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Let’s take a look at where the MLB Draft Class of 2016 is now

By Joshua Sadlock

TAMPA, FL - JUNE 03: Mickey Moniak (2) of the Threshers hits his first home run of the season during the Florida State League game between the Florida Fire Frogs and the Clearwater Threshers on June 03, 2018, at Spectrum Field in Clearwater, FL. (Photo by Cliff Welch/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
TAMPA, FL - JUNE 03: Mickey Moniak (2) of the Threshers hits his first home run of the season during the Florida State League game between the Florida Fire Frogs and the Clearwater Threshers on June 03, 2018, at Spectrum Field in Clearwater, FL. (Photo by Cliff Welch/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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DENVER, COLORADO – JUNE 14: Starting pitcher Cal Quantrill #40 of the San Diego Padres throws in the first inning against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field on June 14, 2019 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
DENVER, COLORADO – JUNE 14: Starting pitcher Cal Quantrill #40 of the San Diego Padres throws in the first inning against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field on June 14, 2019 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images) /

8. San Diego Padres: Cal Quantrill, RHP, Stanford

The Padres were absolutely in love with Stanford right-hander Cal Quantrill despite the fact that he had barely pitched for two years prior to the draft after Tommy John. Quantrill made only three starts for Stanford in 2015 and then missed the entire 2016 season recovering from surgery. San Diego was comfortable picking him with the eighth pick and signed him for more than slot value.

Injuries aside, Quantrill was a very safe pick for the Padres, who have struggled mightily to develop starting pitching since the departure of Jake Peavy. Quantrill, with his big frame and MLB pedigree, was pretty close to a slam dunk if he could stay healthy. Any concerns about his durability were put to rest after he threw 264 innings across his first two seasons of professional ball.

Quantrill had to regain a feel for pitching against professional hitters after missing two college seasons, but he climbed the system quickly. His career minor-league record of 30-30 with a 3.99 ERA doesn’t point to extreme dominance, but given the circumstances under which his professional career began, Quantrill has blown expectations out of the water.

The 24-year-old made his MLB debut on May 1 and is 1-2 with a 4.85 ERA through his first five starts. He has struck out a batter an inning while walking only 2.4 per nine. All things considered, the early returns for the Padres on this pick have been spectacular.

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