2015 MLB Draft Rewind: Every Team's Best Pick and 1st-Round Redraft

Joel ReuterJuly 6, 2024

2015 MLB Draft Rewind: Every Team's Best Pick and 1st-Round Redraft

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    HOUSTON, TEXAS - MAY 21: Kyle Tucker #30 celebrates with Alex Bregman #2 of the Houston Astros after hitting a home run against the Los Angeles Angels at Minute Maid Park on May 21, 2024 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Logan Riely/Getty Images)
    Logan Riely/Getty Images

    The 2024 MLB draft is right around the corner, with the festivities scheduled to begin on July 14 during All-Star weekend. And leading up to this year's event, we're going to be taking a look back at recent draft classes.

    Ahead is a deep dive into each team's best selection of the 2015 draft. Each team's best pick is chosen based on their overall accomplishments in the big leagues, not just what they did during their time with the team that drafted them. For example, Dansby Swanson is the pick for the Arizona Diamondbacks, even though he was traded before making his MLB debut.

    Only players who signed are eligible, so guys such as Shane McClanahan, Brady Singer and Jeremy Peña who were selected but honored their college commitments will be included down the road as part of the draft class when they did sign.

    Finally, this draft rewind wraps up with a full 2015 first-round redraft to give an idea of what the board might have looked like with the benefit of hindsight.


    Catch up on previous MLB draft rewind articles: 2012, 2013, 2014

Arizona Diamondbacks: SS Dansby Swanson

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    PHOENIX, AZ - JULY 20:  Dansby Swanson of the Arizona Diamondbacks, the first overall pick in the 2015  Major League Baseball draft, talks to the media prior to a game against the Miami Marlins at Chase Field on July 20, 2015 in Phoenix, Arizona.  (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images)
    Norm Hall/Getty Images

    Drafted: 1st round, No. 1 overall

    After a standout career at Vanderbilt, including a junior season where he hit .335/.423/.623 with 15 home runs and 64 RBI in 71 games, Dansby Swanson was the No. 1 overall pick in the 2015 draft.

    He played just 22 games in the D-backs organization before he was traded to the Atlanta Braves in exchange for controllable starter Shelby Miller prior to the 2016 season, and he has since developed into a two-time All-Star and two-time Gold Glove winner.

    His numbers are down across the board in the second season of a seven-year, $177 million deal with the Chicago Cubs, but he has racked up 20.3 WAR over nine seasons in the big leagues.

    Other Notable Picks: LHP Alex Young (2-43), RHP Taylor Clarke (3-76), RHP Ryan Burr (5-136)

Atlanta Braves: 3B Austin Riley

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    ATLANTA, GA - JUlLY 02: Austin Riley #27 of the Atlanta Braves hits a home run during the second inning against the San Francisco Giants at Truist Park on July 2, 2024 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin D. Liles/Atlanta Braves/Getty Images)
    Kevin D. Liles/Atlanta Braves/Getty Images

    Drafted: 1st round, No. 41 overall

    Right-hander Mike Soroka was the early winner from this draft class for the Atlanta Braves, but a series of injuries derailed his career following a brilliant rookie season in 2019 when he finished 13-4 with a 2.68 ERA, 1.11 WHIP and 142 strikeouts in 174.2 innings.

    Two years later, Austin Riley broke through as one of the game's most productive sluggers, and he has been an perennial 30-homer, 100-RBI slugger the last three seasons hitting in the middle of some potent Atlanta lineups.

    During that three-year stretch, he hit .286/.354/.525 for a 135 OPS+ while averaging 35 doubles, 36 home runs, 99 RBI and 6.2 WAR, finishing in the top-seven in NL MVP voting each season.

    Other Notable Picks: LHP Kolby Allard (1-14), RHP Mike Soroka (1-28), LHP A.J. Minter (2-75), RHP Patrick Weigel (7-210), RHP Evan Phillips (17-510)

Baltimore Orioles: OF Cedric Mullins

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    BALTIMORE, MD - JUNE 27: Orioles center fielder Cedric Mullins (31) watches a hit during the Texas Rangers versus Baltimore Orioles MLB game at Orioles Park at Camden Yards on June 27, 2024 in Baltimore, MD. (Photo by Randy Litzinger/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
    Randy Litzinger/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

    Drafted: 13th round, No. 403 overall

    Slugger Ryan Mountcastle has overtaken center fielder Cedric Mullins as the most productive player from the Baltimore Orioles 2015 draft class this season, but in terms of overall career body of work the nod still goes to Mullins.

    • Mullins: 625 G, 106 OPS+, .252/.317/.424, 211 XBH (77 HR), 13.4 WAR
    • Mountcastle: 518 G, 116 OPS+, .265/.318/.457, 191 XBH (89 HR), 7.2 WAR

    Solid defense in center field and the 30/30 season he put together in 2021 are enough to keep Mullins in the top spot for the time being.

