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2016 Major League Baseball draft
View on Wikipediafrom Wikipedia
| 2016 Major League Baseball draft | |
|---|---|
 | |
| General information | |
| Date | June 9–11, 2016 |
| Location | Secaucus, New Jersey |
| Network | MLB Network |
| Overview | |
| 1,216 total selections | |
| First selection | Mickey Moniak Philadelphia Phillies |
| First round selections | 41 |
The 2016 Major League Baseball draft began on June 9, 2016, to assign amateur baseball players to MLB teams. The draft order is the reverse order of the 2015 MLB season standings. In addition, compensation picks were distributed for players who did not sign from the 2015 MLB draft. The Philadelphia Phillies received the first overall selection. The Los Angeles Dodgers received the 36th pick as compensation for failing to sign Kyle Funkhouser, the 35th overall selection of the 2015 MLB draft.[1]
Teams from the smallest markets and revenue pools are eligible for competitive balance draft picks. The first six picks, Round A, were determined by lottery between the Arizona Diamondbacks, Colorado Rockies, Cincinnati Reds, Miami Marlins, San Diego Padres, Tampa Bay Rays, Milwaukee Brewers, Cleveland Indians, Oakland Athletics, Pittsburgh Pirates, Kansas City Royals, and St. Louis Cardinals. The six preceding teams that do not receive a pick in Round A were entered into a second lottery, with the Baltimore Orioles, Minnesota Twins, and Seattle Mariners, to receive the six picks in Round B. The twelve competitive balance draft picks are the only picks allowed to be traded.[2] The Reds received the first pick in Round A, followed by the Athletics, Rockies, Diamondbacks, Marlins, and Pirates. The Padres received the first pick of Round B, followed by the Indians, Twins, Brewers, Orioles, and Rays.[3]
First round selections
[edit]| * | Player did not sign |
|---|---|
| * | All Star Selection |
Compensatory round
[edit]Competitive Balance Round A
[edit]Other notable selections
[edit]Notes
[edit]- Compensation picks
- ^ Compensation pick for the Kansas City Royals signing Ian Kennedy
- ^ Compensation pick for the Detroit Tigers signing Justin Upton
- ^ Compensation pick for the San Francisco Giants signing Jeff Samardzija
- ^ Compensation pick for the Miami Marlins signing Wei-Yin Chen
- ^ Compensation pick for the Detroit Tigers signing Jordan Zimmermann
- ^ Compensation pick for the Texas Rangers signing Ian Desmond
- ^ Compensation pick for the Baltimore Orioles signing Yovani Gallardo
- ^ Compensation pick for the Washington Nationals signing Daniel Murphy
- ^ Compensation pick for the Arizona Diamondbacks signing Zack Greinke
- ^ Compensation pick for the Chicago Cubs signing John Lackey
- ^ Compensation pick for the Chicago Cubs signing Jason Heyward
- ^ Compensation pick for failing to sign Kyle Funkhouser in the 2015 draft
- Trades
- ^ The Braves acquired the 40th pick from the Miami Marlins in a three-team trade. The Braves also traded Bronson Arroyo, Luis Avilán, Jim Johnson, José Peraza, and Alex Wood to the Los Angeles Dodgers for Héctor Olivera, Paco Rodriguez, and Zach Bird. The Marlins traded Mat Latos and Michael Morse to the Dodgers for Victor Araujo, Jeff Brigham, and Kevin Guzman.[4]
References
[edit]- ^ "Dodgers sign their top draft pick Walker Buehler, who is reportedly injured". dailynews.com. Retrieved July 22, 2015.
- ^ "Competitive Balance Draft Lottery 2015". Major League Baseball. Archived from the original on July 5, 2017. Retrieved July 22, 2015.
- ^ "Reds Win Competitive Balance Lottery". BaseballAmerica.com. Archived from the original on August 4, 2016. Retrieved July 22, 2015.
- ^ Hager, Will (July 30, 2015). "REPORT: Braves acquire Olivera in 13-player trade with Marlins, Dodgers". Atlanta Sun Times. Archived from the original on January 26, 2016. Retrieved December 28, 2015.
