signing of infielder Mike Bordick by the Baltimore Orioles.^[3] Small-market and revenue-sharing recipient teams, including the Kansas City Royals and Montreal Expos, benefited from multiple supplemental selections due to their losses in the free agent market, reflecting MLB's efforts to balance competitive opportunities.^[8] The event spanned two days, commencing on June 2, 1997, for rounds 1 through 25, and continuing on June 3 for the remaining 67 rounds, culminating in a total of 92 rounds and 1,607 selections.^[6][2] No major procedural changes were introduced for 1997 compared to prior drafts, maintaining the established format of sequential picks via conference call and the focus on amateur talent evaluation.^[10] Media coverage was primarily through print outlets and specialized publications like Baseball America, with limited live broadcast availability, emphasizing analysis of the available talent pool that drew from both high school and college players without a pronounced shift toward one over the other.^[11]

Primary Draft Selections

First Round Selections

The 1997 Major League Baseball draft's first round consisted of 31 selections, reflecting teams' needs for immediate talent infusion amid a mix of 15 college players and 16 high school prospects.^[3] This balance highlighted the era's scouting emphasis on polished collegiate hitters and pitchers alongside raw high school athleticism, with signing bonuses totaling over $35 million across the round.^[3] The selections are detailed in the following table: Source for table: Baseball-Reference.com^[3] Key scouting notes underscored the round's potential: The Tigers selected Matt Anderson first overall for his elite velocity, with fastballs regularly reaching 95-100 mph and occasionally hitting 103 mph, positioning him as a dominant college closer from Rice.^[12][13] The Phillies took J.D. Drew second despite known contract tensions, valuing his exceptional power potential and plate discipline from Florida State, though he ultimately refused to sign and entered independent ball.^[14][15] The Angels followed with UCLA's Troy Glaus, a power-hitting third baseman projected as a middle-of-the-order force with plus bat speed.^[4] Notable draft-day storylines included the selection of brothers J.D. Drew (pick 2) and Tim Drew (pick 28 to the Indians), a rare sibling pairing that added family intrigue to the proceedings.^[9] Team strategies varied, with the Tigers prioritizing pitching depth by leading off with Anderson to anchor their rotation prospects, while the Phillies gambled on Drew amid reports of stalled negotiations over his bonus demands exceeding $5 million.^[1] Most picks signed promptly, except Drew and Tyrell Godwin (pick 24), signaling strong overall agreement on valuations under the league's emerging slotting system.^[3]

Supplemental First Round Selections

The supplemental first round of the 1997 Major League Baseball draft featured 21 additional selections, spanning picks 32 through 52, awarded to promote competitive equity among teams. These picks compensated organizations for losing eligible free agents without receiving equivalent player compensation or for failing to sign high draft choices from the 1996 amateur draft. By providing extra opportunities to select promising amateurs, the mechanism aimed to support smaller-market clubs in building talent pipelines amid financial disparities. Of the 21 picks, 17 were granted as compensation related to free agent losses, including Type A and Type B players who departed after arbitration offers or through revenue-sharing adjustments, while the remaining 4 went to teams unable to secure contracts with their top selections from the prior year. This structure reflected MLB's efforts to mitigate the impact of player movement on team resources, with multiple picks often going to clubs like the Montreal Expos and Chicago White Sox that had experienced significant departures. The selections drew from a mix of high school prospects and college standouts, emphasizing athletic potential and positional versatility to address specific organizational needs.^[10][16] The following table lists all supplemental first round selections: Among the selections, several stood out for their pre-draft scouting evaluations. Jim Parque, taken 46th overall by the White Sox out of UCLA, was valued for his precise control and effective curveball, having logged a 10-3 record with a 3.66 ERA in college. Matt LeCroy, the Twins' 50th pick from Clemson, impressed evaluators with his power-hitting ability as a catcher, batting .373 with 18 home runs in his junior season. Rocky Biddle, selected 51st by the White Sox from Long Beach State, drew attention for his mid-90s fastball and slider combination, positioning him as a potential bullpen or starter asset. These profiles highlighted the draft's focus on college players with advanced skills, alongside high school athletes scouted for raw athleticism, such as outfielder Nathan Haynes (pick 32, Athletics), noted for his speed and center field range from Pinole Valley High School. In the broader 1997 context, these supplemental opportunities were crucial for resource-limited teams like the Expos, who secured seven picks to rebuild after losing players such as Moisés Alou and Mark Leiter to free agency, enhancing their ability to invest in young talent without exceeding budget constraints. The combined signing bonuses for supplemental picks, averaging around $500,000 each, contributed to the draft's total amateur spending pool of over $40 million, underscoring the financial incentives tied to these equity measures.^[17]

