2020 MLB Draft Revisited: Every Team’s Class Four Years Later
Image credit: Spencer Strider (Matthew Grimes Jr./Atlanta Braves/Getty Images)
NOTE: With the 2024 MLB Draft set to begin this weekend, we’re taking a look back at some recent draft classes to reevaluate teams on their selections. See below for links to other classes from the past few years. You can see results from every draft here.
The 2020 MLB draft was unlike any we’ve seen before and hopefully is something we’ll never see again.
Thanks to the coronavirus pandemic, the draft was slashed to five rounds. Equally important to note: No one played games after early March, which meant that the months normally spent evaluating players in top competition were wiped away.
Without the normal chance to evaluate players in competitive games, the draft has proven to be a story of big hits and big misses. It’s also just a weird draft in general. The fifth and final round has proven to be one where teams found a slew of interesting pitchers, highlighted by Gavin Stone, Brandon Pfaadt, Bryce Elder and Mitchell Parker turning into MLB starters already with a few more likely to come. And fourth-round righthander Spencer Strider might go No. 1 overall if everyone could redraft today.
At the same time, the third round has turned into a round to forget. While one third (10) of the fifth rounders have reached the majors so far, only one third rounder (Giants lefthander Kyle Harrison) has reached the big leagues. Someone else will surely reach the majors eventually, but very few of the third round picks even crack Top 30 prospect lists in mid-2024.
Midseason Top 30 Prospects
Our most comprehensive Top 30 update of the season is here. Check out new additions, risers, fallers and more for every team!
The ratings for this 2020 draft are as unusual as the draft itself. We have seven teams’ drafts rated as great, four above average, nine average, eight with some concerns and two below average. That’s not the normal or an ideal distribution, but with only five rounds, this is not a normal draft to evaluate.
Check out other MLB Draft Reviews here:
Great Drafts
Atlanta Braves
Atlanta had no second round pick, but it didn’t matter. Lefthander Jared Shuster (25th overall) has found a spot in the White Sox’ bullpen after making 11 starts for the Braves last year. Again, Spencer Strider (4th round) could make a case to go 1-1 if the 2020 draft was redone; the Braves nabbed him with the 126th pick. Righthander Bryce Elder (fifth round) has been the best fifth round pick in the draft so far, although he’ll have competition from Gavin Stone, Colt Keith and several others for that title long term. To get three big league regulars, including a front-of-the-rotation ace, out of a four-pick draft is exceptional.
Baltimore Orioles
The Orioles went underslot with the second-overall pick to land outfielder Heston Kjerstad, and then used the savings to spend $8.5 million on their other five picks. If you’re going to do that, you’re trying to hit on multiple players, and the Orioles have done exactly that. After working through some health issues, Kjerstad is a power-hitting big league outfielder. Third baseman Jordan Westburg (first round supplemental) is an All-Star and third baseman Coby Mayo (fourth round) is one of the best prospects in baseball.
Los Angeles Dodgers
This is one of those drafts where the Dodgers’ dominance stands out. Los Angeles weren’t on the clock until the 29th pitch, but picked four pitchers who have reached the majors, with righthander Bobby Miller (29th overall), righthander Landon Knack (second round) and righthander Gavin Stone (fifth round) all earning spots in the rotation. Righthander Clayton Beeter (second round) was traded to the Yankees and made his MLB debut as a reliever this year.
Pittsburgh Pirates
Getting righthander Jared Jones (second round) makes this a top-tier draft by itself. Adding righthander Carmen Mlodzinski (first round supplemental) as a quality reliever makes it even better. Second baseman Nick Gonzales (seventh overall) much-improved 2024 season for the Pirates adds even further to a great draft. Righthander Nick Garcia (fourth round) was traded to the Rockies in 2022 for Connor Joe, and righthander Jack Hartman (fifth round) was sent to the Rays in 2022 for Ji-Man Choi.
San Francisco Giants
Catcher Patrick Bailey (13th overall) and lefthander Kyle Harrison (third round) are foundational pieces for the Giants now. Third baseman Casey Schmitt needs to improve at the plate, but his defense is good enough to make it highly likely he’ll find his way to some sort of big league role. The other four players from this class remain in the Giants’ organization, but none are Top 30 prospects.
St. Louis Cardinals
Shortstop Masyn Winn (second round) is the Cardinals’ shortstop of the present and the future, while outfielder Alec Burleson (second round supplemental) has been a useful addition to the big league roster. Righthander Tink Hence (second round supplemental) is the team’s best prospect. Outfielder Jordan Walker (21st overall) is the wild card in this group. He’s still only 22, but has struggled to bounce back after struggling early this year in the majors.
