Sons, nephews, brothers: 2019 Draft legacies
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When Bobby Witt Jr. was taken second overall by the Royals, he and his father Bobby became the first father-son duo to both be selected top-three in the MLB Draft. But Witt Jr. wasn't the only player taken with a family connection to another Major Leaguer.
Here's a look at the players with big league legacies, in order of when they were selected, through the first two days of the 2019 Draft.
DAY 1 (MONDAY)
Bobby Witt Jr., Royals -- SS, Colleyville Heritage (Texas) HS (No. 2 overall)
Relative: Bobby Witt (Father -- 16 MLB seasons)
Bobby Witt was drafted third overall by the Rangers in 1985 (right after B.J. Surhoff and Will Clark … and right before Barry Larkin and Barry Bonds). His son, a potential five-tool shortstop, went even higher, at second overall. Witt Sr. was a pitcher for seven different teams in his career, winning 142 games and a World Series title with the D-backs in 2001. More >
Hunter Bishop, Giants -- OF, Arizona State (No. 10 overall)
Relative: Braden Bishop (Brother -- Mariners OF)
Hunter's older brother Braden (25), a Mariners rookie who's rated the team's No. 11 prospect, is a speedy defensive outfielder. Hunter (20) is pretty fast, too, but he also has the big-time power that made him a Top 10 Draft pick (22 home runs for the Sun Devils this season). More >
Logan Davidson, A's -- SS, Clemson (No. 29 overall)
Relative: Mark Davidson (Father -- 6 MLB seasons)
Both Logan, a switch-hitting shortstop with a solid all-around game, and his father Mark played for Clemson. Mark went on to play for the Twins and Astros from 1986-91 and was on Minnesota's 1987 World Series-winning team.
Sammy Siani, Pirates -- CF, William Penn Charter School (Penn.) HS (No. 37 overall)
Relative: Mike Siani (Brother -- Reds No. 7 prospect)
Siani's older brother was drafted out of high school in the fourth round of the 2018 Draft by the Reds. Both brothers were drafted as center fielders.
Grae Kessinger, Astros -- SS, Ole Miss (No. 68 overall)
Relatives: Don Kessinger (Grandfather -- 16 MLB seasons) & Keith Kessinger (Uncle -- 1 MLB season)
Kessinger's grandfather Don was a six-time All-Star and two-time Gold Glove winner for the Chicago Cubs. He played 16 Major League seasons for three teams: the Cubs, White Sox and Cardinals. Grae's father, Kevin, was drafted by the Cubs in the 22nd round in 1992 out of Ole Miss and played in the organization but never reached the Majors. His uncle, Keith, was drafted out of Ole Miss in 1989 and played in 11 career Major League games, all for the Reds in 1993.
Matthew Lugo, Red Sox -- SS, Carlos Beltran Baseball Academy (Puerto Rico) HS (No. 69 overall)
Relative: Carlos Beltran (Uncle -- 20 MLB seasons)
The 18-year-old Lugo is a bat-first shortstop out of his uncle's Puerto Rico academy. That uncle just so happens to be one of the best players of his generation. Beltran was a nine-time All-Star, two-time Silver Slugger, three-time Gold Glover, the 1999 AL Rookie of the Year and a 2017 World Series champion. Beltran had 2,725 career hits, hit 435 home runs and stole 312 bases. Lugo was drafted by the Red Sox, who are led by Puerto Rican manager Alex Cora.
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Dominic Fletcher, Diamondbacks -- OF, Arkansas (No. 75 overall)
Relative: David Fletcher (Brother -- Angels INF)
The 20-year-old Fletcher is an excellent defensive center fielder who was also the Razorbacks' best hitter in the 2018 College World Series. His brother David has become a valuable utilityman for the Angels and has been one of baseball's hardest hitters to strike out this year.
DAY 2 (TUESDAY)
Grant McCray, Giants -- OF, Lakewood Ranch (Fla.) HS (No. 87 overall)
Relative: Rodney McCray (Father -- Former MLB outfielder)
Grant McCray, a Florida State commit, is a speedy outfielder like his dad. Rodney spent a decade in pro ball, including parts of three Major League seasons with the White Sox and Mets, where he collected three big league hits. But his claim to fame: McCray was responsible for an early-1990s viral video highlight while a White Sox Minor League outfielder. On May 27, 1991, McCray made a running catch at the wall and then crashed clean through the outfield fence -- a play that's now even featured in a blooper reel at the Hall of Fame.
