Below is a list of players who had previously attended a Perfect Game event that enjoyed extremely productive 2016 seasons at the Major League level. To view the PG database and all 938 former PG participants who have played in the big leagues please visit this link.
SP: Jose Fernandez
2016 Stats: 16-8, 2.86 ERA, 253 strikeouts in 182.1 IP
The late superstar turned in what might have been his best season as a pro. Fernandez set career highs in innings pitched, wins and strikeouts. Fernandez was one of the most prolific pitching prospects ever as his complete game shutout in the playoffs at the WWBA World Championship showed off his outstanding ability. His calling card was his electric fastball/slider combination and he bumped his fastball up to 95 mph at the National Showcase. The Tampa product was a once-in-a-lifetime talent and baseball will never be the same without him.
SP: Rick Porcello
2016 Stats: 22-4, 3.15 ERA, 189 strikeouts in 223 IP
The New Jersey native put together his best season as a professional as Porcello captured the AL Cy Young award in 2016. Porcello was an extremely projectable righthanded pitcher in high school and really impressed at the 2006 WWBA World Championship. He joined an impressive rotation that included big leaguers Matt Harvey and Anthony Ranaudo for the South Florida Bandits. The team reached the round of eight and Porcello got up to 98 mph during the tournament.
VIDEO: Porcello at the 2006 National Showcase
SP: Corey Kluber
2016 Stats: 18-9, 3.14 ERA, 227 strikeouts in 215 IP
Kluber is a classic example of a pitcher who has the tools but develops a bit later in his career. 2016 marked the third consecutive season finishing in the top 10 for Cy Young award voting including wining in 2014 and finishing third in 2016. Kluber impressed at the 2003 WWBA World Championship as he and fellow big league starter Yovani Gallardo were a potent 1-2 punch for the runner-up Dallas Tigers. Kluber continues to exemplify the impact that development and commitment can have on success.
SP: Aaron Sanchez
2016 Stats: 15-2, 3.00 ERA, 161 strikeouts in 192 IP
The California native has been a star ever since he first stepped onto a baseball field, and in his first full season as a starter he was dominant for the Toronto Blue Jays. Sanchez showed off his powerful heater at the 2009 National Showcase where he bumped the pitch up to 94 mph. With two plus pitches the Perfect Game All-American looks to be a fixture atop the American League for years to come.
SP: Madison Bumgarner
2016 Stats: 15-9, 2.74 ERA, 251 strikeouts in 226.2 IP
Bumgarner has become one of a handful of names rattled off when discussing the best pitcher in the MLB. He turned in another strong season as he helped push the Giants into the playoffs. As an amateur Bumgarner stood at a strong 6-foot-5, 225-pounds and it was easy to imagine him on a major league mound. The North Carolina native solidified his status as a first-round prospect after an impressive showing at the 2006 Perfect Game National Showcase.
SP: Clayton Kershaw
2016 Stats: 12-4, 1.69 ERA, 172 strikeouts in 149 IP
Although an injury-shortened season limited his time on the mound, Kershaw was historic on the mound this year. If he were to reach the qualifying innings, Kershaw would have shattered the record for strikeout-to-walk ratio at 15.6. The Texas native was a large 6-foot-3, 215-pounds in high school and was always drawing the attention of scouts and college coaches. Kershaw was the Gatorade Player of the Year and proved to be a can’t-miss prospect ascending to perhaps the greatest pitcher of his generation.
SP: Chris Sale
2016 Stats: 17-10, 3.34 ERA, 233 strikeouts in 226.2 IP
The newest Boston Red Sox pitcher is one of the best in the league and his strong 2016 season is yet another example of it. Sale has a very unorthodox delivery but he has had a ton of success with five consecutive All-Star selections and five consecutive top-6 finishes in AL Cy Young award voting. The former FGCU standout was an uber-projectable arm in high school with his slender, 6-foot-5 frame scouts always imagined Sale with a big time, power fastball. After going to college, Sale’s velocity exploded and was a first-round draft pick by the Chicago White Sox in the 2010 draft.