Additional Draft Selections

Compensation Picks

In the 1997 Major League Baseball draft, compensation picks were awarded to teams that lost qualifying free agents during the 1996-1997 offseason or failed to sign their top selections from the 1996 draft. These picks, governed by the MLB-MLBPA collective bargaining agreement, aimed to balance competitive equity by providing extra selections outside the standard reverse-order positioning. For Type A free agents (top 30% of position players by prior performance)—who were offered salary arbitration but signed elsewhere—the losing club received the signing team's first-round pick if the signer finished in the bottom half of standings (or a supplemental equivalent otherwise), plus a sandwich pick between the first and second rounds (in reverse order of standings); the signing team also received a replacement pick after the second round if they forfeited one. Type B free agents (next 20%), similarly offered arbitration, resulted in the losing team receiving the signer's second-round pick. Additionally, teams unable to sign their 1996 first-round draftees received picks at the end of the 1997 first round.^[18][19] Approximately 20 compensation picks were distributed for free agent losses, including first-round equivalents (#21, #24, #26) and supplementals (#31+), while four more were allocated for unsigned 1996 draftees (#49-52). This system notably impacted draft depth for signing teams such as the Toronto Blue Jays, Texas Rangers, and Florida Marlins, who forfeited high-value early picks; for instance, the Blue Jays signed Roger Clemens (Type A) from the Boston Red Sox, leading to Red Sox selections at #35 (sandwich). Receiving teams, including the New York Yankees and Montreal Expos, gained multiple extra opportunities to bolster their farm systems, though many selections were mid-round prospects with modest immediate signing bonuses and varying professional trajectories at the time.^[20] The following table summarizes key free agent compensation picks, focusing on Type A and B cases with the highest draft positions: These picks often targeted college or high school athletes with potential but lower national profiles, such as DuBose (signed for $1.425 million) and McDonald (signed for $1.6 million), reflecting the draft's emphasis on cost-controlled talent acquisition. Separate compensation for unsigned 1996 first-rounders included: the San Francisco Giants selecting Dan McKinley (OF, Arizona State University) at #49 after failing to sign 1996 pick Matt White; the Minnesota Twins taking Matt LeCroy (C, Clemson) at #50 for unsigned Travis Lee; the Chicago White Sox picking Rocky Biddle (RHP, Cal State Long Beach) at #51 for unsigned Bobby Seay; and the Montreal Expos choosing Tootie Myers (OF, Petal HS) at #52 for unsigned John Patterson. These remedies ensured teams retained value from prior investments, though signing rates varied, with LeCroy inking a $1.15 million deal while others pursued independent leagues initially. These picks compensated for four unsigned 1996 first-rounders—Travis Lee (Twins), John Patterson (Expos), Matt White (Giants), and Bobby Seay (White Sox)—who became free agents after disputes involving agent Matt Sosnick, prompting MLB to ban such arrangements.^[20] Overall, the compensation picks enhanced drafting flexibility for affected clubs like the Expos (six total) and White Sox (five), mitigating losses in an era of escalating free-agent spending.^[20]

