The Houston Astros won the World Series this past season with a core of homegrown talent, including Dallas Keuchel, Lance McCullers, Jose Altuve, Alex Bregman, Carlos Correa, and George Springer. For the Los Angeles Dodgers, last year’s National League Champions, the same could be said of a core that includes homegrown players Clayton Kershaw, Cody Bellinger, Corey Seager, Yasiel Puig, and Kenley Jansen. With that in mind, and with spring training battles set to take place over the next few weeks, below is a look at how valuable each MLB franchises’ first-round picks have been over the past decade. It should be noted that each player’s listed WAR total is their career value, and in some cases have been accumulated with teams other than the one that drafted them.
American League
Baltimore Orioles: 43.0 WAR
2008: Brian Matusz, LHP, 2.7 WAR
2009: Matthew Hobgood, RHP, Has yet to reach the MLB
2010: Manny Machado, SS, 27.9 WAR
2011: Dylan Bundy, P, 4.4 WAR
2012: Kevin Gausman, RHP, 8.0 WAR
2013: Josh Hart, CF, Has yet to reach the MLB
2014: No 1st Round Pick
2015: DJ Stewart, OF, Has yet to reach the MLB
2016: Ryan Mountcastle, SS, Has yet to reach the MLB
2017: Cody Sedlock, RHP, Has yet to reach the MLB
Boston Red Sox: 11.3 WAR
2008: Bryan Price, RHP, -0.2 WAR
2008: Casey Kelly, SS, -1.5 WAR
2009: Reymond Fuentes, CF, -0.3 WAR
2010: Kolbrin Vitek, 2B, Has yet to reach the MLB
2010: Bryce Brentz, OF, -0.1 WAR
2010: Anthony Ranaudo, RHP, -1.5 WAR
2011: Matt Barnes, RHP, 0.8 WAR
2011: Blake Swihart, C, 0.6 WAR
2011: Henry Owens, LHP, 0.1 WAR
2011: Jackie Bradley Jr. OF, 10.8 WAR
2012: Deven Marrero, SS, 0.1 WAR
2012: Pat Light, RHP, -0.7 WAR
2012: Brian Johnson, LHP, 0.1 WAR
2013: Trey Ball, LHP, Has yet to reach the MLB
2014: Michael Chavis, SS, Has yet to reach the MLB
2014: Michael Kopech, RHP, Has yet to reach the MLB
2015: Andrew Benintendi, OF, 3.1 WAR
2016: Jason Groome, LHP, Has yet to reach the MLB
2017: Tanner Houck, RHP, Has yet to reach the MLB
Chicago White Sox: 52.7 WAR
2008: Gordon Beckham, SS, 5.7 WAR
2009: Josh Phegley, C, 1.7 WAR
2009: Jared Mitchell, OF, Has yet to reach the MLB
2010: Chris Sale, LHP, 37.2 WAR
2011:Keenyn Walker, OF, Has yet to reach the MLB
2012: Courtney Hawkins, OF, Has yet to reach the MLB
2012: Keon Barnum, 1B, Has yet to reach the MLB
2013: Tim Anderson, SS, 3.7 WAR
2014: Carlos Rodon, LHP, 4.3 WAR
2015: Carson Fulmer, RHP, 0.1 WAR
2016: Zack Collins, C, Has yet to reach the MLB
2016: Zack Burdi, P, Has yet to reach the MLB
2017: Jake Burger, 3B, Has yet to reach the MLB
Cleveland Indians: 37.5 WAR
2008: Lonnie Chisenhall, 3B, 8.8 WAR
2009: Alex White, RHP, -0.4 WAR
2010: Drew Pomeranz, LHP, 11.3 WAR
2011: Fransico Lindor, SS, 15.8 WAR
2012: Tyler Naquin, OF, 0.9 WAR
