Colorado Rockies: What if Todd Helton signed with the San Diego Padres?

Todd Helton is one of the most-revered Colorado Rockies players ever. He spent part of 17 seasons in the major leagues with the Rockies and another two in the minor leagues.

Since he spent his entire career with the Rockies, he leads in nearly every offensive category in franchise history including games played (by exactly 1,000 games over Carlos Gonzalez), at-bats, runs, hits, doubles, home runs, RBI, and walks. He is in the top 10 in average, on-base percentage, and slugging percentage (minimum 900 ABs as a Rockie).

But that all might not have happened if not for one move by Todd Helton. A move that Helton later said he didn’t regret but it was a very difficult decision to make.

Before the Colorado Rockies drafted Todd Helton in 1995, the San Diego Padres drafted him in 1992.

It’s something that falls through the cracks of history but it’s true: Todd Helton could have been a member of the San Diego Padres.

You may be thinking “oh, he didn’t sign with the Padres because they drafted him really low in the draft.” If you thought that, you’d be wrong.

The Padres drafted him in the 2nd round (55th overall pick) by the Padres. It was also the Padres first pick of the draft because they lost their first-round pick because they signed free-agent infielder Kurt Stillwell. Their draft pick went to the Kansas City Royals, who drafted right-handed pitcher Jim Pittsley (who spent parts of four seasons in the majors).

Some of the draft picks behind Helton were future Colorado Rockie Jason Giambi (drafted three picks behind Helton by Oakland), three-time All-Star second baseman Jose Vidro, current Brewers manager  Craig Counsell (drafted by the Rockies in the 11th round), and two-time All-Star Darin Erstad (didn’t sign).