Hubbry Logo
2014 Major League Baseball draft2014 Major League Baseball draftMain
Open search
2014 Major League Baseball draft
Community hub
2014 Major League Baseball draft
logo
7 pages, 0 posts
0 subscribers
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
2014 Major League Baseball draft
2014 Major League Baseball draft
2014 Major League Baseball draft
View on Wikipedia
from Wikipedia

2014 Major League Baseball draft
General information
DateJune 5–7, 2014
LocationSecaucus, New Jersey
NetworkMLB Network
Overview
1,215 total selections
First selectionBrady Aiken
Houston Astros
First round selections41
← 2013
2015 →

The 2014 Major League Baseball draft was held from June 5 through June 7, 2014, to assign amateur baseball players to MLB teams. The first two rounds were conducted on June 5, followed by rounds three through ten on June 6, and the last 30 rounds on June 7.[1] It was broadcast from Studio 42 of the MLB Network in Secaucus, New Jersey.

The draft order was the reverse order of the 2013 MLB regular season standings. As the Astros finished the 2013 season with the worst record, they had the first overall selection for the third consecutive year.[2] In addition, the Toronto Blue Jays got the 11th pick, as compensation for failing to sign Phil Bickford, the 10th overall selection of the 2013 MLB draft.[1] The St. Louis Cardinals got bumped from #30 to #31 because although tied with the Boston Red Sox for most wins in the 2013 regular season, the Red Sox had fewer wins in 2012.[3] Kansas City Royals first round draft pick Brandon Finnegan made his Major League debut on September 6, 2014, the first player to reach the majors from the 2014 draft class, with Carlos Rodon the second. Rodon first appeared for the Chicago White Sox on April 21, 2015. Finnegan became the first player to play in both the College World Series, for TCU, and the MLB World Series, for Kansas City, in the same year. Kyle Schwarber was the first position player to reach the majors from the 2014 draft class doing so June 16, 2015.

First round draft order

[edit]
Key
All-Star
* Player did not sign
Pick Player Team Position School
1 Brady Aiken* Houston Astros Left-handed pitcher Cathedral Catholic High School (CA)
2 Tyler Kolek Miami Marlins Right-handed pitcher Shepherd High School (TX)
3 Carlos Rodón Chicago White Sox Left-handed pitcher NC State
4 Kyle Schwarber Chicago Cubs Catcher Indiana
5 Nick Gordon Minnesota Twins Shortstop Olympia High School (FL)
6 Alex Jackson Seattle Mariners Outfielder Rancho Bernardo High School (CA)
7 Aaron Nola Philadelphia Phillies Right-handed pitcher LSU
8 Kyle Freeland Colorado Rockies Left-handed pitcher Evansville
9 Jeff Hoffman Toronto Blue Jays Right-handed pitcher East Carolina
10 Michael Conforto New York Mets Outfielder Oregon State
11 Max Pentecost Toronto Blue Jays[Compensation 1] Catcher Kennesaw State
12 Kodi Medeiros Milwaukee Brewers Left-handed pitcher Waiakea High School (HI)
13 Trea Turner San Diego Padres Shortstop NC State
14 Tyler Beede San Francisco Giants Right-handed pitcher Vanderbilt
15 Sean Newcomb Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim Left-handed pitcher Hartford
16 Touki Toussaint Arizona Diamondbacks Right-handed pitcher Coral Springs Christian Academy (FL)
17 Brandon Finnegan Kansas City Royals Left-handed pitcher TCU
18 Erick Fedde Washington Nationals Right-handed pitcher UNLV
19 Nick Howard Cincinnati Reds Right-handed pitcher Virginia
20 Casey Gillaspie Tampa Bay Rays First baseman Wichita State
21 Bradley Zimmer Cleveland Indians Outfielder San Francisco
22 Grant Holmes Los Angeles Dodgers Right-handed pitcher Conway High School (SC)
23 Derek Hill Detroit Tigers Outfielder Elk Grove High School (CA)
24 Cole Tucker Pittsburgh Pirates Shortstop Mountain Pointe High School (AZ)
25 Matt Chapman Oakland Athletics Third baseman Cal State Fullerton
26 Michael Chavis Boston Red Sox Shortstop Sprayberry High School (GA)
27 Luke Weaver St. Louis Cardinals Right-handed pitcher Florida State

Compensatory round

[edit]
Pick Player Team Position School
28 Foster Griffin Kansas City Royals[Compensation 2] Left-handed pitcher The First Academy (FL)
29 Alex Blandino Cincinnati Reds[Compensation 3] Third Baseman Stanford
30 Luis Ortiz Texas Rangers[Compensation 4] Right-handed pitcher Sanger High School (CA)
31 Justus Sheffield Cleveland Indians[Compensation 5] Left-handed pitcher Tullahoma High School (TN)
32 Braxton Davidson Atlanta Braves[Compensation 6] Outfielder T.C. Roberson High School (NC)
33 Michael Kopech Boston Red Sox[Compensation 7] Right-handed pitcher Mount Pleasant High School (TX)
34 Jack Flaherty St. Louis Cardinals[Compensation 8] Right-handed pitcher Harvard-Westlake School (CA)

Competitive balance round A

[edit]
Pick Player Team Position School
35 Forrest Wall Colorado Rockies Second baseman Orangewood Christian School (FL)
36 Blake Anderson Miami Marlins[Compensation 9] Catcher West Lauderdale High School (MS)
37 Derek Fisher Houston Astros[Trades 1] Outfielder Virginia
38 Mike Papi Cleveland Indians Outfielder Virginia
39 Connor Joe Pittsburgh Pirates[Trades 2] Outfielder San Diego
40 Chase Vallot Kansas City Royals Catcher St. Thomas More School (LA)
41 Jacob Gatewood Milwaukee Brewers Shortstop Clovis High School (CA)