2016 Major League Baseball draft
View on Grokipediafrom Grokipedia
The 2016 Major League Baseball Draft was the 52nd annual amateur draft in which Major League Baseball (MLB) teams selected eligible players from high schools, colleges, and other amateur leagues, held from June 9 to 11, 2016, at the MLB Network studios in Secaucus, New Jersey.[1] The Philadelphia Phillies chose high school outfielder Mickey Moniak from La Costa Canyon High School (California) with the first overall pick, the first time an outfielder had been selected at that position since Bryce Harper in 2010.[1] In total, 1,216 players were chosen across 40 rounds and two Competitive Balance rounds, with the first day (June 9) featuring 77 selections in the first round, Competitive Balance Round A, second round, and Competitive Balance Round B.[2][3]
The draft order was determined primarily by reverse standings from the 2015 season, with the Phillies holding the top pick due to their league-worst 63-99 record.[4] It featured only 23 first-round picks—the fewest since 1968—after several teams forfeited selections as penalties for signing free agents in the previous offseason.[4] Pitchers dominated the selections, accounting for 635 of the total draftees (476 right-handed and 159 left-handed), while Texas A&M University led all schools with 13 players chosen.[2] The class also highlighted diversity, with 53 foreign-born players selected (including 30 from Puerto Rico) and six of the top 24 picks being African-American or Latino.[2][3]
Among the notable first-round selections were college third baseman Nick Senzel (second overall, Cincinnati Reds), high school pitcher Ian Anderson (third overall, Atlanta Braves), and high school pitcher Riley Pint (fourth overall, Colorado Rockies), reflecting a mix of high-upside arms and position players with strong hitting potential.[1][4] Other standout picks included outfielder Corey Ray (fifth overall, Milwaukee Brewers) and pitcher A.J. Puk (sixth overall, Oakland Athletics), contributing to a class that produced several eventual MLB contributors like Anderson, who debuted with the Braves in 2020.[1][4][5]
Taylor Trammell, a high school outfielder from Georgia, stood out for his plus speed, power potential, and elite defensive skills in center field, including highlight-reel catches during his senior season.[30] Jordan Sheffield, a college right-hander from Vanderbilt, impressed with a fastball reaching 96 mph and a plus slider, positioning him as a versatile arm capable of starting or relieving despite some inconsistency in his secondary offerings.[30] Daulton Jefferies, selected by the Athletics from UC Berkeley, featured a low-90s fastball and effective changeup, with scouts projecting mid-rotation starter potential pending improved command.[30]
Robert Tyler, a University of Georgia pitcher taken by the Rockies, showcased a fastball up to 95 mph paired with a developing slider, though command issues highlighted areas for growth in his starter profile.[30] Anfernee Grier, an Auburn outfielder drafted by the Diamondbacks, brought plus running speed and a strong throwing arm to center field, with his hit tool identified as needing refinement for offensive impact.[30] Joey Wentz, a high school lefty from Kansas acquired by the Braves, demonstrated athleticism and projection with a low-90s fastball and solid curveball, having been committed to Vanderbilt prior to the draft.[30] Nick Lodolo, the Pirates' high school selection from California, excelled with a fastball to 92 mph, a plus curveball, and precise command, marking him as a polished left-handed prospect committed to TCU.[30]
These competitive balance selections carried recommended signing bonuses between $1.5 million and $1.8 million per slot, directly augmenting the recipients' overall draft bonus pools—such as the Reds' $7.76 million total—and enabling greater financial flexibility for signing top talents without exceeding spending thresholds.[31]
Background and rules
Player eligibility
