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MLB Draft: First Picks of the Draft in the 2000’s

By Benjamin Chase

May 28, 2016; Seattle, WA, USA; Minnesota Twins first baseman Joe Mauer (7) hits a two-run home run during the fifth inning against the Seattle Mariners at Safeco Field. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Buchanan-USA TODAY Sports
May 28, 2016; Seattle, WA, USA; Minnesota Twins first baseman Joe Mauer (7) hits a two-run home run during the fifth inning against the Seattle Mariners at Safeco Field. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Buchanan-USA TODAY Sports /
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May 24, 2016; Boston, MA, USA; (Editor
May 24, 2016; Boston, MA, USA; (Editor /

2006: Luke Hochevar, RHP, Kansas City Royals

Hochevar was drafted three times, going from a 39th rounder to the 40th selection overall, and instead of signing, he pitched in independent ball for a season, and he was impressive enough that the Royals made him the top pick in 2006. Hochevar, however, never could seem to get it as a starter at the major league level, pitching to a 5.44 ERA.

The Royals did what the Royals do, they took a great arm and turned him into a dominant reliever. His arm did pop, however, requiring him to miss the 2014 season with TJS. He returned back, and he’s been dominant again. This season, he’s made 24 appearances with a 2.82 ERA with a 4/26 BB/K.

Career bWAR: 3.3

2007: David Price, LHP, Tampa Bay Rays

Price was one of the highest regarded college pitchers of the last 25-30 years when he was drafted in 2007. He moved quickly, making his debut in 2008 and serving as a reliever for the 2008 Rays that made a run through the playoffs.

In his 9 seasons, he has won 111 games, including finishing in the top 2 of Cy Young voting three times in his career and making 5 All-Star games.

Career bWAR: 29.4

2008: Tim Beckham, SS, Tampa Bay Rays

Beckham quickly became known as a choice of a team getting “too cute”, as he was selected first over Pedro Alvarez, Eric Hosmer, and Buster Posey. While athletic, his baseball talent was never as good as his atheticism, and he got some pretty rough marks for his make up along the way.

Beckham has hit .267/.332/.381 across just short of 3,000 minor league plate appearances. He debuted with the Rays in 2013, and he’s found himself to be a bench bat since, hitting to a .180/.231/.328 line in 19 games in 2016.

Career bWAR: 0.0

Next: Strasburg, Harper, Cole

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