2013: Clint Frazier, OF, -0.4 WAR
2014: Bradley Zimmer, OF, 1.5 WAR
2014: Justus Sheffield, LHP, Has yet to reach the MLB
2014: Mike Papi, OF, Has yet to reach the MLB
2015: Brady Aiken, LHP, Has yet to reach the MLB
2015: Triston McKenize, RHP, Has yet to reach the MLB
2016: Will Benson, OF, Has yet to reach the MLB
2017: No 1st Round Pick
Detroit Tigers: -0.7 WAR
2008: Ran Perry, RHP, 0.3 WAR
2009: Jacob Turner, RHP, -1.8 WAR
2010:Nicholas Castellanos, 3B, 1.3 WAR
2010: Chance Ruffin, RHP, -0.5 WAR
2011: No 1st Round Pick
2012: No 1st Round Pick
2013: Jonathon Crawford, RHP, Has yet to reach the MLB
2014: Derek Hill, OF, Has yet to reach the MLB
2015: Beau Burrows, RHP, Has yet to reach the MLB
2015: Christin Stewart, OF, Has yet to reach the MLB
2016: Matt Manning, RHP, Has yet to reach the MLB
2017: Alex Faedo, RHP, Has yet to reach the MLB
Houston Astros: 50.0 WAR
2008: Jason Castro, C, 12.1 WAR
2009: Jordan Lyles, RHP, -3.5 WAR
2009: Jiovanni Mier, SS, Has yet to reach the MLB
2010: Delino DeShields Jr. OF, 3.1 WAR
2010: Mike Foltynewicz, RHP, 0.5 WAR
2011: George Springer, OF, 15.7 WAR
2012: Carlos Correa, SS, 16.3 WAR
2013: Mark Appel, RHP, Has yet to reach the MLB
2014: Brady Aiken, LHP, Has yet to reach the MLB (Did not sign with Astros)
2015:Alex Bregman, SS, 5.8 WAR
2015: Kyle Tucker, OF, Has yet to reach the MLB
2015: Daz Cameron, OF, Has yet to reach the MLB
2016: Forrest Whitley, P, Has yet to reach the MLB
2017: J.B. Bukauskas, P, Has yet to reach the MLB
Kansas City Royals: 30.7 WAR
2008: Eric Hosmer, 1B, 14.1 WAR
2008: Mike Montgomery, LHP, 4.9 WAR
2009: Aaron Crow, RHP, 2.4 WAR
2010: Christian Colon, SS, 1.8 WAR
2011: Bubba Starling, OF, Has yet to reach the MLB
2012: Kyle Zimmer, RHP, Has yet to reach the MLB
2013: Hunter Dozier, SS, 0.0 WAR
2013: Sean Manaea, LHP, 4.4 WAR
2014: Brandon Finnegan, LHP, 3.1 WAR
2014: Foster Griffin, LHP, Has yet to reach the MLB
2014: Chase Vallot, LHP, Has yet to reach the MLB
2015: Ashe Russell, RHP, Has yet to reach the MLB
2015: Nolan Watson, RHP, Has yet to reach the MLB
2016: No 1st Round Pick
2017: Nick Pratto, 1B, Has yet to reach the MLB
Los Angeles Angels: 73.6 WAR
2008: No 1st Round Pick
2009: Mike Trout, OF, 55.2 WAR
2009: Randal Grichuk, OF, 7.0 WAR
2009: Tyler Skaggs, LHP, 0.8 WAR
2009: Garrett Richards, RHP, 7.0 WAR
2009: Tyler Kehrer, LHP, Has yet to reach the MLB
2010: Kaleb Cowart, RHP, -0.2 WAR
2010: Cam Bedrosian, RHP, -0.1 WAR
2010: Chevy Clarke, OF, Has yet to reach the MLB
2010: Taylor Lindsey, SS, Has yet to reach the MLB
2011: C.J. Cron, 1B, 2.8 WAR
2012: No 1st Round Pick
2013: No 1st Round Pick
2014: Sean Newcomb, LHP, 1.1 WAR
2015: Taylor Ward, C, Has yet to reach the MLB
2016: Matt Thaiss, C, Has yet to reach the MLB
2017: Jordan Adell, OF, Has yet to reach the MLB