The 2016 Major League Baseball First-Year Player Draft, conducted under Rule 4 of the official Major League Rules, was limited to amateur players residing in the United States (including its territories), Canada, or Puerto Rico who had never signed a professional baseball contract. Eligible amateurs encompassed three primary groups: high school players who had graduated (or met early graduation criteria), four-year college players who had completed their junior year or turned 21 years of age (whichever occurred first), and junior college players who had completed two years of enrollment or reached age 21. Juniors and seniors in high school who had not been previously drafted and did not sign could also qualify if they later attended college and satisfied the college eligibility standards upon re-entry.[6] Age requirements reinforced the amateur focus, ensuring players were sufficiently mature for professional consideration. High school players were generally ineligible until after their senior year, though exceptions applied for early graduates who had completed at least three years of high school and would turn 17 within 45 days of the draft (June 9, 2016), provided their school notified the MLB Commissioner's Office by January 15. College players gained eligibility after their junior year regardless of age, or earlier if they turned 21 or exhausted their collegiate eligibility; those who withdrew from school more than 120 days before the draft could also qualify under specific conditions. These standards applied uniformly in 2016, with no alterations from prior years under the 2011–2016 Collective Bargaining Agreement.[6][7] The draft's U.S.-centric structure explicitly excluded international amateur free agents from outside North America and its territories, who instead signed directly with clubs under separate international signing rules without draft involvement. Notable exceptions to standard eligibility included undrafted high school juniors who enrolled in college and re-entered the draft pool as upperclassmen, as well as rare hardship provisions allowing select players to declare early due to extenuating circumstances like family financial needs, subject to Commissioner approval.[8][6] In 2016, the eligible pool drew from a vast amateur base, with approximately 492,000 high school baseball players active across the U.S., including about 115,000 graduating seniors as the primary eligible subset, and an estimated 10,000 college players meeting the junior-year or age-21 thresholds across NCAA divisions. This scale underscored the draft's role in sourcing talent from a broad domestic amateur landscape, though only 1,216 players were ultimately selected over 40 rounds and competitive balance rounds.[9][2]Selection order and special rounds
The selection order for the 2016 Major League Baseball draft was primarily determined by the reverse order of the 2015 regular season standings, with non-playoff teams selecting first in reverse order of their winning percentages and playoff teams following in reverse order of their league standings.[10] Ties in winning percentage were broken by head-to-head records, intradivision records, and other standard tiebreaker criteria established by MLB.[4] The Philadelphia Phillies received the first overall pick due to their league-worst 63-99 record in 2015.[11] Unlike the 2023 and later drafts, there was no lottery system for the top picks in 2016, as the MLB draft lottery was first implemented in 2023 to determine the first 18 selections.[12] A compensatory round was inserted between the first and second rounds to award extra picks to teams that lost qualifying free agents (QFAs) from the previous offseason without receiving equivalent compensation.[13] In 2016, 10 such picks were distributed as picks 24 through 33, with the order based on the signing dates of the lost free agents and the reverse standings of the teams involved.[4] For example, the San Diego Padres received pick 24 for losing outfielder Justin Upton, while the Washington Nationals received picks 25 and 26 for losing pitcher Jordan Zimmermann and outfielder Denard Span, and the St. Louis Cardinals received picks 27 and 28 for losing outfielder Jason Heyward and pitcher John Lackey.[13] These picks were non-tradeable except in limited circumstances. Following the compensatory round, Competitive Balance Round A provided additional selections (picks 34 through 40) to foster parity among small-market and low-revenue teams through a lottery system.[14] The seven picks in this round were awarded to eligible clubs based on a drawing among revenue-sharing recipients and teams in the 10 smallest markets, with the Cincinnati Reds drawing the first selection (pick 34) and the Pittsburgh Pirates the last (pick 40).[13] A second Competitive Balance Round B occurred after the second round of the draft (picks 66 through 71), distributing six more picks to other qualifying teams via a similar lottery process.[14] Unlike compensatory picks, competitive balance selections were tradeable.Draft proceedings
Dates, location, and format