Other notable selections

[edit]
Round Pick Player Team Position School
2 42 A. J. Reed Houston Astros First baseman Kentucky
2 46 Nick Burdi Minnesota Twins Right-handed pitcher Louisville
2 48 Ryan Castellani Colorado Rockies Right-handed pitcher Brophy College Preparatory (AZ)
2 49 Sean Reid-Foley Toronto Blue Jays Right-handed pitcher Sandalwood High School (FL)
2 50 Monte Harrison Milwaukee Brewers Outfielder Lee's Summit West High School (MO)
2 51 Michael Gettys San Diego Padres Outfielder Gainesville High School (GA)
2 52 Aramis Garcia San Francisco Giants Catcher Florida International
2 55 Jacob Lindgren New York Yankees Left-handed pitcher Mississippi State
2 56 Scott Blewett Kansas City Royals Right-handed pitcher Charles W. Baker High School (NY)
2 57 Andrew Suarez* Washington Nationals Left-handed pitcher University of Miami
2 62 Alex Verdugo Los Angeles Dodgers Outfielder Sahuaro High School (AZ)
2 63 Spencer Turnbull Detroit Tigers Right-handed pitcher Alabama
2 64 Mitch Keller Pittsburgh Pirates Right-handed pitcher Xavier High School (IA)
2 65 Daniel Gossett Oakland Athletics Right-handed pitcher Clemson
2 67 Sam Travis Boston Red Sox First baseman Indiana
2 70 Isan Díaz Arizona Diamondbacks Shortstop Springfield Central High School (MA)
2 72 Brent Honeywell Tampa Bay Rays Right-handed pitcher Walters State Community College
2 74 Gareth Morgan Seattle Mariners Outfielder Blyth Academy (ON)
3 75 J. D. Davis Houston Astros Third baseman Cal State Fullerton
3 76 Brian Anderson Miami Marlins Second baseman Arkansas
3 77 Jace Fry Chicago White Sox Left-handed pitcher Oregon State
3 78 Mark Zagunis Chicago Cubs Catcher Virginia Tech
3 82 Sam Howard Colorado Rockies Left-handed pitcher Georgia Southern
3 85 Cy Sneed Milwaukee Brewers Right-handed pitcher Dallas Baptist
3 88 Chris Ellis Los Angeles Angels Right-handed pitcher Ole Miss
3 92 Eric Skoglund Kansas City Royals Left-handed pitcher Central Florida
3 97 Bobby Bradley Cleveland Indians First baseman Harrison Central High School (MS)
3 99 Grayson Greiner Detroit Tigers Catcher South Carolina
3 100 Jordan Luplow Pittsburgh Pirates Outfielder Fresno State
3 101 Brett Graves Oakland Athletics Right-handed pitcher Missouri
3 102 Max Povse Atlanta Braves Right-handed pitcher UNC Greensboro
3 103 Jake Cosart Boston Red Sox Right-handed pitcher Seminole State College of Florida
4 106 Daniel Mengden Houston Astros Right-handed pitcher Texas A&M
4 111 Ryan Yarbrough Seattle Mariners Left-handed pitcher Old Dominion
4 118 Logan Webb San Francisco Giants Right-handed pitcher Rocklin High School
4 121 Pat Connaughton Baltimore Orioles Right-handed pitcher Notre Dame
4 122 Jordan Montgomery New York Yankees Left-handed pitcher South Carolina
4 126 Brett Martin Texas Rangers Left-handed pitcher Walters State Community College
4 129 Jeff Brigham Los Angeles Dodgers Right-handed pitcher Washington
4 131 Taylor Gushue Pittsburgh Pirates Catcher Florida
4 133 Chad Sobotka Atlanta Braves Right-handed pitcher USC Upstate
4 135 Austin Gomber St. Louis Cardinals Left-handed pitcher Florida Atlantic
5 136 Jacob Nix* Houston Astros Right-handed pitcher Los Alamitos High School (CA)
5 139 Justin Steele Chicago Cubs Left-handed pitcher George County High School (MS)
5 141 Dan Altavilla Seattle Mariners Right-handed pitcher Mercyhurst
5 142 Rhys Hoskins Philadelphia Phillies First baseman Sacramento State
5 143 Kevin Padlo Colorado Rockies Third baseman Murrieta Valley High School (CA)
5 144 Lane Thomas Toronto Blue Jays Right fielder Bearden High School (TN)
5 148 Sam Coonrod San Francisco Giants Right-handed pitcher Southern Illinois
5 149 Jake Jewell Los Angeles Angels Right-handed pitcher Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College
5 151 David Hess Baltimore Orioles Right-handed pitcher Tennessee Tech
5 158 Julian Merryweather Cleveland Indians Right-handed pitcher Oklahoma Baptist
5 162 Heath Fillmyer Oakland Athletics Right-handed pitcher Mercer County Community College
5 164 Josh Ockimey Boston Red Sox First baseman Saints John Neumann and Maria Goretti Catholic High School (PA)
6 166 Brock Dykxhoorn Houston Astros Right-handed pitcher Central Arizona College
6 169 Dylan Cease Chicago Cubs Right-handed pitcher Milton High School (GA)
6 170 John Curtiss Minnesota Twins Right-handed pitcher Texas
