The Hardball Times took a look at the best drafting teams throughout MLB's history and the hometown team landed in the top spot. This is a really fun read:
https://www.fangraphs.com/tht/the-draft-kings/
https://www.fangraphs.com/tht/the-draft-kings/
Which team has accumulated the most “Future WAR” with its draft picks during the draft era while averaging the least advantageous spot on the board? Remarkably, the Boston Red Sox are the only ball club to amass over 2000 Future WAR while averaging the second-lowest picks in the draft. Only the New York Yankees have worked with a lower average pick, and they are 14th in total Future WAR.
Theo Epstein upheld this tradition with key picks during his reign as GM, choosing Jonathan Papelbon (24 Future WAR) at No. 17 in 2003, Dustin Pedroia (52.2 as of 2017) with the 24th pick in 2004, and Jacoby Ellsbury (30.9 and counting), Clay Bucholz (15.5) and Jed Lowrie (12.6, still active) with the 28th pick in ‘05, followed by Josh Reddick (23) during the 17th round in 2006, even grabbing Jackie Bradley Jr. (10.8) and Mookie Betts (24.1) with the 21st pick in the 2011 draft, which currently stands as the highest figure this decade for two or more players with at least double-digit WAR.
“Boston has always had the money to pay picks. Historically, the Red Sox would draft fewer players. But that doesn’t take away from their overall acumen in picking the right players. That’s their front office not wanting to clutter their farm system with players they don’t believe will make it to the big leagues. You know, sign players for $1,000 just to fill out rosters, and the Red Sox historically haven’t done that, so they’re getting the most bang for their buck.”