The 2016 Major League Baseball draft took place over three days from June 9 to June 11.[15] Day 1 covered the first round, compensatory picks, Competitive Balance Round A, and second round, beginning at 7:00 p.m. ET on June 9.[3] Day 2 included rounds 3 through 10, starting at 1:00 p.m. ET on June 10.[16] Day 3 encompassed rounds 11 through 40, commencing at noon ET on June 11.[2] The event was held at MLB Network's Studio 42 in Secaucus, New Jersey. Unlike drafts in other major sports leagues, there was no in-person crowd due to the studio setting; team representatives, including former players and executives, participated on-site for Day 1 selections, while later rounds involved virtual participation.[17] Selections on Day 1 were conducted live in the studio, with the first 77 picks—including the primary first round, compensatory selections, Competitive Balance Round A, and second round—announced during the broadcast.[18] Rounds 3 through 10 on Day 2 were streamed live online, and rounds 11 through 40 on Day 3 proceeded via conference calls among MLB officials and team personnel, with results updated in real time.[16][2] In total, the draft consisted of 1,216 selections across 40 rounds and two competitive balance rounds.[2] This structure marked a continuation of the multi-day format adopted in prior years, emphasizing efficiency for the later rounds while providing live coverage for the initial selections.[19]Broadcast coverage
The 2016 Major League Baseball draft was primarily broadcast on MLB Network, providing live television coverage of the first two rounds from Studio 42 in Secaucus, New Jersey, beginning on June 9 at 7 p.m. ET.[20] The network aired the proceedings through Competitive Balance Round B at the end of round two, with MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred announcing the top selections on stage.[21] Additional viewing options included a live stream of the MLB Network broadcast on MLB.com, available for all 40 rounds, allowing fans to follow selections online via draft tracker and video feeds.[22] Audio coverage was provided through MLB Network Radio on SiriusXM, offering play-by-play and analysis throughout the event.[23] Coverage for rounds three through 10 on June 10 and all remaining rounds on June 11 shifted to MLB.com streaming only, emphasizing digital accessibility for deeper draft phases.[24] The first round drew 279,000 viewers on MLB Network, a figure down 9 percent from 2015 but up 20 percent from 2014, according to Nielsen ratings.[25] Broadcast features included on-site player interviews immediately following selections, enhancing viewer engagement with draftees' reactions and insights during the live telecast.[26]First-round selections
Compensatory round
The compensatory round of the 2016 Major League Baseball draft provided 11 selections to clubs that lost free agents who had rejected qualifying offers and subsequently signed with other teams, serving as talent compensation under the collective bargaining agreement without impacting the signer's draft pick forfeiture rules. These picks, overall selections 24 through 34, preceded the competitive balance round A and followed the primary first round, allowing affected teams to replenish their farm systems with high-upside prospects.[1][4] The allocations were distributed as follows: two picks each to the San Diego Padres (for the losses of outfielder Justin Upton to the Detroit Tigers and pitcher Ian Kennedy to the Kansas City Royals), Washington Nationals (third baseman Jordan Zimmermann to the Detroit Tigers and outfielder Ian Desmond to the Texas Rangers), and St. Louis Cardinals (pitcher John Lackey to the Chicago Cubs and outfielder Jason Heyward to the Cubs); and one pick each to the Chicago White Sox (pitcher Jeff Samardzija to the Giants), Baltimore Orioles (pitcher Wei-Yin Chen to the Miami Marlins), Texas Rangers (pitcher Yovani Gallardo to the Baltimore Orioles), New York Mets (second baseman Daniel Murphy to the Nationals), and Los Angeles Dodgers (pitcher Zack Greinke to the Arizona Diamondbacks).[4][13] The selections emphasized college pitchers and high school position players with projectable tools, with signing bonuses averaging approximately $1.8 million per pick, reflecting their late-first-round slot values while allowing teams flexibility within bonus pool limits. Below is the complete list of compensatory picks, including player profiles highlighting key attributes at the time of selection.| Overall Pick | Team | Player | Position | School | Signing Bonus | Profile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 24 | San Diego Padres | Hudson Potts | SS | Carroll HS (Southlake, TX) | $1,000,000 | Versatile infielder ranked 91st on MLB Pipeline's draft board, noted for an impressive bat in showcase events and potential to shift to third base, corner outfield, or even catcher based on development.[1][27] |