6 172 Brandon Leibrandt Philadelphia Phillies Left-handed pitcher Florida State
6 180 Zac Curtis Arizona Diamondbacks Left-handed pitcher Middle Tennessee State
6 181 Tanner Scott Baltimore Orioles Left-handed pitcher Howard College
6 182 Jonathan Holder New York Yankees Right-handed pitcher Mississippi State
6 186 Jose Trevino Texas Rangers Third baseman Oral Roberts
6 189 Brock Stewart Los Angeles Dodgers Right-handed pitcher Illinois State
6 191 Tyler Eppler Pittsburgh Pirates Right-handed pitcher Sam Houston State
7 197 Anfernee Seymour Atlanta Braves Shortstop American Heritage School (FL)
7 199 James Norwood Chicago Cubs Pitcher Saint Louis
7 205 Brad Wieck New York Mets Left-handed pitcher Oklahoma City University
7 212 Mark Payton New York Yankees Outfielder Texas
7 219 Trevor Oaks Los Angeles Dodgers Right-handed pitcher California Baptist
7 223 Luke Dykstra Atlanta Braves Second baseman Westlake High School (CA)
8 227 Stone Garrett Miami Marlins Outfielder George Ranch High School (TX)
8 233 Harrison Musgrave Colorado Rockies Left-handed pitcher West Virginia
8 234 Justin Shafer Toronto Blue Jays Right-handed pitcher Florida
8 238 Austin Slater San Francisco Giants Outfielder Stanford University
8 241 Steve Wilkerson Baltimore Orioles Second Baseman Clemson University
8 243 Ryan O'Hearn Kansas City Royals First baseman Sam Houston State University
8 245 Brian O'Grady Cincinnati Reds First baseman Rutgers
9 259 James Farris Chicago Cubs Right-handed pitcher University of Arizona
9 272 Vicente Conde New York Yankees Shortstop Vanderbilt University
9 285 Daniel Ponce de Leon St. Louis Cardinals Right-handed pitcher Embry–Riddle Aeronautical University
10 287 Dillon Peters Miami Marlins Left-handed pitcher University of Texas at Austin
10 294 Jordan Romano Toronto Blue Jays Right-handed pitcher Oral Roberts University
10 298 Matt Gage San Francisco Giants Left-handed pitcher Siena College
11 316 Dean Deetz Houston Astros Right-handed pitcher Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College
11 324 Jake Latz* Toronto Blue Jays Pitcher Lemont High School (IL)
11 326 Brandon Woodruff Milwaukee Brewers Pitcher Mississippi State
11 331 John Means Baltimore Orioles Pitcher West Virginia
12 356 Jordan Yamamoto Milwaukee Brewers Right-handed pitcher Saint Louis School (HI)
12 362 Chris Gittens New York Yankees First baseman Grayson College
13 404 Chandler Shepherd Boston Red Sox Right-handed pitcher Kentucky
14 419 Justin Anderson Los Angeles Angels Right-handed pitcher UTSA
14 420 Kevin Cron Arizona Diamondbacks First Baseman TCU
15 449 Greg Mahle Los Angeles Angels Left-handed pitcher UC Santa Barbara
16 466 Ramón Laureano Houston Astros Outfielder Northeastern Oklahoma A&M
19 569 John Bormann* Los Angeles Angels Catcher UTSA
19 572 Joe Harvey New York Yankees Pitcher Pittsburgh
19 573 Scott Heineman* Kansas City Royals Outfielder Oregon
19 583 Codey McElroy Atlanta Braves Shortstop Cameron
22 650 Trevor Hildenberger Minnesota Twins Right-handed pitcher California
22 656 Patrick Weigel* Milwaukee Brewers Right-handed pitcher Oxnard College
22 659 Adam McCreery Los Angeles Angels Left-handed pitcher Azusa Pacific
22 669 Bubby Rossman Los Angeles Dodgers Right-handed pitcher Cal State Dominguez Hills
22 674 J. J. Matijevic* Boston Red Sox Shortstop Norwin High School (PA)
23 692 Will Toffey* New York Yankees Third baseman Salisbury School (CT)
25 740 Taylor Hearn* Minnesota Twins Left-handed pitcher San Jacinto College
25 746 C. D. Pelham* Milwaukee Brewers Left-handed pitcher Spartanburg Methodist College
26 785 Brennan Bernardino Cincinnati Reds Left-handed pitcher Cal State Dominguez Hills
32 970 Locke St. John Detroit Tigers Left-handed pitcher South Alabama
33 1006 Josh James Houston Astros Right-handed pitcher Western Oklahoma State College
34 1020 Cory Hahn* Arizona Diamondbacks Outfielder Arizona State
37 1105 Tristan Gray* New York Mets Second baseman Elkins High School (TX)
37 1120 Patrick Mahomes* Detroit Tigers Right-handed pitcher Whitehouse High School (TX)
38 1151 Paul DeJong* Pittsburgh Pirates Catcher Illinois State
40 1208 Ryder Ryan* Cleveland Indians Right-handed pitcher North Mecklenburg High School (NC)
40 1212 Bryson Brigman* Oakland Athletics Shortstop Valley Christian High School (CA)