Later Round Highlights

The 1997 Major League Baseball draft extended to 92 rounds, encompassing 1,607 selections primarily from U.S. high school and college players, as the amateur draft focused solely on domestic talent without international free agents. Later rounds, particularly from the 5th through the 20th, often yielded unexpected value for teams seeking to bolster organizational depth after early selections, with scouts identifying prospects overlooked due to concerns over physical tools, signability, or raw athleticism rather than polished performance. These picks addressed needs in infield versatility, starting rotation stability, and contact-oriented hitting, providing cost-controlled contributors who developed into key assets.^[2] One standout from the 5th round was infielder Michael Young, selected 149th overall by the Toronto Blue Jays out of the University of California, Santa Barbara, where he had posted a .398 batting average with 10 home runs in his senior year. Scouts undervalued Young due to his 5-foot-11 frame and perceived lack of elite power, viewing him as a solid but unremarkable college shortstop with average speed and arm strength, despite his consistent contact skills and plate discipline. The Blue Jays benefited from his rapid minor-league progression, trading him to the Texas Rangers in 2000 for Esteban Loaiza, allowing Texas to acquire a versatile infielder who filled multiple positions effectively in their lineup rebuild.^[23][24] In the 6th round, the Oakland Athletics selected pitcher Tim Hudson 185th overall from Auburn University, capitalizing on his college dominance (15-2 record, 2.97 ERA in 1997) while overlooking concerns about his 5-foot-10 stature and delivery mechanics that raised durability questions. Hudson's sinker-heavy arsenal and command were seen as raw but promising for a mid-rotation role, making him a low-risk addition to Oakland's pitching pipeline amid their emphasis on undervalued college arms. This pick proved pivotal for the Athletics, as Hudson anchored their rotation during the early 2000s "Moneyball" era, contributing to three straight playoff appearances with a 92-39 record and 3.43 ERA over his first six seasons.^[25] Further into the draft, the Boston Red Sox took infielder David Eckstein in the 19th round, 581st overall, from the University of Florida, where he had been a walk-on and hit .357 as a senior but was dismissed by scouts for his 5-foot-7 build, minimal power (just 10 career college home runs), and fringe-average speed.^[26] Eckstein's selection highlighted teams' willingness to gamble on high-contact, high-energy players from competitive programs, though Boston later lost him on waivers to the Anaheim Angels in 2000. Anaheim reaped the rewards, installing him as an everyday shortstop who provided steady defense and on-base skills, helping stabilize their infield during their 2002 World Series run. He later won World Series MVP honors in 2006 with the St. Louis Cardinals.^[27][28] Extending to the extreme later rounds, the Toronto Blue Jays drafted second baseman Orlando Hudson in the 43rd round, 1,280th overall, from Spartanburg Methodist Junior College, after initially passing on him in prior years due to his unrefined switch-hitting approach and average athleticism from a small-school background. Hudson signed as a draft-and-follow in 1998, with scouts noting his smooth fielding and speed but questioning his power projection and plate discipline. This deep selection filled Toronto's need for middle-infield depth, yielding a Gold Glove-caliber defender who debuted in 2002 and provided long-term value before free agency in 2005.^[29][30]