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Glenallen Hill Jr., SS, Santa Cruz (Calif.) HS (No. 122 overall)
Relative: Glenallen Hill Sr. (Father -- Former MLB outfielder)
Glenallen Jr. is a toolsy switch-hitting 18-year-old who can hit for power from both sides of the plate and steal bases. His father, an outfielder and designated hitter, played for seven teams in a big league career spanning from 1989-2001 and won a World Series with the 2000 Yankees. He's now the manager of the Rockies' Triple-A affiliate, the Albuquerque Isotopes. Hill Sr. is also famous for his moonshot home run that landed on a rooftop across the street from Wrigley Field on May 11, 2000.
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Christian Cairo, Indians -- SS, Calvary Christian (Fla.) HS (No. 130 overall)
Relative: Miguel Cairo (Father -- Former MLB infielder)
Cairo is a middle infielder like his father. Miguel had a long career as a second baseman and utility player, playing for nine different teams from 1996-2012 -- including the inaugural Devil Rays in 1998 -- while recording double-digit steals seven times.
Jaxx Groshans, Red Sox -- C/1B, Kansas (No. 167 overall)
Relative: Jordan Groshans (Brother -- Blue Jays' No. 5 prospect)
Jaxx's brother Jordan was the Blue Jays' first-round Draft pick last year (12th overall) and currently ranks as MLB's No. 92 overall prospect. The Red Sox selected Jaxx with the final pick of the fifth round this year.
Dante Biasi, Royals -- LHP, Penn State (No. 169 overall)
Relative: Sal Biasi (Brother -- RHP in Mariners organization)
Selected in the sixth round by Kansas City, Biasi could project as a southpaw starter with three average pitches, but he might be more effective in a relief role that lets his fastball velocity play up. His brother Sal went to Penn State as well and was also a Royals selection (11th round in 2017). He was traded to the Brewers in 2018 and sent to Seattle in a deal for catcher David Freitas this past April.
Blake Sabol, Pirates -- C, USC (No. 214 overall)
Relative: Troy Polamalu (Second cousin -- former Steelers safety)
Sabol followed Polamalu to Southern California, and now he follows him to Pittsburgh. Polamalu was an All-American for the Trojans before starring for the Steelers in a 12-year NFL career that included eight Pro Bowls, four All-Pro teams, a Defensive Player of the Year Award and two Super Bowl championships.
Nick Paciorek, Yankees -- RHP, Northwestern (No. 225 overall)
Relative: Tom Paciorek (Uncle -- Former MLB outfielder)
Previously a catcher, Paciorek appeared in 20 games out of the bullpen during his first full year as a pitcher, leading Northwestern with a 3.37 ERA, 44 strikeouts and three saves, holding opposing hitters to a .196 batting average. His fastball sits at 92-93 mph, getting as high as 96. Paciorek's uncle, Tom, enjoyed an 18-year career and was an All-Star with the Mariners in 1981.
Brock Bell, Red Sox -- RHP, State College of Florida Manatee -- Sarasota (No. 227 overall)
Relative: Jay Bell (Father -- Former MLB infielder)
Bell was known as one of MLB's better defensive shortstops of the 1990s, notably snapping Ozzie Smith's 13-year run for the NL's Gold Glove Award at the position in 1993. He scored the D-backs' winning run on Luis Gonzalez's bloop single that ended the famous 2001 World Series. Bell went on to serve as bench coach for the D-backs and Reds before becoming a manager in the Yankees' farm system. Now, Bell's son could join the pinstripes' biggest rival.
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Peyton Battenfield, Astros -- RHP, Oklahoma State (No. 286 overall)
Relative: Blake Battenfield (Brother -- RHP in White Sox organization)
Selected by the Astros in the ninth round, Battenfield went eight rounds earlier than the White Sox took his brother Blake in 2017. Both right-handers are Oklahoma State products.
DAY 3 (WEDNESDAY)
Nick Sogard, Rays -- SS, Loyola Marymound (No. 368 overall)
Relative: Eric Sogard (Cousin -- Blue Jays' second baseman); Steve Sax (Uncle -- former Dodgers second baseman)
Sogard's cousin Eric has been a valuable utilityman for the A's, Brewers and Blue Jays over nine Major League seasons. Sax, Sogard's uncle on his mother's side, was a five-time All-Star, NL Rookie of the Year Award winner and two-time World Series champion with the Dodgers.
