Imagine drafting a hometown hero who not only becomes a franchise cornerstone but also earns a first-ballot Hall of Fame nod. That's exactly what the Minnesota Twins achieved when they selected Joe Mauer with the No. 1 overall pick in 2001. But here's where it gets controversial: while many celebrate Mauer as the best No. 1 pick of the century, others argue that the title belongs to someone else. As the 2025-26 MLB Draft Lottery approaches on December 9 in Orlando, Florida, with the Twins holding the second-best odds (22.18%) of landing the top pick again, it's the perfect time to revisit Mauer's legacy and compare it to other top picks this century.
Before we dive into the rankings, let’s set the stage. The Twins’ selection of Mauer was a storybook moment—a Minnesota native staying with his hometown team for 15 seasons, earning six All-Star selections, five Silver Sluggers, three batting titles, three Gold Gloves, and the 2009 AL MVP. His .365 batting average that season, paired with 59 extra-base hits, cemented his place in baseball history. And this is the part most people miss: Mauer’s impact wasn’t just on the field; he became the face of the Twins franchise, embodying loyalty and excellence. But is he truly the best No. 1 pick of the century? Let’s explore.
Honorable Mention: Justin Upton
Drafted No. 1 overall by the Diamondbacks in 2005, Upton spent his first six seasons in Arizona, earning two All-Star nods and a Silver Slugger. His 108 home runs rank ninth in Diamondbacks history, and he went on to hit 325 career home runs across 16 seasons with six teams. While impressive, Upton’s impact didn’t quite reach the heights of those higher on this list.
No. 6: Gerrit Cole
A mega-prospect out of UCLA, Cole was the Pirates’ No. 1 pick in 2011. He spent five seasons in Pittsburgh, earning an All-Star selection and a Top 4 Cy Young finish. Since joining the Yankees, he’s added six All-Star nods, two ERA titles, and the 2023 Cy Young Award. With 2,251 career strikeouts (61st all-time), Cole’s dominance is undeniable. But here’s the debate: Should his success with the Yankees overshadow his shorter tenure with the Pirates?
No. 5: David Price
Price edges out Cole on this list due to his longer stay (seven seasons) with the Rays, who drafted him No. 1 in 2007. He won the 2012 Cy Young Award in Tampa Bay and holds franchise records for ERA (3.18), bWAR (21.3), and WHIP (1.142). Across 14 seasons with five teams, he’s earned five All-Star selections, two ERA titles, and a 2018 World Series ring with the Red Sox. The question remains: Does team loyalty matter more than individual achievements?
No. 4: Paul Skenes
Skenes represents the new era of pitching. Drafted No. 1 by the Pirates in 2023, he’s already won a Rookie of the Year Award, a Cy Young Award, an ERA title, and two All-Star selections in just two seasons. His power and metrics are off the charts, and he’s single-handedly revitalized the Pirates, even attracting free agents to Pittsburgh. But is it too early to rank him this high? Some argue his dominance is undeniable, while others say time will tell.
No. 3: Stephen Strasburg
Strasburg’s career with the Nationals (2009-2022) was defined by resilience. Despite injuries, he earned three All-Star nods, a Silver Slugger, and 1,723 strikeouts (most in Nationals history). His 2019 World Series MVP performance, with 47 strikeouts across 36.1 innings, solidified his legacy. The counterpoint: Would he rank higher without the injury setbacks?
No. 2: Bryce Harper
Drafted No. 1 by the Nationals in 2010, Harper won the 2012 Rookie of the Year, six All-Star selections, an MVP, and a Silver Slugger in seven seasons with Washington. His star power transformed the Nationals from a losing franchise to a national phenomenon. The debate: Does Harper’s impact off the field outweigh Strasburg’s on-field heroics?
No. 1: Joe Mauer
Mauer’s career with the Twins is unparalleled. A Minnesota native who stayed loyal to his hometown team, he achieved Hall of Fame status with six All-Star selections, five Silver Sluggers, three batting titles, three Gold Gloves, and the 2009 MVP. His .365 batting average that season remains one of the decade’s best performances. But here’s the final question: Is Mauer’s loyalty and consistency enough to crown him the best No. 1 pick of the century, or does someone else deserve the title? Let us know in the comments—we want to hear your take!
