2000 Major League Baseball draft
The 2000 Major League Baseball draft was the annual amateur player selection process conducted by Major League Baseball franchises, held in June 2000 over two days and consisting of 50 rounds in which 1,452 high school, college, and junior college prospects were chosen.[1][2] The event marked a key opportunity for teams to build their farm systems, with selections emphasizing a mix of position players and pitchers from across the United States and beyond.[3] The first overall pick was first baseman Adrián González from Eastlake High School in Chula Vista, California, selected by the Florida Marlins, who signed him to a $3 million bonus—the highest in the draft.[3][4] Subsequent top selections included right-handed pitcher Adam Johnson (second overall, Minnesota Twins, California State University, Fullerton), shortstop Luis Montañez (third overall, Chicago Cubs, Coral Park High School), and left-handed pitcher Mike Stodolka (fourth overall, Kansas City Royals, Centennial High School).[3] Other early picks of note were outfielder Rocco Baldelli (sixth overall, Tampa Bay Devil Rays, Bishop Hendricken High School) and infielder Chase Utley (15th overall, Philadelphia Phillies, University of California, Los Angeles).[1] This draft class proved exceptionally deep and influential, yielding 207 players who eventually debuted in the majors and producing several long-term stars, particularly from mid- and late-round selections.[2] Standouts include catcher Yadier Molina (fourth round, 113th overall, St. Louis Cardinals, Maestro Ladi High School), who became a three-time World Series champion and future Hall of Famer; right-handed pitcher Adam Wainwright (first round, 29th overall, Atlanta Braves, Glynn Academy), who retired in 2023 after 18 seasons, amassing 200 wins, three All-Star selections, two Gold Gloves, and the 2020 Roberto Clemente Award[5]; left-handed pitcher Cliff Lee (fourth round, Montreal Expos, Meridian Community College), a former Cy Young Award winner;[6] and left-handed pitcher Dontrelle Willis (eighth round, Chicago Cubs, Encinal High School), a former Rookie of the Year.[1] Additional contributors from the class encompassed outfielder Grady Sizemore (third round, Montreal Expos), who signed for $2 million[4] and later served as interim manager of the Chicago White Sox in 2024, earning his first MLB win against the New York Yankees[7]; infielder José Bautista (20th round, Pittsburgh Pirates), and outfielder Jason Bay (22nd round, Montreal Expos), highlighting the draft's enduring impact on the sport through the 2000s and beyond.[1]Overview and Process
Draft Details
The 2000 Major League Baseball draft was held over two days, June 5 and 6, 2000. The first day featured the initial round and compensatory selections. The following day covered the remaining selections through conference calls coordinated by MLB officials, a format that streamlined the process for the league's 30 teams.[8] In total, 1,452 players were chosen across 50 rounds, reflecting the draft's comprehensive scope in identifying amateur talent from high schools and colleges. The order of selection followed the reverse standings from the 1999 regular season, giving priority to teams with the poorest records.[2] Drafted players had until mid-July 2000—specifically around July 14, aligned with the All-Star Game schedule—to sign contracts with their selecting teams. First-round signing bonuses averaged about $1.87 million, though negotiations varied widely; for instance, the No. 1 overall pick Adrián González signed for $3 million with the Florida Marlins. This draft represented one of the final opportunities for unrestricted bonus negotiations, as subsequent collective bargaining agreements introduced more structured guidelines to control spending.[9][10][11]Selection Rules
The selection rules for the 2000 Major League Baseball amateur draft, governed by MLB's Rule 4, restricted eligibility to amateur players residing in the United States, Canada, or U.S. territories who had not previously signed a professional contract.[12] Eligible individuals included recent high school graduates who had not enrolled in college, college players who had completed their junior year or third year of enrollment (whichever came first) or underclassmen who formally declared their intent to forgo remaining eligibility, and junior college players who had completed at least one full year of enrollment.[13] International amateur players were not eligible for this domestic draft, which focused exclusively on North American talent.[12] The primary draft order was established by the inverse order of finish from the 1999 regular-season standings, with the 14 non-playoff teams selecting first in reverse order of their records; playoff teams followed in reverse order of finish within their divisions or leagues.[14] Ties in records were resolved by referencing the teams' standings from the 1998 season.