Seattle hosted the 2023 MLB Draft, and it was a spectacle to behold. The event took place at Lumen Field, the home of the NFL’s Seahawks, and it was the largest Draft in history in terms of attendance. Fans filled the area in front of the stage and the seated sections of the stadium, creating an electric atmosphere.
The depth of talent in this year’s draft class was unparalleled. Two college teammates, both from LSU, were considered frontrunners for the top pick. Outfielder Jacob Skenes was ultimately selected first overall by the Pittsburgh Pirates, followed by his teammate, outfielder Kevin Crews, who was chosen second by the Washington Nationals. The LSU Tigers’ success continued after their thrilling championship win in the 2023 Men’s College World Series.
The Detroit Tigers, with the third pick, had a difficult decision to make. They had the option of selecting Max Clark, an Indiana high school outfielder, or Wyatt Langford, an outfielder from the University of Florida. Ultimately, they went with Clark due to his energetic personality and athleticism.
This draft was unique due to the impact of COVID-19. Many top high school prospects, including Crews, opted to attend college in 2020 instead of going pro, resulting in a particularly deep draft class. The effects of the pandemic were evident as players who may have been considered top picks in other years fell lower in the draft order.
The San Francisco Giants made headlines with their selection of two-way player Crawford Eldridge. Eldridge, a 6-foot-7, 230-pound presence, has excelled both as a pitcher and a hitter. The Giants see potential in him as a two-way player and have been careful with his workload as he recovers from Tommy John surgery.
The draft also saw the introduction of new rules from the 2022-26 Collective Bargaining Agreement. A draft lottery was held for the non-playoff teams, with the Pittsburgh Pirates winning the first overall pick. The Detroit Tigers moved up in the draft order, selecting Max Clark with the third pick, and the Texas Rangers moved up to select Wyatt Langford with the fourth pick.
A new incentive in the draft allows teams to receive an additional pick if they have a rookie player who is ranked in at least two top 100 prospect lists and achieves certain accolades, such as winning Rookie of the Year or finishing in the top three in MVP or Cy Young voting. The Seattle Mariners benefited from this incentive, as their previous rookie sensation Julio Rodríguez won AL Rookie of the Year, earning them an extra pick in this year’s draft.
Oregon high school pitcher Noble Meyer attended the draft, wearing light blue shoes that matched his Miami Marlins jersey. Meyer’s selection at No. 10 marked the second time in four years that the first prep pitcher chosen came from Oregon’s Jesuit High School. He was the only prep pitcher taken in the first round, making it a notable moment in draft history.
Overall, the 2023 MLB Draft was a memorable event, filled with talented players and surprising selections. As these players begin their professional careers, only time will tell how their stories unfold.