It’s often said that a draft class can’t truly be evaluated until at least five seasons thereafter. An asterisk is likely needed alongside that remark as 2020 was a lost year for development however here is a quick look back at the 2017 draft and where we stand to date.
The Twins had the number one pick in the 2017 draft and chose shortstop/outfielder Royce Lewis - he’s now 23 years old. Lewis missed the 2021 season due to ACL surgery - played this season up till May 29th when he was placed on the IL with a right knee bone bruise suffered when hitting a center field wall attempting to make a catch.
The second overall selection in the draft, P Hunter Greene of the Reds, has also battled the injury bug - he had Tommy John surgery in 2019 but has since come back and pitched 20 games in the show this year ( 102 2/3 IP ) with a 5.26 ERA - he’s currently on a rehab assignment in triple A coming back from a shoulder strain.
There are those from the draft class who’ve been in in the big leagues to date more than a couple of seasons - to name a few - P Connor Brogdon ( Phillies 10th round ), P Trevor Rogers ( Marlins 1st round pick ), P Garrett Whitlock ( Yankees 18th round selection -selected by the Red Sox in the 2020 Rule 5 draft ) , P Tanner Houck ( 1st round ) of the Red Sox, P James Karinchak ( 9th round ) with the Guardians and the Mets RHP David Peterson ( 1st round pick ).
The 2017 draft for the Phillies was conducted under the direction of then Amateur Scouting Director Johnny Almaraz who is now with the Marlins in scouting. When Dalton Guthrie makes his big league debut this week he will become the 8th member of the draft class to play in the major leagues ( Adam Haseley, Spencer Howard, Connor Seabold, Nick Maton, Connor Brogdon, Kyle Dohy, Damon Jones proceeded him ) with Ben Brown now a highly regarded prospect with the Cubs on the verge of getting there. Seventeen of the 29 signed players in the 2017 Phillies draft remain active as players in professional affiliated baseball.
Comparatively the 8 players reaching the major leagues as a ranking against the other 29 teams for their 2017 draft puts the Phillies in 2nd place to date.
Astros - 12
Phillies - 8
Yankees - 8
Cubs - 7
Rays - 7
Guardians - 7
Nationals - 7
Rangers - 7
Twins - 7
Reds - 7
Pirates -6
Mariners - 6
Braves - 6
Dodgers - 6
Blue Jays - 5
Angels - 5
Diamondbacks - 5
Rockies - 5
Royals - 5
Marlins - 5
Brewers - 4
Cardinals - 4
Athletics - 4
Padres - 4
Orioles -3
Tigers - 3
White Sox - 3
Red Sox - 2
Giants - 2
Mets - 1
Just some data - for those interested.
Happy Day, Happy Baseball ⚾️
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