Minnesota Twins: 18.7 WAR
2008: Aaron Hicks, OF, 5.8 WAR
2008: Carlos Gutierrez, RHP, Has yet to reach the MLB
2008: Shooter Hunt, RHP, Has yet to reach the MLB
2009: Kyle Gibson, RHP, 5.3 WAR
2009: Matthew Bashore, Has yet to reach the MLB
2010: Alex Wimmers, RHP, 0.2 WAR
2011: Levi Michael, SS, Has yet to reach the MLB
2011: Travis Harrison, 3B, Has yet to reach the MLB
2011: Hudson Boyd, RHP, Has yet to reach the MLB
2012: Byron Buxton, OF, 7.2 WAR
2012: Jose Berrios, RHP, 0.2 WAR
2012: Luke Bard, RHP, Has yet to reach the MLB
2013: Kohl Stewart, RHP, Has yet to reach the MLB
2014: Nick Gordon, SS, Has yet to reach the MLB
2015: Tyler Jay, LHP, Has yet to reach the MLB
2016:Alex Kirilloff, OF, Has yet to reach the MLB
2017: Royce Lewis, SS, Has yet to reach the MLB
2017: Brent Rooker, OF, Has yet to reach the MLB
New York Yankees: 20.3 WAR
2008: Gerrit Cole, RHP, 12.2 WAR (Did not sign with the Yankees)
2008: Jeremy Bleich, LHP, Has yet to reach the MLB
2009: Slade Heathcott, OF, 0.4 WAR
2010: Cito Culver, SS, Has yet to reach the MLB
2011: Dante Bichette Jr. 3B, Has yet to reach the MLB
2012: Ty Hensley, RHP, Has yet to reach the MLB
2013: Eric Jagielo, 3B, Has yet to reach the MLB
2013: Aaron Judge, OF, 7.7 WAR
2013: Ian Clarkin, LHP, Has yet to reach the MLB
2014: No 1st Round Pick
2015: James Kaprielian, RHP, Has yet to reach the MLB
2015: Kyle Holder, SS, Has yet to reach the MLB
2016: Blake Rutherford, OF, Has yet to reach the MLB
2017: Clarke Schmidt, P, Has yet to reach the MLB
Oakland Athletics: 26.7 WAR
2008: Jemile Weeks, 2B, 1.1 WAR
2009: Grant Green, SS, -1.6 WAR
2010: Michael Choice, CF, -2.0 WAR
2011: Sonny Gray, RHP, 12.4 WAR
2012: Addison Russell, SS, 10.0 WAR
2012: Daniel Robertson, SS, 0.6 WAR
2012: Matt Olson, 1B, 2.6 WAR
2013: Billy McKinney, OF, Has yet to reach the MLB
2014: Matt Chapman, 3B, 3.6 WAR
2015: Richie Martin, SS, Has yet to reach the MLB
2016: A.J. Puk, LHP, Has yet to reach the MLB
2016: Daulton Jefferies, RHP, Has yet to reach the MLB
2017: Austin Beck, OF, Has yet to reach the MLB
2017: Kevin Merrell, SS, Has yet to reach the MLB
Seattle Mariners: 20.8 WAR
2008: Josh Fields, RHP, 1.0 WAR
2009: Dustin Ackley, OF, 8.1 WAR
2009: Nick Franklin, SS, 1.2 WAR
2009: Steven Baron, C, -0.3 WAR
2010: Taijuan Walker, RHP, 5.7 WAR
2011: Danny Hultzen, LHP, Has yet to reach the MLB
2012: Mike Zunino, C, 5.1 WAR
2013: D.J. Peterson, 3B, Has yet to reach the MLB
2014: Alex Jackson, OF, Has yet to reach the MLB
2015: No 1st Round Pick
2016: Kyle Lewis, OF, Has yet to reach the MLB
2017: Evan White, 1B, Has yet to reach the MLB
Tampa Bay Rays: 5.6 WAR
2008: Tim Beckham, SS, 4.5 WAR
2009: LeVon Washington, 2B, Has yet to reach the MLB (Did not sign with the Rays)
