Philadelphia Phillies: 5 best first-round draft picks in franchise history

1. Philadelphia Phillies best first-round draft pick: Chase Utley.

He’s still the man. Chase Utley was the 15th overall selection in the 2000 MLB Draft. He’s the best first-round draft pick the Phillies have ever taken and it goes well beyond the 62 WAR he posted—fourth all-time in Phillies franchise history and the second-best among position players. Only Mike Schmidt has a higher total.

Utley was a leader for the Phillies during their best days of the late 2000s. He helped close out Veteran’s Stadium and open up Citizen’s Bank Ballpark. A superb hitter with above-average power, the ability to hit for a good average, and a run-producer in every way possible, Utley is one of those players you tell your grandkids about.

Although he never got higher than seventh in any MVP race, there’s no question about his value. He would slash .282/.366/.481 for the Phillies while knocking 233 home runs and driving in 916. More of a doubles hitter than a guy to make a full trip around the bases, he had 346 two-baggers as a member of the Phillies.

Another aspect of his game that doesn’t get much credit, Utley failed to win any Gold Gloves. I always respected his range. Despite the lack of award for his defense, Utley can proudly hold his 3.5 Defensive WAR in 2008 above all other players in franchise history. Combined with what he did at the plate that year, his 2008 campaign of 9 WAR is the second-highest season total for any Phillies player.

Between these five, four won championships. The fifth is still here. And if Nola does accomplish what those first-round draft picks before him did, we get further confirmation just how important it is to make the right picks the first chance you get.