Ben Anderson, Rangers -- RHP, Binghamton (No. 385 overall)
Relative: Ian Anderson (Brother -- Braves No. 3 prospect)
Ben and Ian are twin brothers. Ian, a 21-year-old righty drafted third overall by Atlanta in 2016, is now in Double-A and ranked the Braves' No. 3 prospect, MLB's No. 31 overall prospect and the ninth-best right-handed pitching prospect. Ben, who was also drafted in 2016 by the Blue Jays in the 26th round, went to Binghamton instead and posted a 9-4 record with a 2.76 ERA and 108 strikeouts in 15 games as a junior this season.
Jake Randa, Nationals -- LF, Northwest Florida State Junior College (No. 393 overall)
Relative: Joe Randa (Father -- former MLB third baseman)
Randa's father Joe amassed 123 homers and was known for his ever-present smile over his 12-year career with the Royals, Pirates, Padres, Reds and Tigers. He collected six hits in a nine inning game for the Royals against the Tigers on Sept. 9, 2004.
Ryan Reynolds, Cubs -- 3B, Texas (No. 432 overall)
Relative: Shane Reynolds (Father -- Former MLB pitcher)
The Astros' 3rd round pick in 1989, Reynolds was Houston's Opening Day starter for five straight seasons from 1996-2000. He was an All-Star during the 2000 season and tallied double-digit wins in six different campaigns, topping out at 19-8 with a 3.51 ERA for the Astros in 1998.
Carter Aldrete, Giants -- 2B, Arizona State (No. 446 overall)
Relative: Mike Aldrete (Uncle -- 10 MLB seasons with 7 teams)
Aldrete goes to the same team that selected his uncle Mike in the 1983 Draft. Mike broke into the big leagues with San Francisco three years later and went on to hit .263 with 41 homers over 10 big league seasons.
Eli Wilson, Pirates -- C, Minnesota (No. 484 overall)
Relative: Dan Wilson (Father -- Former Mariners catcher, 14 MLB seasons)
Wilson will look to follow in his father Dan's footsteps as a big league catcher. The seventh overall pick by the Reds in 1990, Dan played just 48 games over two seasons for Cincinnati before moving to the Mariners, with whom he spent 12 seasons and hit 88 homers. He was inducted into the Mariners Hall of Fame in 2012.
Jordan Jones, Indians -- RHP, Washington (No. 490 overall)
Relative: Taylor Jones (Brother -- 1B in Astros organization)
Jones' brother Taylor attended Gonzaga and was a 19th-round pick by the Astros in 2016. He was also taken by the Cubs in the 35th round the year before. Taylor has played 50 games for Triple-A Round Rock this season, hitting .247 with 11 homers in 182 at-bats.
Yorvis Torrealba, Rockies -- LF, University of Tampa (No. 609 overall)
Relative: Yorvit Torrealba (Father -- Former MLB catcher)
It's fitting that Torrealba follows his father to Denver, where Yorvit made a name for himself over parts of five seasons with the Rockies. Torrealba homered off Padres ace Jake Peavy in the 2007 NL West tiebreaker game and also knocked a three-run dinger off Livan Hernandez in Game 3 of that year's NLCS to help the Rockies reach their first World Series.
Jack Leiter, Yankees -- RHP, Delbarton (N.J.) High School (No. 615 overall)
Relatives: Al Leiter (Father -- Former All-Star pitcher), Mark Leiter (Uncle -- Former MLB pitcher), Mark Leiter Jr. (Cousin -- Blue Jays pitcher)
MLB Pipeline had Leiter as its 33rd-ranked Draft prospect with great fastball command and a knee-buckling curve, but he dropped all the way toward the end of the 20th round after he reportedly told teams that he will attend Vanderbilt University instead of signing this year. The Yankees selected Leiter's high school teammate, Anthony Volpe, with their first-round pick Monday, perhaps with an eye toward persuading Leiter to change his mind. Whatever he decides, Leiter's bloodlines are obviously special; his father, Al, pitched in three World Series, was a two-time All-Star and won 162 career games and his uncle, Mark, enjoyed an 11-year big league career with eight clubs.
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Branden Fryman, Mets -- SS, Samford University (No. 628 overall)
Relative: Travis Fryman (Father -- Former All-Star third baseman)
Branden hit .326 with four home runs as the Samford shortstop this season. His dad played a little shortstop, too, but he was mostly a third baseman in the big leagues. Travis was a five-time All-Star, hit 223 home runs and picked up a Silver Slugger and Gold Glove Award in his 13-year career with the Tigers and Indians.
