The Minnesota Twins currently sit in first place in their division and picking first overall in less than a month, would they be the best team to ever have the first pick in the MLB Draft?
The Minnesota Twins were 59-103 last season, and that “earned” them the #1 overall selection in June’s MLB draft. After winning their weekend series against the Indians, they moved into first place less than a month ahead of the draft.
That led to the question – how many teams have been in first place when they selected first overall in the draft? Moreso, which teams performed best the season they had the #1 overall selection?
2017 Minnesota Twins
Last season’s Twins roster was certainly under performing, and there’s no two ways around that. Ervin Santana was the only pitcher for the team that made a start and finished the season with under a 5.00 ERA – even players who made a single start among a season of primary relieving all finished with 5+.
The lineup wasn’t much better, though the youth of the team was what shined through. The team that spent much of the second half in the starting lineup featured five players under 25 years old, which does explain some of the performance issues.
This year, those same young hitters have stepped up significantly, with Miguel Sano stepping up to a legit MVP candidate, the outfield defense getting to the point of legendary, and the pitching has been very solid.
If the Twins were to hold on and take first place in the AL Central this season, they would be only the second team to draft first overall to win a division title in the same season.
Let’s take a look at some of the best teams who have owned the top pick in the MLB draft…