    Other Notable Picks: OF D.J. Stewart (1-25), 1B Ryan Mountcastle (1-36), LHP Garrett Cleavinger (3-102), OF Ryan McKenna (4-133), RHP Jay Flaa (6-193), RHP Ryan Meisinger (11-343), LHP Nick Vespi (18-553)

Boston Red Sox: OF Andrew Benintendi

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    BOSTON - OCTOBER 24: Boston Red Sox player Andrew Benintendi points to teammate J.D. Martinez, who drove him in to score in the fifth inning. The Boston Red Sox host the Los Angeles Dodgers in Game Two of the World Series at Fenway Park in Boston on Oct. 24, 2018. (Photo by Jim Davis/The Boston Globe via Getty Images)
    Jim Davis/The Boston Globe via Getty Images

    Drafted: 1st round, No. 7 overall

    Andrew Benintendi hit .376/.488/.717 with 20 home runs, 57 RBI and 24 steals in 65 games during his sophomore season at Arkansas to win 2015 Golden Spikes honors, and by the start of the 2017 season he was the No. 1 prospect in baseball.

    He hit .271/.352/.424 with 26 doubles, 20 home runs, 90 RBI, 20 steals and 2.8 WAR to finish runner-up in 2017 AL Rookie of the Year voting, and he was a 4.8-WAR player the following year, but he never took the next step to legitimate stardom in the years that followed.

    He won a Gold Glove in 2021, was an All-Star for the first time in 2022, signed a five-year, $75 million deal with the Chicago White Sox prior to the 2023 season, and all told has 14.3 WAR in nine seasons.

    Other Notable Picks: RHP Travis Lakins Sr. (6-171), RHP Ben Taylor (7-201), LHP Logan Allen (8-231), LHP Bobby Poyner (14-411), RHP Nick Duron (31-921), RHP Trevor Kelley (36-1,071)

Chicago Cubs: OF Ian Happ

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    CHICAGO, IL - JULY 01: Ian Happ #8 of the Chicago Cubs runs against the Minnesota Twins on July 1, 2018 at Wrigley Field in Chicago, Illinois. The Cubs defeated the Twins 11-10. (Photo by Brace Hemmelgarn/Minnesota Twins/Getty Images)
    Brace Hemmelgarn/Minnesota Twins/Getty Images

    Drafted: 1st round, No. 9 overall

    One of the most MLB-ready players in the 2015 draft class, Ian Happ hit .369/.492/.672 with 18 doubles, 14 home runs and 44 RBI in 56 games during his junior year at the University of Cincinnati.

    He made his MLB debut the year after the Chicago Cubs won their long-awaited World Series title in 2016, and he is now the team's longest tenured position player, tallying 15.6 WAR while winning a pair of Gold Glove Awards and earning All-Star honors in 2022.

    Left-hander Bryan Hudson never saw the big leagues with the Cubs before departing as a minor league free agent, and after a brief cup of coffee with the Dodgers last year, he has a 0.99 ERA, 0.66 WHIP and 10.3 K/9 in 30 games with the Brewers in 2024.

    Other Notable Picks: LHP Bryan Hudson (3-82), IF Vimael Machín (10-293), C P.J. Higgins (12-353), RHP Scott Effross (15-443), C Tyler Payne (30-893)

Chicago White Sox: C Seby Zavala

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    ATLANTA, GA - JULY 16: Seby Zavala #44 of the Chicago White Sox flies out against the Atlanta Braves during the second inning at Truist Park on July 16, 2023 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Brandon Sloter/Image Of Sport/Getty Images)
    Brandon Sloter/Image Of Sport/Getty Images

    Drafted: 12th round, No. 352 overall

    The Chicago White Sox top pick Carson Fulmer was one of the nation's top pitchers at Vanderbilt, going 14-2 with a 1.83 ERA, 1.03 WHIP and 167 strikeouts in 127.2 innings during his junior year. His max-effort delivery raised some red flags, and he has never found consistent success in the majors.

    However, the White Sox did find some nice late-round value in catcher Seby Zavala (194 MLB games) and Danny Mendick (227 MLB games) who both carved out big league bench roles and are still active in 2024.

    Other Notable Picks: RHP Carson Fulmer (1-8), IF Danny Mendick (22-652)

Cincinnati Reds: RHP Alexis Díaz

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    CINCINNATI, OHIO - JUNE 06: Alexis Díaz #43 of the Cincinnati Reds pitches against the Chicago Cubs in the ninth inning at Great American Ball Park on June 06, 2024 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Jeff Dean/Getty Images)
    Jeff Dean/Getty Images

    Drafted: 12th round, No. 355 overall

    Edwin Díaz had already established himself as a top prospect in the Seattle Mariners organization when his younger brother Alexis Díaz was selected by the Cincinnati Reds in the 12th round of the 2015 draft.