Texas Rangers
When the Rangers’ selected outfielder Evan Carter (second round) with the 50th overall pick, jaws dropped. It’s now clear that the Rangers got a jump on the rest of the industry. Carter is the star of this class, but righthander Tekoah Roby (third round) and infielder Thomas Saggese (fifth round) are solid prospects in their own right. Both are Cardinals now after they helped the Rangers land Jordan Montgomery at the deadline last year, which helped Texas win the World Series. Infielder Justin Foscue (14th overall) is stuck behind a very deep group of big league infielders, but he should find a way to a big league career.
Above-Average Drafts
Arizona Diamondbacks
The D’backs had two picks in the top 35, but fifth-round righthander Brandon Pfaadt looks like their best pick. Righthanders Bryce Jarvis (18th overall) and Slade Cecconi (first round supplemental) are both big leaguers, and outfielder A.J. Vukovich (fourth round) should make it eventually, as well.
Chicago White Sox
This is a weird draft to rate as above-average, as it’s all because of lefthander Garrett Crochet (first round). Even with him, it’s relying extremely heavily on his excellent first half of 2024 as a starting pitcher. Crochet has fewer than 200 MLB innings, but he’s been electric this year. The team traded lefthander Bailey Horn (fifth round) to the Cubs for Ryan Tepera in 2021. He’s since been acquired by the Red Sox for cash considerations and has made the majors. Lefthander Jared Kelley hasn’t been able to match his pre-draft stuff. No member of this draft class ranks among the White Sox current Top 30 Prospects.
Milwaukee Brewers
Outfielder Garrett Mitchell (20th overall) has had his and several other players’ share of injuries, but he has reached the majors in his healthy moments. Outfielder Joey Wiemer (fourth round) has big power, but has hit just .201 in 151 MLB games. Shortstop Hayden Cantrelle (fifth round) went to the Marlins in a minor trade for Alex Jackson in 2022 and has since been a MiLB Rule 5 pick.
San Diego Padres
As often is the case with Padres’ drafts, most of the best players in this class are now playing for other teams. Outfielder Owen Caissie (second round) is the Cubs’ No. 3 prospect thanks to the 2020 Yu Darvish trade. Outfielder Robert Hassell was part of the Juan Soto trade and now ranks as the Nationals’ No. 6 prospect. Righthander Justin Lange (first round supplemental) went to the Yankees for Luke Voit in 2022, and righthander Cole Wilcox (3rd round) went to the Rays for Blake Snell. The Padres released righthander Levi Thomas (four round), and lefthander Jagger Haynes, the only player from this draft who remains a Padre, is the team’s No. 14 prospect. It’s hard to slot this draft as so many prospects were traded early in their careers, but Caissie and Hassell have chances to be big league regulars.
Average Drafts
Colorado Rockies
Outfielder Zac Veen (ninth overall) has battled injuries but still shows flashes that give hope he could be an MLB regular. Catcher Drew Romo (first round supplemental) is an exceptionally aggressive hitter, but he could also be an MLB starter. Righthander Chris McMahon (second round) has struggled to stay healthy. The Rockies traded righthander Case Williams (fourth round) to the Reds in 2020 before reacquiring him the next year. He posted a 7.08 ERA in Double-A in 2023 and has been on the injured list for the entirety of 2024.
Detroit Tigers
Considering he went first overall, first baseman Spencer Torkelson’s career has been a disappointment so far. He did hit 31 home runs last year, but did so while hitting .233/.313/.446. He struggled in 2022 and his power has disappeared for Detroit in 2024. He’s now back in Triple-A trying to find his stroke. Second baseman Colt Keith (fifth round) is the Tigers’ everyday second baseman. Catcher Dillon Dingler (second round) is having his best year offensively in Triple-A and should be at least a backup catcher in the majors.
Los Angeles Angels
Lefthander Reid Detmers (10th overall) has struggled in 2024, but he has made 70 MLB starts and was one of the Angels’ best pitchers in 2022 and 2023l; he makes this a successful draft by himself. Lefthander Adam Semanaris (fifth round) was sent to the Brewers in the 2022 Hunter Renfroe trade. Neither outfielder David Calabrese (third round) or shortstop Werner Blakely (fourth round) rank in the Angels’ Top 30.
