The 2016 MLB Draft: A Redraft 10 Years Later
The 2016 MLB Draft is often remembered as a disappointment, with scouts questioning the quality of the top prospects and the overall uncertainty surrounding the class. However, a decade later, the draft is being re-evaluated, and some players are proving to be gems. Here's a redraft of the 2016 MLB Draft, with a focus on the top 34 picks.
- Will Smith, C, Louisville
- Original Pick: Mickey Moniak, OF, La Costa Canyon HS
- Analysis: Smith's lack of track record initially held him back, but he has since developed into a three-time All-Star and a key player for the Dodgers. His ability to hit an 11th-inning home run in the 2025 World Series showcases his clutch gene.
- Commentary: Moniak, a polished prep hitter, struggled to find regular playing time until mid-2023, which raises questions about his long-term impact.
- Bo Bichette, SS, Lakewood HS
- Original Pick: Nick Senzel, 3B, Tennessee
- Analysis: Bichette's big leg kick and busy swing caused him to drop to the second round, but his bat earned him an over-slot bonus. He has since made two All-Star teams and led the American League in hits multiple times.
- Commentary: Senzel, the best pure hitter in the college class, never lived up to expectations due to injuries and position changes.
- Pete Alonso, 1B, Florida
- Original Pick: Ian Anderson, RHP, Shenendehowa HS
- Analysis: Alonso's lack of athleticism and profile as a righty-hitting first baseman knocked him down to the second round. He has since become a dominant force in the Mets' lineup, with 53 homers in his rookie season and multiple All-Star appearances.
- Commentary: Anderson, a surprise pick, suffered from injuries but showed promise with a 1.26 ERA in postseason starts and a World Series championship.
- Bryan Reynolds, OF, Vanderbilt
- Original Pick: Riley Pint, RHP, St. Thomas Aquinas HS
- Analysis: Reynolds, a three-year star for the Commodores, had mid-first-round talent but slid due to signability worries. He has become Pittsburgh's best position player and earned two All-Star Game nods.
- Commentary: Pint, with a 102 mph fastball, never lived up to the hype, struggling to throw strikes in pro ball.
- Corbin Burnes, RHP, St. Mary's
- Original Pick: Corey Ray, OF, Louisville
- Analysis: Burnes' medical concerns about his back dropped him to the fourth round, but he has since become a dominant pitcher, winning the NL Cy Young Award and making multiple All-Star Games.
- Commentary: Ray, with one of the best combinations of hitting ability and athleticism, struggled to make consistent contact as a pro.
... and so on.
The redraft highlights the potential of some players who were initially overlooked, while others who were highly touted have fallen short of expectations. It's a reminder that draft evaluations are complex and can be influenced by various factors, including signability, medical concerns, and performance trends.
