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Draft  | Story | 11/21/2025

MLB Draft Rewind: #1 Pick Last 5 Years

Tyler Henninger
Isaiah Burrows
Tyler Kotila
It’s fun to reminisce. The last five MLB Amateur Draft classes have brought a bevy of incoming talent to the big leagues. As always, hindsight is 20/20 and some picks nailed and some picks have been underwhelming of sorts. This piece highlights the last five No. 1 overall picks from 2021-2025 and if we had a redo, what would each member of the draft team do and why? Although the 2025 class has yet to really begin, it promotes an interesting dynamic to see who each member favored if they had the choice. 

You may be surprised at some of the selections below. We hope you enjoy it. Let’s dive in. 




2025 Original Pick: Washington Nationals - Eli Willits, SS, Fort Cobb-Broxton HS (Okla.)

Henninger's New Pick: Washington Nationals - Kade Anderson, LHP, Louisiana State 

The 2025 draft class has not had a ton of experience in pro ball so there is a lot to still sort out here, but if we were to redo the first selection I lean toward taking Kade Anderson. The left-hander put together a monster sophomore campaign for LSU, recording 180 strikeouts over 119 innings to go with a 3.18 ERA. The performance was impressive, but the stuff is even better. The fastball can get into the upper-90’s, both breaking balls have extremely impressive metrics, and there is a changeup in there too. The stuff misses bats and is thrown from strikes. Anderson should stick as a starter and should be a real good one.

Kotila's New Pick: Washington Nationals - Seth Hernandez, RHP, Corona HS (Calif.)

While the 2025 MLB Draft is still pretty fresh and there’s still a lot to be seen from this crop of talent, however, why not have some fun and project on some of the talent in this class? With that in mind, it still feels pretty fresh that some folks were shocked when Oklahoma native Eli Willits went 1:1, even with some of the best bat-to-ball skills and athleticism in the class. It felt like there were about 5-6 players who could profile as the Nationals' selection on draft day (including Willits), though they ended up taking Willits. But in this re-draft, I’ve got the Nationals taking Seth Hernandez with the first overall selection. Hernandez has some of the loudest stuff in the profile, from the frame to the pitch mix; it’s going to be a notable name for prospect followers for years to come. Hernandez flirted with triple digits in his prep days and recently threw 101 at the Pirates Academy in the Dominican Republic. Time will tell, and this class will take shape, but I’ve got the Nats taking Hernandez 1:1 in our first-overall pick re-draft.

Burrows' New Pick: Washington Nationals- Eli Willits, SS, Fort Cobb-Broxton HS (Okla.)

With so little sample size, no need for a major hindsight pick this early and Willits has the complete tool set and instincts worthy of a first overall pick in this particular class. If the power improves as a young-for-grade shortstop it’s true five-tool upside and Willits simply does it all with ease. He handled his own during his first professional Single-A stint, hitting .300 with a .757 OPS over 58 plate appearances. 

2024 Original Pick: Cleveland Guardians - Travis Bazzana, 2B, Oregon State

Henninger's New Pick: Cleveland Guardians - Konnor Griffin, SS, Jackson Prep (MS)

You will not find a bigger fan of Travis Bazzana than me and I still think he will go on to have a very successful big league career, but the stuff Konnor Griffin has done since entering pro ball has been absurd. In his first full year, Griffin played his way through three different leagues, posting a .333/.415/.527 slash line with 21 bombs and 65 stolen bases. The power potential, the feel to hit, the speed on the base paths all make for a potential superstar profile. Griffin is likely to make his big league debut next year at just 20 years old. Looking back now, it is hard to believe he feel all the way to the 10th pick, but that would surely change with a redraft.

Kotila's New Pick: Cleveland Guardians - Nick Kurtz, 1B, Wake Forest

There were a lot of fans in the Travis Bazzana camp when he went 1:1 to the Guardians in 2024. He put together a great season for the Beavers and showed some seriously impressive tools on the college stage. But in our re-draft, I’ve got the Guardians taking Nick Kurtz with the first overall pick. Kurtz took home American League Rookie of the Year honors, a Silver Slugger award, and even received some MVP votes. He made the most of his first year in the bigs, slugging .619 with 1.002 OPS as he clubbed 36 homers and legged out 26 doubles. It was a heck of a rookie campaign for the big left-handed hitter. For that reason, I’ve got him going first overall in this re-draft.