| 25 | San Diego Padres | Eric Lauer | LHP | Kent State University | $2,000,000 | Polished left-handed starter with a four-pitch mix, posting the lowest ERA (0.69) for an NCAA Division I starter since 1979 and projected as the first college arm from the draft to reach the majors.[1][27] |
| 26 | Chicago White Sox | Zack Burdi | RHP | University of Louisville | $2,128,500 | Reliever with a fastball reaching 101 mph and a hard slider, viewed as a potential quick riser to the majors, possibly as early as that summer, due to his velocity and strikeout ability.[1][27] |
| 27 | Baltimore Orioles | Cody Sedlock | RHP | University of Illinois | $2,097,200 | Durable right-hander with a sinking fastball and four-pitch command, having transitioned successfully to a starting role in the Cape Cod League after prior relief experience.[1][27] |
| 28 | Washington Nationals | Carter Kieboom | SS | Walton HS (Marietta, GA) | $2,000,000 | Switch-hitting infielder with advanced barrel control and power potential, expected to transition to third base professionally while offering ambidextrous pitching as a fallback skill.[1][27] |
| 29 | Washington Nationals | Dane Dunning | RHP | University of Florida | $2,000,000 | Right-hander featuring a lively low-90s fastball and plus changeup, poised for a starting role in the minors despite a bullpen-heavy college usage, with strong command metrics.[1][27] |
| 30 | Texas Rangers | Cole Ragans | LHP | North Florida Christian HS (Tallahassee, FL) | $2,003,400 | Projectable high school southpaw with three above-average pitches and excellent control, distinguished by a fastball that generates angle and deception from a low slot.[1][27] |
| 31 | New York Mets | Anthony Kay | LHP | University of Connecticut | $1,100,000 | Command-oriented lefty with an effective fastball-changeup combination and consistent strike-throwing, though lacking a true plus offering, making him a safe floor prospect.[1][27] |
| 32 | Los Angeles Dodgers | Will Smith | C | University of Louisville | $1,772,500 | Offensively gifted catcher projected to hit .260-.270 with gap power, complemented by solid receiving skills, a strong arm, and above-average speed for the position.[1][27] |
| 33 | St. Louis Cardinals | Dylan Carlson | OF | Elk Grove HS (Elk Grove, CA) | $1,350,000 | Switch-hitting outfielder with a fluid swing and emerging power, representing strong value outside the top 200 rankings due to athleticism and hit tool projection.[1][27] |
| 34 | St. Louis Cardinals | Dakota Hudson | RHP | Mississippi State University | $2,000,000 | Power arm with a devastating fastball-slider pairing, offering starter upside or high-leverage relief potential, selected well below his perceived talent level.[1][27] |
Competitive Balance Round A
The Competitive Balance Round A of the 2016 Major League Baseball draft awarded seven supplemental first-round selections to promote parity among teams from smaller markets or with lower revenues, as established by the collective bargaining agreement to provide extra opportunities for talent acquisition without disrupting the primary draft order.[28] These picks, numbered 35 through 41 overall, followed the compensatory picks (24-34) and preceded the standard second round, allowing eligible clubs to select high-value prospects while adhering to international signing pool rules.[4] The round featured one additional pick beyond the typical six due to unsigned draftees from 2015, enhancing the lottery system's role in balancing competitive resources.[14] The selections were allocated via a July 2015 lottery among 12 eligible teams—the Arizona Diamondbacks, Colorado Rockies, Cincinnati Reds, Miami Marlins, San Diego Padres, Tampa Bay Rays, Milwaukee Brewers, Cleveland Indians, Oakland Athletics, Pittsburgh Pirates, Minnesota Twins, and Kansas City Royals—with the Reds receiving the top slot, followed by the Athletics, Rockies, Diamondbacks, Marlins, and Pirates.[29] Pick 36 went to the Los Angeles Dodgers as compensation for their 2015 unsigned draftee, while pick 40 was traded from the Marlins to the Atlanta Braves in an earlier transaction.[13] Some teams, like the Athletics, benefited from multiple balance opportunities across rounds, underscoring the system's aim to support revenue-sharing recipients.[29] The following table lists the picks in Competitive Balance Round A:| Overall Pick | Team | Player | Position | School/College |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 35 | Cincinnati Reds | Taylor Trammell | OF | Mount Paran Christian School (HS, Kennesaw, GA) |
| 36 | Los Angeles Dodgers | Jordan Sheffield | RHP | Vanderbilt University (College) |
| 37 | Oakland Athletics | Daulton Jefferies | RHP | University of California (College) |
| 38 | Colorado Rockies | Robert Tyler | RHP | University of Georgia (College) |
