The 2016 MLB Draft, a decade later, is a masterclass in the unpredictability of talent evaluation. For the New York Mets, it was the second round that delivered their franchise cornerstone: Pete Alonso.
Selected 64th overall, Alonso has since crushed 226 home runs, a total unmatched by any other player from that draft class. A 2016 MLB redraft would correct the oversight. Analysts widely agree Alonso, alongside shortstop Bo Bichette, moves firmly into the top five selections.
The 2016 MLB Redraft: Alonso and Bichette Ascend
In a redraft, the Philadelphia Phillies, who originally took outfielder Mickey Moniak (now a career .215 hitter), would select a franchise catcher. Will Smith or Sean Murphy would anchor their lineup.
The revised top five highlights the value shift:
| Original Pick | Team | Redraft Pick | Rationale |
|---|---|---|---|
| No. 1 | Phillies | Will Smith / Sean Murphy | Elite defense and consistent bat, championship pedigree |
| No. 2 | Reds | Pete Alonso | Unmatched power, 4x All-Star, Rookie of the Year |
| No. 3 | Braves | Bo Bichette | Three-time All-Star, consistent .290+ hitter, 20+ HR power |
| No. 4 | Rockies | Zac Gallen | Cy Young-caliber ace, elite strikeout rate |
| No. 5 | Brewers | Dylan Cease | Power arm, Cy Young runner-up, 200+ strikeout seasons |
Alonso’s power surge is the defining statistical outlier of the draft. His 226 home runs dwarf the output of every first-round pick from that class combined.
Revisiting the Cardinals’ 2016 Draft: The Delvin Perez Story
The St. Louis Cardinals selected shortstop Delvin Perez with the 23rd overall pick. Scouts praised his raw talent; a PED suspension had tanked his stock. A decade later, he has never reached the majors.
Perez, now 27, remains in the minor leagues. His career slash line of .244/.314/.343 in the minors reflects injuries and inconsistent hitting. He spent 2025 with the Cardinals’ Double-A affiliate, struggling to a .221 average.
Why is he still playing? Financial reality. Minor league salaries are low, but a signing bonus of $2.15 million provides a cushion. For Perez, baseball is still a job. He represents the human cost of the draft’s lottery.
Other Cardinals picks from 2016 have moved on. Pitcher Connor Jones became a financial advisor. Outfielder Dylan Carlson, a 2016 supplemental pick, reached the majors but has been traded. Perez persists.
Redrafting the 2016 Class: The Full Impact
The complete redraft reveals the draft’s depth. Beyond Alonso and Bichette, players like Dylan Cease and Zac Gallen reshape the first round. The original No. 1 pick, Mickey Moniak, falls out of the top 20.
The Mets’ steal of Alonso is the headline. The Phillies’ missed opportunity on a catcher remains a raw nerve for fans. The Cardinals’ gamble on Perez is a cautionary tale about prioritizing ceiling over floor.
Core Pain Points: Why the 2016 Draft Still Haunts
The 2016 draft generates debate because of its stark “what-ifs.” For Phillies fans, it is the sting of passing on a catcher who could have anchored a championship run. For Cardinals faithful, it is the mystery of Delvin Perez’s unfulfilled potential. For Mets supporters, it is the pride of unearthing Alonso outside the first round.
The emotional connection is tied to data. A single draft pick can alter a franchise’s trajectory for a decade.
The Legacy of the 2016 Draft
The 2016 MLB Draft teaches that scouting is both science and art. Pete Alonso’s rise proves that late-round picks can become superstars. Delvin Perez’s persistence shows that baseball careers are rarely linear.
As the industry looks ahead to the next decade, the lessons from 2016—patience, hindsight, and the human element—remain timeless.
💡 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Q: What pick was Pete Alonso in the 2016 MLB Draft?
- A: Pete Alonso was selected 64th overall in the second round by the New York Mets.
- Q: How many home runs has Pete Alonso hit since being drafted?
- A: As of the latest data, Alonso has crushed 226 home runs, the most from the entire 2016 draft class.
- Q: Who would be the top pick in a 2016 MLB redraft?
- A: In a redraft scenario, the Philadelphia Phillies would likely select a franchise catcher like Will Smith or Sean Murphy with the No. 1 pick.
Extended Reading
This analysis draws on data from CBS Sports, STLSportsPage.com, and MLB.com, reflecting the consensus redraft positions and player performance metrics through the 2025 season.