Burrows' New Pick: Cleveland Guardians- Nick Kurtz, 1B, Wake Forest

There are dozens of names atop top prospect lists on publications, but it's hard not to think Kurtz here with one of the most dominant rookie stretches we’ve seen in some time. The Athletics’ sensation and AL Rookie of the Year is carving himself amongst some of the best bats in the majors, clubbing a staggering 36 homers and 1.002 OPS in just 117 games. Despite what the rest of this class can amount to, Kurtz seems like a slam dunk at this point. 


2023 Original Pick: Pittsburgh Pirates - Paul Skenes, RHP, Louisiana State 

Henninger's New Pick: Pittsburgh Pirates - Paul Skenes, RHP, Louisiana State

This may be the easiest pick to make of them all. Skenes has quickly become one of, if not the best pitcher in the big leagues. Skenes took home the Rookie of the Year and followed it with a NL Cy Young trophy in year two. The pure stuff is absolutely dominant and the performance has matched it from the jump. The Pirate right-hander has posted a ridiculous 1.98 ERA over 320 2/3 career innings and has amassed nearly 11 fWAR already.  In a class that had some debate as to who should go 1:1 at the time, Skenes has left no doubt that the Pirates got it right in real time.  

Kotila's New Pick: Pittsburgh Pirates - Paul Skenes, RHP, Louisiana State

Looking back on the 2023 draft class, there’s a lot of talent at the top of the draft board and throughout the entire class. There could be a litany of future big-leaguers across the board in just a few years, and while it's still early, Paul Skenes is still the first overall pick in my eyes. It’s really hard to argue with Skenes being anything but 1:1, even with just two years under his belt. He’s taken home NL Rookie of the Year honors and was crowned the NL Cy Young Award winner earlier this month. Skenes has a career 1.96 ERA and 0.95 WHIP over his 320.2 career innings. He’s managed 386 career strikeouts already and continues to be one of the most dominant pitchers in baseball. He’s continued to make strides and improve his stuff. In our re-draft, Skenes remains the slam-dunk 1:1 pick in my book.

Burrows' New Pick: Pittsburgh Pirates- Paul Skenes, RHP, Louisiana State

Going with consensus here and the 2023 class is shaping out to be one of the best classes with the likes of Kevin McGoningle, Max Clark, Walker Jenkins and several others making their highly anticipated debuts very soon. Skenes is simply in a class of his own right now and is stacking up one of the best two-season stretches the game has seen in centuries. He’s the obvious choice and coming off his first NL Cy Young campaign, which could be the first of many at the trajectory he is currently on. 


2022 Original Pick: Baltimore Orioles - Jackson Holliday, SS, Stillwater HS (Okla.)

Henninger's New Pick: Baltimore Orioles - Roman Anthony, OF, Marjory Stoneman Douglas HS (Fla). 

The 2022 draft class has a couple guys that you could make the argument should have gone 1:1 when looking back, but the guy I’m going with is Roman Anthony. Anthony originally came off the board at pick 79, but has quickly outplayed that selection. The outfielder skyrocketed up prospect boards before making his big league debut this year. The bat has a chance to be special. There is a feel to hit to go along with big power potential. His debut season was impressive and has the underlying metrics to match. It would not be a surprise if Anthony is one of the premier outfielders in the game very soon, thus is a guy I would take 1:1 if given the chance again.

Kotila's New Pick: Baltimore Orioles - Jacob Misiorowski, RHP, Crowder College

The 2022 draft class has its fair share of big leaguers already, guys who are establishing themselves as starters at the next level and finding their roles. The Milwaukee Brewers found a diamond in the rough in the second round. While it may be a stretch to suggest that he go 1:1, the JuCo fans will be cheering as I’ve got the Orioles selecting Jacob Misiorowski in our re-draft. The massive 6-foot-7 righty has some of the best stuff in the league and showed up, taking the league by storm as part of the Brewers' 2025 run. He was the All-Star Game starter this year and has the stuff that should only continue to improve as he finds his groove and settles into his role with the Brewers' pitching staff. But, looking back on the 2022 draft, I’ve got the Orioles taking a chance and grabbing Misiorowski with the first overall pick, betting on the outrageous stuff with his long and lean frame.

Burrows' New Pick: Baltimore Orioles- Zach Neto, SS, Campbell University

Plenty of options to go here, but the 13th overall pick in this draft has turned into a high quality offensive shortstop coming off his best year. Neto has accumulated a career 11.8 WAR and is coming off a career-best 26 homers and .793 OPS. He’s a consistent speed and power threat penned into the Angels’ lineup for the past two seasons. Neto has room to grow on both sides too and can blossom into another career year. 