| 39 | Arizona Diamondbacks | Anfernee Grier | OF | Auburn University (College) |
| 40 | Atlanta Braves (from Marlins) | Joey Wentz | LHP | Shawnee Mission East HS (HS, Prairie Village, KS) |
| 41 | Pittsburgh Pirates | Nick Lodolo | LHP | Damien HS (HS, La Verne, CA) |
Primary first-round picks
The primary first-round picks in the 2016 Major League Baseball draft were selections 1 through 23, allocated to teams in reverse order of the 2015 regular-season standings, with non-playoff teams picking first (1-10) followed by playoff teams (11-23). The following table lists these primary picks along with the compensatory picks (24-34) for completeness in presenting the extended first round before Competitive Balance Round A; overall, 17 high school and 17 college players were chosen in picks 1-34.[1] The assigned slot values for these picks ranged from $9,015,000 for the No. 1 selection to $2,069,800 for No. 34, contributing significantly to teams' overall bonus pools for the top 10 rounds, which totaled $234,331,200 across the draft.[31][32] The following table lists all 34 first-round picks (primary 1-23 and compensatory 24-34), including player details and representative scouting notes highlighting key strengths.| Pick | Team | Player | Position | School | Scouting Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Philadelphia Phillies | Mickey Moniak | OF | La Costa Canyon HS (Carlsbad, Calif.) | High-floor center fielder with plus speed, improved raw power, and hitting ability; projected as a surefire up-the-middle contributor.[1] |
| 2 | Cincinnati Reds | Nick Senzel | 3B | University of Tennessee | Elite pure hitter from college with plus bat speed and solid defense; quick ascent potential to big-league third base.[1] |
| 3 | Atlanta Braves | Ian Anderson | RHP | Shenendehowa HS (Clifton Park, N.Y.) | High-ceiling high school arm with plus fastball-slider combo; command development key to starter projection.[1] |
| 4 | Colorado Rockies | Riley Pint | RHP | St. Thomas Aquinas HS (Overland Park, Kan.) | Elite velocity up to 102 mph fastball with plus curveball; highest-upside pitcher despite command risks.[1] |
| 5 | Milwaukee Brewers | Corey Ray | OF | University of Louisville | Dynamic power-speed package for center or corner outfield; standout college performer with all-fields approach.[1] |
| 6 | Oakland Athletics | A.J. Puk | LHP | University of Florida | Mid-90s fastball and wipeout slider; front-line starter upside if command improves.[1] |
| 7 | Miami Marlins | Braxton Garrett | LHP | Florence HS (Florence, Ala.) | Polished high school lefty with strike-throwing ability; safest prep arm, No. 2 starter potential.[1] |
| 8 | San Diego Padres | Cal Quantrill | RHP | Stanford University | Solid three-pitch mix post-Tommy John recovery; big-league pedigree and mid-rotation projection.[1] |
| 9 | Detroit Tigers | Matt Manning | RHP | Sheldon HS (Sacramento, Calif.) | 6-foot-6 athletic righty with upper-90s velocity and power curve; basketball background aids projection.[1] |
| 10 | Chicago White Sox | Zack Collins | C | University of Miami | Well-rounded power hitter with average potential; may transition to first base if catching tools lag.[1] |
| 11 | Seattle Mariners | Kyle Lewis | OF | Mercer University | Balanced power hitter with high floor-ceiling; Cape Cod League standout.[1] |
| 12 | Boston Red Sox | Jason Groome | LHP | Barnegat HS (Barnegat, N.J.) | Premium fastball-curve tandem; top prep talent despite off-field concerns.[1] |
| 13 | Tampa Bay Rays | Josh Lowe | 3B | Pope HS (Marietta, Ga.) | Plus power, speed, and arm; versatile infielder-outfielder profile.[1] |
| 14 | Cleveland Indians | Will Benson | OF | Westminster Schools (Atlanta, Ga.) | Raw athleticism akin to early Jason Heyward; toolsy outfielder needing refinement.[1] |
| 15 | Minnesota Twins | Alex Kirilloff | OF | Plum HS (Pittsburgh, Pa.) | Average-or-better tools across board; right-field fit with balanced skill set.[1] |
| 16 | Los Angeles Angels | Matt Thaiss | C | University of Virginia | Elite college bat with power; receiving questions may shift him to first base.[1] |
| 17 | Houston Astros | Forrest Whitley | RHP | Alamo Heights HS (San Antonio, Texas) | 6-foot-7 frame with mid-95s heat and power curve; conditioning improvements boost ceiling.[1] |
| 18 | New York Yankees | Blake Rutherford | OF | Chaminade Prep HS (Canoga Park, Calif.) | Athletic tools package; value pick amid signability leverage.[1] |
| 19 | New York Mets | Justin Dunn | RHP | Boston College | Rising velocity and starter proof; strong value in late first round.[1] |
| 20 | Los Angeles Dodgers | Gavin Lux | SS | Indian Trail HS (Kenosha, Wis.) | Improved bat and instincts at premium position; shortstop projection.[1] |