    Now in his third big league season, the younger Díaz has developed into a top-tier closer in his own right. He converted 37 of 40 save chances last year and earned his first All-Star selection, and he has a 2.87 ERA, 1.13 WHIP and 11.1 K/9 with 66 saves in 164 games.

    Catcher Tyler Stephenson has also delivered on his status as a first-round pick, posting a 101 OPS+ and 5.4 WAR in five seasons.

    Other Notable Picks: C Tyler Stephenson (1-11), RHP Tony Santillan (2-49), RHP Tanner Rainey (2-71), SS Blake Trahan (3-84), RHP Jimmy Herget (6-175), IF Alejo López (27-805)

Cleveland Guardians: RHP Triston McKenzie

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    KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI - JUNE 28: Triston McKenzie #24 of the Cleveland Guardians throws in the first inning against the Kansas City Royals  at Kauffman Stadium on June 28, 2024 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Ed Zurga/Getty Images)
    Ed Zurga/Getty Images

    Drafted: 1st round, No. 42 overall

    A high-upside prep right-hander with an extremely projectable frame, Triston McKenzie never really grew into his 6'5", 165-pound frame, but his stuff has still carried him to success in the big leagues.

    The 26-year-old went 11-11 with a 2.96 ERA, 0.95 WHIP and 190 strikeouts in 191.1 innings during the 2022 season, and while injuries limited him to four starts in 2023 and he struggled to the point of being demoted to Triple-A this season, he is still just entering the prime of his career.

    Other Notable Picks: IF Mark Mathias (3-93), OF Nathan Lukes (7-214), RHP Justin Garza (8-244), OF Ka'ai Tom (5-154), OF Sam Haggerty (24-724)

Colorado Rockies: 2B Brendan Rodgers

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    DENVER, CO - SEPTEMBER 26: Brendan Rodgers #7 of the Colorado Rockies throws to first base in a double play attempt during a game against the San Francisco Giants at Coors Field on September 26, 2021 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images)
    Dustin Bradford/Getty Images

    Drafted: 1st round, No. 3 overall

    Brendan Rodgers was the No. 1 prospect in the Colorado Rockies system prior to the 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2021 seasons, and he finally broke through as the team's starting second baseman in 2021.

    In 2022, he posted a 4.3-WAR season and won NL Gold Glove honors, but an injury-plagued 2023 campaign where he played just 46 games kept him from building off that breakout performance.

    The 27-year-old will be a free agent after the 2025 season, and a change of scenery could be the kick start his career needs.

    Other Notable Picks: 3B Tyler Nevin (1-38), RHP Peter Lambert (2-44), RHP Justin Lawrence (12-347), OF Sam Hilliard (15-437)

Detroit Tigers: RHP Drew Smith

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    LAKELAND, FL - MARCH 08:  Detroit Tigers prospect Drew Smith #38 pitches in a minor league game at Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium on March 8, 2017 in Lakeland, Florida.  (Photo by Mark Cunningham/MLB Photos via Getty Images)
    Mark Cunningham/MLB Photos via Getty Images

    Drafted: 2nd round, No. 65 overall

    The pick for the Detroit Tigers is a toss-up between left-hander Tyler Alexander and right-hander Drew Smith, and both have found some level of success at the MLB level.

    • Alexander: 131 G, 49 GS, 4.64 ERA, 1.29 WHIP, 321 K, 398 IP, 2.9 WAR
    • Smith: 191 G, 1 GS, 3.48 ERA, 1.28 WHIP, 202 K, 196.1 IP, 2.1 WAR

    Alexander undoubtedly made the bigger impact for the Tigers since Smith was traded before making his MLB debut, but Smith has had the better all-around run in the big leagues.

    Other Notable Picks: RHP Beau Burrows (1-22), OF Christian Stewart (1-34), RHP Drew Smith (3-99), LHP Matt Hall (6-190), RHP Kyle Dowdy (12-370), 1B Josh Lester (13-400)

Houston Astros: 3B Alex Bregman

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    HOUSTON, TX - OCTOBER 17:  Alex Bregman #2 of the Houston Astros bats during Game 4 of the ALCS against the Boston Red Sox at Minute Maid Park on Wednesday, October 17, 2018 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Loren Elliott/MLB Photos via Getty Images)
    Loren Elliott/MLB Photos via Getty Images

    Drafted: 1st round, No. 2 overall

    The Houston Astros draft class in 2015 stands as one of the best individual team draft hauls of the last 25 years.

    Alex Bregman and Kyle Tucker have both developed into legitimate stars, while Patrick Sandoval has turned into a solid rotation piece for the Los Angeles Angels and outfielder Myles Straw has tallied 7.8 WAR and won 2022 AL Gold Glove honors.