2010: Josh Sale, OF, Has yet to reach the MLB
2010: Justin O’Conner, Has yet to reach the MLB
2010: Drew Vettieson, OF, Has yet to reach the MLB
2011: Taylor Guerrieri, RHP, Has yet to reach the MLB
2011: Mikie Mahtook, OF, 0.7 WAR
2011: Jake Hager, SS, Has yet to reach the MLB
2011: Brandon Martin, SS, Has yet to reach the MLB
2011: Tyler Goeddel, 3B, -1.4 WAR
2011: Jeff Ames, RHP, Has yet to reach the MLB
2011: Blake Snell, LHP, 1.9 WAR
2011: Kes Carter, OF, Has yet to reach the MLB
2011: Grayson Garvin, LHP, Has yet to reach the MLB
2011: James Harris, OF, Has yet to reach the MLB
2012: Richie Shaffer, 3B, 0.2 WAR
2013: Nick Ciuffo, C, Has yet to reach the MLB
2013: Ryne Stanek, RHP, -0.3 WAR
2014: Casey Gillaspie, 1B, Has yet to reach the MLB
2015: Garret Whitley, OF, Has yet to reach the MLB
2016: Joshua Lowe, 3B, Has yet to reach the MLB
2017: Brendan McKay, 1B/LHP, Has yet to reach the MLB
2017: Drew Rasmussen, P, Has yet to reach the MLB (Did not sign with the Rays)
Toronto Blue Jays: 36.7 WAR
2008: David Cooper, 1B, 0.1 WAR
2009: Chad Jenkins, RHP, 1.4 WAR
2009: James Paxton, LHP, 8.1 WAR (Did not sign with the Blue Jays)
2010: Deck McGuire, RHP, 0.2 WAR
2010: Aaron Sanchez, RHP, 8.0 WAR
2010: Noah Syndergaard, RHP, 9.3 WAR
2010: Asher Wojciechoswki, RHP, -1.5 WAR
2011: Tyler Beede, RHP, Has yet to reach the MLB (Did not sign with the Blue Jays)
2011: Jacob Anderson, OF, Has yet to reach the MLB
2011: Joe Musgrove, RHP, 0.7 WAR
2011: Dwight Smith Jr. OF, 0.1 WAR
2011: Kevin Comer, RHP, Has yet to reach the MLB
2012: D.J. Davis, OF, Has yet to reach the MLB
2012: Marcus Stroman, RHP, 10.9 WAR
2012: Matt Smoral, LHP, Has yet to reach the MLB
2012: Mitch Nay, 3B, Has yet to reach the MLB
2012: Tyler Gonzales, RHP, Has yet to reach the MLB
2013: Phil Bickford, RHP, Has yet to reach the MLB (Did not sign with the Blue Jays)
2014: Jeff Hoffman, RHP, -0.6 WAR
2014: Max Pentecost, C, Has yet to reach the MLB
2015: Jon Harris, RHP, Has yet to reach the MLB
2016: T.J. Zeuch, RHP, Has yet to reach the MLB
2017: Logan Warmoth, SS, Has yet to reach the MLB
2017: Nate Pearson, RHP, Has yet to reach the MLB
National League
Arizona Diamondbacks: 41.8 WAR
2008: Daniel Schlereth, LHP, 0.0 WAR
2008L Wade Miley, LHP, 8.3 WAR
2009: Robert Borchering, 3B, Has yet to reach the MLB
2009: A.J. Pollock, OF, 18.2 WAR
2009: Matt Davison, 3B, -0.7 WAR
2009: Chris Owings, SS, 3.6 WAR
2009: Michael Belfiore, LHP, -0.1 WAR
2010: Barret Loux, RHP (Did not sign with the Diamondbacks)
2011: Trevor Bauer, RHP, 8.5 WAR
2011: Archie Bradley, RHP, 3.7 WAR
2012: Stryker Trahan, C, Has yet to reach the MLB
2013:Braden Shipley, RHP, -0.3 WAR
2014: Touki Toussaint, RHP, Has yet to reach the MLB
2015: Dansby Swanson, SS, 0.6 WAR
2016: Anfernee Grier, OF, Has yet to reach the MLB