Jake Means, Royals -- 3B, Indiana State (No. 649 overall)
Relative: John Means (Brother -- Orioles pitcher)
Means hit .286 and drove in 42 runs for the Sycamores, who captured their first Missouri Valley Conference title in 24 years. His older brother John owns one of MLB's better changeups and has compiled a 2.80 ERA over 13 appearances (including nine starts) for the Orioles this season.
Nic Ready, Marlins -- 3B, Air Force (No. 681 overall)
Relative: Randy Ready (Father -- Former MLB infielder)
Ready's father could swing a bat: He captured a collegiate batting title in 1980 and two more batting titles in the Minor Leagues. He was known a tough, motivated utility man who played both infield and outfield for 13 Major League seasons, and he later managed Minor League clubs in the Braves' and Marlins' systems. Ready's tenure as Double-A Jacksonville's skipper ended last year, but his son Nic could be there soon.
Grayson Byrd, Cubs -- 3B, Clemson (No. 732 overall)
Relative: Paul Byrd (Father -- 14 MLB seasons)
Grayson has been drafted once before, by the Braves in the 39th round in 2014. He opted to transfer from LSU to Clemson instead, and his senior season was his best -- he hit .315 with 15 home runs for the Tigers. His father was also drafted twice, by the Reds in the 13th round out of high school in 1988 and by the Indians in the fourth round out of LSU in '91, before going on to win 109 games in the Majors from 1995-2009 while making one All-Star team.
Casey Combs, Marlins -- C, East Texas Baptist University (No. 801 overall)
Relative: Pat Combs (Father -- 4 MLB seasons)
Four rounds after selecting the son of former MLB infielder Randy Ready, the Marlins took the son of former MLB pitcher Pat Combs, who was a first-round pick (11th overall) by the Phillies in the 1988 Draft and recorded a 4.22 ERA over 56 career appearances.
Jaylen Hubbard, Nationals -- OF, Texas State (No. 813 overall)
Relative: Trenidad Hubbard (Father -- 10 MLB seasons)
After being taken by the Astros in the 12th round of the 1986 Draft, Hubbard played for nine different teams over 10 MLB campaigns and hit .257 with 14 home runs and 33 steals in 476 games. His son will now try to break in with the Nats.
Utah Jones, Mariners -- SS, North Greenville University (No. 876 overall)
Relative: Ryder Jones (Brother -- Giants infielder)
Jones' father, Billy was the head baseball coach at Appalachian State for four seasons and is now an assistant coach at Tulane. His older brother, Ryder, was the Giants' second round Draft choice in 2013, and appeared in 58 games with San Francisco in '17-18. Utah Jones was named after the character Johnny Utah, played by actor Keanu Reeves, in the 1991 film "Point Break."
Breyln Jones, Dodgers -- SS, Rutherford (N.J.) HS (No. 881 overall)
Relative: Bobby Jones (Father -- Former MLB pitcher)
Jones' father, Bobby M. Jones, was briefly listed alongside Bobby J. Jones on the Mets' roster in 2000. He's currently the manager of the independent Sussex County Miners in Sussex County, N.J.
Braden Halladay, Blue Jays -- RHP, Calvary Christian (Fla.) HS (No. 957 overall)
Relative: Roy Halladay (Father -- Hall of Fame pitcher)
Halladay's selection in the 32nd round likely wasn't a coincidence, since his father famously wore No. 32 while starring for Toronto. You might remember the emotional moment when a 17-year-old Braden took the mound for the Canadian Junior National Team against the Blue Jays. Now, the Blue Jays have drafted him almost 25 years after they made Doc their first-round pick in 1995. That was the start of a 16-year career that included Cy Young Awards in both leagues and a perfect game and postseason no-hitter for the Phillies. The late Halladay will be inducted to the National Baseball Hall of Fame this July in Cooperstown.
Braden is likely headed to Penn State to pitch for the Nittany Lions this fall.
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Luke Bell, D-backs -- RHP, Seton Catholic (Arizona) HS (No. 1,022 overall)
Relatives: Mike Bell (Father -- Former MLB third baseman, current D-backs VP of player development), David Bell (Uncle -- Former MLB third baseman, current Reds manager), Buddy Bell (Grandfather -- Former MLB third baseman and manager), Gus Bell (Great grandfather -- Former MLB outfielder)
The Bells are one of five families to have three generations play in the Majors, and Luke would make it four if he can work his way to MLB. Luke, a Grand Canyon University commit, was selected by the D-backs, who employ his father, Mike, as VP of player development.