[14] This structure aimed to provide rebuilding teams with priority access to top prospects while maintaining competitive balance. Compensatory picks were awarded to teams that lost qualifying free agents (Type A or Type B, as classified by the Elias Sports Bureau based on performance metrics) during the 1999-2000 offseason, resulting in "sandwich" picks inserted into the first round and additional supplemental picks numbered 31 through 40 immediately following the standard first round (picks 1-30).[15] For a Type A free agent, the losing team received the signing team's first-round selection slot (typically after the top 15 picks to protect the worst teams), allowing the losing team to draft in that position, while both the losing and signing teams received supplemental picks to offset the loss.[16] Type B losses granted the losing team only a supplemental pick, with the signing team retaining their first-round slot.[15] Unlike later drafts, there was no separate supplemental round; these extra selections were integrated directly after the first round. For example, the New York Mets received the Seattle Mariners' original 16th overall pick after the Mariners signed Type A free agent John Olerud from the Mets, using it to select left-handed pitcher Billy Traber; the Mets also gained the 36th pick as further compensation for Olerud.[17] Similarly, the Los Angeles Angels obtained the Oakland Athletics' 20th pick for signing Type B free agent Mike Magnante, selecting right-handed pitcher Chris Bootcheck.[17] These rules, in place prior to the 2012 collective bargaining agreement changes that eliminated Type A/B classifications and introduced qualifying offers, highlighted the strategic risks of drafting high school players over college standouts, as the former often commanded higher signing bonuses and faced greater uncertainty in development and contract negotiations.[12]Background
Pre-Draft Landscape
The 2000 Major League Baseball draft was shaped by the outcomes of the 1999 season, where the reverse order of team standings determined the initial selection order for non-playoff clubs, followed by playoff participants slotted according to their postseason finish. The Florida Marlins, who finished with the league's worst record of 64-98, earned the first overall pick, while other struggling teams like the Minnesota Twins (63-97) and Chicago Cubs (67-95) secured high selections as they rebuilt from disappointing campaigns.[18] In contrast, the New York Yankees, fresh off a World Series sweep of the Atlanta Braves after winning the ALCS over the Boston Red Sox, picked last among the 30 teams, reflecting their status as defending champions.[18][19] Rebuilding franchises such as the Marlins, Cubs, and Kansas City Royals (64-97 in 1999) approached the draft with a focus on high-upside high school talent to accelerate long-term development, prioritizing raw athleticism over immediate readiness.[18] Contenders like the Yankees and other playoff teams, however, leaned toward college players for their polish and quicker paths to the majors, aiming to maintain competitive edges without extended minor-league seasoning.[1] This strategic divergence highlighted broader league dynamics, where bottom-dwellers sought transformative potential amid roster overhauls. Economic pressures influenced draft strategies, as average player salaries had surged in the years following the 1994-95 strike, reaching $1.61 million in 1999 and climbing to $1.90 million in 2000—an approximately 17.8% increase driven by escalating TV revenues and contract values.[20] Teams exercised caution with signing bonuses amid the ongoing competitive balance tax (introduced in 1997), which imposed penalties on high spenders and, with ongoing labor negotiations following the 1997 CBA (extended to 2001), foreshadowed stricter payroll controls in future agreements.[21][9] Scouting emphasized "toolsy" high school players—those with standout physical attributes like power, speed, and arm strength—over safer college options, though the draft occurred against a backdrop of growing suspicions about performance-enhancing drugs in the league, without direct implications for amateur selections.[22] Free agency losses from the 1999 offseason further altered strategies, as teams like the Seattle Mariners forfeited a draft pick after signing Type A free agent John Olerud from the New York Mets, prompting compensatory selections that reshaped early-round planning for affected clubs.[23]Top Prospects
