The top 10 Draft Steals in MLB History

By Oliver Wiener December 30, 2023 17:02

The Major League Baseball (MLB) draft is an event where teams select eligible amateur baseball players to join their organizations. Over the years, teams have made some incredible draft choices, finding hidden gems and turning them into superstars. These draft steals often go on to have exceptional careers and become household names in the baseball world. In this article, we will explore the top 10 draft steals in MLB history and their impact on the game.

1. Mike Piazza

In the 1988 MLB draft, Mike Piazza was selected by the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 62nd round. This pick turned out to be one of the biggest steals in draft history. Piazza went on to become one of the greatest hitting catchers of all time, earning 12 All-Star selections and winning the Rookie of the Year award in 1993.

2. Albert Pujols

In the 13th round of the 1999 MLB draft, the St. Louis Cardinals selected Albert Pujols. Pujols quickly established himself as one of the most dominant hitters in the game, winning three MVP awards and helping the Cardinals win two World Series titles. He is considered one of the greatest right-handed hitters in baseball history.

3. Nolan Ryan

Nolan Ryan was selected by the New York Mets in the 12th round of the 1965 MLB draft. He went on to have a legendary career as a pitcher, recording a record-breaking 5,714 strikeouts and throwing seven no-hitters. Ryan was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1999.

4. Mike Schmidt

The Philadelphia Phillies selected Mike Schmidt in the second round of the 1971 MLB draft. Schmidt became one of the greatest third basemen in history, winning three MVP awards and leading the Phillies to their first World Series championship in 1980.

5. Tom Glavine

The Atlanta Braves selected Tom Glavine in the second round of the 1984 MLB draft. Glavine became a key member of the Braves' dominant pitching staff in the 1990s, winning two Cy Young awards and helping the team win the World Series in 1995.

6. Randy Johnson

Randy Johnson was selected by the Montreal Expos in the second round of the 1985 MLB draft. Johnson went on to become one of the most dominant left-handed pitchers in history, winning five Cy Young awards and recording over 4,800 strikeouts. He was a key member of the Arizona Diamondbacks' 2001 World Series-winning team.

7. Albert Belle

In the second round of the 1987 MLB draft, the Cleveland Indians selected Albert Belle. Belle became known for his incredible power hitting, hitting over 50 home runs in a season twice. He was a five-time All-Star and won the Silver Slugger award five times as well.

8. John Smoltz

The Detroit Tigers selected John Smoltz in the 22nd round of the 1985 MLB draft. Smoltz went on to have a successful career as a starting pitcher and later as a closer. He won the Cy Young award in 1996 and was a key member of the Atlanta Braves' pitching rotation during their dominant years in the 1990s.

9. Kirby Puckett

Kirby Puckett was selected by the Minnesota Twins in the first round of the 1982 MLB draft. Puckett went on to become one of the greatest outfielders of his time, winning six Gold Glove awards and earning 10 All-Star selections. He was a key player in the Twins' World Series victories in 1987 and 1991.

10. Ryne Sandberg

The Philadelphia Phillies selected Ryne Sandberg in the 20th round of the 1978 MLB draft. Sandberg became one of the best second basemen of his era, winning nine Gold Glove awards and seven Silver Slugger awards. He was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2005.

These top 10 draft steals in MLB history showcase the incredible talent evaluation and scouting abilities of the teams that discovered these players. Despite being selected later in the draft, these players went on to have illustrious careers and make lasting impacts on the game of baseball. They serve as a reminder that sometimes, the best talent can be found in unexpected places.