SP: David Price
2016 Stats: 17-9, 3.99 ERA, 228 strikeouts in 230 IP
Joining Sale and Porcello in the formidable Boston Red Sox rotation is the former Vanderbilt southpaw. Price has had an outstanding MLB career thus far with success at all his four stops. His ERA was a bit higher than usual last season but he was still a workhorse and provided 230 innings pitched for the Red Sox. Price was a tall, strong lefthander as a high school prospect and he really impressed at the 2003 WWBA World Championship.
SP: Stephen Strasburg
2016 Stats: 15-4, 3.60 ERA, 183 strikeouts in 147.2 IP
The former first overall draft pick was putting together a Cy Young-caliber season before an injury shut him down. Strasburg was a dominant college pitcher and after polishing his game at San Diego State, not to mention hitting 100 mph, shot his draft stock through the rood. He is one of the more talented pitchers to ever pass through Perfect Game and impressed scouts at the 2005 WWBA World Championship and 2006 WWBA 18u National Championship.
SP: Steven Wright
2016 Stats: 13-6, 3.33 ERA, 127 strikeouts in 156.2 IP
Wright is the fourth member of the Boston Red Sox pitching rotation to make the list and was a completely different pitcher in college. The knuckleballer had his best season as a pro this year and was a big reason why the Red Sox won the AL East. Like most knuckleball pitchers, Wright used to have a standard repertoire and soon adjusted to competition. At the 2002 National Showcase he impressed with his pitchability and ability to mix speeds and hit locations.
RP: Andrew Miller
2016 Stats: 10-1, 1.45 ERA, 12 saves, 123 strikeouts in 74.1 IP
The talented lefty became one of the most sought-after commodities in baseball after Miller adopted his new “fireman” role after being traded to Cleveland. Miller proved to be nails in high-pressure situations and took home the 2016 ALCS MVP award. The former UNC Tar Heel was always an uber-projectable flamethrower as he was hitting 95 mph at the 2003 World Showcase. Miller basically had “first round” labeled on his forehead and he has made a name for himself as perhaps the most dominant reliever in baseball.
VIDEO: Miller at the 2002 National Showcase
RP: Mark Melancon
2016 Stats: 2-2, 1.64 ERA, 47 saves, 65 strikeouts in 71.1 IP
Melancon was a relatively unknown hailing from Arvada, Colo., during his high school days. He was up to 88 mph in high school and pitched well for the University of Arizona to be selected by the New York Yankees in the 2006 MLB Draft. After the past few seasons, Melancon has solidified himself as one of the top relief pitchers in all of baseball, and, along with Aroldis Chapman and Kenley Jansen, was one of the top relievers on the market before signing a four-year deal with the Giants.
RP: Zach Britton
2016 Stats: 2-1, 0.54 ERA, 47 saves, 74 strikeouts in 67 IP
The Orioles ace reliever was part of a dominant pitching staff at the 2005 PG/WWBA World Championship. Joining future big league arms like Shawn Tolleson and Chase Anderson, Britton put up impressive numbers and was clocked as high as 92 mph at the event. Today Britton has a case for best relief pitcher in baseball as he put together a historic season that culminated with near-record relief numbers and a fourth-place finish in the 2016 AL Cy Young voting.
RP: Dellin Betances
2016 Stats: 3-6, 3.08 ERA, 12 saves, 126 strikeouts in 73 IP
Hailing from New York, N.Y., and now pitching for the hometown Yankees, Betances is a perfect example of why you never give up on talented prospects. After having varied success as a starting pitcher, Betances moved to the bullpen where he became one of the most valuable assets in the game. Coming out of high school he was ranked as one of the highest prospects and showed off his plus fastball, up to 93 mph, and sweeping curveball at the 2005 Perfect Game National Showcase.
RP: Sam Dyson
2016 Stats: 3-2, 2.43 ERA, 38 saves, 55 strikeouts in 70.1 IP
Dyson solidified himself in the top echelon of relievers as he took over the closer role for the Rangers this season. He was effective in high leverage situations and part of a bullpen that propelled Texas to the playoffs. Dyson impressed at multiple WWBA National Championships, including the 17u event in 2004 where he was clocked up to 94 mph.
RP: Wade Davis
2016 Stats: 2-1, 1.87 ERA, 27 saves, 47 strikeouts in 43.1 IP
The newly acquired closer for the Chicago Cubs is coming off a year that was impressive, but was cut short with injuries. Davis was nearly unhittable for the past few years on the Kansas City Royals and, as long as he is healthy, there is no reason to suggest he won’t be as effective for the Cubs. Davis always had an excellent pitcher’s frame and was impressive at the 2003 WWBA World Championship where he showed a four-pitch mix and got up to the low 90s.
