The Doubleday Baseball League has officially released the draft order for the upcoming 1995-96 Amateur Draft, and while the order of selections may look straightforward at first glance, a flurry of recent trades has reshaped the landscape of Day 1.
Here’s the finalized first-round draft order:
| Pick | Original Slot | Current Owner |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Chicago White Sox | Chicago White Sox |
| 2 | Baltimore Orioles | Cincinnati Reds |
| 3 | Boston Red Sox | Washington Senators |
| 4 | Detroit Tigers | Washington Senators |
| 5 | Oakland Athletics | Washington Senators |
| 6 | New York Yankees | New York Yankees |
| 7 | Cleveland Spiders | Cleveland Spiders |
| 8 | Los Angeles Dodgers | Boston Red Sox |
| 9 | Minnesota Twins | Minnesota Twins |
| 10 | Texas Rangers | Seattle Pilots |
| 11 | Orlando Sun Rays | Chicago White Sox |
| 12 | San Diego Padres | San Diego Padres |
| 13 | Seattle Pilots | Seattle Pilots |
| 14 | Colorado Rockies | Colorado Rockies |
| 15 | Toronto Blue Jays | Cincinnati Reds |
| 16 | St. Louis Cardinals | San Diego Padres |
| 17 | Montreal Expos | Los Angeles Dodgers |
| 18 | Pittsburgh Pirates | Pittsburgh Pirates |
| 19 | New York Mets | New York Mets |
| 20 | Chicago Cubs | Chicago Cubs |
| 21 | Cincinnati Reds | Cincinnati Reds |
| 22 | San Francisco Giants | San Francisco Giants |
| 23 | Washington Senators | Cleveland Spiders |
| 24 | Kansas City Royals | Kansas City Royals |
Notable Trades Reshape the Top Five
The Washington Senators, originally scheduled to pick only at No. 23, now hold three selections inside the top five. Through aggressive maneuvering and a willingness to absorb financial commitments, the Senators acquired:
- Boston’s 1st (Pick 3)
- Detroit’s 1st (Pick 4)
- Oakland’s 1st (Pick 5)
That haul gives Washington unprecedented control over the early draft board—an opportunity to reshape their minor league system in one draft class. League insiders believe Nomar Garciaparra is the top target, but multiple sources say the team may also target high-upside pitching and international position talent.
Reds Reap Early Benefits
The Cincinnati Reds have three picks as well—two inside the top 15. They acquired:
- Pick 2 (via Baltimore)
- Pick 15 (via Toronto)
- Pick 21 (their own)
Cincinnati has one of the deeper farm systems in the Federal League and appears to be using this draft to double down on that strength. With a balanced roster at the Major League level, don’t be surprised if they go best-player-available rather than need-based.
White Sox Reload
Chicago not only picks first overall, but also owns the 11th pick thanks to a deal with the Orlando Sun Rays. They’re in prime position to grab a franchise-altering talent and circle back for an additional top-tier prospect before the midpoint of the round.
Seattle Sneaks Into the Top 10
The Seattle Pilots, who originally slotted in at 13, now also hold the 10th pick, acquired from the Texas Rangers. The additional top-10 selection gives them flexibility—possibly to snag a falling bat or shore up their pitching depth.
The draft is more than just a talent acquisition event. It’s a reflection of front office philosophy, long-term vision, and—sometimes—desperation. The 1995-96 DBL Draft will test scouting departments, reward shrewd deal-making, and, for at least a few teams, mark the beginning of something special.
The countdown is on.