    The Astros also used Daz Cameron as part of the blockbuster trade to acquire Justin Verlander from the Detroit Tigers.

    Other Notable Picks: OF Kyle Tucker (1-5), OF Daz Cameron (1-37), RHP Thomas Eshelman (2-46), RHP Trent Thornton (5-139), C Garrett Stubbs (8-229), LHP Patrick Sandoval (11-319), OF Myles Straw (12-349), RHP Ralph Garza (26-769), RHP Zac Grotz (28-829)

Kansas City Royals: RHP Josh Staumont

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    ST. LOUIS, MO - MAY 29: Kansas City Royals relief pitcher Josh Staumont (63) throws a pitch during a game between the Kansas City Royals and the St. Louis Cardinals on May 29, 2022, at Busch Stadium in St. Louis MO (Photo by Rick Ulreich/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
    Rick Ulreich/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

    Drafted: 2nd round, No. 64 overall

    Armed with a fastball that regularly bumps triple-digits and a wipeout slider, Josh Staumont flashed closer potential during his time in the Kansas City Royals farm system, though inconsistent command was always a major hurdle.

    Everything clicked in 2021 when he posted a 2.88 ERA, 1.07 WHIP and 9.9 K/9 with five saves and 16 holds in 64 appearances. After regressing in 2022 and 2023, he joined the Minnesota Twins in free agency this past offseason, and he has allowed just six hits and one unearned run in 18 innings of work.

    Other Notable Picks: C Nick Dini (14-429), 3B Emmanuel Rivera (19-579)

Los Angeles Angels: OF Taylor Ward

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    ANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA - JUNE 29: Taylor Ward #3 of the Los Angeles Angels runs to first base after hitting a two RBI double during the seventh inning against the Detroit Tigers at Angel Stadium of Anaheim on June 29, 2024 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images)
    Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images

    Drafted: 1st round, No. 26 overall

    Originally drafted as a catcher, Taylor Ward spent the better part of four seasons shuttling between Triple-A and the majors before finally breakout out during his age-28 season in 2022 when he posted a 134 OPS+ with 23 home runs and 3.6 WAR in 135 games.

    A hit-by-pitch that resulted in facial fractures limited him to 97 games last year, but he has bounced back with a solid start to the 2024 campaign, and he could be an in-demand name at the trade deadline.

    A tip of the cap to 39th-round pick Jared Walsh on a 29-homer season and All-Star selection in 2021.

    Other Notable Picks: IF/OF Jahmai Jones (2-70), IF David Fletcher (6-195), 1B Jared Walsh (39-1,185)

Los Angeles Dodgers: RHP Walker Buehler

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    DENVER, COLORADO - JUNE 18: Starting pitcher Walker Buehler #21 of the Los Angeles Dodgers throws against the Colorado Rockies in the first inning at Coors Field on June 18, 2024 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
    Matthew Stockman/Getty Images

    Drafted: 1st round, No. 24 overall

    Walker Buehler was a candidate to go No. 1 overall in the 2015 draft before suffering an arm injury during his junior season at Vanderbilt, and instead he watched as teammates Dansby Swanson (No. 1) and Carson Fulmer (No. 8) went off the board before he was finally selected at No. 24 overall.

    He underwent Tommy John surgery shortly after signing and did not make his pro debut until Aug. 23, 2016, but he still made his MLB debut in 2017 before becoming a full-time member of the starting rotation the following year.

    A second Tommy John surgery cost him the entire 2023 season, but when healthy he has been a bona fide frontline starter, going 47-20 with a 3.17 ERA, 1.06 WHIP and 721 strikeouts in 675.1 innings. He will be a free agent for the first time this winter.

    Other Notable Picks: RHP Josh Sborz (2-74), OF Willie Calhoun (4-132), OF Brendon Davis (5-162), 3B Edwin Ríos (6-192), OF Matt Beaty (12-372), OF Kyle Garlick (28-852)

Miami Marlins: 1B Josh Naylor

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    MIAMI, FL - JULY 9: Josh Naylor #32 of the World Team and San Diego Padres bats during the SiriusXM All-Star Futures Game at Marlins Park on July 9, 2017 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Brace Hemmelgarn/Minnesota Twins/Getty Images)
    Brace Hemmelgarn/Minnesota Twins/Getty Images

    Drafted: 1st round, No. 12 overall

    One of the youngest players in the 2015 draft class, Josh Naylor had been on the MLB scouting radar for years thanks to his time playing with the Junior National Team in Canada, and he offered some of the best raw power in the draft.

    He was traded twice before finally finding a home with the Cleveland Guardians, and he is having the best season of his career so far this year, posting a 129 OPS+ with 20 home runs and 63 RBI in 81 games.

