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The most important draft pick for every MLB franchise
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The most important draft pick for every MLB franchise

The MLB draft doesn't receive the same attention as its NFL or NBA counterparts, primarily because the players in the baseball draft are years away from making a major league impact.

While that's true, drafting isn't any less important in baseball than in any other sport. It's a slower process, but the best way to build a World Series team is through the draft.

Here are the most important draft picks for every MLB franchise in the history of the baseball draft, which dates back to 1965:

 
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Arizona Diamondbacks - Paul Goldschmidt, first baseman

Arizona Diamondbacks - Paul Goldschmidt, first baseman
Jake Roth/USA TODAY Sports

Originally a Dodgers draft choice in 2006, Goldschmidt became the Diamondbacks' eighth-round choice in 2009 during his second draft. The short history of the Diamondbacks makes him the obvious choice to be the most important selection in franchise history. In eight years with the Diamondbacks, Goldschmidt posted a .297 batting average, 209 home runs and 710 RBI in 1,092 games. He made the All-Star team each year from 2013-18 and finished third in the National League MVP voting three times during that span.

 
2 of 30

Atlanta Braves - Chipper Jones, third baseman

Atlanta Braves - Chipper Jones, third baseman
Icon Sportswire

The No. 1 overall pick in the 1990 MLB Amateur Draft, Jones, a kid from Florida, fulfilled his dreams as the face of southern baseball's franchise. During his rookie campaign in 1995, Jones helped the Braves win their first and still only championship in Atlanta. In 19 seasons with the Braves, he posted a .303 batting average, 2,726 hits, including 468 home runs, and 1,623 RBI. Jones won the National League batting title at age 36 in 2008 and the NL MVP in 1999.

 
3 of 30

Baltimore Orioles - Cal Ripken Jr., shortstop

Baltimore Orioles - Cal Ripken Jr., shortstop
Gary I. Rothstein/Icon Sportswire

The new Iron Man didn't miss many games in his career, including All-Star contests. From 1983-2001, he played in the Midsummer Classic every season. Ripken, who was a second-round pick in 1979, also posted 3,184 hits, including 431 home runs in his 21-year career. In 1983, he won the American League MVP and led the Orioles to their last championship. Ripken also won the AL MVP in 1991.

 
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Boston Red Sox - Roger Clemens, pitcher

Boston Red Sox - Roger Clemens, pitcher
Cliff Welch/Icon Sportswire

"The Rocket" pitched only about half of his career in Boston, but that's still a lot of years when you spend 24 in the big leagues. In 13 seasons with the Red Sox, Clemens amassed a 192-111 record with a 3.06 ERA and 2,590 strikeouts in 2,776 innings. From 1984-96 in Beantown, Clemens, who was the Red Sox's first-round selection in 1983, won three Cy Young Awards and the 1986 AL MVP. In 1986, he went 24-4 with a league-low 2.48 ERA and led the Red Sox to within a game of a World Series title.

 
5 of 30

Chicago White Sox - Frank Thomas, first baseman

Chicago White Sox - Frank Thomas, first baseman
Chuck Rydlewski/Icon Sportswire

"The Big Hurt" was the most feared hitter in the American League in the mid-1990s. In 1993 and 1994, he slugged 79 homers while hitting .332 with a 1.111 OPS. Thomas, who was the No. 7 overall pick in 1989, won the American League MVP in both seasons. While he wasn't the same player, Thomas was also part of the White Sox's first championship since 1917, in 2005. In 16 seasons with the White Sox, Thomas hit .307 with 448 home runs and 1,465 RBI.

 
6 of 30

Chicago Cubs - Kris Bryant, third baseman

Chicago Cubs - Kris Bryant, third baseman
Troy Taormina/USA TODAY Sports

He's in only his fifth season, but Bryant has already left a lasting impression on the Cubs organization. Bryant won National League Rookie of the Year in 2015 and then NL MVP in 2016. That same year, the former No. 2 overall pick from the 2013 draft also helped the Cubs win their first World Series since 1908. Injuries have hampered Bryant the last couple of seasons, but he has the tools to become one of the best players in Cubs history.

