The 2026 MLB Draft is just around the corner, and as fans and teams alike gear up for the event, it’s only natural to look back at the past decade’s successes. But here’s the thing: drafting and developing talent is as much an art as it is a science. Personally, I think what makes this process so fascinating is the unpredictability—the way a seventh-round pick can outshine a first-rounder, or how a player traded away becomes a star elsewhere. It’s a reminder that potential is often hidden in plain sight, waiting to be unearthed.
Take the Rays’ Joe Ryan, for instance. A seventh-round pick in 2018, he’s now a two-time All-Star with the Twins. What many people don’t realize is that Ryan’s journey included a transfer from a Division I school to a Division II program after injuries sidelined him. The Rays saw something others missed, and while he never played for them, their scouts deserve credit for spotting his potential. This raises a deeper question: How often do we overlook talent because it doesn’t fit the conventional mold?
Then there’s the case of the Red Sox’s Roman Anthony. A supplemental second-round pick in 2022, he’s already making waves as one of the game’s top prospects. What’s particularly interesting is how quickly he adapted from being seen as a power-over-hit guy to becoming a well-rounded hitter. His rookie season was nothing short of remarkable, and while injuries have slowed him down, his potential remains sky-high. If you take a step back and think about it, Anthony’s story highlights the importance of player development—how organizations can refine raw talent into something extraordinary.
But let’s not forget the Guardians’ Shane Bieber, a fourth-round pick in 2016 who went on to win the AL Cy Young Award in 2020. A detail that I find especially interesting is how the Guardians helped him improve his fastball velocity and breaking pitches. This isn’t just about drafting the right player; it’s about nurturing them. What this really suggests is that the best organizations don’t just find talent—they cultivate it.
Of course, not every story is a straight line to success. The Marlins’ Michael King, drafted in the 12th round in 2016, is a prime example. Traded to the Yankees, he developed into a quality starter after initially excelling as a reliever. His journey underscores the role of opportunity and development in a player’s career. What this tells me is that sometimes, all it takes is the right environment for a player to thrive.
Looking ahead, the 2026 Draft will undoubtedly add new names to this list. But as we speculate about who the next superstar will be, let’s not forget the lessons from the past decade. Talent is everywhere, but it’s the organizations that can identify, develop, and sometimes even let go of it that truly stand out. In my opinion, that’s the real art of the Draft.