    Still only 27 years old, he has a 127 OPS+ with 57 home runs and 239 RBI in 324 games since the start of the 2022 season, and he has one more year of club control remaining before hitting free agency.

    Other Notable Picks: RHP Cody Poteet (4-116), RHP Chris Paddack (8-236), RHP Kyle Keller (18-536), RHP Ben Meyer (29-866)

Milwaukee Brewers: OF Trent Grisham

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    MIAMI, FL - SEPTEMBER 12: Trent Grisham #2 of the Milwaukee Brewersat bat against the Miami Marlins at Marlins Park on September 12, 2019 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images)
    Mark Brown/Getty Images

    Drafted: 1st round, No. 15 overall

    Outfielder Trent Grisham played in 51 games with the Milwaukee Brewers in 2019, and that offseason he was traded to the San Diego Padres along with Zach Davies in exchange for Eric Lauer and Luis Urías.

    He posted a 123 OPS+ with 10 home runs, 10 steals and 2.5 WAR during the shortened 2020 season while also winning Gold Glove honors, and he added another Gold Glove in 2022, though he failed to match that level of offensive production over a full year.

    The 27-year-old has 11.1 WAR in six seasons, and he was sent to the New York Yankees during the offseason as part of the Juan Soto trade.

    Other Notable Picks: RHP Cody Ponce (2-55), RHP Nash Walters (3-90), RHP Eric Hanhold (6-181), RHP José Cuas (11-331), RHP Michael Petersen (17-511)

Minnesota Twins: 1B/OF LaMonte Wade Jr.

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    FORT MYERS, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 26:  LaMonte Wade Jr. #30 of the Minnesota Twins at bat against the Philadelphia Phillies during a Grapefruit League spring training game at Hammond Stadium on February 26, 2020 in Fort Myers, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
    Michael Reaves/Getty Images

    Drafted: 9th round, No. 260 overall

    LaMonte Wade Jr. played in 42 games with the Minnesota Twins in 2019 and 2020 before he was traded to the San Francisco Giants in a one-for-one swap that sent right-hander Shaun Anderson the other way.

    He put together a breakout 2021 campaign after joining the Giants, posting a 117 OPS+ with 18 home runs, 56 RBI and 1.2 WAR while hitting .377/.403/.638 with runners in scoring position.

    Splitting his time between first base and the outfield, he has logged a 120 OPS+ and 6.4 WAR in four seasons in San Francisco.

    Other Notable Picks: LHP Tyler Jay (1-6), IF Travis Blankenhorn (3-80), OF Trey Cabbage (4-110), LHP Jovani Moran (7-200), RHP Cody Stashak (13-380), OF Jaylin Davis (24-710), LHP Andrew Vasquez (32-950)

New York Mets: C Patrick Mazeika

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    WASHINGTON, DC - SEPTEMBER 04: Patrick Mazeika #76 of the New York Mets throws the ball to second base against the Washington Nationals during game one of a doubleheader at Nationals Park on September 04, 2021 in Washington, DC. (Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images)
    G Fiume/Getty Images

    Drafted: 8th round, No. 239 overall

    The New York Mets forfeited their first-round pick in the 2015 draft by signing Michael Cuddyer who had received a qualifying offer, and not making their first selection until No. 53 overall laid the foundation for an extremely weak draft.

    Backup catcher Patrick Mazeika hit .190/.236/.279 for a 44 OPS+ in 159 plate appearances over 61 games, and even with negative WAR for his career, he was still the most impactful player from this draft class.

    Other Notable Picks: LHP Thomas Szapucki (5-149), OF Kevin Kaczmarski (9-269), LHP P.J. Conlon (13-389)

New York Yankees: RHP James Kaprielian

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    29 SEP 2015: James Kaprielian of the Yankees during the Florida Instructional League game between the FIL Yankees and the FIL Phillies at Bright House Field in Clearwater, Florida. (Photo by Cliff Welch/Icon Sportswire) (Photo by Cliff Welch/Icon Sportswire/Corbis/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
    Cliff Welch/Icon Sportswire/Corbis/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

    Drafted: 1st round, No. 16 overall

    James Kaprielian went 10-4 with a 2.03 ERA, 1.12 WHIP and 114 strikeouts in 106.2 innings during his junior season at UCLA, and he was the fourth college pitcher taken in the 2015 draft after Dillon Tate, Tyler Jay and Carson Fulmer.

    The New York Yankees sent him to Oakland at the 2017 trade deadline in the deal to acquire Sonny Gray, and he was a solid member of the A's starting rotation in 2021 (4.07 ERA, 119.1 IP) and 2022 (4.23 ERA, 134.0 IP) before injuries and inconsistency derailed his career.