Miami Marlins
Righthander Max Meyer (third overall) has been excellent after bouncing back from Tommy John surgery. An astute pick, righthander Kyle Hurt (fifth round) blossomed after going to the Dodgers in the 2021 Dylan Floro trade and reached the majors this year. Righthander Kyle Nicolas was sent to the Pirates in the 2021 Jacob Stallings’ trade and has logged 29 appearances in Pittsburgh’s bullpen. Lefthander Jake Eder (fourth round) was traded to the White Sox for slugger Jake Burger. He’s set to be the Marlins’ fourth big leaguer from a six-player draft, but only one of those four is a Marlin. Lefthander Dax Fulton (second round) is the team’s No. 18 prospect.
New York Mets
There’s talent in the Mets’ 2020 draft, but it’s playing for other teams. Outfielder Pete Crow-Armstrong (19th overall) went to the Cubs for Javier Baez. Righthander J.T. Ginn (second round) went to the A’s for Chris Bassit, and is now the A’s No. 18 prospect. Outfielder Isaiah Greene (second round supplemental) was part of the Francisco Lindor trade and never played a game for the Mets. The Mets released second baseman Andrew Walters (third round) and traded catcher/outfielder Matthew Dyer to the Rays in 2021 for Rich Hill. The only player from this draft who is still a Met is Righthander Eric Orze (fifth round), who made a debut to forget this year for New York. He allowed three runs without recording an out, so he needs his next call-up to get his ERA away from infinity.
New York Yankees
This draft was short and sweet with only three picks. Catcher Austin Wells (28th overall) worked hard to stay behind the plate and has reached the majors for the Yankees. The Yankees quickly moved Trevor Hauver (third round) in the Joey Gallo trade after he showed a power spike in Low-A. He has since struggled at higher levels. The Yankees shipped Beck Way (fourth round) to the Royals for Andrew Benintendi; neither ranks in a top 30 now.
Oakland A’s
First baseman Tyler Soderstrom is the A’s everyday first baseman, but he’s so far hit .192/.273/.328 as a big leaguer. That said, he’s only 22 and has been better recently, so there’s still plenty of reason for hope. There’s less optimism for the rest of the class. Outfielder Michael Guldberg (third round) has retired and righthander Dane Acker (4th round) went to the Rangers for Elvis Andrus. Acker ranks as the Rangers’ No. 13 prospect now. Righthander Jeff Criswell (second round) wound up on the Rockies for Chad Smith in 2022. Neither he nor righthander Stevie Emanuels (fifth round) are top 30 prospects at this point.
Seattle Mariners
Righthander Emerson Hancock (sixth overall) had his development slowed by Tommy John surgery, but he made three starts for the Mariners last year and has made nine more this year. The 25-year-old has further room to develop despite sitting at the back of a loaded Mariners’ rotation. Righthander Connor Phillips (second round supplemental) went to the Reds in the Jesse Winker/Eugenio Suarez trade. He made it to the majors in 2023 but has struggled with his control in 2024. Righthander Taylor Dollard (5th round) is the M’s No. 30 prospect, and the team traded third baseman Tyler Keenan (fourth round) to the Blue Jays for Ryan Borucki.
Washington Nationals
This class could get better, as righthander Cade Cavalli (22nd overall) is trying to return from Tommy John surgery and should be much better than his 14.84 MLB ERA in one start indicates. Lefthander Mitchell Parker (fifth round) has been an excellent surprise and standout for the Nats in 2024. Righthander Cole Henry can commiserate with Cavalli. Henry has just 128 pro innings because of injuries. He’s the team’s No. 22 prospect.
Drafts With Some Concerns
Boston Red Sox
The Red Sox went underslot at pick 17 to land second baseman Nick Yorke with the plan of adding another big-money overslot signing later. Third baseman Blaze Jordan (third round) fit that bill. Both Yorke and Jordan are in the middle of the Red Sox Top 30 Prospects now. Lefthander Jeremy Wu-Yelland (fourth round) is a college pitcher who hasn’t made it out of Class A yet, and Shane Drohan left for the White Sox in the Rule 5 draft before returning to the Red Sox.
Chicago Cubs
Lefthander Luke Little (fourth round) has made it to the majors as a reliever; he is the star of this class. Shortstop Ed Howard (16th overall) hit .225 in his first pro season and is currently a .229/.280/.305 career hitter playing at High-A South Bend. Righthander Burl Carraway (second round) went on the injured list in June 2022 and won’t pitch again until 2025. Outfielder Jordan Nwogu (third round) has hit .228/.312/.408 as a pro.
