THE GREAT DEBATE

In the lead up to the draft every year, college pitchers are frequently labeled “safe” while high school pitchers are given the “high upside” moniker. The inference is college pitchers might make it to the majors but won’t be aces, while high school pitchers are less likely to get there but offer greater reward potential.

A quick look around the majors debunks that theory—and fast.

Since the beginning of the 2017 season, the top five starters in the majors—and 11 of the top 13—as measured by Baseball-Reference wins above replacement were all college draftees. They are Max Scherzer, Aaron