The 2018 MLB Draft remains a pivotal moment in baseball history, featuring standout players and countless storylines. Originally headlined by top overall pick Casey Mize, a right-handed pitcher—who spent his collegiate career at Auburn—it's fascinating to re-evaluate the selections and their developments after several years. In this first-round redraft, we take an in-depth look at how the landscape might have changed if every team could redo their first-round selection based on current performance and organizational needs.
Detroit Tigers: Tarik Skubal First Overall
In this redraft scenario, the Detroit Tigers opt for Tarik Skubal, selected in the ninth round back in 2018. Unlike his original draft position of No. 255 overall, Skubal’s impressive ascent to arguably the best pitcher in baseball makes him the first name off the board. After winning back-to-back Cy Young Awards and starting the 2026 season strong, Skubal is firmly established as an ace. His looming free agency is set to net a sizable payday—a stark contrast to his late-round selection.
San Francisco Giants: A New Catcher
The Giants originally picked Joey Bart, expected to be the successor to Buster Posey as the franchise's catcher. However, in hindsight, Cal Raleigh, selected much later at No. 90, has emerged as a transformative player behind the plate. With back-to-back 30-homer seasons, including a staggering 60-homer, 125-RBI campaign last year, he now becomes the centerpiece of their redrafted roster, thanks to his continued offensive excellence.
Atlanta Braves: Reassessing Shortstop Needs
Since losing Dansby Swanson to free agency, shortstop has been a glaring weakness for the Braves. They originally selected Carter Stewart, who opted for a deal overseas in Japan. The opportunity to select Jeremy Peña, who won ALCS and World Series MVP honors, is too good to pass up. Peña’s standout 2022 season was just the beginning as he continues to improve year after year with impressive offensive stats, aligning perfectly with the Braves' needs.
Philadelphia Phillies: Joe Ryan's Rise
Initially, the Phillies took Alex Bohm as their third baseman. Yet, with Joe Ryan developing into a top-tier pitcher, their decision becomes crystal clear in the redraft. Ryan has become a consistent part of the Minnesota Twins' rotation and an All-Star, ranking among the league's leaders in strikeouts and wins. His viability as an ace pitcher could provide the Phillies with a much-needed pitching boost.
Chicago Cubs: The Case for Nico Hoerner
The Cubs originally drafted Nick Madrigal, who has since struggled to fulfill expectations. In this revised scenario, they go with Nico Hoerner, who broke into the majors earlier and has been a reliable second baseman. With two Gold Glove awards and a commendable career batting average, Hoerner represents both stability and flair, adding depth to the Cubs' infield.
Los Angeles Angels: Matthew Liberatore's Value
Instead of Jordyn Adams, the Angels make a strategic move by selecting Matthew Liberatore. While Adams shifted to football, Liberatore has steadily improved in his pitching capabilities, achieving a 4.25 ERA in the majors. His potential as a solid starter is invaluable for a team looking to bolster its rotation depth.
Oakland Athletics: Landing Xavier Edwards
Choosing Brady Singer was a gamble that didn’t pay off for the Royals. In this reality, the Athletics secure Xavier Edwards, who has developed into a multifaceted player with a commendable 3.3-WAR season already on his resume. His ability to field and contribute offensively makes him an ideal fit for an Athletics team aiming to strengthen its lineup.
A Mixed Bag of Performance in the Later Picks
The later rounds of the redraft also reveal significant surprises. The Tampa Bay Rays might solidify their pitching with Drew Rasmussen at No. 14, who has proven to be a reliable asset in any rotation. Meanwhile, the Pittsburgh Pirates could snag Ryan Weathers, now a talented left-hander, or even grab Corbin Carroll for the outfield position, reflecting more on team needs and roster depth.
Implications of the Redraft
This revision of the 2018 MLB Draft not only highlights the evolving nature of player performance in the major leagues but also emphasizes how organizational needs can dictate selections more than raw talent alone. By diversifying the rosters based on player development and current performance, this redraft emphasizes the notion that past decisions could have drastically altered the trajectories for multiple franchises.
As baseball continues to evolve, so will the analysis and interpretation of talent as players develop and organizations shift their strategies. A hypothetical exercise such as this allows fans and analysts alike to engage in lively discussions around potential futures in the league.