 
7 of 30

Cincinnati Reds - Johnny Bench, catcher

Cincinnati Reds - Johnny Bench, catcher
Cliff Welch/Icon Sportswire

Drafted in the second round of the first MLB amateur draft in 1965, Bench became arguably the greatest catcher in baseball history. Bench won 10 Gold Glove Awards behind the plate, which stood as a record at catcher until Ivan Rodriguez broke it. Bench was also an elite hitter. He led the league in home runs twice and won the National League 1970 and 1972 MVP Awards. He made 14 All-Star appearances and won two World Series titles too.

 
8 of 30

Cleveland Indians - Jim Thome, first baseman

Cleveland Indians - Jim Thome, first baseman
John Cordes/Icon Sportswire

The Indians possessed a ton of talent, especially on offense, in the 1990s, but Thome hit for average and power as one of the best home-grown talents in franchise history. He made the All-Star team from 1997-99, hitting 103 home runs during those three seasons. In 13 years with the Indians, Thome, who was a 13th-round pick in 1989, posted a .287 average with 337 home runs and 937 RBI. He finished his 22-year career with 612 homers.

 
9 of 30

Colorado Rockies - Todd Helton, first baseman

Colorado Rockies - Todd Helton, first baseman
Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire

In a couple of years, this spot could easily belong to Nolan Arenado. Matt Holliday came close to claiming this title as well, but Helton's longevity gave him the edge over those two great players. Helton benefited from playing his home games at Coors Field, but he posted a .316 average and 369 home runs in 17 seasons with the Rockies. The former No. 8 overall pick from 1995 won the 2000 NL batting title with a .372 average and hit .320 with 61 extra-base hits during the 2007 season when Colorado advanced to its first World Series.

 
10 of 30

Detroit Tigers - Justin Verlander, pitcher

Detroit Tigers - Justin Verlander, pitcher
Steve Nurenberg/Icon Sportswire

So many of the great Tigers players donned the Old English D far before the amateur draft started in 1965. But Verlander hardly wins this spot by default. In 13 seasons with Detroit, he posted a 183-114 record with a 3.49 ERA and 2,373 strikeouts in 2,511 innings. Verlander won the American League Rookie of the Year in 2006 and the Cy Young along with the AL MVP in 2011. With Verlander, who was the No. 2 pick in 2004, as their ace, the Tigers went to the World Series in 2006 and 2012.

 
11 of 30

Houston Astros - Craig Biggio, second baseman

Houston Astros - Craig Biggio, second baseman
Bob Levey/Icon Sportswire

Houston's 1987 first-round pick exceeded expectations while playing 20 seasons with the Astros. He was an all-around great player, earning seven All-Star appearances, five Silver Slugger Awards and four Gold Gloves. In 2,850 career games, he posted 3,060 hits, including 291 home runs, 1,844 runs and 414 stolen bases. The Astros have plenty of young drafted talent that could one day surpass Biggio, but for now he remains the most important player the franchise ever selected.

 
12 of 30

Kansas City Royals - George Brett, third baseman

Kansas City Royals - George Brett, third baseman
Cliff Welch/Icon Sportswire

If one had to nominate a Royals player for any type of superlative, chances are it will be Brett.The 1971 second-round choice came close to joining Ted Williams as baseball's next .400 hitter, but he settled for a .390 average with a 1.118 OPS in 1980. Brett won the American League MVP that season, and he also helped the Royals win the World Series in 1985. Brett finished his career with a .305 average, 317 home runs 1,596 RBI and 201 steals.

 
13 of 30

Los Angeles Angels - Mike Trout, center fielder

Los Angeles Angels - Mike Trout, center fielder
Joe Nicholson/USA TODAY Sports

The 25th overall selection in 2009, Trout was arguably the best overall player in baseball when he won American League Rookie of the Year in 2012. He hasn't looked back since then. In nine years with the Angels, Trout has hit .306 with 254 home runs, 685 RBI, 835 runs and 196 steals. During each of the last two seasons, he's posted an OPS above 1.000. Trout also won the AL MVP Award in 2014 and 2016.

