What pick was Clayton Kershaw? (2025 Edition)

Clayton Kershaw. The name resonates with baseball purists and casual fans alike. A dominant force on the mound for over a decade, his accolades read like a Hall of Fame plaque in progress: multiple Cy Young Awards, an MVP trophy, a World Series ring, and a career overflowing with strikeouts and masterful performances. But before the dazzling lights of Dodger Stadium and the deafening roar of the crowd, there was a draft pick – a moment where a young talent’s future trajectory began to take shape.

So, the burning question for many, especially those new to the sport or looking to solidify their baseball trivia, is: What pick was Clayton Kershaw in the Major League Baseball (MLB) Draft?

Let’s delve into the annals of baseball history and uncover the answer, while also exploring the significance of his draft position and the context surrounding it.

The Answer: Clayton Kershaw was the 7th overall pick in the 2006 Major League Baseball Draft.

There you have it. The Los Angeles Dodgers, recognizing the immense potential of the young left-hander from Highland Park High School in Dallas, Texas, selected him early in the first round. This high draft position speaks volumes about the talent evaluators saw in Kershaw even before he threw a single pitch in professional baseball.

Understanding the Significance of the 7th Overall Pick

Being a top-ten pick in the MLB Draft carries significant weight. It signifies that a player is considered among the elite amateur talents available that year. Teams invest considerable time and resources scouting these players, meticulously analyzing their skills, potential, and overall makeup. A selection this high often comes with:

• High Expectations: The drafting team anticipates the player developing into a key contributor, potentially a cornerstone of their franchise.
• Significant Investment: Top draft picks typically receive larger signing bonuses, reflecting the team’s belief in their future value.
• Faster Track to the Majors: While not always the case, high draft picks often progress through the minor leagues at a quicker pace due to the organization’s desire to see their investment pay off.
• Increased Scrutiny: Every step of their professional journey is closely watched by fans, media, and the team itself.

For Clayton Kershaw, the 7th overall pick proved to be a wise investment for the Dodgers, yielding one of the most dominant pitchers of his generation.

The 2006 MLB Draft: A Look Back at the Landscape

To truly appreciate where Kershaw was drafted, it’s helpful to look at the players selected before and around him in the 2006 draft. This provides context about the talent pool and the decisions made by other MLB teams.

Here’s a glimpse at the top 10 picks of the 2006 MLB Draft:

1. Luke Gregerson (RHP) – St. Louis Cardinals
2. Greg Reynolds (RHP) – Colorado Rockies
3. Evan Longoria (3B) – Tampa Bay Devil Rays
4. Brad Lincoln (LHP) – Pittsburgh Pirates
5. Max Scherzer (RHP) – Arizona Diamondbacks
6. Andrew Miller (LHP) – Detroit Tigers
7. Clayton Kershaw (LHP) – Los Angeles Dodgers
8. Daniel Murphy (2B) – New York Mets
9. Matt Antonelli (2B) – San Diego Padres
10. Reid Brignac (SS) – Tampa Bay Devil Rays

Looking back, the 2006 draft produced several impactful major league players. Evan Longoria became a perennial All-Star third baseman, and Max Scherzer has carved out his own Hall of Fame-worthy career as a dominant right-handed pitcher. Daniel Murphy also enjoyed a long and productive career as a versatile infielder.

While some of the other top picks didn’t reach the same heights, the presence of Longoria and Scherzer underscores the talent at the top of this draft class. The Dodgers’ selection of Kershaw at number seven proved to be an absolute home run.

Scouting Reports and Pre-Draft Buzz Around Kershaw

What made Clayton Kershaw such a highly touted prospect leading up to the 2006 draft? Scouts raved about his exceptional talent and potential, highlighting several key attributes:

• Electric Fastball: Even in high school, Kershaw possessed a fastball that could reach the mid-to-upper 90s with impressive movement. This velocity and life on his primary pitch made him a nightmare for opposing hitters.
• Devastating Curveball: His curveball was already considered a plus pitch, with a sharp, downward break that buckled knees and generated swings and misses. This pitch would become a signature weapon throughout his career.
• Advanced Maturity and Poise: Beyond his physical tools, scouts were impressed by Kershaw’s composure and maturity on the mound. He displayed a rare level of focus and control for a pitcher his age.
• Projectable Frame: Kershaw had a strong and athletic build that suggested he could handle the rigors of professional baseball and potentially add even more velocity and stamina.

These factors combined to make Kershaw one of the most coveted pitching prospects in the nation. The Dodgers, with their seventh overall pick, seized the opportunity to draft a player who many believed had the potential to become a true ace.

Kershaw’s Journey After the Draft: A Testament to Development

The Dodgers’ faith in Clayton Kershaw was quickly validated. He moved swiftly through their minor league system, showcasing the dominant pitching that would soon become his hallmark in the major leagues.

• Minor League Success: In his brief time in the minors, Kershaw demonstrated his exceptional talent, posting impressive statistics and earning accolades as one of the game’s top prospects.
• Major League Debut: He made his highly anticipated MLB debut in 2008 at the young age of 20, offering glimpses of the brilliance to come.
• Ascension to Ace: It didn’t take long for Kershaw to establish himself as the Dodgers’ ace and one of the premier pitchers in baseball. His combination of overpowering stuff and pinpoint control made him a constant threat to opposing lineups.

Kershaw’s Illustrious Career: A Reflection of His Draft Pedigree

Clayton Kershaw’s career has been nothing short of legendary. His accomplishments speak volumes about the talent the Dodgers recognized when they drafted him seventh overall:

• Multiple Cy Young Awards: Recognizing him as the best pitcher in his league on numerous occasions.
• National League MVP Award: A rare feat for a pitcher, highlighting his overall impact on the game.
• World Series Championship: The ultimate team accomplishment, solidifying his legacy.
• Numerous All-Star Selections: Consistent recognition as one of the game’s elite players.
• Strikeout Records: Cementing his place among the most dominant strikeout pitchers in history.
• Unmatched Consistency: Maintaining an elite level of performance for over a decade.

While draft position is just the starting point, Kershaw’s success is a testament to his immense talent, unwavering dedication, and the Dodgers’ astute scouting. He has exceeded the already high expectations that come with being a top-ten pick.

The Lasting Impact of the 2006 Draft for the Dodgers

The selection of Clayton Kershaw at seventh overall is undoubtedly one of the most significant moments in Los Angeles Dodgers franchise history. He has been the anchor of their pitching staff for years, leading them to numerous playoff appearances and finally to a World Series title in 2020.

His impact extends beyond the field, as he has become a beloved figure in Los Angeles for his community involvement and humble demeanor. The Dodgers’ decision to invest their high draft pick in Kershaw has paid dividends for over a decade and continues to shape their present and future.

Conclusion: A Draft Pick That Defined a Generation

So, to reiterate, Clayton Kershaw was the 7th overall pick in the 2006 MLB Draft. This high draft position was a clear indication of the immense talent and potential that scouts recognized in the young left-hander. Looking back, it’s evident that the Los Angeles Dodgers made a brilliant decision, selecting a player who would not only live up to the hype but surpass it, becoming one of the greatest pitchers of all time.

The story of Clayton Kershaw’s draft position is more than just a piece of baseball trivia. It’s a reminder of the crucial role scouting plays in the sport and the profound impact a single draft pick can have on a franchise for years to come. As we look ahead in 2025, Kershaw’s legacy continues to grow, forever intertwined with the moment his name was called seventh on that fateful day in June 2006.