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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 | Story | 2/6/2026

PG Draft: Mid-Major Picks to Click
Tyler Henninger
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While Power 4 prospects tend to soak up the bulk of the industry buzz, there’s plenty of legitimate talent lurking at the mid-major level. These are competitive programs that are loaded with players who have real tools, physicality, and performance track records that translate beyond their conference. Below are nine mid-major prospects we expect evaluators to be in early and often on this spring. Ethan Norby, LHP, East Carolina (Rank: 155) Norby is an undersized left-hander, but has produced strong numbers over two years at ECU. The left-hander has produced a 3.80 ERA with 182 strikeouts over 149 1/3 innings. While the velocity does not stand out, Norby can still miss bats with the heater. It works in the low-90’s and creeps towards 95 mph at times. Quality extension for his size and high spin allow that offering to get on hitters, resulting in weak contact as well as whiffs....
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High School | General | 2/18/2026

High School Notebook: Feb. 18

Cam McElwaney
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Grady Emerson (‘26 TX) laces this ball to right for a walk off single. Clean lefty stroke. Looks the part both sides of the ball. Checks all the boxes. Will be scouted heavily this Spring. #PGHS #HookEm commit. #PGDraft pic.twitter.com/wXvdHdgqME — Perfect Game Texas (@Texas_PG) February 6, 2026 Grady Emerson (2026, Argyle, Texas) had a strong showing throughout the opening week of high school baseball out here in Texas. Works good at-bats and is always a tough out in general. Makes all the plays at short and just has the look of a future big leaguer. He does all the little things right. Bat to ball will play at a high level and there is still a lot more power to project on here. There is a reason why Emerson is one of, if not the most highly coveted high school prospect in the 2026 class and it’s easy to see why. Currently committed to Texas, but has the potential to...
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High School | Rankings | 2/18/2026

Midwest Region Top Teams

Tyler Russo
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Midwest All Region & Top Tools Rk Midwest 2025 Record 1 St. Thomas Aquinas (KS) 27-4 2 Edmond Memorial (OK) 30-8 3 Muskego (WI) 27-10 4 Lawrence Free State (KS) 28-2 5 Mill Valley (KS) 22-6 6 Valley View (AR) 29-5 7 Platte County (MO) 29-8 8 Liberty North (MO) 19-14 9 Millard North (NE) 23-13 10 St. John Vianney (MO) 38-2 11 Owasso (OK) 40-3 12 Olathe East (KS) 22-6 13 Staley (MO) 38-4 14 Shawnee Mission South (KS) 10-11-4 15 Blue Springs South (MO) 27-7 16 Blue Valley (KS) 21-10 17 Edmond Santa Fe (OK) 37-7 18 Skutt Catholic (NE) 24-7 19 Howell (MO) 35-4 20 Olathe West (KS) 25-3 21 Creighton Prep (NE) 16-15 22 Rogers (AR) 26-4 23 Fayetteville (AR) 26-7 24 Blue Valley West (KS) 17-10 25 Cretin Derham Hall (MN) 19-5-1
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Softball | Softball Tournament | 2/18/2026

PG Softball Winter One Day Tournament

Dave Durbala
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BURLINGTON, IA - Perfect Game Softball Winter One Day Tournament, February 15, 2026. Twelve teams, split between the 16u and 18u divisions, participated in this event.  With two pool games, and then a move into single elimination bracket play,  some players used this tournament as  their last warm-up before kicking off their high school seasons, while others were tuning up for the busy Spring and Summer travel season. In the 16u division, it was the Iowa Aries 16u Ce Fire Red taking the championship, with Southeast Iowa Allstars 18u Gold Miller earning the crown in the 18u division. Below are write-ups from observations made during the day, as due to a software glitch, there were no stats available to complete a Top Performers list. 16U Division  Earning the MV-Pitcher Award, as selected by her coaches, was Aurora Widlund (2029 Altoona, IA) of tournament champion Iowa...
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College | Rankings | 2/18/2026

DIII Rankings: February 18

Nick Herfordt
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Every spring, Division III baseball begins as a wide-open map. Cold mornings turn into long bus rides, non-conference gauntlets test resolve, and by the time the dust settles, only a few teams are still standing with a clear line to the NCAA Division III baseball tournament. The 2026 Perfect Game Division III Baseball Rankings capture that moment before the stretch run, highlighting the programs that have separated themselves through depth, durability, and an ability to win in a variety of ways. These eight teams are not simply piling up wins; they are shaping identities built to survive the grind and thrive when the margins narrow.  The destination is familiar, even if the journey never is. Once again, the final chapter will be written at Classic Park, where timing, composure, and roster balance matter as much as raw talent. The teams ranked here enter 2026 with more than ambition....
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Juco | Rankings | 2/18/2026

