Going into the 2016 MLB Draft, Delvin Perez was considered to be one of the top prospects in the draft. Being compared to Houston Astros shortstop, Carlos Correa, Perez was expected to be a top-10 pick in the draft. The fact he fell to the St. Louis Cardinals was viewed as a steal at the time.
Additionally, he had been named the Most Valuable Player in the Victor Pellot Excellence Tournament, batting .556, leading the tournament in RBIs and runs scored, while leading his team to the championship. Blessed with speed and an already advanced glove, the future seemed set for then 17-year old Perez.