    Other Notable Picks: RHP Chance Adams (5-153), IF Donny Sands (8-243), LHP Josh Rogers (11-333), OF Trey Amburgey (13-393), RHP Brody Koerner (17-513), RHP Cody Carroll (22-663), RHP Hobie Harris (31-933)

Oakland Athletics: 1B/OF Seth Brown

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    MINNEAPOLIS, MN - JUNE 14: Seth Brown #15 of the Oakland Athletics bats against the Minnesota Twins on June 14, 2024 at Target Field in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Brace Hemmelgarn/Minnesota Twins/Getty Images)
    Brace Hemmelgarn/Minnesota Twins/Getty Images

    Drafted: 19th round, No. 578 overall

    Seth Brown was a productive offensive player for the Oakland Athletics during the 2021 and 2022 seasons, providing some middle-of-the-order run production for teams that were sorely lacking in that department.

    • 2021: 107 OPS+, 34 XBH (20 HR), 48 RBI, 1.5 WAR
    • 2022: 117 OPS+, 54 XBH (25 HR), 73 RBI, 1.8 WAR

    His production dipped across the board last season, and after hitting .189 with a 63 OPS+ in 195 plate appearances to start the 2024 season he was outrighted off the 40-man roster and optioned to Triple-A.

    Other Notable Picks: SS Richie Martin (1-20), OF Skye Bolt (4-128), RHP James Naile (20-608)

Philadelphia Phillies: LHP Bailey Falter

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    PHILADELPHIA, PA - APRIL 25: Bailey Falter #70 of the Philadelphia Phillies pitches in the top of the first inning against the Seattle Mariners at Citizens Bank Park on April 25, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
    Mitchell Leff/Getty Images

    Drafted: 5th round, No. 144 overall

    After debuting as a reliever in 2021, left-hander Bailey Falter moved into the Philadelphia Phillies rotation the following year and posted a 3.86 ERA and 1.21 WHIP in 84 innings of work, closing out the year by starting Game 4 of the 2022 NLCS.

    The Phillies traded him to the Pirates at last year's deadline in exchange for infielder Rodolfo Castro, and he has been a solid member of the Pittsburgh rotation this season, logging a 3.87 ERA and 1.14 WHIP while already setting a career-high with 88.1 innings of work.

    Shoutout to sixth-round pick Tyler Gilbert who threw a no-hitter for the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2021.

    Other Notable Picks: 2B Scott Kingery (2-48), OF Luke Williams (3-83), LHP Tyler Gilbert (6-174)

Pittsburgh Pirates: 3B Ke'Bryan Hayes

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    DETROIT, MICHIGAN - MAY 29: Ke'Bryan Hayes #13 of the Pittsburgh Pirates in the field against the Detroit Tigers during game one of a doubleheader at Comerica Park on May 29, 2024 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Rick Osentoski/Getty Images)
    Rick Osentoski/Getty Images

    Drafted: 1st round, No. 32 overall

    In the third season of an eight-year, $70 million extension, Ke'Bryan Hayes remains one of the more confounding players in baseball.

    At his best, he's a Gold Glove third baseman with middle-of-the-order run production potential, and he flashed all of that last year when he posted a 105 OPS+ with 31 doubles, 15 home runs and 61 RBI in a 4.0-WAR season while finally unseating Nolan Arenado as the NL Gold Glove winner.

    However, he remains extremely inconsistent at the plate, and he is hitting a punchless .234/.296/.307 for a 74 OPS+ to begin the 2024 season. That said, with 13.3 WAR over five seasons, he is still one of the most productive players to emerge from the 2015 class.

    Other Notable Picks: SS Kevin Newman (1-19), IF Kevin Kramer (2-62), LHP Brandon Waddell (5-157), RHP JT Brubaker (6-187), RHP Tanner Anderson (20-607), C John Bormann (24-727), RHP James Marvel (36-1,087), LHP Daniel Zamora (40-1,270)

San Diego Padres: 1B Ty France

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    SAN DIEGO, CA - SEPTEMBER 22: Ty France #11 of the San Diego Padres watches the flight of his two-run home run during the the fourth inning of a baseball game against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Petco Park September 22, 2019 in San Diego, California.  (Photo by Denis Poroy/Getty Images)
    Denis Poroy/Getty Images

    Drafted: 34th round, No. 1,017 overall

    The San Diego Padres never really gave Ty France an extended look in the majors, but his breakout performance with the Seattle Mariners didn't exactly come out of nowhere.

    In his final season in the minors in 2019, he hit .399/.477/.770 with 27 doubles, 27 home runs and 89 RBI in 76 games at Triple-A El Paso. The Padres traded him the following summer along with current Seattle closer Andrés Muñoz in an ill-advised seven-player deal that brought catcher Austin Nola and others to San Diego.

    Over his five seasons in Seattle, France has a 116 OPS+ and 8.8 WAR, and he was an All-Star in 2022.