2017: Pavin Smith, 1B, Has yet to reach the MLB
Atlanta Braves: 7.2 WAR
2008: Brett DeVall, LHP, Has yet to reach the MLB
2009: Mike Minor, LHP, 6.7 WAR
2010: Matthew Lipka, SS, Has yet to reach the MLB
2011: Sean Gilmartin, LHP, 0.8 WAR
2012: Lucas Sims, RHP, -0.1 WAR
2013: Jason Hursh, RHP, -0.2 WAR
2014: Braxton Davidson, OF, Has yet to reach the MLB
2015: Kolby Allard, LHP, Has yet to reach the MLB
2015: Austin Riley, 3B, Has yet to reach the MLB
2016: Ian Anderson, P, Has yet to reach the MLB
2016: Joey Wentz, P, Has yet to reach the MLB
2017: Kyle Wright, P, Has yet to reach the MLB
Chicago Cubs: 42.0 WAR
2008: Andrew Cashner, RHP, 8.7 WAR
2008 Ryan Flaherty, SS, 1.6 WAR
2009: Brett Jackson, OF, 0.1 WAR
2010: Hayden Simpson, RHP, Has yet to reach the MLB
2011: Javier Baez, SS, 5.8 WAR
2012: Albert Alomra, OF, 1.8 WAR
2012: Pierce Johnson, RHP, -0.1 WAR
2012: Paul Blackburn, RHP, 1.5 WAR
2013: Kris Bryant, 3B, 19.7 WAR
2014: Kyle Schwarber, C, 1.1 WAR
2015: Ian Happ, OF, 1.8 WAR
2016: No 1st Round Pick
2017: Brendon Little, P, Has yet to reach the MLB
2017: Alex Lange, P, Has yet to reach the MLB
Cincinnati Reds: 37.4 WAR
2008: Yonder Alonso, 1B, 7.9 WAR
2009: Mike Leake, RHP, 15.0 WAR
2009: Brad Boxberger, RHP, 2.5 WAR
2010: Yasmani Grandal, C, 10.9 WAR
2011: Robert Stephenson, RHP, -0.9 WAR
2012: Nick Travieso, RHP, Has yet to reach the MLB
2012: Jesse Winkler, OF, 0.5 WAR
2012: Jeff Gelalich, OF, Has yet to reach the MLB
2013: Phillip Ervin, OF, 0.1 WAR
2013: Michael Lorenzen, RHP, 1.4 WAR
2014: Nick Howard, RHP, Has yet to reach the MLB
2014: Alex Blandino, SS, Has yet to reach the MLB
2015: Tyler Stephenson, C, Has yet to reach the MLB
2016: Nick Senzel, 3B, Has yet to reach the MLB
2016: Taylor Trammell, OF, Has yet to reach the MLB
2017: Hunter Greene, P, Has yet to reach the MLB
2017: Jeter Downs, SS, Has yet to reach the MLB
Colorado Rockies: 23.6 WAR
2008: Christian Friedrich, LHP, -0.4 WAR
2009: Tyler Matzek, LHP, 2.8 WAR
2009: Tim Wheeler, OF, Has yet to reach the MLB
2009: Rex Brothers, LHP, 4.6 WAR
2010: Kyle Parker, OF, -1.6 WAR
2010: Peter Tago, RHP, Has yet to reach the MLB
2011: Tyler Anderson, LHP, 4.4 WAR
2011: Trevor Story, SS, 5.8 WAR
2012: David Dahl, OF, 1.1 WAR
2012: Eddie Butler, RHP, -1.9 WAR
2013: Jon Gray, RHP, 5.4 WAR
2014: Kyle Freeland, LHP, 3.4 WAR
2014: Forrest Wall, 2B, Has yet to reach the MLB
2015: Brendan Rogers, SS, Has yet to reach the MLB
2015: Mike Nikorak, RHP, Has yet to reach the MLB
2015: Tyler Nevin, 3B, Has yet to reach the MLB
2016: Riley Pint, RHP, Has yet to reach the MLB
2016: Robert Tyler, P, Has yet to reach the MLB
2017: Kyle Wright, P, Has yet to reach the MLB
Los Angeles Dodgers: 12.6 WAR
2008: Ethan Martin, RHP, -0.5 WAR
