Re-Drafting the 2009 MLB Draft Using Advanced Analytics
3 Risers
Who makes the biggest leap based on career performance?
| Player | Position | WAR | Actual Pick | Re-Draft Pick | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Garrett Richards | RHP | 9.1 | 42 | 5 | 37 |
| James Paxton | LHP | 6.3 | 37 | 9 | 28 |
| Mike Trout | OF | 48.1 | 25 | 1 | 24 |
Trout may be the top dog, but Richards had the most sizable rise to the top five. In six-plus seasons, the 29-year-old has a record of 40-32 with an ERA of 3.56 and 535 strikeouts in 645.1 innings pitched.
Paxton was also a compensatory pick for the Toronto Blue Jays, however, he has performed like a top-10 pick, especially of late. He has just 19 wins to 15 losses in 52 starts, but his ERA of 3.28 is very good for a younger starter.
Then there's Trout, his accolades and big numbers. After two full years in the minors, Trout's promotion to the bigs turned into a superstar's premier. Since 2011, the former Rookie of the Year has hit .306 at the dish with at least 27 home runs and 83 RBIs in all but his first partial season.