C: Jonathan Lucroy
2016 Stats: .292/.355/.500, 24 HR, 81 RBI
The former Orlando Scorpions backstop has had a very productive Major League career up to this point. Lucroy had a change of scenery as a July trade saw him move from Milwaukee to Texas as Lucroy got the opportunity to compete for a championship in 2016. The Florida product played for the local Scorpions and impressed at the 2003 PG/WWBA World Championship.
C: Buster Posey
2016 Stats: .288/.362/.434, 14 HR, 80 RBI
One of the highest rated prospects in his class, Posey is well on his way to carving out his own plaque in Cooperstown. Posey collected his first Gold Glove award in 2016 and already has three World Series titles to his name. Posey was actually recruited as a pitcher and a shortstop back in high school and didn’t begin to catch full time until late in his Florida State career. The Georgia native and PG All-American was up to 92 mph on the mound with the East Cobb Astros during the 2004 PG/WWBA World Championship.
C: Matt Wieters
2016 Stats: .243/.302/.409, 17 HR, 66 RBI
The Baltimore Orioles backstop has had a bit of an up-and-down career but had himself an average season at the plate. Wieters was a highly touted prospect as an amateur and was one of the most sought after high school catching prospects. He collected the MVP for the 2004 WWBA 18u National Championship and after attending Georgia Tech went on to be a first-round pick by the O’s.
1B: Anthony Rizzo
2016 Stats: .292/.385/.544, 32 HR, 109 RBI
The Cubs sweet-swinging lefty turned in yet another MVP-caliber season as he helped propel the Cubs to the World Series title. Rizzo isn’t a bat-only first baseman as he was rewarded with a Gold Glove selection and the coveted Rawlings Platinum Glove award. In high school Rizzo has always had his simple swing with power from the left side. His loud bat impressed at the 2006 Perfect Game National Showcase and it has translated into one of the best swings in the game today.
1B: Joey Votto
2016 Stats: .326/.434/.550, 29 HR, 97 RBI
The first Canadian entry on our list, Votto has established himself as one of the best first basemen in the game today, and is quite possibly the most patient hitter in baseball. Votto has finished in the top 10 in MVP voting for three of the past four years and remains a consistent force in the Reds’ lineup. He impressed at numerous showcases throughout his high school career including at the 2001 National Showcase. His bat speed and explosiveness at the plate made him a high hitting prospect and he has continued to develop throughout his professional career.
1B: Freddie Freeman
2016 Stats: .302/.400/.569, 34 HR, 96 RBI
Freeman turned in what might have been his most impressive season as a pro and that is despite not receiving much help throughout the Braves’ lineup. The California native turned heads at the 2006 National Showcase and his batting practice was one of the more impressive seen at the event. At such a young age he showed a pure ability to hit and excellent feel.
1B: Chris Davis
2016 Stats: .229/.332/.792, 38 HR, 84 RBI
The first baseman for the Baltimore Orioles had a bit of a down year in terms of contact, but the power was as good as ever with 38 homeruns for the O’s. Davis shined at the 2003 National Showcase displaying his big time power with good bat speed and crisp swing. The ability has always been there for Davis and his talent has never been an issue which led to him being a high draft pick by the Texas Rangers. His potential was recognized at the showcase and he has shown he can be one of the most prolific power hitters in the MLB.
1B: Eric Hosmer
2016 Stats: .266/.328/.433, 25 HR, 104 RBI
Hosmer had another strong year for the 2015 MLB champion Kansas City Royals and was rewarded with an All-Star selection. The former Perfect Game All-American was one of the most polished hitting prospects for the class of 2008 and solidified his presence as an elite talent by winning the MVP award for the 2007 WWBA World Championship. His pure bat speed and pitch recognition showed off at the 2007 National Showcase and made him an elite hitter and worthy of a first-round selection. Hosmer was also one of the better defensive first basemen with his soft hands and a strong arm that was clocked at 92 mph at the showcase.