Notes

[edit]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

2014 Major League Baseball draft

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
The 2014 First-Year Player Draft, officially the 50th amateur draft, was held from June 5 through June 7, 2014, to assign amateur baseball players to its teams. Day 1 took place at Studio 42 in , with subsequent rounds conducted via conference call from MLB headquarters in . The Houston Astros selected left-handed pitcher from Cathedral Catholic High School first overall, but he did not sign due to concerns over a medical condition.

Background and Rules

Draft Logistics and Context

The 2014 Major League Baseball Draft took place over three days, from June 5 to June 7, at 's Studio 42 in . The event was televised live on , with additional coverage and streaming available online via MLB.com. The draft consisted of 40 rounds plus supplemental picks, resulting in a total of 1,215 selections across all participating teams. This structure allowed clubs to select players, primarily from high schools and colleges, to bolster their farm systems. The draft occurred immediately following the 2013 MLB regular season, in which the Houston Astros compiled the league's worst record of 51 wins and 111 losses. This poor performance granted the Astros the first overall pick, aligning with their ongoing rebuilding strategy after relocating to the and enduring several losing seasons.

Eligibility and Selection Mechanics

Eligibility for the 2014 Major League Baseball amateur draft, conducted under Rule 4 of the official rules, was limited to amateur players residing in or attending educational institutions in the United States, , or U.S. territories such as . Eligible candidates included high school players who had graduated or were scheduled to graduate in the 2014 calendar year and had not signed a professional contract. College players became eligible after completing their junior year, upon turning 21 years old during the calendar year, or if they were underclassmen who formally declared their intent to enter the draft and relinquished remaining college eligibility. Junior college players were eligible after one year of enrollment, provided they met the residency and amateur status requirements. International amateur players from outside the specified regions were ineligible for the draft and instead pursued contracts as undrafted free agents, subject to separate international signing regulations and bonus pools established by the 2012 Agreement (CBA). No international draft was implemented for 2014, maintaining the focus on domestic talent; international players from other regions signed as free agents under separate bonus pool regulations. The selection mechanics followed a structured, sequential process where MLB's 30 teams made picks in reverse order of the previous season's regular-season standings, with ties broken by the teams' records from the previous season, with the worse record picking earlier. Teams announced selections live during the draft event, held June 5–7 in , without the ability to trade picks in real time; however, draft choices could be traded before the draft or in subsequent transactions post-selection. Once selected, players had a limited signing window, typically until mid-July, to negotiate contracts with their drafting team or become free agents if unsigned. To regulate spending on amateur signings, the 2012 CBA established a pool system for each team, calculated as the sum of predetermined slot values for their picks in the first 10 rounds, plus $100,000 allowances for later-round selections exceeding that amount. Slot values decreased progressively, with the No. 1 overall pick valued at approximately $8 million and later first-round picks around $2–3 million, aiming to curb escalating bonuses while preserving competitive balance. Exceeding the pool by 0–5% incurred a 75% on the overage; by 5–10%, a 75% plus loss of the first-round pick the next year; over 10%, a 100% plus loss of the first- and second-round picks the next year. The draft comprised 40 main rounds, supplemented by compensatory picks awarded to teams losing qualifying free agents from the prior offseason—these A and B round insertions occurred immediately after the first round, based on the free agent's and the losing team's status. Competitive balance picks, determined by a pre-draft lottery among the 10 lowest-revenue and 10 smallest-market teams, added further selections: Round A picks followed compensatory picks (positions 35–41 overall), and Round B picks came after the second round (positions 72–78 overall), providing extra opportunities for resource-constrained franchises. This structure totaled up to 1,215 selections across all teams, emphasizing the draft's role in talent distribution within the amateur pipeline.

Draft Order Determination

Reverse Standings and Lottery

The primary draft order for the first round was determined by the reverse order of the 2013 regular season standings, with the team having the worst record receiving the first pick. Ties in winning percentage were broken first by the teams' 2012 winning percentages, then by head-to-head record, and further by intradivision record if necessary. The Houston Astros, who finished last in the with a 51–111 record in 2013, received the first overall selection for the third consecutive year. No lottery system was used for the main first-round order in 2014, as the MLB draft for top picks was not introduced until 2022. However, a separate competitive balance lottery was held to award supplemental picks. This lottery, established under the 2012 collective bargaining agreement, aimed to assist small-market and low-revenue teams by distributing 12 additional picks: six after the first round (Competitive Balance Round A, picks 35–40) and six after the second round (Competitive Balance Round B, picks 69–74). Eligibility included the 10 smallest-market teams and the 10 lowest-revenue teams (with some overlap), plus certain revenue-sharing recipients for Round B. Odds were based on recent winning percentages, with worse records receiving higher chances. The lottery was conducted on July 17, 2013, and the picks were tradable, a first for MLB draft selections. Winning teams for Round A were the Colorado Rockies (pick 35), Baltimore Orioles (37), Cleveland Indians (39), (40, adjusted around compensatory), Kansas City Royals (41, but positioned accordingly), and Milwaukee Brewers. For Round B: San Diego Padres (69), Arizona Diamondbacks (71), St. Louis Cardinals (73), (74), , and Seattle Mariners.

Compensatory and Balance Picks

Compensatory picks were awarded to teams that lost qualifying free agents after the 2013 season or failed to sign certain high draft picks from 2013. Under the 2012 collective bargaining agreement, teams exceeding a revenue threshold could extend a one-year qualifying offer (worth approximately $14.1 million in 2014) to eligible free agents with at least six years of service. If a player rejected the offer and signed elsewhere with a team that had a first-round pick outside the top 10, the original team received a compensatory pick at the end of the first round (picks 28–34 in 2014). The first 10 picks were protected, meaning signing such a player did not forfeit a pick but could affect future compensation. Examples included the Kansas City Royals receiving pick 28 for losing Ervin Santana to the Atlanta Braves, the Cincinnati Reds pick 29 for Shin-Soo Choo to the Texas Rangers, and others for losses like Nelson Cruz, Ubaldo Jiménez, and Stephen Drew. Additionally, the Miami Marlins received pick 36 as compensation for failing to sign 2013 first-rounder Phillip Bickford. The competitive balance picks, detailed above, were distinct but interleaved with compensatory selections in the supplemental rounds.