JUCO Rankings Update: February 18

Blaine Peterson
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Just a couple of weeks into the 2026 season, several teams have already hit the ground running, namely Walters State, Florida Southwestern, Chipola, Johnson County, Florence-Darlington, and Pearl River. A little further down the rankings, we’ve seen some significant movement. The College of Southern Nevada surged up several spots after a strong 12-2 start, while Gaston has turned heads with an unblemished 14-0 record. We also welcome a few new additions in the 20s: Fresno City and Panola. Neither program debuted inside our top 50, but both have certainly earned their place in this week’s rankings. We’re looking forward to another exciting week of early spring baseball, as teams across the country continue to find their rhythm before conference play begins. Rk. School Record 1 Walters State (TN) 11-2 2 Florida Southwestern (FL) 11-3 3 McLennan (TX) 5-1 4 Chipola (FL)...
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Showcase | Story | 2/18/2026

PG National Heading to Miami

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 NATIONAL SHOWCASE TO MAKE HISTORIC  DEBUT AT LOANDEPOT PARK, HOME OF THE MIAMI MARLINS    Prestigious event brings nation’s top amateur talent to a Major League venue July 1–5    Miami, Florida (Wednesday, February 18, 2026) - Perfect Game, the world’s largest youth baseball and softball platform and scouting service, today announced that the annual Perfect Game National Showcase will be held for the first time at LoanDepot Park, home of the Miami Marlins, from July 1-5.    This milestone event marks Perfect Game’s...
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High School | Rankings | 2/17/2026

Ohio Valley Top Teams

Tyler Russo
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Ohio Valley All Region & Top Tools Rk Ohio Valley 2025 Record 1 Trinity (KY) 38-3 2 Archbishop Moeller (OH) 25-4-1 3 St. Laurence (IL) 37-5 4 Center Grove (IN) 27-5 5 Brother Rice (IL) 36-5 6 Chicago Mount Carmel (IL) 23-14 7 Crown Point (IN) 27-5 8 Libertyville (IL) 37-4 9 Brother Rice (MI) 23-12-1 10 Orchard Lake St. Mary's (MI) 26-13 11 Normal Community (IL) 37-6 12 Detroit Catholic Central (MI) 20-10 13 Nazareth Academy (IL) 31-7 14 Lyons Township (IL) 22-11-1 15 Zionsville (IN) 19-9 16 St. Xavier (KY) 30-7 17 Noblesville (IN) 16-11 18 Jackson (OH) 27-4 19 Mason (OH) 22-7 20 Fishers (IN) 25-6 21 McHenry (IL) 34-5-1 22 McCracken County (KY) 24-7 23 Westfield (IN) 22-10 24 Olentangy Liberty (OH) 27-7 25 McCutcheon (IN) 16-12
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High School | General | 2/17/2026

Ohio Valley All Region & Top Tools

David Rawnsley
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OHIO VALLEY REGION (IL, IN, KY, MI, OH) The Ohio Valley Region has a healthy amount of top-level talent, as it features five Perfect Game All-Americans in shortstop Ethan Bass, third baseman TJ McQuillan, two-way stand out Matt Ponatoski and right-handed pitchers Shawn Sullivan and Grayson Willoughby.  The 2027 class looks very strong as well, especially in Illinois. A couple of things are missing from the Ohio Valley All-Region team, though.  The first is the two best outfielders in the region, as 2027 Illinois outfielder Sebastian Wilson is attending IMG Academy in Florida and fellow 2027 outfielder Noah Goettke from Ohio is attending P27 Academy in South Carolina.  Also missing are any players from Michigan, which enjoyed a dominant run of top prospects in recent years largely behind the Lake Orchard St. Mary’s HS program.  2027 catcher Broder Katke (Brother...
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Press Release | Press Release | 2/17/2026

PG & 100% Sunglasses Team Up

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 ANNOUNCES PARTNERSHIP WITH 100% SUNGLASSES   Sanford, Florida (Tuesday, February 17, 2026) - Perfect Game, the world’s largest youth baseball and softball platform and scouting service, today announced a new partnership with 100% Sunglasses, naming the premium performance eyewear brand an official sunglass partner of Perfect Game and the Presenting Partner of Perfect Game’s MLB Draft coverage.   As part of the partnership, Perfect Game and 100% will collaborate on co-branded sunglasses, bringing together two brands synonymous with elite performance and authenticity in the game of baseball.   In addition, 100% will provide custom sunglasses to players selected to participate in...
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College | Story | 2/17/2026

College Players of the Week: Feb. 17

Vincent Cervino
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Perfect Game/Player of the Week: Tyce Armstrong, IF, Baylor Opening Day always has a special feel with the sights, sounds and smells bringing back memories of days gone by. But no one that made their way to Magnolia Field at Baylor Ballpark could have imagined what they would witness in the Baylor Bears first game against New Mexico State. Enter 6-4/228, redshirt senior 1B Tyce Armstrong with his power stroke and flare for the dramatic. Transferring in after a successful career at UT Arlington, the Magnolia, TX native would etch his name in the record books with an incredible day at the plate. Armstrong would hit three grand slams in the game, becoming just the second player in NCAA history to accomplish this feat in a single game. His three home runs tied a program record, and his 12 RBIs set a new standard for the Bears. Beyond that, Armstrong matched the 50-year-old record previously...
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