1B: Paul Goldschmidt
2016 Stats: .297/.411/.489, 24 HR, 95 RBI
“Goldy” is quickly becoming one of the biggest stars in baseball and his impressive line was just in line with his usual production. Goldschmidt was a late bloomer as a prospect and once he tweaked his game a bit in the minor leagues he became one of the fastest rising prospects. The Arizona Diamondbacks first baseman played in the 2004 WWBA 17u National Championship.
SS: Corey Seager
2016 Stats: .308/.365/.512, 26 HR, 72 RBI
Seager was awarded the NL Rookie of the Year, in a unanimous vote, and was a finalist for the NL MVP award. Those honors just highlight the amazing season that Seager had which saw him become arguably the best shortstop in the league at such a young age. The Perfect Game All-American wowed scouts throughout his high school career with stellar defensive plays at shortstop. The former first rounder impressed at the PG National with a wide defensive skill-set. Seager’s bat has come a long way as he is now not only one of the top defensive players but offensively he is a force as well.
VIDEO: Seager at the 2011 National Showcase
SS: Francisco Lindor
2016 Stats: .301/.358/.435, 15 HR, 78 RBI, 19 SB
Lindor, a former teammate of Jose Fernandez, was a part of the loaded third-place FTB Mizuno team from the 2010 WWBA World Championship, and this year broke out as one of the brightest young stars in baseball. The world got to see Lindor in the World Series and he also played Gold Glove-caliber defense at short while being a steadying presence in the lineup. A year younger for his graduation class, Lindor blew up after his strong performance in the 2008 WWBA Underclass World Championship as he took home MVP honors. There was never a doubt that he would stick at shortstop as he was a very advanced defensive prospect. The bat always had potential as well, with his good approach and plus bat speed from both sides, and the Puerto Rican shortstop won the home run challenge at the 2010 PG All-American Classic.
VIDEO: Lindor hits a home run at the 2010 WWBA World Championship
SS: Addison Russell
2016 Stats: .238/.321/.417, 21 HR, 95 RBI
Another budding star coming from FTB, Russell exploded onto the scene this season for the World Series champion Cubs. Many were concerned with Russell’s low batting average but he was able to increase his on-base skills and crush 21 home runs. Russell was thought to be a future second baseman in high school but now is a franchise cornerstone shortstop and has shown the ability to stay at the position. His offensive potential was always there as his elite hand and bat speed made him stand out.
VIDEO: Russell takes BP at the 2011 National Showcase
SS: Carlos Correa
2016 Stats: .274/.361/.451, 20 HR, 96 RBI, 13 SB
The No. 1 overall selection in the 2012 draft was also ranked No. 1 in Perfect Game’s 2012 national rankings. Correa has done nothing over his career to disprove that selection as the Astros’ shortstop is quickly becoming one of the best players in baseball. Correa first jumped onto the national stage at the 2011 World Showcase and his stock would rise from that point on. Throughout the rest of his amateur career he showed ability both in the field and at the plate to be a potential superstar.
2B: Daniel Murphy
2016 Stats: .347/.390/.595, 25 HR, 104 RBI
Murphy followed up his torrid 2015 postseason with an incredible 2016 which saw him finish second in the NL MVP race and lead the league in doubles for the Washington Nationals. Murphy is from Jacksonville and attended Jacksonville University before being drafted by the New York Mets in the 13th round of the 2006 draft. He played in the 2002 WWBA 18u National Championship and as a prospect was a bat first player who’s bat has become one of the best in baseball.
2B: D.J. LeMahieu
2016 Stats: .348/.416/.495, 11 HR, 66 RBI
The former LSU standout was a second-round selection by the Chicago Cubs in the 2009 draft. LeMahieu proved to be one of the top second basemen in baseball showing good defensive ability and winning the NL batting title. As a prospect, LeMahieu was an uber-projectable shortstop with defensive prowess and an advanced feel for hitting. The hitting tool has translated to the big leagues and at the 2006 National Showcase he impressed with his quick hands and a seemingly innate ability to drive baseballs for hits all across the field.
2B: Rougned Odor
2016 Stats: .271/.296/.502, 33 HR, 88 RBI, 14 SB
The Texas Rangers second baseman turned in what might be his best season in the major leagues to date. Odor mashed 33 home runs and slugged over .500 to make himself a force at the plate. Odor first popped onto our radar at the 2010 National Showcase. Odor showed impressive defensive actions with a smooth, crisp swing from the left side. The Venezuelan later signed with Texas as an amateur free agent.