First Round Selections

Main First Round Picks

The main first round of the 2014 Major League Baseball draft featured 34 selections made on June 5, 2014, at the studios in , primarily allocated in reverse order of the previous season's standings with additional compensatory picks for teams losing qualifying free agents. This round emphasized a strong class of pitching talent, including several high school arms with high-velocity fastballs and college hitters with power potential, though no significant draft-day trades altered the selections. The following table lists all main first-round picks, including player details and origin:
PickTeamPlayerPositionSchool/College
1Houston AstrosBrady AikenLHPCathedral Catholic HS (San Diego, CA)
2Miami MarlinsTyler KolekRHPShepherd HS (Shepherd, TX)
3Chicago White SoxCarlos RodónLHPNorth Carolina State University
4Chicago CubsKyle SchwarberCIndiana University
5Minnesota TwinsNick GordonSSOlympia HS (Orlando, FL)
6Seattle MarinersAlex JacksonCRancho Bernardo HS (San Diego, CA)
7Philadelphia PhilliesAaron NolaRHPLouisiana State University
8Colorado RockiesKyle FreelandLHPUniversity of Evansville
9Toronto Blue JaysJeff HoffmanRHPEast Carolina University
10New York MetsMichael ConfortoOFOregon State University
11Toronto Blue JaysMax PentecostCKennesaw State University (Compensatory)
12Milwaukee BrewersKodi MedeirosLHPWaiakea HS (Hilo, HI)
13San Diego PadresTrea TurnerSSNorth Carolina State University
14San Francisco GiantsTyler BeedeRHPVanderbilt University
15Los Angeles AngelsSean NewcombLHPUniversity of Hartford
16Arizona DiamondbacksTouki ToussaintRHPCoral Springs Christian Academy (Coral Springs, FL)
17Kansas City RoyalsBrandon FinneganLHPTexas Christian University
18Washington NationalsErick FeddeRHPUniversity of Nevada, Las Vegas
19Cincinnati RedsNick HowardRHPUniversity of Virginia
20Tampa Bay RaysCasey Gillaspie1BWichita State University
21Cleveland IndiansBradley ZimmerOFUniversity of San Francisco
22Los Angeles DodgersGrant HolmesRHPConway HS (Conway, SC)
23Detroit TigersDerek HillOFElk Grove HS (Elk Grove, CA)
24Pittsburgh PiratesCole TuckerSSMountain Pointe HS (Phoenix, AZ)
25Oakland AthleticsMatt Chapman3BCal State Fullerton
26Boston Red SoxMichael ChavisSSSprayberry HS (Marietta, GA)
27St. Louis CardinalsLuke WeaverRHPFlorida State University
28Kansas City RoyalsFoster GriffinLHPThe First Academy (Orlando, FL)
29Cincinnati RedsAlex BlandinoSSStanford University
30Texas RangersLuis OrtizRHPSanger HS (Sanger, CA)
31Cleveland IndiansJustus SheffieldLHPTullahoma HS (Tullahoma, TN)
32Atlanta BravesBraxton DavidsonOFT.C. Roberson HS (Asheville, NC)
33Boston Red SoxMichael KopechRHPMount Pleasant HS (Mount Pleasant, TX)
34St. Louis CardinalsJack FlahertyRHPHarvard-Westlake School (Studio City, CA)
Among the selections, the Houston Astros chose , the consensus top high school pitcher in the class, noted for his projectable 6-foot-4 frame, reaching 97 mph, and an elite that drew comparisons to a potential ace starter. The followed with Tyler Kolek, a prep right-hander whose touched 102 mph, marking him as the hardest-throwing high school arm in draft history with significant velocity but raw command. The selected , a lefty ranked among the top overall prospects for his mid-90s and devastating 85-87 mph , positioning him as a high-floor power arm. Further down, the Phillies took , a polished right-hander with command of three plus pitches, including a up to 95 mph, seen as a safe mid-rotation bet. The Padres' selection of highlighted speed and athleticism, with his plus-plus running tool and defense drawing attention despite a slender frame.

Supplemental and Balance Round Picks

The 2014 draft included compensatory and competitive balance picks integrated into the first round. Notable examples include pick 11 (Max Pentecost, C, Toronto Blue Jays, compensatory for ), picks 12, 16, and others as balance selections (e.g., Kodi Medeiros at 12 to Brewers, at 16 to Diamondbacks). These picks provided additional opportunities for mid-market teams and those losing free agents, with signing bonuses averaging around $2-3 million for top balance selections.

Later Round Selections

Overview of Rounds 2-40

The 2014 Major League Baseball draft spanned 40 rounds and resulted in 1,215 total selections, with rounds 2 through 40 accounting for the bulk of these picks following the initial first-round and supplemental selections. These later rounds featured progressively decreasing assigned slot values for signing bonuses, starting at approximately $1.25 million for the second-round pick and falling to around $480,000 in the fourth round before dropping below $150,000 by the 10th round and even lower thereafter, which influenced teams' bonus pool expenditures primarily allocated to the top 10 rounds. A notable trend in rounds 2-40 was the heavy emphasis on -eligible players over high school prospects, reflecting teams' preference for more polished talents with shorter developmental timelines. Overall, players comprised about 72% of the draft class, totaling 873 selections from four-year universities and junior s, while high school draftees numbered around 342. Team strategies in these rounds often centered on addressing organizational needs through volume selections, with a widespread focus on building pitching depth to replenish farm systems. For instance, the targeted college pitchers aggressively, selecting eight in their first 12 picks spanning rounds 1-4 to prioritize immediate-impact arms. Similarly, the Seattle Mariners balanced early position-player acquisitions with a mid-round pivot to pitching, drafting six hurlers across rounds 4-10. This approach contributed to pitchers representing over half of all draftees (653 total), a pattern that persisted strongly beyond the first round.

Notable Later Round Players

In the second round, the Houston Astros selected first baseman from the with the 42nd overall pick, drawn to his elite power potential as one of the top sluggers in the college ranks. Reed, a left-handed hitter standing 6-foot-4 and weighing 240 pounds, led the NCAA in home runs (23), (.735), and (1.211) during his junior season, showcasing a smooth swing with plus raw power and the ability to drive balls to all fields. Scouts praised his plate discipline, with a 49-to-48 walk-to-strikeout ratio, though some noted concerns about his two-way background potentially limiting his defensive value at first base. The pick generated immediate excitement for the Astros, who viewed Reed as a cornerstone bat with middle-of-the-order upside despite his age (21) as a college junior. Reed reached the majors briefly in 2016 but spent most of his career in the minors. Moving to the mid-rounds, the San Francisco Giants tabbed high school right-hander from Rocklin High School () in the fourth round at the 118th pick, betting on his athleticism and late velocity surge despite a need for refinement in secondary pitches. At 6-foot-1 and 205 pounds, Webb posted a 0.49 with 73 strikeouts over 57 in his senior year, featuring a that sat 91-94 mph and touched 95, paired with an above-average and developing . As a former star , his projectable frame and arm strength created buzz among evaluators who saw starter potential, though his control (30 walks in that span) was a noted area for growth. The Giants' selection was seen as a high-reward gamble on a prep arm with untapped command. Webb developed into an starting for the Giants by 2021. The Chicago Cubs found value in the sixth round with right-hander from , selected 169th overall after a pre-draft surgery diagnosis caused him to slide from first-round projections. Cease, a 6-foot-1, 180-pound , possessed one of the draft's premier fastballs, regularly hitting 93-95 mph and reaching 97 with excellent downhill plane, complemented by a sharp that flashed plus potential. Despite the elbow injury risk, scouts highlighted his clean mechanics and ability (high-90s velocity post-recovery potential), generating post-pick optimism as a high-upside lottery ticket for the Cubs' pitching development system. Cease became an in 2022 after being traded to the . In the 10th round, the Toronto Blue Jays surprised many by drafting right-hander from at the 294th pick, a player their scouts had graded as first-round caliber due to his electric stuff and Canadian heritage. Standing 6-foot-4 and 200 pounds, Romano featured a in the low- to mid-90s with significant life, an outstanding slider as his primary out-pitch, and a frame ideal for adding velocity. His availability so late created immediate post-draft buzz, with team officials expressing excitement over acquiring a potential late-inning reliever at a bargain slot value. Romano emerged as an closer for the Blue Jays in 2021. Late in the draft, the Detroit Tigers used their 37th-round selection (1,120th overall) on outfielder from (), a two-sport phenom whose baseball tools were overshadowed by his football prowess but still warranted a flier on his athleticism. At 6-foot-2 and 210 pounds, Mahomes displayed plus speed, arm strength, and raw power from the right side, hitting .439 with eight home runs as a senior while stealing bases efficiently. Scouts noted his background enhanced his hand-eye coordination and explosiveness, though commitment to Texas Tech for football made him a long-shot sign; the pick reflected the Tigers' interest in multi-sport high school stars with intriguing athletic profiles. Mahomes pursued football, becoming a three-time Super Bowl-winning NFL with the .

