Let’s begin with absolute chaos, because mock drafts are pointless unless at least one fanbase threatens bodily harm before Pick #5.
The Detroit Tigers, one of baseball’s premier franchises in the 1980s and one of baseball’s premier cautionary tales ever since, find themselves sitting atop the draft board. A rebuilding club with holes everywhere suddenly possesses the rare opportunity to inject actual high-end talent into a farm system currently powered by vibes and future fourth outfielders.
At first glance, the pick feels straightforward. In my humble opinion, this draft has two truly elite players: Roy Halladay and Kerry Wood, followed closely by a small handful of other players. Good players will still be available later, obviously, but the difference between those two and the rest of the field feels pretty substantial.
Two pitchers. Two future aces. Two entirely different risk profiles.
Wood is the flamethrower — electric stuff, closer to the majors, the type of pitcher scouts fall in love with five minutes into a bullpen session before immediately ignoring every medical red flag in existence. Halladay is more polished physically, projects beautifully long-term, and looks like the kind of horse who throws 230 innings annually while making hitters question career choices. The only concern? The repertoire isn’t quite as flashy out of the gate.
So naturally, instead of simply making the pick like a normal franchise, Detroit decides to do something ridiculous.
TRADE
The Detroit Tigers receive:
- 1st Round Pick #3
- 1st Round Pick #20
- 1st Round Pick #23
The Washington Senators receive:
- 1st Round Pick #1
- 2nd Round Pick #17
Why would Detroit do this? Because this roster needs volume almost as much as it needs stars. The Tigers can walk away with three premium talents instead of one and accelerate a rebuild currently moving at the speed of continental drift.
Why would Washington do this? Because if you already have a strong rotation foundation, what better way to announce yourself than aggressively moving up for a potential ace? Also, late first-round picks are fun until you’re choosing between “high-character utility infielder” and “college reliever with a moderate ceiling.”
Does either team actually want to make this trade? Probably not.
Is this my mock draft where I get to override rational front office behavior for entertainment purposes? Absolutely.
So now the Senators are on the clock.
Halladay or Wood?
It’s painfully close. Halladay may ultimately become the better overall pitcher, particularly once fully developed, but Wood is the monster upside play teams convince themselves they can’t pass on. The movement profile scares some people off, but the stuff is simply too loud, too dominant, and too major-league ready to ignore.
Washington wants impact. Washington wants intimidation. Washington wants a pitcher who makes opposing lineups reconsider the concept of baseball.
PICK #1
Washington Senators select SP Kerry Wood