The 2026 MLB Draft is just around the corner, and while it's easy to get caught up in the excitement of the future, it's also important to take a moment to reflect on the past. In this article, I'll be taking a look at each club's best Draft pick from the past 10 years, and what makes these players so special. From MVP candidates to Cy Young winners, All-Stars to Rookies of the Year, these players have left their mark on the game. But what makes them stand out? Let's dive in and find out.
The Best of the Best
American League East
Boston Red Sox: Roman Anthony
In my opinion, the Red Sox's best pick of the past decade is Roman Anthony. After being drafted in the supplemental second round in 2022, Anthony quickly established himself as a potential superstar. His power-over-hit approach was cleaned up, and he went on to have a stellar rookie season, slashing .292/.396/.463 in 71 games. What makes this particularly fascinating is that Anthony became the third-youngest player in AL/NL history to homer and draw four walks in the same game. His three-year, $126 million deal (including two player options) is a testament to his value in the industry.
American League Central
Cleveland Guardians: Shane Bieber
Shane Bieber, drafted in the fourth round in 2016, has been a standout pitcher for the Guardians. His control and velocity on his fastball, along with the quality of his breaking pitches, have led to a pair of All-Star nods and an AL Cy Young Award in 2020. What many people don't realize is that Bieber's success is a result of the Guardians' development process, which has helped him significantly improve his pitching skills.
American League West
Los Angeles Angels: Zach Neto
Zach Neto, drafted in the first round in 2022, has been a steady performer for the Angels. His back-to-back 5+ WAR seasons in 2024 and '25, along with 49 homers and 56 steals combined over those two seasons, make him a standout player. What makes this especially interesting is that Neto represented the first in a run of Angels first-round picks to race to the big leagues, and he has been a key contributor to the team's success.
Looking Ahead
As we look ahead to the 2026 Draft, it's clear that each club will be looking to build on their past successes and find the next big thing. The future of the game is bright, and with players like these, the possibilities are endless. In my opinion, the 2026 Draft will be a game-changer, and I can't wait to see what the future holds for the MLB.
One thing that immediately stands out is the importance of development and scouting. The success of these players is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the organizations that drafted them. As we continue to follow the MLB, it's clear that the future is bright, and I'm excited to see what the next decade brings.