2021 Original Pick: Pittsburgh Pirates - Henry Davis, C, Louisville

Henninger's New Pick: Pittsburgh Pirates - James Wood, OF, IMG Academy (Fla.)

Wood is one of only a few players that have made a legitimate impact at the big league level from the 2021 draft class. The big left-handed hitting outfielder did not come off the board until pick 62, although he got first round money with a signing bonus of $2.6 million. Either way, the pick number and bonus are both drastically low compared to his production thus far into his pro career. Wood compiled a career OPS+ of 129 and posted a 31-homer season this year in his first full season in the big leagues. Not only are the overall stats good, Wood has the components under the hood to be successful for a long time. He posted a 98th percentile hard-hit rate and barrel percentage. His bat speed ranks in the 95th percentile and he walks at an extremely high rate. Wood looks to be a budding superstar and is a guy I would take 1:1 if we did the 2021 draft over again.

Kotila's New Pick: Pittsburgh Pirates - Jackson Merrill, OF, Severna Park HS (Md.)

When Henry Davis was selected first overall, some folks were shocked as the Pirates got Davis on an under-slot deal with the first overall draft pick. However, in this re-draft, we’re just looking at the talent of the class, not necessarily at slot value or what could or couldn’t have happened on the financial front. That being said, I’ve got prep outfielder Jackson Merrill going to the Pirates as the first overall draft pick. Merrill had a big-time rookie performance with 31 doubles, six triples, 24 home runs, and 90 RBI while settling into the Padres outfield quite well. He also took home a Silver Slugger award in his rookie campaign. He returned in 2025 and battled injuries but still performed as a quality big league outfielder. There’s plenty to like in Merrill’s profile moving forward, and for that reason, I’ve got the Pirates taking Merrill with the first overall selection in the PG re-draft of first overall picks.

Burrows' New Pick: Pittsburgh Pirates- Mason Miller, RHP, Gardner-Webb University

Let’s have fun on this pick. As the original third-round pick by the Athletics, Miller has transformed into one of the league's most dominant closers equipped with a routine triple-digit fastball and wipeout slider. He has collected 50 saves over his career with a career-best 15.2 strikeouts-per-nine between the Athletics and Padres. He’s a former All-Star and may be stretched into a larger role if the stuff and control holds over multiple innings. He’s a worthy No. 1 pick with a sky-high ceiling at a premium valued position. 
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Draft | Rankings | 1/12/2026

Top 100 Collegiate Freshmen
Vincent Cervino
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As we creep toward opening day here in a month or so, the draft team has put together the Top 100 freshmen on campus this spring.  Three high-end arms lead the way, starting with Jack Bauer. The Mississippi State left-hander reached triple digits as a prep and is sure to make an immediate impact this spring. UCLA right-hander Angel Cervantes was selected in the 2nd round of last year’s draft but held firm on his commitment and should be an impact arm for the Bruins. Following the arms, a collection of bats rounds out the Top 10. There is loads of upside to the group with the potential and they should draw considerable playing time as freshman.  As the list gets deeper, there are plenty of players that should pop up and make significant contributions both this year and years down the line. The class has both depth and talent, making for a very intriguing group of...
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Tournaments | Story | 1/20/2026

MLK West Scout Notes: Days 3-4

Steve Fiorindo
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MLK West Scout Notes: Days 1-2 Markus Chandler, RHP, Westside HS Class of 2027 A little on the undersized side as a sub 6 footer, but Chandler can generate some velo and spin.  Spun 3 frames of hitless ball for Spects National with zero walks and 6 strikeouts.  Committed to Kansas State, the righty ran the fastball to 92, living 89-92 pumping the zone with 75 percent strikes.  Looked like two different breaking balls, with the SL 80/81 (spin in 2500’s) and curveball 75/76.  No hard contact, little contact at all off the righty in this dominant outing. To follow up the pitching performance, Chandler swung the bat well on Championship Monday (Trademark Pending) with 5 RBI and three hits on the day, regularly on the barrel.  Trevor Alons, RHP, Centennial HS Class of 2028 Lean framed sophomore with a quick, whippy arm.  Playing up a few classes, you might...
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College | Story | 1/20/2026