Notable Outcomes

MLB Career Achievements

The 1997 MLB draft class yielded several standout players who achieved significant success in their major league careers, with key contributors including outfielder Vernon Wells, third baseman Troy Glaus, and first baseman/outfielder Lance Berkman. Wells, selected fifth overall by the Toronto Blue Jays, earned three All-Star selections (2003, 2006, 2010) and three Gold Glove Awards (2004–2006) as a center fielder, while accumulating 270 home runs over 15 seasons, primarily with Toronto, where he became a cornerstone of the lineup during the early 2000s.^[31] Glaus, taken third overall by the Anaheim Angels, made four All-Star appearances (2000, 2001, 2003, 2006), won two Silver Slugger Awards (2000, 2001), and was named the 2002 World Series MVP after hitting .385 with three home runs in the Angels' championship run; he finished his career with 320 home runs.^[32] Berkman, drafted 16th overall by the Houston Astros, garnered six All-Star nods (2001, 2002, 2004, 2006, 2008, 2011) and hit 366 home runs across 15 seasons, including a pivotal role in the 2011 St. Louis Cardinals' World Series victory, where he batted .423.^[33] Outfielder J.D. Drew, selected second overall by the Philadelphia Phillies in 1997, generated considerable controversy by refusing to sign after demanding a $5 million bonus that exceeded the team's offer, opting instead to play in an independent league before being re-drafted fifth overall by the St. Louis Cardinals in 1998 for a $7 million deal.^[34] Drew went on to enjoy a solid 14-year career, earning one All-Star selection (2008, where he was named MVP) and hitting 242 home runs, though his holdout remains a notable flashpoint in draft history that highlighted tensions over player compensation.^[35] Later rounds also saw bonus disputes, such as those involving prospects who leveraged independent ball or college returns to negotiate better terms, underscoring the era's evolving dynamics in amateur signings.^[36] Overall, the 1997 draft class had a profound impact, producing over a dozen All-Star appearances across multiple players and transforming franchises like the Angels (bolstered by Glaus's power in their 2002 title), Blue Jays (with Wells anchoring the outfield), and Astros (via Berkman's long-term production).^[10] The first-round selections alone generated 258.8 Wins Above Replacement, reflecting the class's enduring value, while participants like Glaus and Berkman directly contributed to two World Series championships as players.^[3]

Cross-Sport Transitions

The 1997 Major League Baseball draft produced a small but noteworthy group of multi-sport athletes who opted for professional careers in the National Football League (NFL) or National Hockey League (NHL) rather than baseball, underscoring the era's overlap in high school and college talent pools across North American sports. These transitions were relatively rare, with fewer than a dozen documented cases of draftees pursuing elite levels in other leagues, often due to stronger athletic fits, financial incentives, or personal priorities in football or hockey. Such choices occasionally depleted the MLB talent pipeline, as teams retained signing rights for up to a year post-draft, but unsigned players could freely enter other professional drafts without penalty.^[37][38][39] Prominent NFL examples include wide receiver Javon Walker, selected by the Florida Marlins in the 12th round (366th overall) out of St. Thomas More Catholic High School in Louisiana. Walker briefly attended junior college for baseball before focusing on football at Florida State University, where he excelled as a receiver; he went on to a six-year NFL career, earning Pro Bowl honors in 2004 with the Green Bay Packers after recording 89 receptions for 1,382 yards and 12 touchdowns that season, and later playing for the Denver Broncos and Oakland Raiders. Another standout was Antwaan Randle El, taken by the Chicago Cubs in the 14th round (424th overall) from Thornton Township High School in Illinois; he did not sign with the Cubs and instead starred at Indiana University in both football and basketball, prioritizing the gridiron due to his quarterback versatility and return skills. Drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the second round of the 2002 NFL Draft, Randle El contributed to their Super Bowl XL victory in 2006, most memorably throwing a 43-yard touchdown pass on a reverse to Hines Ward in the fourth quarter against the Seattle Seahawks, sealing a 21-10 win.^[40][41][42] In hockey, transitions were even scarcer, with Canadian outfielder Paul Manning representing a key case; drafted by the New York Yankees in the 20th round (619th overall) from Hunting Hills High School in Alberta, Manning chose collegiate hockey at Colorado College over baseball, leading to his selection by the Calgary Flames (62nd overall) in the 1998 NHL Entry Draft. Traded to the Columbus Blue Jackets in 2000, he appeared in eight NHL games during the 2002-03 season, recording no points while primarily developing in the American Hockey League. These athletes' decisions highlighted the competitive pull of football and hockey scholarships and pro contracts in the late 1990s, often leaving MLB organizations without recourse once draft rights lapsed.^[43][44][45]