    Other Notable Picks: RHP Jacob Nix (3-86), C Austin Allen (4-117), RHP Trevor Megill (7-207), RHP Buddy Kennedy (11-327), RHP Trey Wingenter (17-507), RHP Phil Maton (20-597)

San Francisco Giants: OF Steven Duggar

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    SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - SEPTEMBER 05: Steven Duggar #6 of the San Francisco Giants hits a two-run RBI triple against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the bottom of the second inning at Oracle Park on September 05, 2021 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
    Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images

    Drafted: 6th round, No. 186 overall

    A three-year starter at Clemson who turned heads in the 2014 Cape Cod League, outfielder Steven Duggar developed into a useful fourth outfielder for the San Francisco Giants.

    He tallied 2.5 WAR in 254 games over five seasons, peaking in 2021 when he posted a 107 OPS+ with 27 extra-base hits and 2.2 WAR in 107 games. He departed in free agency following the 2022 season and spent 2023 playing for the Los Angeles Dodgers Triple-A affiliate before calling it a career.

    Other Notable Picks: RHP Phil Bickford (1-18), 1B Chris Shaw (1-31), LHP Andrew Suárez (2-61), RHP Tyler Cyr (10-306)

Seattle Mariners: LHP Anthony Misiewicz

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    SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - MAY 24: Anthony Misiewicz #18 of the Seattle Mariners pitches against the Oakland Athletics during the seventh inning at T-Mobile Park on May 24, 2022 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
    Steph Chambers/Getty Images

    Drafted: 18th round, No. 545 overall

    The Seattle Mariners did not have a selection until No. 60 overall in the 2015 draft after surrendering their first-round pick to sign Nelson Cruz in free agency, and their draft class ultimately produced a few useful MLB arms.

    Left-hander Anthony Misiewicz has a 4.67 ERA and 8.9 K/9 in 131 career appearances, and more than half of those outings came during the 2021 season when he logged a 4.61 ERA and 19 holds in 66 games.

    Other Notable Picks: RHP Nick Neidert (2-60), RHP Andrew Moore (2-72), OF Braden Bishop (3-94), SS Drew Jackson (5-155), RHP Art Warren (23-695), RHP Ljay Newsome (26-785)

St. Louis Cardinals: RHP Ryan Helsley

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    CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - JUNE 16: Ryan Helsley #56 of the St. Louis Cardinals delivers a pitch during the ninth inning against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field on June 16, 2024 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
    Michael Reaves/Getty Images

    Drafted: 5th round, No. 161 overall

    The St. Louis Cardinals have several worthy candidates from their 2015 draft class, with Harrison Bader and Paul DeJong both ranking as well above-average everyday players at certain points in their career, while flame-thrower Jordan Hicks is pitching well in the first season of a four-year, $44 million deal with the San Francisco Giants.

    Closer Ryan Helsley got the nod in part due to his terrific start to the 2024 season, as he leads the majors with 31 saves in 32 chances and is likely headed to his second career All-Star Game. The 29-year-old is on track to shatter the club's single-season saves record of 48 held by Trevor Rosenthal.

    Other Notable Picks: OF Nick Plummer (1-23), RHP Jake Woodford (1-39), OF Harrison Bader (3-100), RHP Jordan Hicks (3-105), SS Paul DeJong (4-131)

Tampa Bay Rays: IF Jake Cronenworth

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    TAMPA, FL - MARCH 04: Jake Cronenworth #81 of the Tampa Bay Rays slides back to first base to avoid the tag during the fourth inning of the Spring Training game against the Miami Marlins at George M. Steinbrenner Field on March 04, 2018 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike McGinnis/Getty Images)
    Mike McGinnis/Getty Images

    Drafted: 7th round, No. 208 overall

    Jake Cronenworth was actually a standout two-way player during his time at the University of Michigan, and during his junior season he hit .338/.419/.494 with 27 extra-base hits as the team's starting shortstop while also tallying eight saves and a 3.67 ERA in 49 innings on the mound.

    The Rays briefly used him both ways during the 2019 season when he posted a .949 OPS in 406 plate appearances and tossed 7.1 innings at Triple-A, but that offseason he was traded along with Tommy Pham to the San Diego Padres in exchange for Hunter Renfroe and Xavier Edwards.

    He ended up finishing runner-up in 2020 NL Rookie of the Year voting, and now in his fifth season with the Padres he has a 111 OPS+ and 13.2 WAR in 577 games.

    Other Notable Picks: 2B Brandon Lowe (3-87), OF Joe McCarthy (5-148), RHP Ian Gibaut (11-328), RHP Nicholas Padilla (13-388), C Brett Sullivan (17-508)

Texas Rangers: LHP Jeffrey Springs

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    OAKLAND, CA - SEPTEMBER 09:  Jeffrey Springs #54 of the Texas Rangers pitches against the Oakland Athletics in the bottom of the first inning at Oakland Alameda Coliseum on September 9, 2018 in Oakland, California.  (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
    Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images

    Drafted: 30th round, No. 888 overall

    The Texas Rangers drafted two pitchers who are now members of the Tampa Bay Rays roster during the 2015 draft in Jeffrey Springs and Pete Fairbanks, and they were the top two candidates for team's best selection.