2009: Aaron Miller, LHP, Has yet to reach the MLB
2010: Zach Lee, RHP, -0.4 WAR
2011: Chris Reed, LHP, 0.0 WAR
2012: Corey Seager, SS, 13.5 WAR
2012: Jesmuel Valentin, SS, Has yet to reach the MLB
2013: Chris Anderson, RHP, Has yet to reach the MLB
2014: Grant Holmes, RHP, Has yet to reach the MLB
2015: Walker Buehler, RHP, Has yet to reach the MLB
2015: Kyle Funkhouser, RHP, Has yet to reach the MLB (Did not sign with the Dodgers)
2016: Will Smith, C, Has yet to reach the MLB
2016: Jordan Sheffield, RHP, Has yet to reach the MLB
2017: Jeren Kendall, OF, Has yet to reach the MLB
Miami Marlins: 32.7 WAR
2008: Kyle Skipworth, C, -0.1 WAR
2009: Chad James, LHP, Has yet to reach the MLB
2010: Christian Yelich, 1B, 17.7 WAR
2011: Jose Fernandez, RHP, 14.2 WAR
2012: Andrew Heaney, LHP, 1.0 WAR
2013: Colin Moran, 3B, -0.1 WAR
2013: Matt Krook, LHP, Has yet to reach the MLB
2014: Tyler Kolek, RHP, Has yet to reach the MLB
2014: Blake Anderson, C, Has yet to reach the MLB
2015: Josh Naylor, 1B, Has yet to reach the MLB
2016: Braxton Garrett, LHP, Has yet to reach the MLB
2017: Trevor Rogers, LHP, Has yet to reach the MLB
Milwaukee Brewers: 26.1 WAR
2008: Brett Lawrie, 3B, 15.2 WAR
2008: Jake Odorizzi, RHP, 8.1 WAR
2008: Evan Frederickson, LHP, Has yet to reach the MLB
2009: Eric Arnett, RHP, Has yet to reach the MLB
2009: Kentrail Davis, OF, Has yet to reach the MLB
2009: Kyle Heckathorn, RHP, Has yet to reach the MLB
2010: Dylan Covey, RHP, -1.4 WAR (Didn’t sign with the Brewers)
2011: Taylor Jungmann, RHP, 1.1 WAR
2011: Jed Bradley, LHP, 0.0 WAR
2012: Clint Coulter, C, Has yet to reach the MLB
2012: Victor Roache, OF, Has yet to reach the MLB
2012: Mitch Haniger, OF, 3.1 WAR
2013: No 1st Round Pick
2014: Kodi Medeiros, LHP, Has yet to reach the MLB
2015: Trent Grisham, OF, Has yet to reach the MLB
2015: Nathan Kirby, LHP, Has yet to reach the MLB
2016: Corey Ray, OF, Has yet to reach the MLB
2017: Keston Hiura, 2B, Has yet to reach the MLB
2017: Tristen Lutz, OF, Has yet to reach the MLB
New York Mets: 30.3 WAR
2008: Ike Davis, 1B, 4.9 WAR
2008: Reese Havens, SS, Has yet to reach the MLB
2008: Bradley Holt, RHP, Has yet to reach the MLB
2009: No 1st Round Pick
2010: Matt Harvey, RHP, 9.9 WAR
2011: Brandon Nimmo, OF, 1.0 WAR
2011: Michael Fulmer, RHP, 8.3 WAR
2012: Kevin Plawecki, C, 1.4 WAR
2013: Dominic Smith, 1B, -1.2 WAR
2014: Michael Conforto, OF, 6.0 WAR
2015: No 1st Round Pick
2016: Justin Dunn, RHP, Has yet to reach the MLB
2016: Anthony Kay, LHP, Has yet to reach the MLB
2017: David Peterson, LHP, Has yet to reach the MLB
Philadelphia Phillies: 6.8 WAR
2008: Anthony Hewitt, SS, Has yet to reach the MLB
2008: Zach Collier, OF, Has yet to reach the MLB
2009: No 1st Round Pick
2010: Jesse Biddle, LHP, Has yet to reach the MLB
