Five years after the 2021 MLB Draft, it's time to reflect on the best picks from each team. The draft is a challenging process, with front offices spending years scouting and analyzing players, yet predicting long-term success remains difficult. The 2021 class showcased a mix of talent, with some players already making an impact in the majors. Here's a breakdown of each team's top pick, considering both past performance and future potential.
AL East
- Blue Jays: Matt Svanson, RHP (13th round) - Svanson, a senior sign from Lehigh, impressed with a 1.94 ERA and 0.88 WHIP in his first year. His sinker-sweeper-cutter mix has been effective, and he's a solid addition to the Blue Jays' bullpen.
- Orioles: Colton Cowser, OF (1st round) - Cowser, the No. 5 overall pick, has shown promise with 24 homers in his rookie season. He's a strong offensive threat and a solid addition to the Orioles' lineup.
- Rays: Carson Williams, SS (1st round) - Williams, a power-speed combination with defensive skills, has struggled with a high strikeout rate. However, his potential as a toolsy shortstop gives him an edge.
- Red Sox: Marcelo Mayer, SS (1st round) - Mayer, the Red Sox's top-rated prospect, is a potential combination of Seager's bat and Crawford's glove. He's still establishing himself in the big leagues but has shown promise.
- Yankees: Ben Rice, C (12th round) - Rice, a late-round pick, has improved his ability to manage the strike zone and drive balls in the air. He had a breakout season in 2025 with 26 homers and a .615 slugging percentage.
AL Central
- Guardians: Tanner Bibee, RHP (5th round) - Bibee, known for his strike-throwing, added velocity to his pitches in his first pro season. He's a solid addition to the Guardians' rotation.
- Royals: Carter Jensen, C (3rd round) - Jensen, a well-rounded backstop, has emerged as the best talent from this class. He's developed both offensively and defensively.
- Tigers: Jackson Jobe, RHP (1st round) - Jobe, a former prep player, has high-spin breaking stuff and impressive fastball velocity. He's a top pitching prospect when healthy.
- Twins: David Festa, 13th round - Festa, a solid addition to the Twins' bullpen, has double-digit big league starts in 2024 and 2025.
- White Sox: Colson Montgomery, SS (1st round) - Montgomery, a basketball star turned baseball player, has shown power and speed. He's a solid offensive threat for the White Sox.
AL West
- Angels: Chase Silseth, RHP (11th round) - Silseth, a solid part of the Angels' bullpen, has an ERA under 2.00 in 2025 and 2026.
- Astros: Spencer Arrighetti, RHP (6th round) - Arrighetti, helped by the Astros' coaching, has improved his fastball and slider. He's a solid addition to the Astros' rotation.
- A's: Mason Miller, RHP (3rd round) - Miller, a former Division III player, overcame Type 1 juvenile diabetes to become a dominant closer. He's a success story for the A's.
- Mariners: Bryan Woo, RHP (6th round) - Woo, who had Tommy John surgery, has been a mainstay in the Mariners' rotation. He earned an All-Star nod in 2025.
- Rangers: Jack Leiter, RHP (1st round) - Leiter, a top pitching prospect, struggled with command early but has shown promise with 10 wins and 148 strikeouts in 2024.
NL East
- Braves: Spencer Schwellenbach, RHP (2nd round) - Schwellenbach, a two-way player, has a 3.23 ERA and 1.007 WHIP. He's a solid addition to the Braves' rotation.
- Marlins: Joe Mack, C (supplemental 1st round) - Mack, a defensive backstop, has improved offensively with 45 homers in 2024-25.
- Mets: Christian Scott, RHP (5th round) - Scott, coming off Tommy John surgery, has a 3.20 ERA and 30 strikeouts in 2026.
- Nationals: Daylen Lile, OF (2nd round) - Lile, a league-average outfielder, finished fifth in NL Rookie of the Year voting in 2025.
- Phillies: Andrew Painter, RHP (1st round) - Painter, a 6-foot-7 right-hander, is still figuring things out but has shown promise with a 2.60 ERA.
NL Central
- Brewers: Sal Frelick, OF (1st round) - Frelick, a Gold Glove winner, has improved offensively with a .288/.351/.405 line and 12 homers in 2025.
- Cardinals: Michael McGreevy, RHP (1st round) - McGreevy, a control artist, has a 2.98 ERA and 1.09 WHIP. He's a solid addition to the Cardinals' rotation.
- Cubs: Jordan Wicks, LHP (1st round) - Wicks, an unheralded recruit, has set Kansas State records but hasn't sustained success in the big leagues.
- Pirates: Bubba Chandler, RHP (3rd round) - Chandler, a super-athletic former two-way player, has the potential to be a standard-bearer for the class.
- Reds: Andrew Abbott, LHP (4th round) - Abbott, a quality senior sign, has made at least 20 starts in each of the last three seasons and led the Draft class with 12.3 WAR.
NL West
- D-backs: Chad Patrick, RHP (4th round) - Patrick, a former starter, has a 2.63 ERA this season. He's a solid addition to the D-backs' pitching staff.
- Dodgers: Justin Wrobleski, LHP (11th round) - Wrobleski, a World Series hero, has settled into the Dodgers' rotation with a 3.07 ERA.
- Giants: Landen Roupp, RHP (12th round) - Roupp, a solid pitcher, has a 13-14 record and 3.61 ERA in 2024.
- Padres: James Wood, OF (2nd round) - Wood, a lefty hitter, has the best pure slugging ability in the game. He's on track for another 30-plus-homer season.
- Rockies: Hunter Goodman, C (4th round) - Goodman, a power-hitting catcher, has 31 homers and an All-Star nod. He's a solid addition to the Rockies' lineup.
