MLB Columnist Has Padres Drafting Superstar Outfielder In 2017 Re-Draft

Can you imagine?

The San Diego Padres have one of the deepest teams in the league. The Friars have superstar after superstar, and it's unfair how much talent they've accumulated over the years. 

What if they had another star outfielder at their disposal? MLB columnist for Bleacher Report Joel Reuter re-drafted the 2017 draft class, including international signings. Your Friars had the number three overall pick that year, and Reuter has them taking one of the best young outfielders in the game today. 

"3. San Diego Padres: OF Julio Rodríguez

Actual Pick: LHP MacKenzie Gore

Rodríguez's Actual Draft Position: International signing (SEA, $1.8 million bonus)

Here's a full list of all the homegrown outfielders in San Diego Padres history who have been named to at least one All-Star team:

• Johnny Grubb: 1974
• Dave Winfield: 1977-80
• Tony Gwynn: 1984-87, 89-99"

In this hypothetical scenario, they have their pick of Julio Rodríguez or Luis Robert Jr. and a golden opportunity to finally buck that disappointing trend. Since J-Rod is more than three years younger and his 2022 season far exceeds anything Robert has produced, he's the pick at No. 3 overall.

Their third overall draft pick, MacKenzie Gore, worked out in a way as he was a crucial piece in the Juan Soto trade that took place last summer. However, if Mariners superstar Julio Rodriguez were in the draft, he would've been a top 3 pick without a doubt. 

Can you imagine a team with Julio, Fernando Tatis Jr., Manny Machado, and Xander Bogaerts? Wow, that would be something. Because of the trade, Juan Soto fills in for the dream scenario, but they may have still been able to acquire Soto even without MacKenzie.

Rodriguez has blossomed into his own and has already been named an All-Star, Silver Slugger award, and AL Rookie of the Year in his first season. The 22-year-old is exceptional, and this scenario is a big 'what if' for the Friars.