3B: Josh Donaldson
2016 Stats: .284/.404/.549, 37 HR, 99 RBI
Donaldson jumped onto the scene at the 2003 World Showcase and quickly rose as a draft prospect after that event. He has now turned in back-to-back MVP-caliber seasons after securing the award in the 2015 season. The Alabama native has become one of the best players in baseball with excellent defense at the hot corner coupled with a strong offensive presence.
3B: Kris Bryant
2016 Stats: .292/.385/.554, 39 HR, 102 RBI
After attending the University of San Diego, Bryant’s impressive numbers helped make him the No. 2 overall selection in the 2013 draft. Bryant’s calling card was his bat with such an easy, fluid swing that oozed potential. He was awarded the NL MVP award in 2016 for his contributions to the World Series champion Cubs and looks to be one of baseball’s brightest young stars.
VIDEO: Bryant takes BP at the 2010 National Showcase
3B: Manny Machado
2016 Stats: .294/.343/.533, 37 HR, 96 RBI
The Orioles third baseman, although he can play shortstop just as effortlessly, is one of the top athletes in baseball. He turned in yet another typical Machado year and has bounced back from a bad knee injury very well the past couple of years. As a prospect, Machado was one of the top prep players and he was selected third overall. The Florida native had the whole package and stood out against elite competition during his entire high school career.
3B: Nolan Arenado
2016 Stats: .294/.362/.570, 41 HR, 133 RBI
Arenado has become one of the hottest young players in the MLB and a cornerstone piece for the rebuilding Rockies. He turned in yet another fantastic season offensively all while playing Gold Glove caliber defense at third. In high school he showed good power from the right side of the batter’s box with feel for power as well. Defensively he was always a standout with good ground coverage and an excellent arm.
OF: Mike Trout
2016 Stats: .315/.441/.550, 29 HR< 100 RBI, 30 SB
Watching Trout ascend from a talented high school prospect to one of the best players this game has ever seen has been truly a joy to watch. Trout just collected his second AL MVP award in 2016, and his fifth straight top-two finish, and is a pure superstar. He played travel ball with the Tri-State Arsenal and stood out in nearly every event he participated in. Trout graded out as a five-tool player, getting high marks in nearly every category of player evaluation. The first-round pick has been a superstar since his amateur days and there is no ceiling on his ability.
OF: Mookie Betts
2016 Stats: .318/.363/.534, 31 HR, 113 RBI, 26 SB
For as great of a bowler he is Betts is absolutely one of the premier young talents in the game today. He followed up his first full season in the big leagues by collecting a Gold Glove, Silver Slugger, All-Star appearance and finishing second in the AL MVP voting. As a prospect, he was extremely athletic and still is, but his bat-to-ball skills stood out. Betts was a middle infielder as an amateur, and even in the minor leagues, but he is athletic enough to play Gold Glove defense in center field, which is saying something.
OF: Dexter Fowler
2016 Stats: .276/.393/.447, 13 HR, 48 RBI, 13 SB
Fowler has been a star ever since his days of playing travel ball in Georgia. He has now put together back-to-back excellent season for the World Series champion Cubs and was rewarded with his excellence by the Cardinals who gave him a 5-year, $82.5mm contract. The first thing that stood out about Fowler as a prep player was his 6-foot-5, 188-pound frame that was ridiculously projectable. Fowler was a five-tool prospect who showed immense promise.
VIDEO: Fowler at the 2003 PG All-American Classic
OF: Christian Yelich
2016 Stats: .298/.376/.483, 21 HR, 98 RBI
Yelich, a California native, turned in his best season as a pro for the Marlins in 2016. He was the main force in the lineup and played excellent defense in center field all season. In high school he was a very interesting prospect with a smooth swing from the left side and good skills defensively and on the bases. Yelich was able to finally tap into his power this season as he hit a career-high 21 home runs.
OF: Andrew McCutchen
2016 Stats: .256/.336/.430, 24 HR, 79 RBI
The former-MVP turned in another quality season despite having a slow start to the year. McCutchen was followed since his early high school days and his seemingly unlimited ceiling is what led the Pittsburgh Pirates to draft him in the first round of the 2005 draft. McCutchen showed not only excellent bat speed with a power profile, but he was also capable of playing any outfield position with a strong arm that registered at 91 mph at the 2004 National Showcase.