| 21 | Toronto Blue Jays | T.J. Zeuch | RHP | University of Pittsburgh | 6-foot-7 with mid-90s fastball; secondary pitches determine starter role.[1] |
| 22 | Pittsburgh Pirates | Will Craig | 3B | Wake Forest University | Dominant college stats with strong arm; athleticism may limit to first base.[1] |
| 23 | St. Louis Cardinals | Delvin Perez | SS | Puerto Rico Baseball Academy (Gurabo, P.R.) | Elite shortstop tools despite pre-draft drug test issue; high talent level.[1] |
| 24 | San Diego Padres | Hudson Potts | SS | Carroll HS (Southlake, Texas) | Impressive bat speed; potential infield or corner outfield versatility.[1] |
| 25 | San Diego Padres | Eric Lauer | LHP | Kent State University | Polished lefty with low ERA; quickest path to majors among college arms.[1] |
| 26 | Chicago White Sox | Zack Burdi | RHP | University of Louisville | Triple-digit fastball and slider; relief potential with rapid rise.[1] |
| 27 | Baltimore Orioles | Cody Sedlock | RHP | University of Illinois | Sinking fastball and four-pitch mix; durable starter transition.[1] |
| 28 | Washington Nationals | Carter Kieboom | SS | Walton HS (Marietta, Ga.) | Switch-hitting power; likely third-base move long-term.[1] |
| 29 | Washington Nationals | Dane Dunning | RHP | University of Florida | Lively fastball-changeup; pro starter projection.[1] |
| 30 | Texas Rangers | Cole Ragans | LHP | North Florida Christian HS (Tallahassee, Fla.) | Projectable lefty with control; solid secondary offerings.[1] |
| 31 | New York Mets | Anthony Kay | LHP | University of Connecticut | Precise strike-thrower with effective fastball-changeup.[1] |
| 32 | Los Angeles Dodgers | Will Smith | C | University of Louisville | Power-hitting catcher with plus receiving and speed.[1] |
| 33 | St. Louis Cardinals | Dylan Carlson | OF | Elk Grove HS (Elk Grove, Calif.) | Switch-hitter with power potential and smooth swing.[1] |
| 34 | St. Louis Cardinals | Dakota Hudson | RHP | Mississippi State University | Dominant fastball-slider duo; versatile starter-reliever fit.[1] |
Other selections
Notable picks in rounds 2-10
Rounds 2 through 10 of the 2016 Major League Baseball Draft encompassed 270 selections across nine rounds, with teams frequently targeting college players for their advanced development and lower risk profiles compared to high school prospects. High school signings were relatively rare in these rounds, as clubs prioritized polished talents from universities, particularly in pitching to address immediate minor league needs. Signing bonuses in this range typically fell below those of the first round, starting around $2 million for early second-round picks and decreasing to approximately $150,000 by the tenth round, allowing teams to allocate funds strategically within bonus pool limits.[31][33] The second round highlighted a mix of college hitters and arms, with 30 picks emphasizing athletic outfielders and infielders from powerhouse programs. Notable selections included outfielder Bryan Reynolds, taken 59th overall by the San Francisco Giants from Vanderbilt University, valued for his switch-hitting versatility and plate discipline; first baseman Pete Alonso, selected 64th by the New York Mets from the University of Florida, prized for his raw power and right-handed bat; and shortstop Bo Bichette, picked 66th by the Toronto Blue Jays from Lakewood High School in Florida, noted for his advanced hitting mechanics despite his youth.[34][35][36] These picks exemplified teams' strategies to secure high-upside position players at value slots, often signing below recommended values to preserve pool flexibility—Alonso, for instance, agreed to $909,200.[35] Subsequent rounds shifted toward pitching depth, with college arms dominating selections as teams sought reliable starters and relievers. In the third round, the Cleveland Indians (now Guardians) selected right-hander Aaron Civale 92nd overall from Northeastern University, complementing their focus on Northeast Conference standouts with strong command profiles. The St. Louis Cardinals followed suit by drafting right-hander Zac Gallen 106th from the University of North Carolina, a strikeout artist with a projectable frame. The fourth round continued this trend, as the Indians added right-hander Shane Bieber 122nd from UC Santa Barbara, a consistent performer with a mid-90s fastball who anchored their college pitching haul.[37][38] By rounds 5 through 10, teams layered in versatile position players and additional arms, uncovering potential steals amid deeper talent pools. The Blue Jays selected third baseman Cavan Biggio 162nd in the fifth round from the University of Notre Dame, targeting his patient approach and multi-positional flexibility as the son of a longtime MLB veteran. In the sixth round, the Cardinals picked second baseman Tommy Edman 196th from Stanford University, valued for his speed, defense, and ability to play multiple infield spots. These mid-to-late selections underscored broader draft trends, where clubs like the Indians and Blue Jays loaded up on high-upside college talents—Cleveland, for example, prioritized pitchers across rounds 3 and 4 to build rotation depth at cost-effective bonuses averaging under $1 million per pick.[38][39]Standout picks in rounds 11+
