What Happened to the Top 10 Picks of the 2016 MLB Draft?

The 2016 MLB Draft’s top 10 showed mixed results, as there were some injuries. There were also difference in opportunities to play which shaped careers of the raw talent.

Rajat Srivastava
October 20, 2025
4 min read

What Happened to the Top 10 Picks of the 2016 MLB Draft? — Imagn Images

The unpredictability of baseball was shown by the 2016 MLB Draft’s top 10 picks. Cal Quantrill and Braxton Garrett later on became steady pitchers, whereas others like Mickey Moniak and Nick Senzel took some time to find their roles. Injury prone players such as Ian Anderson and A.J. Puk never lived up to the expectations of the draft. This list highlights how talent and health define the careers of professional players.

10. Zach Collins - Chicago White Sox

Collins was drafted as a power-hitting catcher but he struggled to consistently perform at the MLB level. After constantly changing teams which included the Blue Jays and Guardians he transitioned into a backup role. While he didn’t become the middle-of-the-order bat which Chicago hoped for, Collins’ left-handed power and catching skills has helped him to survive in professional baseball.

9. Matt Manning - Detroit Tigers

Manning was one of Detroit’s highly touted young player as they tried to rebuild. He displayed glimpses of potential as a mid-rotation starter but injuries hampered his progress. While not yet reaching his full potential, Manning’s flashes of strong performances keep the Tigers hopeful.With continued growth and better health he could develop into a reliable starter which Detroit envisioned while drafting him.

8. Cal Quantrill - San Diego Padres

Quantrill started his MLB career while changing teams from San Diego to Cleveland before finally landing in Colorado. He is known for his competitiveness and ability to eat innings. Though he not developed into a dominant player, he still has a dependable rotation arm. Cal’s durability and adaptability have kept him valuable and proves that being consistent can build a long and meaningful major-league career.

7. Braxton Garrett - Miami Marlins

Garrett steadily and consistently developed into a reliable starter who posted a strong 2023 season. His elbow issues resurfaced just as he looked ready to solidify himself and had to undergo surgery that sidelined him for all of 2025 games. Still, with Garrett’s ability to rebound from setbacks shows some promise. The Marlins are hopeful of his return as a steady rotation player in the future.

6. A.J. Puk - Oakland Athletics

Puk was signed for his towering and imposing presence. He was projected to be a future superstar. But, due to recurring injury issues, AJ was forced into more of a bullpen role. Puk showed why he was so highly regarded with his flashes of brilliance but he never reached the level of a frontline player. His story highlights how health often determines whether talent translates into long-term MLB success or not.

5. Corey Ray - Milwaukee Brewers

Ray was drafted for his combination of power and speed but he never lived up to the expectations. Due to several Injuries and inconsistency in the minors, he only had a short stint in 2021 in MLB. He retired in 2022 and later turned to coaching. Though his career never truly developed, Ray still adapted to newer opportunities after facing the harsh realities of the professional baseball.

4. Riley Pint - Colorado Rockies

Pint was known for his electric fastball at the time of the draft, but control issues and injuries derailed his career. At one point, he stepped away from baseball entirely in 2021 before staging a comeback in 2022. Though he made it to the majors briefly in 2023, he hasn’t been able to secure a consistent role. Pint’s journey reflects the challenges pitchers face when transitioning from college to professional baseball.

3. Ian Anderson - Atlanta Braves

Anderson was one of the heros for the Braves, delivering solid starts during their 2021 World Series run. He has played useful role in Atlanta but due to injuries and inconsistency his progress slowed down. Ian was sidelined due to injury and had to undergo surgery. His career path has been filled with ups and downs, but Anderson still has the talent to return as a dependable starter in MLB.

2. Nick Senzel - Cincinnati Reds

Senzel was highly sought after for his versatility at bat. However, injuries often held him back from fulfilling his potential in Cincinnati. He has now transitioned into more of a utility role before joining the Nationals in 2024. He became a solid contributor, but not a franchise cornerstone as projected during the draft. Senzel has shown glimpses of his skill when he has been fit and has made adaptations to his game to stay relevant.

1. Mickey Moniak - Philadelphia Philies

Moniak started his league career with big expectations as the No. 1 overall pick but his career moved slowly. After his initial struggles with the Phillies, he found fresh opportunities with the Angels where he showed flashes of power and speed in 2023. Although, not a superstar, Moniak has carved out a role as a useful outfielder, proving persistence and patience can keep careers alive even after a shaky start.