OF: Bryce Harper
2016 Stats: .243/.373/.441, 24 HR, 86 RBI
The franchise cornerstone for the Washington Nationals battled injuries but still put up a productive line over the course of the year for the NL East champs. Harper was one of the few “can’t miss” prospects to come through the game and it showed off with his skillset. The former-MVP rated plus or above in nearly every category, not to mention that he was a catcher in high school and had the strongest throw from anyone in his grad year at 87 mph. Harper was a true once-in-a-generation talent, No. 1 overall for the class of 2011, and he consistently was the best player on the field even playing against kids who were years older than he was.
OF: Jackie Bradley Jr.
2016 Stats: .267/.349/.486, 26 HR, 87 RBI
The former Gamecock has always been an excellent defender but the fast few seasons Bradley Jr. has really put it together at the plate. With a strong clip for the AL East champion Boston Red Sox, Bradley Jr. looks to be a part of one of the best outfields in baseball. As a high school prospect Bradley Jr. had a smooth, line drive approach at the plate but his calling card was his defensive ability. He tied a Perfect Game record with a throw from the outfield at 101 mph and really impressed with his rangy defense at the 2008 Pre Draft Showcase.
OF: Ian Desmond
2016 Stats: .285/.335/.446, 22 HR, 86 RBI
Desmond had a bounce-back year as an outfielder for the Texas Rangers and his strong season allowed him to sign a five-year, $70 million deal with the Colorado Rockies. As a high school player Desmond was versatile in the field, playing all infield positions and a bit of outfield as well. He had quick hands with some bat speed and had a loud batting practice at the 2004 World Showcase where he made the top prospect list.
OF: Adam Jones
2016 Stats: .265/.310/.436, 29 HR, 83 RBI
Jones was a very toolsy high school prospect and showed the ceiling of his abilities at the 2003 World Showcase. An infielder at the time, Jones got up to 93 mph from the infield and impressed with his bat and hand speed at the plate. It was noted in his scouting report that Jones had top-end pitching tools as well which speaks to the testament of athlete that Jones is. He was drafted in the first round by the Seattle Mariners in 2003.
OF: Justin Upton
2016 Stats: .246/.310/.465, 31 HR, 87 RBI
The Detroit Tigers outfielder had a bit of a slow start to the season but finished strong and still topped the 30 HR mark on the season. Upton was one of the highest rated prospects ever and had Bryce Harper-esque hype heading into the 2005 draft. The Perfect Game All-American added to the hype with his performance at the 2004 National Showcase where he set the record, at the time, for a 60-yd. dash with an absurd 6.23 seconds, threw 91 mph across the infield, up to 94 mph on the mound, and even graded out as an above average defender in centerfield. Of course, Upton could also mash and had light-tower-power at an early age. Following the hype, Upton was drafted 1-1 by the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2005.
UTIL: Todd Frazier
2016 Stats: .225/.302/.464, 40 HR, 98 RBI
The “Toddfather” had another productive year as the Toms River, NJ product knocked in 40 homeruns. Frazier went to Rutgers and brought up his stock significantly which led to him being selected in the first round of the 2007 draft. Frazier was a shortstop as a prospect and always had a power bat.
UTIL: Wil Myers
2016 Stats: .259/.336/.461, 28 HR, 94 RBI
Arguably the best hitter for the San Diego Padres last season, Myers’ third team looks to be his landing spot for the forseeable future. Although he played first base for the majority of the season, Myers is versatile and the former AL ROY can play almost any position. That stood out as a high school prospect as well with Myers seeing time in the infield, outfield, behind the plate, and on the mound. He has the entire package of tools with a strong arm and a quick bat and power.
UTIL: Trea Turner
2016 Stats: .342/.370/.567, 13 HR, 40 RBI
In any other season Turner would’ve likely won the NL ROY award but Corey Seager put together an MVP-caliber season as a rookie. Turner is a shortstop by trade, but played outstanding centerfield defense this season which shows you how crazy his athleticism is. Speed was a big part of his game as a prospect and after attending North Carolina State was selected in the first round by the San Diego Padres in the 2014 draft.