Ryan Berardino, Red Sox -- 1B, Bentley University (No. 1,037 overall)
Relatives: Dwight Evans (Grandfather -- Former All-Star outfielder), Dick Berardino (Grandfather -- Former Red Sox coach / Minor League coordinator)
Berardino certainly has the right people in his life to ask for advice on how to win over Red Sox fans. Evans ranks among Boston's most beloved former stars, and Dick Berardino coached with the Sox from 1989-91. Both are still consultants for the Red Sox.
"It’s unbelievable,” Ryan Berardino told the Nashua Telegraph last year. “One thing that’s special between us is after every game I’ll call them, run through my at-bats, break down the game, break down the pitches. There’s nothing better than working with them. I use that to my advantage.”
Jonah Dipoto, Royals -- RHP, University of California - San Diego (No. 1,039 overall)
Relative: Jerry Dipoto (Father -- Mariners' general manager)
Jonah, the son of wheeling-and-dealing Mariners general manager Jerry, is a senior reliever at UCSD. He went 3-2 with two saves, a 4.54 ERA and 24 strikeouts in 17 games this season.
Andy Martin, Royals -- CF, Hialeah Senior (Fla.) HS (No. 1,069 overall)
Relative: Leonys Martin (Brother -- Indians center fielder)
Martin is an athletic outfielder with plus speed, just like his older brother. He came to the United States from Cuba last year. Leonys has ranked among MLB's better defensive center fielders in recent years, and he overcame a life-threatening bacterial infection to return to Cleveland's roster this year.
Mason Greer, D-backs -- 2B, Coleyville Heritage (Texas) HS (No. 1,112 overall)
Relative: Rusty Greer (Father -- Former MLB outfielder)
Mason grew up in Texas, where his dad played nine seasons for the Rangers from 1994-2002, but as an Auburn commit he could be headed to play college ball in Alabama, where his dad grew up. Rusty, was a career .305 hitter with Texas and hit 119 homers in the big leagues.
Trei Cruz, Nationals -- SS, Rice University (No. 1,113 overall)
Relatives: Jose Cruz Jr. (Father -- Former MLB outfielder); Jose Cruz (Grandfather -- 2-time All-Star)
Trei Cruz has a long baseball lineage. Both his father and grandfather played long MLB careers. Jose Cruz Jr., Trei's father, played 12 seasons from 1997-2008, chiefly with the Blue Jays, and hit 204 career home runs. The first Jose Cruz, Trei's grandfather, was a two-time All-Star and Silver Slugger in a 19-year career from 1970-88 spent mostly with the Astros. Trei hit .305 with nine home runs for the Owls this season.
Cole Roberts, Padres -- SS, Santa Fe Christian (Calif.) HS (No. 1,133 overall)
Relative: Dave Roberts (Father -- Dodgers manager)
Roberts' played for the Padres, of course, from 2005-06. The speedster was best known for his Game 4 steal that spurred the Red Sox to their famous comeback over the Yankees in the 2004 ALCS, until he led the Dodgers to four NL West titles and two NL pennants over his first four years as manager.
Tyler LaRue, Nationals -- C, Blanco (Texas) HS (No. 1,143 overall)
Relative: Jason LaRue (Father -- Former MLB catcher)
LaRue's father Jason played his entire 12-year career in the Midwest, suiting up behind the plate for the Reds, Royals and Cardinals.
J.C. Correa, Astros -- SS, Lamar University (No. 1,156 overall)
Relative: Carlos Correa (Brother -- Astros' All-Star shortstop)
Carlos has become a huge part of the Astros' homegrown core of stars since Houston drafted him No. 1 overall in 2012. The Astros actually drafted JC, also a shortstop, in the 33rd round last year (plus Alex Bregman's little brother, A.J.) before he returned to Lamar. This season he hit .332 with 10 homers for the Cardinals.
Dylan Hoffman, Padres -- LHP, Waldorf College (No. 1,163 overall)
Relative: Glenn Hoffman (Father -- Former MLB shortstop and manager), Trevor Hoffman (Uncle -- Hall of Fame pitcher)
Hoffman has his uncle to lean for pitching advice, and that's no small thing: Trevor tallied 601 career saves, second only to fellow Hall of Famer Mariano Rivera, including 552 with San Diego. But Dylan's father has plenty of baseball wisdom, too, after Glenn -- the Padres' current third base coach -- played nine seasons with the Red Sox, Dodgers and Angels and also managed the last 88 games of the Dodgers' 1988 season. Dylan's grandfather, Ed, was a longtime usher at Angel Stadium and often performed the national anthem before Angels games.