Conference Preview: Oregon State

Tyler Henninger
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2026 College Preview Index | Preseason Top 25 | Preseason Collegiate All-Americans For all of Perfect Game's conference previews as part of the 2026 college baseball preview content, the 2025 records and all-conference teams are available for free. The conference top prospects and individual team breakdowns can be viewed with a subscription. 2025 Record W L T Oregon State 48 16 1 Impact Player: Easton Talt, OF Impact Pitcher: Dax Whitney, RHP Impact Freshman: Mason Pike, RHP/MIF 2026 MLB Draft Prospects 1. Ethan Kleinschmit, LHP 2. Eric Segura, RHP 3. Zach Edwards*, RHP 4. Easton Talt, OF 5. Jacob Kreig, 1B 6. Wyatt Queen, RHP 7. AJ Singer, IF 8. Eli Gries-Smith, OF 9. Noah Scott, RHP 10. Paul Vazquez*, IF 11. Nyan Hayes, OF 12. AJ Hutcheson, RHP 13. Tyler Inge*, 3B 14. Bryson Glassco, IF 15. Jacob Galloway, C 2027 MLB Draft Prospects 1. Dax Whitney, RHP 2. Adam...
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Tournaments | Story | 1/18/2026

MLK West Scout Notes: Days 1-2

Steve Fiorindo
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Cole Migaki (‘29 WA) w/ one of his 5 K’s thru 2-innings. FB 84-86 coupled w/ a firm BB that has 11/5 shape sitting 77-77. Balanced operation w/ a live, loose arm. Athletic frame at 6-ft, 170 that projects #MLKWest @PG_PacificNW pic.twitter.com/iBgAoajNUM — Perfect Game Four Corners (@PG_FourCorners) January 16, 2026 Cole Migaki (2029 Vancouver, WA) Was lights out in his start on Friday at MLK West, only needing 42 pitches to get thru three-innings and did not allow a hit or run while punching out 8.  Migaki overwhelmed opposing hitters, running his fastball up to 86 and mixing in a firm breaking ball at 75-77 with 11-5 shape and depth.  The athletic 6-foot, 170-pound right-hander is the top ranked third base prospect in the state of Washington for the class of 2029, collecting a couple of hits in his five at-bats and drove in a run.  Excellent start to...
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Press Release | Press Release | 1/16/2026

Perfect Game Hires Blakeley As Regional Dir.

Perfect Game Staff
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    667 Progress Way | Sanford, FL 32771 | 319-298-2923  www.perfectgame.org | facebook.com/perfectgameusa | @PerfectGameUSA      FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE    PERFECT GAME HIRES ERIC BLAKELEY AS REGIONAL DIRECTOR    Sanford, Florida (Friday, January 16, 2026) - Perfect Game, the world’s largest youth baseball and softball platform and scouting service, today announced the hiring of Eric Blakeley as a Regional Director. Blakeley brings more than two decades of experience in elite baseball and softball events, along with an accomplished background as both a collegiate and professional player.    Blakeley joins Perfect Game after building the highly respected Crossroads Baseball Series, where for more than 20 years he developed and operated baseball...
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College | Story | 1/16/2026

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Kyler Peterson
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2026 College Preview Index | Preseason Top 25 | Preseason Collegiate All-Americans For all of Perfect Game's conference previews as part of the 2026 college baseball preview content, the 2025 records and all-conference teams are available for free. The conference top prospects and individual team breakdowns can be viewed with a subscription. 2025 Records Teams are listed in alphabetical order*  School  W L W L Boston College 28 29 11 19 California 24 31 9 21 Clemson 45 18 18 12 Duke 41 21 17 13 Florida State 42 16 17 10 Georgia Tech 41 19 19 11 Louisville 42 24 15 15 Miami 35 27 15 14 North Carolina 46 15 18 11 NC State 35 21 17 11 Notre Dame 32 21 14 16 Pitt 28 27 10 20 Stanford 27 25 16 15 Virginia 32 18 16 11 Virginia Tech 31 25 12 18 Wake Forest 39 22 16 14 Preseason All-Conference Team Pos. Name School Stats/Notes C Vahn Lackey Georgia Tech...
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College | Story | 1/19/2026