 
14 of 30

Los Angeles Dodgers - Clayton Kershaw, pitcher

Los Angeles Dodgers - Clayton Kershaw, pitcher
Gary A. Vasquez/USA TODAY Sports

The No. 7 overall pick in 2006, Kershaw is still searching for a World Series ring, but he's arguably been the best pitcher of his generation. Since 2011 he's recorded a .742 win percentage and submitted a 2.20 ERA with a 9.9 K/9. Kershaw has won three Cy Young Awards (2011, 2013, and 2014) and took home the National League MVP in 2014. He also finished second in the Cy Young voting in 2012 and 2017.

 
15 of 30

Miami Marlins - Josh Beckett, pitcher

Miami Marlins - Josh Beckett, pitcher
Chuck Rydlewski/Icon Sportswire

Unfortunately for the Marlins, most of the talent they have drafted (Giancarlo Stanton and Christian Yelich) didn't stay long enough to become MVP candidates in Miami. Other memorable Marlins who helped the team win championships, such as Miguel Cabrera, Ivan Rodriguez, Kevin Brown and Gary Sheffield, weren't drafted by Miami. That leaves us with Beckett, who threw a complete game shutout against the Yankees in Game 6 to clinch the 2003 World Series. The No. 2 overall pick in 1999, Beckett spent five years with the Marlins, going 41-34 with a 3.46 ERA.

 
16 of 30

Milwaukee Brewers - Robin Yount, shortstop

Milwaukee Brewers - Robin Yount, shortstop
Kevin Reece/Icon Sportswire

As the No. 3 overall pick in the 1973 draft, Yount became the best player in franchise history during his two decades with the Brewers. He made three All-Star teams and won two MVP Awards, in 1982 and 1989. In 1982, Yount helped lead the Brewers to their only World Series appearance. He recorded a .285 average, 3,142 hits, including 251 homers, and 271 stolen bases in 2,856 at-bats.

 
17 of 30

Minnesota Twins - Kirby Puckett, center fielder

Minnesota Twins - Kirby Puckett, center fielder
Jim Mone/Minneapolis Star Tribune/ZUMA Press/Icon Sportswire

Puckett played only 12 seasons in the big leagues, but the No. 3 overall pick in 1982 helped the Twins win two World Series titles, which gives him the edge over catcher Joe Mauer for most important drafted player in club history. The center fielder finished his career with a .318 batting average, 678 extra-base hits and 134 stolen bases. In two playoff appearances, Puckett hit .309 with five home runs, including a walk-off blast in extra-innings during Game 6 of the 1991 World Series, which forced Game 7.

 
18 of 30

New York Yankees - Derek Jeter, shortstop

New York Yankees - Derek Jeter, shortstop
Adam Hunger/USA TODAY Sports

Since the MLB amateur draft didn't start until 1965, legends such as Lou Gehrig, Joe DiMaggio, Mickey Mantle, Yogi Berra and quite a few of the other great Yankees weren't drafted. And remember: Babe Ruth began his career with the Red Sox. That opens up this spot for "The Captain." Jeter played 20 years for the Yankees, winning five World Series, five Silver Slugger Awards and five Gold Gloves. He also went to 14 All-Star Games. Jeter finished his career with 3,465 hits, 260 home runs and 258 steals and a .310 batting average. 

 
19 of 30

New York Mets - Dwight Gooden, pitcher

New York Mets - Dwight Gooden, pitcher
Kevin Reece/Icon Sportswire

David Wright gave Gooden a good run for the Mets representative, but Gooden takes this spot because of the role he played in helping the Mets win the 1986 World Series. From 1984-88, Gooden was practically unhittable, going 91-35 while posting a 2.62 ERA with 52 complete games and 19 shutouts. Gooden won the 1985 National League Cy Young with a 24-4 mark and 1.53 ERA. He wasn't the same after 1988, but Gooden did record 157 victories and had a 3.10 ERA in 11 years with the Mets.