The 2000 Major League Baseball draft featured a deep pool of amateur talent, with Adrián González emerging as the consensus top prospect. A power-hitting first baseman from Eastlake High School in Chula Vista, California, González stood out for his polished swing, exceptional bat control, and strong defensive skills at the position, making him a rare high school first baseman projected as the No. 1 overall pick—the first such selection since Ron Blomberg in 1967.[24][25] Scouts praised his makeup and work ethic, though some questioned the immediate projection of his raw power against professional pitching.[24] Among position players, outfielder Rocco Baldelli ranked as high as No. 6 on pre-draft boards, drawing attention for his elite tools including plus speed, arm strength, and power potential from Warwick, Rhode Island's high school ranks.[24] Baldelli's limited organized baseball experience prior to his senior year added intrigue, positioning him as a high-upside athlete with five-tool capabilities. College pitchers also dominated the scouting discussions, exemplified by Cal State Fullerton's Adam Johnson, who posted a 7-4 record with 166 strikeouts in his junior season, earning Big West Pitcher of the Year honors for his sinking fastball and sharp slider.[26][27] Similarly, Stanford's Justin Wayne, a durable right-hander with precise command, helped lead his team to the College World Series finals, showcasing intelligence on the mound despite a fastball that topped out in the low 90s.[24] High school arms carried significant buzz, with Matt Harrington from Palmdale High School in California slotted around No. 7 for his projectable 6-foot-5 frame and fastball that reached 97 mph, though concerns lingered over the consistency of his breaking pitches and adaptation to thin air at Coors Field.[24] Signability risks were a recurring theme for college-committed players like Harrington, who sought substantial bonuses and often opted for higher education over immediate professional deals, complicating teams' strategies. The prospect class skewed heavily toward pitchers, with approximately 20 arms comprising the top 30 rankings, reflecting a broader emphasis on velocity and projection over positional scarcity.[24] Scouting reports highlighted an international flavor, including Canadian third baseman Scott Thorman from Preston High School in Ontario, valued for his athleticism, power from both sides of the plate, and versatility across the infield.[28] Thorman represented a breakout from north of the border, adding diversity to a draft otherwise dominated by U.S. high school and college talents. Overlooked gems surfaced in evaluations of raw catchers and middle infielders, underscoring the draft's depth beyond the headliners.[24]Selections
First Round Picks
The first round of the 2000 Major League Baseball draft featured 30 selections, conducted on June 5 and 6 in Secaucus, New Jersey, with teams picking in reverse order of their 1999 regular-season finish. This round emphasized a balance of high school athletes with raw tools and college performers offering immediate polish, particularly pitchers comprising nearly half the selections. Total signing bonuses for the round exceeded $54 million, with standout deals like Joe Borchard's $5.3 million payout to the Chicago White Sox highlighting the financial stakes involved.[4] The selections reflected teams' strategic priorities, such as the Florida Marlins' choice of first baseman Adrián González at No. 1 for his advanced hitting ability and defensive prowess at a premium position, despite lingering questions about his power projection from Eastlake High School. Similarly, the Minnesota Twins selected right-hander Adam Johnson second overall from Cal State Fullerton, valuing his college dominance with a sinking fastball and command that promised quick advancement through their system, opting against riskier high school arms amid bonus negotiations. The Philadelphia Phillies, at No. 15, targeted UCLA second baseman Chase Utley for his compact swing and pull-side power, viewing him as the draft's premier pure hitter capable of rapid minor-league progression.[24][24][24] Notable surprises included the Montreal Expos' decision at No. 5 to pass on top high school pitchers like Matt Harrington in favor of Stanford right-hander Justin Wayne, prioritizing his three-pitch mix, intelligence, and lower-risk college profile over velocity upside. The Atlanta Braves closed the round with consecutive picks at Nos. 29 and 30—right-hander Adam Wainwright from Glynn Academy High School for his projectable frame and slider potential, followed by third baseman Scott Thorman from Preston High School in Canada for his versatile arm strength—securing extra value from prior free-agent compensation.[24][24][24] All first-round picks signed professional contracts except right-hander Matt Harrington (No. 7, Colorado Rockies), who held out initially over bonus disputes exceeding $4 million before eventually pursuing independent ball and later international opportunities. The reported average bonus for those who signed approximated $1.9 million, underscoring the draft's competitive financial landscape.[4][24][4]| Pick | Team | Player | Position | School | Bonus |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Florida Marlins | Adrián González | 1B | Eastlake HS (CA) | $3,000,000 |
| 2 | Minnesota Twins | Adam Johnson | RHP | Cal State Fullerton | $2,500,000 |
| 3 | Chicago Cubs | Luis Montañez | SS | Coral Park HS (FL) | $2,750,000 |
| 4 | Kansas City Royals | Mike Stodolka | LHP | Centennial HS (CA) | $2,500,000 |
| 5 | Montreal Expos | Justin Wayne | RHP | Stanford University | $2,950,000 |
| 6 | Tampa Bay Devil Rays | Rocco Baldelli | OF | Bishop Hendricken HS (RI) | $2,250,000 |