The 2016 Major League Baseball draft is often noted for its exceptional depth, particularly in the later rounds, where several players selected from round 11 onward developed into reliable MLB contributors despite initial scouting oversights related to injuries, physical attributes, or signability concerns as college seniors. Out of 1,216 total selections across 40 rounds, approximately 281 players (about 23%) have reached the major leagues, highlighting the high risk and low success rate typical of deep-round picks, with around 80% either going unsigned or receiving minimal bonuses and failing to advance significantly.[40] This draft class bucked expectations by producing multiple standouts from rounds 11+, who provided teams with cost-controlled talent and long-term value, often exceeding their slot values by becoming everyday players or key rotation pieces. Among the most prominent late-round successes was right-handed pitcher Zach Plesac, selected by the Cleveland Indians in the 12th round (362nd overall) out of Ball State University. Plesac's draft stock fell due to a recent Tommy John surgery that limited his junior season, raising durability questions among scouts.[41] He signed for just $100,000—well below the pick's $152,500 slot value—and quickly rose through the minors, debuting in 2019 with a strong rookie campaign (1.9 WAR). Over his career through 2025, Plesac has posted a 3.4 bWAR, serving as a mid-rotation starter for Cleveland and later the Angels before injuries slowed him.[42] Another gem was first baseman Nathaniel Lowe, taken by the Tampa Bay Rays in the 13th round (390th overall) from Mississippi State University. As a college senior, Lowe was viewed as a low-risk, low-cost option due to limited leverage for a larger bonus, signing for $7,500 against a $144,100 slot.[38] He debuted in 2019 and emerged as a productive hitter after trades to Texas, where he became a cornerstone of their 2023 World Series-winning lineup, accumulating 12.0 career bWAR through 2025 with consistent power (107 home runs) and on-base skills.[43] Right-hander Dean Kremer, drafted by the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 14th round (431st overall) out of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, exemplifies overlooked velocity and command; his 6-foot frame and international background (born in Israel) may have contributed to sliding past earlier selections. Signing for $125,000, Kremer transitioned to the Orioles via trade and debuted in 2020, posting a 6.5 career bWAR through 2025, including a breakout 2022 season (3.23 ERA in 125.1 innings).[44] Other notable deep-round talents include reliever Colin Poche (14th round, 419th overall, Arizona Diamondbacks from Dallas Baptist University; 3.1 career bWAR as a lefty specialist) and outfielder Jack Suwinski (15th round, 444th overall, San Diego Padres from Taft High School (Chicago, IL); 2.8 career bWAR, highlighted by 39 home runs from 2022-2023).[38][45][46][47] These players underscore how factors like injury recovery (Plesac), bonus constraints (Lowe), and non-traditional profiles (Kremer) led to undervaluation, allowing savvy teams to unearth high-impact contributors from the draft's later stages.| Player | Round/Overall Pick | Drafting Team | Position/School | Key Achievements |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zach Plesac | 12th/362nd | Cleveland Indians | RHP/Ball State | 3.4 career bWAR; 2019-2021 starter with sub-4.00 ERA stretches despite injury history[42] |
| Nathaniel Lowe | 13th/390th | Tampa Bay Rays | 1B/Mississippi State | 12.0 career bWAR; 2023 World Series champion; 107 HR through 2025[43] |
| Dean Kremer | 14th/431st | Los Angeles Dodgers | RHP/University of Nevada, Las Vegas | 6.5 career bWAR; 2022 All-Star caliber season (3.23 ERA, 125.1 IP)[44] |
| Colin Poche | 14th/419th | Arizona Diamondbacks | LHP/Dallas Baptist University | 3.1 career bWAR; Effective reliever (3.23 ERA, 200+ IP) for Rays and Giants[45] |
| Jack Suwinski | 15th/444th | San Diego Padres | OF/Taft High School (Chicago, IL) | 2.8 career bWAR; 39 HR in 2022-23 for Pirates, showcasing raw power[45] |