 
20 of 30

Oakland Athletics - Reggie Jackson, right fielder

Oakland Athletics - Reggie Jackson, right fielder
John Cordes/Icon Sportswire

When the Athletics selected Jackson second overall in 1966, they were still in Kansas City. He played 35 games for the Athletics in Missouri during 1967 before the team moved the following year. In Oakland, Jackson led the Athletics to three straight World Series championships, from 1972-74. He won the American League MVP and World Series MVP in 1973. During 10 seasons with the Athletics, Jackson hit .262 with 269 home runs and 776 RBI.

 
21 of 30

Philadelphia Phillies - Mike Schmidt, third baseman

Philadelphia Phillies - Mike Schmidt, third baseman
Owen C. Shaw/Icon Sportswire

The Phillies second-round choice in 1971 also won league MVP and the World Series MVP in the same year (1980), joining Jackson in that exclusive club that includes just five players. Schmidt is also the last player to accomplish that feat. Schmidt won the National League MVP in 1980, 1981 and 1986. He also earned 12 All-Star appearances and 10 Gold Glove Awards. Schmidt finished his career with a .267 average, 548 home runs, 15,95 RBI and 1,506 runs.

 
22 of 30

Pittsburgh Pirates - Andrew McCutchen, center fielder

Pittsburgh Pirates - Andrew McCutchen, center fielder
Charles LeClaire/USA TODAY Sports

The Pirates selected Robert Clemente in the 1954 Rule 5 draft, so he was technically eligible for our list, but I'm still giving the edge to McCutchen because the list is "most important" rather than best. Clemente remains the best player in franchise history, but McCutchen saved baseball in Pittsburgh. The Pirates went through 20 losing seasons, from 1993-2012. The year they broke that streak, 2013, McCutchen won National League MVP. In nine years with the Pirates, McCutchen hit .291 with 203 home runs, 725 RBI and 171 steals. He finished in the top five in MVP voting four years in a row, from 2012-15.

 
23 of 30

San Diego Padres - Tony Gwynn, right fielder

San Diego Padres - Tony Gwynn, right fielder
Cliff Welch/Icon Sportswire

This was an easy one. The Padres third-round pick in 1981 was one of the best pure hitters baseball has ever seen. He won eight batting titles and if not for the strike in 1994, Gwynn could have joined Ted Williams in the .400-club. He settled for a .394 average instead. Gwynn made 15 All-Star teams and finished his career with 3,141 hits and a .338 batting average.

 
24 of 30

San Francisco Giants - Buster Posey, catcher

San Francisco Giants - Buster Posey, catcher
Stan Szeto/USA TODAY Sports

With Willie Mays and Barry Bonds not eligible for this list, Posey edges his battery mate Madison Bumgarner as the most important draft pick in Giants history. Selected fifth overall in 2008, Posey helped the franchise win its first World Series in San Francisco during 2010 and then added two more championships, in 2012 and 2014. Posey has won a batting title, MVP, Rookie of the Year and Gold Glove in his career. He's also made six All-Star Games. In 11 seasons, Posey is batting .304 with 405 extra-base hits and 653 RBI.

 
25 of 30

Seattle Mariners - Ken Griffey Jr., center fielder

Seattle Mariners - Ken Griffey Jr., center fielder
Cyril Ma/Icon Sportswire

The No. 1 overall pick in 1987, Griffey became the protege he was heralded to be coming into the league as a 19-year-old. Despite constantly dealing with injuries, Griffey hit 630 home runs and posted 1,836 RBI during his 22-year career. He played the longest for Seattle. With the Mariners, Griffey hit .292 with 417 home runs and 1,216 RBI in 13 seasons. In Seattle, he made 10 All-Star Games, won 10 Gold Gloves and earned the 1997 American League MVP.