| 7 | Colorado Rockies | Matt Harrington | RHP | Palmdale HS (CA) | Did not sign |
| 8 | Detroit Tigers | Matt Wheatland | RHP | Rancho Bernardo HS (CA) | $2,150,000 |
| 9 | San Diego Padres | Mark Phillips | LHP | Hanover HS (PA) | $2,200,000 |
| 10 | Anaheim Angels | Joe Torres | LHP | Gateway HS (FL) | $2,080,000 |
| 11 | Milwaukee Brewers | Dave Krynzel | OF | Green Valley HS (NV) | $1,950,000 |
| 12 | Chicago White Sox | Joe Borchard | OF | Stanford University | $5,300,000 |
| 13 | St. Louis Cardinals | Shaun Boyd | 2B | Vista HS (CA) | $1,750,000 |
| 14 | Baltimore Orioles | Beau Hale | RHP | University of Texas | $2,250,000 |
| 15 | Philadelphia Phillies | Chase Utley | 2B | UCLA | $1,780,000 |
| 16 | New York Mets | Billy Traber | LHP | Loyola Marymount University | $400,000 |
| 17 | Los Angeles Dodgers | Ben Diggins | RHP | University of Arizona | $2,200,000 |
| 18 | Toronto Blue Jays | Miguel Negrón | OF | Manuela Toro HS (PR) | $950,000 |
| 19 | Pittsburgh Pirates | Sean Burnett | LHP | Wellington HS (FL) | $1,650,000 |
| 20 | Anaheim Angels | Chris Bootcheck | RHP | Auburn University | $1,800,000 |
| 21 | San Francisco Giants | Boof Bonser | RHP | Gibbs HS (FL) | $1,245,000 |
| 22 | Boston Red Sox | Phil Dumatrait | LHP | Bakersfield JC | $1,275,000 |
| 23 | Cincinnati Reds | David Espinosa | SS | Gulliver Prep HS (FL) | $1,600,000 |
| 24 | St. Louis Cardinals | Blake Williams | RHP | Southwest Texas State University | $1,375,000 |
| 25 | Texas Rangers | Scott Heard | C | Rancho Bernardo HS (CA) | $1,475,000 |
| 26 | Cleveland Indians | Corey Smith | SS | Piscataway Township HS (NJ) | $1,375,000 |
| 27 | Houston Astros | Robert Stiehl | RHP | El Camino College | $1,250,000 |
| 28 | New York Yankees | David Parrish | C | University of Michigan | $1,425,000 |
| 29 | Atlanta Braves | Adam Wainwright | RHP | Glynn Academy HS (GA) | $1,250,000 |
| 30 | Atlanta Braves | Scott Thorman | 3B | Preston HS (Canada) | $1,225,000 |
Compensation Picks
In the 2000 Major League Baseball draft, the 10 supplemental first-round picks (overall selections 31 through 40) were awarded to teams that lost qualifying free agents from the 1999 offseason without receiving a player of comparable value in return. Under the collective bargaining agreement in effect, Type A free agents—players who declined a qualifying offer and ranked in the top 30% of their position based on a three-year performance metric tied to arbitration eligibility—triggered a supplemental pick for the losing team if the signing team forfeited a first- or second-round pick but did not offer a suitable replacement. Type B free agents, the next 20% in rankings, resulted in a supplemental pick for the losing team while costing the signing team only a pick after the first round. These picks provided rebuilding or mid-market teams with additional high-value draft slots to target top amateur talent, often from high school or college programs, enhancing their prospect pools at a time when payroll disparities limited free-agent spending. The supplemental picks carried significant strategic value, allowing teams like the Atlanta Braves—who received two such selections—to stockpile young players during a competitive window, while others like the Minnesota Twins used theirs to pursue college arms. For example, the Twins selected Aaron Heilman with pick 31 as compensation for losing Type B free agent reliever Mike Trombley to the Baltimore Orioles. Signing bonuses for these picks ranged from $625,000 to $1,050,000, comparable to many main first-round selections, and most players signed promptly, though Heilman returned to Notre Dame and did not sign with Minnesota.[29][4]| Pick | Team | Player | Position | School (Location) | Compensation For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 31 | Minnesota Twins | Aaron Heilman | RHP | University of Notre Dame (South Bend, IN) | Loss of Mike Trombley (to Baltimore Orioles) |
| 32 | Baltimore Orioles | Tripper Johnson | 3B | Newport HS (Bellevue, WA) | Loss of Arthur Rhodes (to Seattle Mariners) |
| 33 | Toronto Blue Jays | Dustin McGowan | RHP | Long County HS (Ludowici, GA) | Loss of Graeme Lloyd (to Baltimore Orioles) |
| 34 | Cincinnati Reds | Dustin Moseley | RHP | Arkansas HS (Texarkana, AR) | Loss of Juan Guzman (to New York Yankees) |
| 35 | Texas Rangers | Tyrell Godwin | CF | University of North Carolina (Chapel Hill, NC) | Loss of Aaron Sele (to Seattle Mariners) |
| 36 | New York Mets | Bob Keppel | RHP | De Smet Jesuit HS (Creve Coeur, MO) | Loss of Billy Taylor (to Tampa Bay Devil Rays) |
| 37 | Cleveland Indians | Derek Thompson | LHP | Land O' Lakes HS (Land O' Lakes, FL) | Loss of Mike Jackson (to Houston Astros) |
| 38 | Atlanta Braves | Kelly Johnson | SS | Westwood HS (Austin, TX) | Loss of José Hernandez (to Milwaukee Brewers) |
| 39 | Texas Rangers | Chad Hawkins | RHP | Baylor University (Waco, TX) | Loss of Todd Zeile (to New York Mets) |
| 40 | Atlanta Braves | Aaron Herr | IF | Hempfield HS (Landisville, PA) | Loss of Russ Springer (to Houston Astros) |