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Phillies: Top five MLB Draft classes since 1998

By George Stockburger

Rhys Hoskins #17 and Aaron Nola #27 of the Philadelphia Phillies (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
Rhys Hoskins #17 and Aaron Nola #27 of the Philadelphia Phillies (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /
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SAN FRANCISCO – AUGUST 9: Pat Burrell #5 of the Philadelphia Phillies hits his second home run of the day against the San Francisco Giants during a game at Pac Bell Park on August 9, 2003 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images)
SAN FRANCISCO – AUGUST 9: Pat Burrell #5 of the Philadelphia Phillies hits his second home run of the day against the San Francisco Giants during a game at Pac Bell Park on August 9, 2003 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images) /

1. 1998, Pat Burrell, Ryan Madson, Jason Michaels, Nick Punto, Geoff Geary

The 1998 draft class is hands down the greatest class in Phillies history, producing five major league players. The first two players were cornerstones of the franchise while the other three became solid journeymen major leaguers.

Burrell was the first overall pick in 1998 out of the University of Miami, and the first number one overall selection in Phillies history. Drafted as a third baseman Burrell became the everyday left fielder early in his career, joining the Phillies in 2000. A candidate for both Rookie of the Year and MVP in his career Burrell hit 251 home runs for the Phillies over nine seasons and was the veteran bat in a potent 2008 lineup.

Madson was the perfect setup man for the Phillies after bouncing between the rotation and pen early in his career. He’s one of four members of the 2008 team still in the major leagues, and is now working as a reliever for the Nationals at 37-years-old.

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Michaels, a fourth-round pick, played 5 of his 11 seasons with Philadelphia hitting .291 before being traded for Arthur Rhodes to make room for Chase Utley.

Punto was the prototypical utility player fielding seven positions in his 14-year career. A 21st round pick, Punto played just 77 games over three years for Philadelphia before being traded in a package of players for pitcher Eric Milton in 2003. He was also involved in the historic Adrian Gonzalez/Josh Beckett/Carl Crawford trade between the Red Sox and Dodgers.

Geary also spent limited time in Philadelphia before being traded to Houston for Brad Lidge. A 15th round pick out of the University of Oklahoma Geary played five years for Philadelphia as a middle reliever.

Next: Five players the Phillies could draft 3rd overall

This class is headlined by Burrell, but any class that produces five major league players will rate number one.

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