Post-Draft Developments

Signing Status and Bonuses

The signing deadline for the 2014 Major League Baseball draft was July 18, 2014, at 5 p.m. ET, after which all unsigned players became free agents eligible for the next year's draft. Across the draft, teams spent a total of $222,809,919 on signing bonuses, marking the second-highest amount in MLB history at the time and the highest under the bonus pool system introduced in 2012. This figure covered bonuses for picks in the first 10 rounds and any amounts exceeding $100,000 for selections beyond that, with the system assigning slot values to encourage efficient spending within each team's allocated pool. Most first-round selections signed promptly, with bonuses typically aligning close to or below assigned slot values to preserve pool money for later rounds. Signing bonuses for these picks ranged from about $1.5 million to $6 million, reflecting slot recommendations that decreased from $7.922 million for the No. 1 overall selection to around $1.65 million for the No. 34 pick. For example, the Chicago Cubs signed fourth overall pick to a $3.125 million bonus, $1.496 million below his $4.621 million slot, allowing the team to allocate savings toward other prospects. Similarly, the agreed to $6 million for second overall pick Tyler Kolek, under his $6.821 million slot, contributing to their league-leading spending efficiency. One first-round pick remained unsigned by the deadline: Houston Astros selection (No. 1 overall). Aiken's case stemmed from a failed physical revealing a torn UCL in his pitching elbow, leading the Astros to reduce their initial $6.5 million offer to $3.168 million—still below his $7.922 million slot—before increasing it to $5 million; negotiations collapsed, and he later underwent Tommy John surgery and re-entered the draft in 2015. This failure resulted in a compensatory pick for the Astros in 2015 but no immediate pool refunds. Regarding bonus pools, no team exceeded its allocation by more than 5%, avoiding severe penalties such as loss of future draft picks; the incurred the largest overage at $474,900, subject only to a 75% on the excess without further sanctions. This adherence to pool limits, enforced through taxes on overages (75% for 0-5% excess, escalating with higher thresholds), ensured the 2014 draft remained within MLB's cost-control framework.

Controversies and Unsigned Cases

The most prominent controversy of the 2014 Major League Baseball draft centered on the Houston Astros' failure to sign their first overall selection, left-handed pitcher from Cathedral Catholic High School in . Initially, the Astros and Aiken's representatives agreed to a of $6.5 million, below the slot value of $7,922,100 for the top pick. However, a post-draft medical examination revealed concerns about the structure of Aiken's (UCL) in his pitching elbow, prompting the Astros to reduce their offer to $3,168,840 (40% of slot). They later increased it to $5 million before the deadline, but Aiken rejected the amount, leading to no agreement by 18. The dispute escalated when Aiken's camp disputed the severity of the medical findings, arguing that the Astros had not disclosed the full details of the examination process beforehand and that the issue did not constitute a disqualifying injury. The (MLBPA) filed a against the Astros on , alleging bad-faith negotiations and manipulation of the bonus pool to sign other draftees. MLB's investigation and ruling ultimately favored the Astros, determining that teams are permitted to adjust offers based on legitimate post-draft medical information without prior disclosure requirements, though the decision highlighted ambiguities in draft medical protocols. Aiken, ineligible for college due to prior agent involvement, attended a baseball academy before undergoing Tommy John surgery in 2015; he was redrafted that year by the Cleveland Indians (now Guardians) at 17th overall and signed for $2.513 million. The fallout from the Aiken situation severely impacted the Astros' bonus pool, as failing to sign the top pick resulted in the forfeiture of 100% of its $7.922 million slot value under MLB's signing rules. This loss cascaded to other selections, including second-round pick , whose potential $2.3 million deal exceeded the remaining pool limits; Nix also went unsigned after a related , though the Astros later settled with him in December 2014 for an undisclosed amount below slot value. The Astros ultimately forfeited additional international signing slots as penalties for exceeding pool thresholds by more than 5%, underscoring the rigid constraints of the draft's . Beyond the Astros' issues, the 2014 draft saw a relatively low unsigned rate of approximately 5%, with most draftees signing routine agreements. Notable exceptions included the Astros' and the Baltimore Orioles' fourth-round selection Mac Marshall, both linked to pool constraints. Additionally, Tigers 37th-round selection , a two-sport star from in , opted to pursue a football career at instead of . These cases, while rare, illustrated the draft's occasional tensions between player leverage, medical evaluations, and competing athletic opportunities.