2011: Larry Greene, OF, Has yet to reach the MLB
2012: Shane Watson, RHP, Has yet to reach the MLB
2012: Mitch Gueller, RHP, Has yet to reach the MLB
2013: J.P. Crawford, SS, 0.9 WAR
2014: Aaron Nola, RHP, 5.9 WAR
2015: Cornelius Randolph, Has yet to reach the MLB
2016: Mickey Moniak, OF, Has yet to reach the MLB
2017: Adam Haseley, OF, Has yet to reach the MLB
Pittsburgh Pirates: 22.7 WAR
2008: Pedro Alvarez, 3B, 6.0 WAR
2009: Tony Sanchez, C, 0.4 WAR
2009: Vic Black, RHP, 0.5 WAR
2010: Jameson Taillon, RHP, 3.6 WAR
2011: Gerrit Cole, RHP, 12.2 WAR
2012: Mark Appel, RHP, Has yet to reach the MLB (Did not sign with the Pirates)
2012: Barrett Barnes, OF, Has yet to reach the MLB
2013: Austin Meadows, OF, Has yet to reach the MLB
2013: Reese McGuire, C, Has yet to reach the MLB
2014: Cole Tucker, SS, Has yet to reach the MLB
2014: Connor Joe, OF, Has yet to reach the MLB
2015: Kevin Newman, SS, Has yet to reach the MLB
2015: Ke’Bryan Hayes, 3B, Has yet to reach the MLB
2016: Will Craig, 3B, Has yet to reach the MLB
2016: Nick Lodolo, P, Has yet to reach the MLB
2017: Shane Baz, P, Has yet to reach the MLB
San Diego Padres: 25.4 WAR
2008: Allan Dykstra, 1B, -0.5 WAR
2008: Jaff Decker, OF, -1.5 WAR
2008: Logan Forsythe, 3B, 12.5 WAR
2009: Donovan Tate, CF, Has yet to reach the MLB
2010: Karsten Whitson, RHP, Has yet to reach the MLB (Did not sign with the Padres)
2011: Cory Spangenberg, 2B, 2.6 WAR
2011: Joe Ross, RHP, 4.4 WAR
2011: Michael Kelly, RHP, Has yet to reach the MLB
2011: Brett Austin, C, Has yet to reach the MLB (Did not sign with the Padres)
2011: Jace Peterson, SS, -0.6 WAR
2012: Max Fried, LHP, 0.2 WAR
2012: Zach Eflin, RHP, -0.4 WAR
2012: Travis Jankowski, OF, 1.1 WAR
2012: Walker Weickel, RHP, Has yet to reach the MLB
2013: Hunter Renfroe, OF, 1.2 WAR
2014: Trea Turner, SS, 6.4 WAR
2015: No 1st Round Pick
2016: Cal Quantril, RHP, Has yet to reach the MLB
2016: Hudson Potts, SS, Has yet to reach the MLB
2016: Eric Lauer, LHP, Has yet to reach the MLB
2017: MacKenzie Gore, P, Has yet to reach the MLB
San Francisco Giants: 48.9 WAR
2008: Buster Posey, C, 37.5 WAR
2008: Conor Gillaspie, 3B, 1.0 WAR
2009: Zack Wheeler, RHP, 2.1 WAR
2010: Gary Brown, CF, 0.2 WAR
2011: Joe Panik, SS, 6.8 WAR
2011: Kyle Crick, RHP, 0.5 WAR
2012: Chris Stratton, RHP, 1.2 WAR
2013: Christian Arroyo, SS, -0.4 WAR
2014: Tyler Beede, RHP, Has yet to reach the MLB
2015: Phil Bickford, RHP, Has yet to reach the MLB
2015: Chris Shaw, 1B, Has yet to reach the MLB
2016: No 1st Round Pick
2017: Heilot Ramos, RHP/CF, Has yet to reach the MLB
St. Louis Cardinals: 40.1 WAR
2008: Brett Wallace, 1B, -0.6 WAR
2008: Lance Lynn, RHP, 14.1 WAR
2009: Shelby Miller, RHP, 8.9 WAR
2010: Zack Cox, 3B, Has yet to reach the MLB
2010: Seth Blair, RHP, Has yet to reach the MLB