 
26 of 30

St. Louis Cardinals - Albert Pujols, first baseman

St. Louis Cardinals - Albert Pujols, first baseman
Tim Vizer/Icon Sportswire

The importance of Yadier Molina to the Cardinals pitching staff and lineup over the last decade makes him a close second, but it's hard to beat Albert Pujols in his prime.  Arriving in St. Louis as a 13th-round selection, Pujols began his career with 10 straight seasons of 30 home runs, 100 RBI and a .300 batting average. In 11 years with the Cardinals, he hit .328 with 445 home runs, 1,329 RBI, 1,291 runs and a 1.037 OPS. Pujols won the National League MVP in 2005, 2008 and 2009. He also took home the batting title in 2003. If he plays a couple of more years, Pujols has a shot at surpassing Hank Aaron for the most RBI in history and at joining the 700 home run club. Not bad for a 13th-round pick.

 
27 of 30

Tampa Bay Rays - Evan Longoria, third baseman

Tampa Bay Rays - Evan Longoria, third baseman
Juan DeLeon/Icon Sportswire

Similar to the other Florida team, the Rays don't really keep their talent around long enough for players to flourish into all-time Tampa Bay greats. That makes Longoria, who went third overall in 2006, the best choice as most important for the Rays. In 10 seasons with Tampa, Longoria hit .270 with 284 home runs and 969 RBI. He won Rookie of the Year when the Rays went to the World Series in 2008, and Longoria hit probably the most memorable home run in franchise history against the Yankees on the final day of the 2011 regular season. His walk-off homer clinched the American League wild-card spot.

 
28 of 30

Texas Rangers - Joey Gallo, left fielder

Texas Rangers - Joey Gallo, left fielder
Jim Cowsert/USA TODAY Sports

It's hard to believe a 25-year-old made his list, but the Rangers haven't drafted a largely impactful player. Ever. They signed Alex Rodriguez, Ivan Rodriguez, Adrian Beltre and Rafael Palmeiro in free agency and traded for Josh Hamilton. Even guys such as Mark Teixeira and Michael Young were not drafted in Texas. But Gallo was, and the team refused to trade him when he was a top prospect for a player who could have helped it win in the 2015 and 2016 playoffs. That should tell you how important the Rangers felt he was to their future. Gallo is finally fulfilling his expectations as a first-round pick this year, hitting .276 with 17 home runs and 41 RBI in 50 games so far. Gallo already has 105 home runs in 396 games during his career.

 
29 of 30

Toronto Blue Jays - Roy Halladay, Pitcher

Toronto Blue Jays - Roy Halladay, Pitcher
Cyril Ma/Icon Sportswire

Arriving in Toronto as the No. 17 overall pick in the 1995 draft, Halladay pitched 12 seasons with the Blue Jays, posting a .661 win percentage. He went 148-76 with a 3.43 ERA. In an era that began to deemphasize starting pitchers going deep into games, Halladay led the league in complete games in seven different seasons. In Toronto, he won more than 20 games twice and captured the Cy Young Award in 2003.

 
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Washington Nationals - Ryan Zimmerman, third baseman

Washington Nationals - Ryan Zimmerman, third baseman
Tommy Gilligan/USA TODAY Sports

It's probably surprising to most that this isn't Stephen Strasburg or Bryce Harper, but the search for the "most important draft pick," allowed us to go with Zimmerman. Coming to Washington as the No. 4 overall pick in 2005, he immediately began playing for the Nationals at the end of that summer and quickly became a star and the face of the franchise. For a franchise in a new city, that shouldn't be undervalued. Zimmerman earned All-Star selections in 2009 and 2017. In 15 seasons, he has hit .279 with 267 home runs and 999 RBI in 1,659 games.

Dave Holcomb began working as a sports writer in 2013 after graduating from Syracuse University. Over the past six years, he has covered the NFL, NHL, MLB, fantasy sports, college football and basketball, and New Jersey high school sports for numerous print and online publications. Follow Holcomb on Twitter at @dmholcomb.

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