    After pitching almost exclusively out of the bullpen over the first four seasons of his career, Springs broke out in a big way during the 2022 season, posting a 2.46 ERA, 1.07 WHIP and 144 strikeouts in 135.1 innings spanning 25 starts and eight relief appearances.

    He was on his way to more of the same with a 0.56 ERA over his first three starts in 2023 when he was lost for the season to Tommy John surgery, and he is now on the comeback trail and poised to make his 2024 debut soon.

    Other Notable Picks: RHP Dillon Tate (1-4), RHP Jacob Lemoine (4-108), RHP Tyler Ferguson (6-168), IF/OF Dylan Moore (7-198), RHP Pete Fairbanks (9-258), OF Scott Heineman (11-318), 1B Curtis Terry (13-378), RHP Demarcus Evans (25-738), LHP CD Pelham (33-978)

Toronto Blue Jays: LHP Tayler Saucedo

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    TORONTO, ON - AUGUST 22:  Tayler Saucedo #54 of the Toronto Blue Jays delivers a pitch during a MLB game against the Detroit Tigers at Rogers Centre on August 22, 2021 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.  (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images)
    Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images

    Drafted: 21st round, No. 632 overall

    After 33 appearances with the Toronto Blue Jays and a brief offseason waiver claim by the New York Mets, left-hander Tayler Saucedo has found a home in the Seattle Mariners bullpen.

    The 31-year-old posted a 3.59 ERA in 52 appearances last season, and he has a 2.38 ERA, 1.28 WHIP and 8.7 K/9 with three saves and three holds in 28 games so far this season as the team's top lefty bullpen option.

    Right-hander Brady Singer was taken in the second round, but he honored his commitment to the University of Florida.

    Other Notable Picks: RHP Jose Espada (5-152), LHP Travis Bergen (7-212), LHP Danny Young (8-242)

Washington Nationals: OF Blake Perkins

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    17 AUG 2015: Blake Perkins of the Nationals during the Gulf Coast League game between the GCL Cardinals and the GCL Nationals at the Carl Barger Baseball Complex in Viera, Florida. (Photo by Cliff Welch/Icon Sportswire/Corbis/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
    Cliff Welch/Icon Sportswire/Corbis/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

    Drafted: 2nd round, No. 69 overall

    Blake Perkins broke through as a useful fourth outfielder for the Milwaukee Brewers last season, finally making his MLB debut at the age of 26.

    This season, he has emerged as the team's primary center fielder, posting a 92 OPS+ with 14 extra-base hits and 13 steals while posting terrific defensive metrics (6 DRS, 9.3 UZR/150) en route to 1.7 WAR through 71 games.

    Other Notable Picks: OF Andrew Stevenson (2-58), LHP Taylor Hearn (5-164), RHP Koda Glover (8-254), LHP Taylor Guilbeau (10-314), IF Max Schrock (13-404)

2015 1st Round Redraft

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    08 JUN 2015: MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred announces the Houston Astros 2nd overall pick in round 1 of the Major league Baseball First Year Player Draft held at Studio 42 of the MLB Network in Secaucus,NJ. The Housto Astros select Alex Bregman shortstop from LSU. (Photo by Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire/Corbis/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
    Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire/Corbis/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

    2015 MLB Redraft

    1. ARI: 3B Alex Bregman
    2. HOU: OF Kyle Tucker
    3. COL: 3B Austin Riley
    4. TEX: SS Dansby Swanson
    5. HOU: RHP Walker Buehler
    6. MIN: IF Jake Cronenworth
    7. BOS: 1B Josh Naylor
    8. CWS: OF Ian Happ
    9. CHC: OF Cedric Mullins
    10. PHI: 1B Ryan Mountcastle
    11. CIN: 2B Brandon Lowe
    12. MIA: 3B Ke'Bryan Hayes
    13. TB: RHP Triston McKenzie
    14. ATL: RHP Ryan Helsley
    15. MIL: RHP Alexis Díaz
    16. NYY: LHP Patrick Sandoval
    17. CLE: 1B/OF LaMonte Wade Jr.
    18. SF: RHP Jordan Hicks
    19. PIT: LHP Jeffrey Springs
    20. OAK: OF Andrew Benintendi
    21. KC: RHP Evan Phillips
    22. DET: 1B Ty France
    23. STL: RHP Pete Fairbanks
    24. LAD: OF Taylor Ward
    25. BAL: OF Harrison Bader
    26. LAA: C Tyler Stephenson

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