Conference Preview: SEC

Vincent Cervino
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2026 College Preview Index | Preseason Top 25 | Preseason Collegiate All-Americans For all of Perfect Game's conference previews as part of the 2026 college baseball preview content, the 2025 records and all-conference teams are available for free. The conference top prospects and individual team breakdowns can be viewed with a subscription. 2025 Records Teams are listed in alphabetical order*  Team W L W L Alabama 41 18 16 14 Arkansas 50 15 20 10 Auburn 41 20 17 13 Florida 39 22 15 15 Georgia 43 17 18  12 Kentucky 31 26 13 17 LSU 53 15 19 11 Ole Miss 43 21 16 14 Mississippi State 36 23 15 15 Missouri 16 39 3 27 Oklahoma 38 22 14 16 South Carolina 28 29 6 24 Tennessee 46 19 16 14 Texas 44 14 22 8 Texas A&M 30 26 11 19 Vanderbilt 43 18 19 11 Preseason All-Conference Team Pos. Name School Stats/Notes C Carson Tinney^ Texas .348-17-53; power hitting RHH...
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College | Story | 1/14/2026

2026 College Preview Index

Perfect Game Staff
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From Preseason All-Americans to a Top 25, make sure to check back daily as we will continue to pump out content as a staff. Every conference preview will include a Preseason All-Conference Team as well as Draft/Prospect lists for each of the next 3 years (2026, 2027, 2028) while also breaking down every team within each conference. Publish Date Content Wednesday January 7 Preseason All-Americans Thursday January 8 Preseason Top 25 Friday January 9 No. 1 Feature: LSU Monday January 12 Top 100 Freshmen Tuesday January 13 Top 100 Sophomores Wednesday January 14 Top 100 Juniors Thursday January 15 Top 100 Seniors College Conference Previews Publish Date Conference Friday January 16 Atlantic Coast (ACC) Monday January 19 Southeastern (SEC) Tuesday January 20 Oregon State Preview Wednesday January 21 Big 12 Thursday January 22 Big 10 Friday January 23 American (AAC) Monday...
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Softball | Softball Tournament | 1/14/2026

Perfect Game Softball Turf Wars

Ashley Mears
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2026 Perfect Game Softball Turf Wars January 9-11 Ashley Mears   The 2026 season kicked off in impressive fashion at the Fun City Dome in Burlington, Iowa, featuring a highly competitive field across both age groups. The 18U division was loaded with talent, including over 20 Division I and II commits and several high-upside prospects, leading to intense bracket play and multiple walk-off finishes. Iowa Nationals claimed the championship over a well-rounded Iowa Prospects Gold team. The 14U division brought together quality programs from Minnesota, Iowa, and Illinois. The tournament championship was an exciting matchup where Southeast Iowa Swarm edged a tough Black Dragons squad. 18u Lauren Hagedorn (2026, Adel, IA) of Iowa Nationals and future Iowa State Cyclone earned weekend MVP honors after a strong two-way performance. In the circle, she consistently kept hitters off balance...
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College | Rankings | 1/15/2026

Top 100 Collegiate Seniors

Vincent Cervino
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Top 100 Collegiate Freshmen | Top 100 Collegiate Sophomores | Top 100 Collegiate Juniors This senior board is one of the deepest we’ve assembled in years. From experienced weekend arms with power stuff, to proven position players coming off loud 2025 spring seasons, to former prospects returning from injury and looking to reestablish their status, impact players are scattered throughout the group. Headlining the board is Maika Niu, now at Arkansas after a strong season at Marshall and an MVP summer on the Cape. Nui is a high-level athlete in center field and a legitimate offensive force who should slide seamlessly into the heart of the Razorbacks’ lineup. Close behind are two premium arms in Ole Miss’s Hunter Elliott and Kentucky’s Jaxon Jelkin. Elliott is coming off a monster 2025 spring, going 10–3 with a 2.94 ERA and 104 strikeouts, and...
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College | Rankings | 1/14/2026

Top 100 Collegiate Juniors

Vincent Cervino
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Top 100 Collegiate Freshmen | Top 100 Collegiate Sophomores As we look ahead to another season of college baseball and continue our week of class-by-class lists, we look at the Junior class and we’ve got our Top 100 Juniors in the 2026 college season. This list aligns with the PG Draft lists we compiled at the top, with Roch Cholowsky, Drew Burress, and AJ Gracia rounding out the top three. There’s a litany of storylines to follow this year, with players who have tons of draft upside or players looking to be impactful players among their respective programs. These are the players who we feel are in a position to make some serious noise during the 2026 season. Talent is present all across the board, with players who could make some serious statements this year. Looking all the way up and down the board, there are impact bats, players primed for a breakout, Friday...
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