Legacy and Impact

Career Trajectories of Key Draftees

, selected first overall by the Houston Astros in 2014, faced significant setbacks due to injuries, including surgery shortly after the draft, which derailed his immediate professional progression. Re-drafted by the Indians (now Guardians) in the first round of 2015, Aiken spent his career in the across multiple organizations, including stints with the Indians, Toronto Blue Jays, and Cubs systems, but never reached the major leagues. His minor league record stands at 13-21 with a 4.70 over 143 appearances (85 starts), primarily as a starter, hampered by ongoing arm issues that led to his release by Cleveland in 2021 and subsequent free agency without further advancement. Carlos Rodón, taken third overall by the , emerged as one of the draft class's premier pitchers after debuting in 2015. He spent his first seven seasons with the White Sox, transitioning from a high-strikeout starter to an ace, before signing with the Giants in 2022 and the New York Yankees in 2023. Rodón earned nods in 2021, 2022, and 2025, posting a career 3.76 over 1,000 innings, with notable seasons including a 2.37 in 2021 (fifth in AL Cy Young voting) and a 3.09 in 2025. From 2021 to 2025, his averaged approximately 3.83 across 140 starts, establishing him as a reliable rotation anchor despite occasional injury interruptions. Kyle Schwarber, picked fourth overall by the Chicago Cubs, quickly became a cornerstone power hitter after his 2015 debut, contributing to the Cubs' title with a .412 average in the postseason. Traded to the in 2021 and signing with the Philadelphia Phillies in 2022, Schwarber has solidified his role as a and , known for prodigious output. He recorded 40+ home runs in three seasons (46 in 2022, 47 in 2023, and 56 in 2025), contributing in the 2023 NLCS with a .308 average (4-for-13) and two home runs against the Arizona Diamondbacks (MVP: ). Through 2025, Schwarber's career includes approximately 340 home runs in 5,384 plate appearances, with a .231 average and .475 , underscoring his value as a slugging threat despite high rates. Aaron Nola, selected seventh overall by the Philadelphia Phillies, debuted in 2015 and has been a mainstay in their rotation. Known for his command and durability, Nola earned selections in 2018 and 2023, posting three top-five finishes in NL Cy Young voting (2018, 2021, 2023). Through 2025, he has a career 3.60 over 1,800 innings with 1,900 strikeouts, accumulating over 40 as a consistent ace, including a in 2021. Trea Turner, taken 13th overall by the San Diego Padres, developed into an elite after debuting in 2016. Traded to the in 2017 and signing with the in 2021, Turner has been a five-time (2019-2023) and two-time batting champion (.336 in 2021, .303 in 2022). Through 2025, he maintains a .298 career average with 150 home runs and 250 stolen bases, contributing over 35 with speed and contact skills. Matt Chapman, picked 25th overall by the Houston Astros, debuted in 2017 and won four Gold Gloves (2019-2022) for his elite defense at third base. Traded to the in 2019, then to the Giants in 2022 and Mariners in 2024, Chapman has been a three-time (2019, 2021, 2022). Through 2025, his career includes a .247 average, 140 home runs, and 38.4 , valued for his glove and power. Among later-round selections, , taken 42nd overall by the Astros in the second round, showed early promise as a two-way college star but struggled in the majors. Debuting in 2016, Reed appeared in 57 games across 2016-2018 with the Astros and , batting .149 with 4 home runs and 12 RBIs in 175 at-bats before retiring in 2020 following challenges. Another success story is Ramon Laureano, selected 421st overall in the 16th round by the Astros, who debuted with the in 2018 and has since become a regular contributor. Laureano posted a .245 average with 70 home runs through 2025, earning Gold Glove honors in 2019 and 2020 for his elite center field defense, amassing 12.5 while transitioning through trades to the . The 2014 draft class has yielded approximately 10 All-Stars and around 15 MLB regulars by 2025, with collective contributions exceeding 200 led by standouts like (38.4 career WAR through 2025) and pitcher (over 30 WAR). This output highlights the class's depth in producing impact position players and starters, though pitching prospects faced higher attrition rates due to injuries.

Team and League Outcomes

The 2014 Major League Baseball draft played a pivotal role in the Houston Astros' organizational turnaround, despite the high-profile failure to sign first overall pick due to concerns over his elbow injury. This non-signing forfeited the Astros' top selection but granted them an additional high draft choice in 2015, where they selected at No. 2 overall, a cornerstone player in their subsequent appearances in 2017 and 2019. From the 2014 class itself, the Astros developed contributors like (selected 25th overall, later traded), who provided defensive excellence during their rise from a 111-loss season in 2013 to champions by 2017. For the Chicago Cubs, the draft yielded immediate and lasting dividends through / , selected fourth overall, whose power hitting and postseason performance were instrumental in ending the franchise's 108-year drought in 2016. Schwarber, despite missing most of the regular season due to injury, served as the in the Fall Classic, batting .412 with two RBIs in five games to help secure the championship. This selection exemplified how a single high-impact draftee could accelerate a rebuilding effort, bolstering the Cubs' lineup alongside other young talents. Low-revenue franchises like the Tampa Bay Rays and Miami Marlins leveraged competitive balance rounds to enhance their farm systems amid ongoing rebuilds. The Rays, selecting players such as pitcher Brent Honeywell in the competitive balance round, added cost-controlled depth that supported their perennial contention despite payroll constraints, though Honeywell's impact was limited by injuries. Similarly, the Marlins' third-round pick of third baseman Brian Anderson emerged as a reliable everyday contributor by 2018, providing stability during a period of roster turnover and helping to bridge their rebuild phases. These selections underscored the draft's mechanism for injecting talent into resource-limited organizations without excessive spending. Historically, the 2014 draft class ranks as mid-tier among modern drafts, hampered by busts at the top (Aiken and second overall pick Tyler Kolek never reached the majors) but featuring standouts like shortstop Trea Turner, pitcher Aaron Nola, and third baseman Matt Chapman. By 2025, it had produced 221 major league players, a respectable output reflecting steady contributions across positions rather than dominance. A notable trend in the 2014 draft was the surge in college selections, comprising approximately 72% of all picks (873 out of 1,215 total), as teams prioritized players with proven performance and lower developmental risk over high school prospects. This shift, evident from the second day onward when college talent dominated early rounds, aligned with broader league strategies to accelerate prospect timelines amid rising competitive balance. The draft's structure, awarding premium picks to struggling teams, further promoted parity, as seen in the Astros' ascent from league basement to perennial contenders through successive high selections.