2010: Tyrell Jenkins, RHP, -0.4 WAR
2011: Kolten Wong, 2B, 7.2 WAR
2012: Michael Wacha, RHP, 6.4 WAR
2012: James Ramsey, OF, Has yet to reach the MLB
2012: Stephen Piscotty, 3B, 4.4 WAR
2012: Patrick Wisdom, 3B, Has yet to reach the MLB
2012: Steve Bean, C, Has yet to reach the MLB
2013: Marco Gonzales, LHP, 0.1 WAR
2013: Rob Kaminsky, LHP, Has yet to reach the MLB
2014: Luke Weaver, RHP, 0.4 WAR
2014: Jack Flaherty, RHP, -0.4 WAR
2015: Nick Plummer, OF, Has yet to reach the MLB
2015: Jake Woodford, RHP, Has yet to reach the MLB
2016: Delvin Perez, SS, Has yet to reach the MLB
2016: Dylan Carlson, OF, Has yet to reach the MLB
2016: Dakota Hudson, RHP, Has yet to reach the MLB
2017: No 1st Round Pick
Washington Nationals: 77.1 WAR
2008: Aaron Crow, RHP, 2.4 WAR (Did not sign with the Nationals)
2009: Stephen Strasburg,RHP, 24.9 WAR
2009: Drew Storen, RHP, 5.3 WAR
2010: Bryce Harper, OF, 26.1 WAR
2011: Anthony Rendon, 3B, 17.0 WAR
2011: Alex Meyer, RHP, 0.7 WAR
2011: Brain Goodwin, OF, 0.1 WAR
2012: Lucas Giolito, RHP, 1.1 WAR
2013: No 1st Round Pick
2014: Erick Feede, RHP, -0.5 WAR
2015: No 1st Round Pick
2016: Carter Kieboom, SS, Has yet to reach the MLB
2016: Dane Dunning, RHP, Has yet to reach the MLB
2017: Seth Romero, LHP, Has yet to reach the MLB
In the American League, the Angels have the most valuable first-round picks over the past decade, although it’s worth noting that Mike Trout, the best player in baseball, makes up 55.2 of their 73.6 WAR total. In the National League, the Washington Nationals unsurprisingly took the top WAR total (and top overall in the MLB) behind the MVP caliber duo of Bryce Harper and Anthony Rendon, along with perennial Cy Young Award contender Stephen Strasburg. Perhaps the most amazing part of this list is that the Rays had ten first-round picks in 2011, only three of which made it to the MLB. Unsurprisingly, the Cubs (2016 World Series Champions) Giants (2010, 2012, and 2016 World Series Champions) and Astros (2017 World Series Champions) all rank near the top of the list, proving how valuable it is when a team can hit on their first-round picks. Even though Chris Sale makes up a huge chunk of their team WAR total, it is still surprising to see the Chicago White Sox higher on the list than their division rivals, the Cleveland Indians (2016 AL Champions) Detroit Tigers (2010-2013 AL Central Champions) and Kansas City Royals (2014 AL and 2015 World Series Champions) given that the last time the White Sox made the playoffs was 2008, the first year looked at above. Most of all, this list shows the unpredictability of baseball, as despite being first-round picks, there are hundreds of players above who were never able to sniff a game at the major league level.