Cleveland Guardians
Lefthander Logan Allen (second round), a member of the Guardians rotation for the past two years, is the star of this class. Shortstop Carson Tucker (23rd overall) hit .164/.278/.246 in 73 games in Rookie ball and Low-A before being released. Righthander Tanner Burns (second round) moved to the bullpen and was unprotected and unpicked in the 2023 Rule 5 draft. Outfielder Petey Halpin ranks 19th on the Guardians Top 30.
Houston Astros
Houston’s first selection wasn’t until 72nd overall, which is why this doesn’t rate as below average. Shortstop Shay Whitcomb (fifth round) ranks as team’s No. 14 prospect and is the best bet to have a big league career. Righthander Tyler Brown (third round) has retired.
Kansas City Royals
Lefthander Asa Lacy (fourth overall) has faced more challenges, injuries and setbacks than some entire rosters. He’s missing the entire 2024 season with Tommy John surgery after missing the entire 2023 season battling a back injury. He registers 80 official innings as a pro and none since August 2022. Shortstop Nick Loftin (first round supplemental) has reached the majors as a utility infielder. Righthander Will Klein has reached the majors as a reliever and is the team’s No. 14 prospect.
Minnesota Twins
Drafted for his bat, first baseman Aaron Sabato (27th overall) has hit just .214/.345/.425 in pro ball. He went unprotected and unpicked in the 2023 Rule 5 draft. The Twins have released outfielder Alerick Soularie (second round). This doesn’t end up ranked below-average because of the promise of the team’s final two picks. Minnesota handles righthander Marco Raya (fourth round) extremely gingerly, but he has long shown good stuff. Outfielder Kala’i Rosario had a breakout year in 2023. Both rank in the middle of the Twins Top 30.
Philadelphia Phillies
Prep pitchers often develop in paths that take two steps forward, one step back and then a few more sideways along the way. It’s way too early to get too frustrated with righthander Mick Abel (15th overall). Sure, he has struggled in Triple-A this year, but he’s there as a 22-year-old. The Phillies traded shortstop Casey Martin off their MiLB roster this year after hitting just .196/.265/.316 as a pro. Righthander Carson Ragsdale (fourth round) was traded for Sam Coonrod before he ever threw a pitch for the Phillies. Outfielder Baron Radcliff (fifth round) has massive raw power, but he has hit .208 for his pro career thanks to strikeout issues.
Toronto Blue Jays
Picking fifth, the Blue Jays selected second baseman/outfielder Austin Martin and then quickly traded him to the Twins for Jose Berrios. He’s a big leaguer now for Minnesota in a reserve role. Righthander Nick Frasso (fourth round) flipped to the Dodgers for Mitch White and Alex De Jesus in 2022; he now ranks as the Dodgers No. 18 prospect. The remaining Blue Jays—righthander CJ Van Eyk (second round), Trent Palmer (third round) and catcher Zach Britton (fifth round)—are not Top 30 Prospects.
Below-Average Drafts
Cincinnati Reds
The best player from this Reds draft is likely going to be their final pick. Righthander Joe Boyle (fifth round) throws incredibly hard and is exceptionally wild, but he has made 10 MLB starts with the A’s and will likely get more chances. Iiewed as a high-risk, high-reward pick at the time, outfielder Austin Hendrick (12th overall) hasn’t been able to handle pro pitching, and he’s a .207/.297/.362 MiLB hitter. Righthander Christian Roa (first round supplemental) has been dominant in the minors at his best, but control troubles continue to stymie his development. Injuries derailed catcher Jackson Miller (second round supplemental), who has since retired. Injuries also led the Reds to release righthander Bryce Bonnin (third round). Outfielder Mac Wainwright (fourth round) never played a game for any Reds affiliate due to a sexual assault charge.The team placed Wainwright on the restricted list in 2021 and released him. A guilty conviction was overturned on appeal and he was found not guilty in a second trial.
Tampa Bay Rays
Lefthander Ian Seymour (second round) has bounced back from Tommy John surgery to once again befuddle hitters with guile and deception. But he’s almost all the Rays have left to show for a six-player draft class. Righthander Nick Bitsko (24th overall) has seen his career destroyed by injuries; he has less than 30 pro innings in four seasons. Shortstop Alika Williams (first round supplemental) never hit enough to climb to the top of a crowded Rays’ shortstop depth chart and wound up traded to the Pirates in 2023 for Robert Stephenson. He has since made it to Pittsburgh as a defense-first shortstop. The team released righthander Hunter Barnhart (fourth round). Infielder Tanner Murray (fourth round) could play his way to a big league role of some sort.