References

  1. https://www.mlb.com/news/2014-first-year-player-draft-order-announced/c-73975638
  2. https://www.mlb.com/news/astros-select-lhp-brady-aiken-with-first-overall-pick-in-2014-mlb-draft/c-78430464
  3. https://www.mlb.com/news/2014-mlb-first-year-player-draft-concludes-after-40-rounds-1215-selections/c-78689610
  4. https://www.mlb.com/news/houston-astros-2013-season-in-review/c-64349652
  5. https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/mlb/2013/05/31/mlb-union-end-talks-for-world-draft-in-2014/2377925/
  6. https://www.baseball-almanac.com/draft/baseball_draft.shtml
  7. https://www.sbnation.com/mlb/2014/6/5/5781090/2014-mlb-draft-rules-regulations-guide-basics
  8. https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/9330439/mlb-union-end-talks-world-draft-2014
  9. https://www.mlb.com/news/major-league-baseball-decides-against-holding-international-draft/c-49189442
  10. https://www.perfectgame.org/articles/View.aspx?article=6876
  11. https://www.mlb.com/news/mlb-draft-international-slot-values-to-increase-by-17-percent/c-70729748
  12. http://www.mymlbdraft.com/2014-mlb-assigned-draft-pick-values/
  13. https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2014/04/amateur-draft-international-bonus-pools-rise-by-17-percent.html
  14. https://www.mlb.com/glossary/transactions/qualifying-offer
  15. https://www.mlb.com/news/competitive-balance-lottery-pays-out-12-draft-picks/c-53967108
  16. https://www.baseball-reference.com/bullpen/2014_Amateur_Draft
  17. https://www.mlb.com/news/club-representatives-named-for-2014-first-year-player-draft/c-76063026
  18. https://www.baseball-almanac.com/draft/baseball-draft.php?yr=2014
  19. https://www.baseballamerica.com/stories/2014-mlb-draft-first-round-analysis/
  20. https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2083824-mlb-draft-2014-viewing-info-and-scouting-reports-for-top-1st-round-prospects
  21. https://www.bleachernation.com/cubs/2014/06/04/2014-mlb-draft-primer-bonus-pool-slot-values-penalties-etc/
  22. https://www.mlb.com/cardinals/news/college-players-taken-in-droves-on-second-day-of-mlb-first-year-player-draft/c-78531750
  23. https://www.thebaseballcube.com/content/draft_year/2014/
  24. https://www.athleticsnation.com/2016/6/2/11838022/oakland-as-2014-draft-review-matt-champan-touche
  25. https://www.mlb.com/news/mariners-make-8-selections-on-day-two-of-2014-mlb-draft/c-78567572
  26. https://www.mlb.com/news/astros-ink-power-hitting-42nd-overall-pick-reed/c-79297198
  27. https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2076591-aj-reed-prospect-profile-for-houston-astros-2nd-round-pick
  28. https://astrosfuture.com/2014/11/astros-future-interview-aj-reed/
  29. https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2087751-san-francisco-giants-2014-draft-picks-scouting-profiles-and-analysis
  30. https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2070751-dylan-cease-prospect-profile-for-chicago-cubs-6th-round-pick
  31. https://www.mlb.com/cubs/news/cease-brings-wrigley-experience-in-round-6/c-78544962
  32. https://www.sportsnet.ca/baseball/mlb/blue-jays-draft-canadian-romano-in-10th-round/
  33. https://www.mlb.com/news/tigers-scout-reflects-on-drafting-patrick-mahomes
  34. https://www.mlb.com/news/astros-top-pick-aiken-unable-to-reach-deal/c-85103476
  35. https://www.mlb.com/news/miami-marlins-lead-near-record-draft-spending/c-86092554
  36. https://www.si.com/mlb/2014/07/18/houston-astros-fail-sign-top-pick-brady-aiken
  37. https://tht.fangraphs.com/major-league-spending-trends-the-draft-bonus-pool/
  38. https://www.si.com/mlb/2014/07/23/houston-astros-number-one-pick-brady-aiken-inside-story
  39. https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/11233212/houston-astros-fail-sign-no-1-overall-pick-brady-aiken
  40. https://www.mlb.com/news/players-association-files-grievance-against-astros-over-brady-aiken/c-86254354
  41. https://www.cbssports.com/mlb/news/astros-and-nix-a-top-draftee-whose-deal-was-canceled-reach-settlement/
  42. https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2014/08/grievance-against-astros-focused-on-nix-not-aiken.html
  43. https://www.minorleagueball.com/2014/7/29/5944869/2014-mlb-draft-the-unsigned-and-undrafted
  44. https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/11037704/2014-mlb-draft-results
  45. https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=aiken-000bra
  46. https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/r/rodonca01.shtml
  47. https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/schwaky01.shtml
  48. https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/n/nolaaa01.shtml
  49. https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/t/turnetr01.shtml
  50. https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/c/chapmma02.shtml
  51. https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/r/reedaj01.shtml
  52. https://www.mlb.com/news/redrafting-the-2014-mlb-draft
  53. https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2951477-grading-every-mlb-teams-2014-draft-haul-7-years-later
  54. https://www.businessinsider.com/astro-mlb-draft-decision-pays-off-2015-6
  55. https://www.si.com/mlb/athletics/news/houston-astros-2014-draft-has-paid-off-for-oakland-as
  56. https://abcnews.go.com/Sports/chicago-cubs-make-kyle-schwarber-free-agent-tender/story?id=74516950
  57. https://www.bleedcubbieblue.com/2024/7/10/24195861/cubs-drafts-last-10-years-kyle-schwarber-ian-happ-justin-steele
  58. https://www.fishstripes.com/2017/6/10/15775838/marlins-draft-recap-2014
  59. https://www.cbssports.com/mlb/news/reviewing-the-2014-mlb-draft-five-years-later-aaron-nola-stands-out-in-a-hitter-heavy-draft-class/
  60. https://www.mlb.com/news/college-players-taken-in-droves-on-second-day-of-mlb-first-year-player-draft/c-78531750
Add your contribution
Related Hubs
User Avatar
No comments yet.