Five years after the 2020 MLB Draft, we now have a clearer picture of which teams made the best choices. This unique draft, influenced by the shortened amateur cycle due to the pandemic, has produced some surprising outcomes. While time still plays a role in shaping final judgments, certain teams have already emerged as winners, while others face significant challenges. Here’s an overview of the top performers and underperformers from this pivotal draft class.
The Teams That Excelled in the 2020 Draft
Several organizations shone brightly in the 2020 draft, capitalizing on their selections with remarkable success. The Braves, for instance, secured not just one but multiple stars, including an ace pitcher and two All-Stars. Meanwhile, the Cardinals' strategic picks within the first 30 selections have yielded promising results, particularly with their young shortstop and outfield talent. Similarly, the Giants’ bold choice to draft another catcher paid off handsomely, adding depth and future potential to their roster. The White Sox, despite trading away their top pick, benefited from acquiring valuable prospects in return. Lastly, the Pirates hit a home run with their first three picks, securing key players who are now among the top prospects in baseball.
The Atlanta Braves stand out as one of the most successful teams in the 2020 draft. Their fourth-round selection, Spencer Strider, has become an ace pitcher, complemented by fifth-rounder Bryce Elder, both achieving All-Star status. Together, these two contribute significantly to the Braves' cumulative bWAR of 10.9, nearly double that of the second-place team. Additionally, Jared Shuster, a first-round pick, has also made it to the big leagues, showcasing the Braves' ability to identify and develop top-tier talent. Jesse Franklin, although facing setbacks, remains a part of the organization's promising future.
The St. Louis Cardinals also excelled, leading all teams with four players selected within the first 30 picks in a hypothetical redraft. Masyn Winn, a second-round shortstop, stands out as a top-three prospect in this exercise. His defensive prowess and youth make him an invaluable asset. Alec Burleson, picked 70th overall, has already accumulated significant major league experience. Jordan Walker, despite needing more development, possesses tools and youth that could propel him to stardom. Tink Hence, a right-handed pitcher, ranks among the Top 100 prospects, solidifying the Cardinals' strong draft performance.
The Teams That Faced Challenges
Not every team enjoyed the same level of success. Some organizations faced considerable difficulties, with several high-profile misses impacting their drafts. The Twins, for example, struggled with their first-round pick, while the Royals encountered issues with control and performance. The Blue Jays, despite initial optimism, saw their top pick falter, and the Reds found little value in their selections. Finally, the Rays' gamble on a reclassified player did not pay off, leaving them with limited returns from this draft class.
The Minnesota Twins had a disappointing 2020 draft, highlighted by Aaron Sabato's struggles. Picked 27th overall, Sabato has failed to meet offensive expectations at first base or designated hitter positions. His career batting average of .209 is far below what was anticipated. Alerick Soularie, a second-round pick, was released by the Twins and signed by the Giants, spending part of his 2024 season in independent ball. Marco Raya and Kal'ai Rosario represent the last hopes for this draft class, though they remain within the team's top 30 prospects.
The Kansas City Royals, despite having three big leaguers from their 2020 class, suffered a significant miss with their fourth overall pick, Asa Lacy. Lacy, once highly ranked, struggled with control and performance, missing two seasons due to UCL surgery. Nick Loftin, Tyler Gentry, and Will Klein provide some consolation, but Lacy's setback overshadows their contributions. The Royals' draft highlights the risks associated with selecting highly touted college pitchers.
The Toronto Blue Jays' top pick, Austin Martin, initially hailed as a steal, has not lived up to expectations. Martin became the only big leaguer from the class but quickly showed impact concerns in professional play. Traded to the Twins, he recorded -1.0 bWAR in 2024, ranking as the worst performer of the 2020 class. CJ Van Eyk, Trent Palmer, Nick Frasso, and Zach Britton no longer feature in the team's top 30 prospects, emphasizing the need for better evaluation processes.
The Cincinnati Reds' first-round pick, Austin Hendrick, showcased power and bat speed but succumbed to high strikeout rates, eroding his prospect status. Christian Roa, Jackson Miller, Bryce Bonnin, and Mac Wainwright failed to add significant value. Joe Boyle, a fifth-round right-hander, made it to the majors but performed below average. The Reds' draft underscores the importance of addressing fundamental skills early in a player's development.
The Tampa Bay Rays took a calculated risk on Nick Bitsko, a reclassified player from the 2021 class. However, Bitsko's pro innings remain minimal, and he struggled in lower-level leagues. Alika Williams, the lone big leaguer from the class, was traded to the Pirates and struggled against major league pitching. Ian Seymour, a second-round pick, shows promise as a swingman but requires further development. The Rays' draft serves as a reminder of the uncertainties involved in evaluating young talent.