There have been only four drafts in history (1976, 1981, 1984 and 1986) where the first 10 players selected went on to play in the big leagues. By that standard, the 1986 draft qualifies as the most successful as the first 13 players drafted became big leaguers, including Gary Sheffield, who is the only remaining active player from that group. Sheffield, then a 17-year-old shortstop, was selected sixth overall that year by the Milwaukee Brewers.
Following are the first 10 players drafted in 1986 and their signing bonuses. The number of big league seasons they played is indicated in parentheses.
For the record, the 11th, 12th and 13th players drafted in 1986 were Thomas Howard, Scott Hemond and Ryan Bowen. |
| |
| Top 10 Players Drafted, 1986 |
| 1. |
Pirates. Jeff King, 3b, U. of Arkansas (11) |
$180,000 |
| 2. |
Indians. Greg Swindell, lhp, U. of Texas (17) |
$165,000 |
| 3. |
Giants. Matt Williams, ss, UNLV (17) |
$157,500 |
| 4. |
Rangers. Kevin Brown, rhp, Georgia Tech (19) |
$174,500 |
| 5. |
Braves. Kent Mercker, lhp, HS—Dublin, Ohio (17) |
$100,000 |
| 6. |
Brewers. Gary Sheffield, ss, HS—Tampa (20) |
$142,500 |
| 7. |
Phillies. Brad Brink, rhp, USC (3) |
$145,000 |
| 8. |
Mariners. Patrick Lennon, ss, HS—Whiteville, N.C. (6) |
$120,000 |
| 9. |
Cubs. Derrick May, of, HS—Newark, Del. (10) |
$100,000 |
| 10. |
Twins. Derek Parks, c, HS—Upland, Calif. (3) |
$130,000 | |
| -- Allan Simpson |
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