The top 10 Draft Busts in MLB History

By Oliver Wiener December 30, 2023 16:50

When it comes to professional sports, the draft is often seen as a critical event where teams have the opportunity to select young talent that will shape their future. However, not all draft picks live up to expectations, and the MLB is no exception. Over the years, there have been several draft busts that have left fans and franchises disappointed. In this article, we will take a closer look at the top 10 draft busts in MLB history.

1. Brien Taylor - 1991 New York Yankees

Brien Taylor was the first overall pick by the New York Yankees in the 1991 MLB Draft. He was a highly touted left-handed pitcher with an explosive fastball. However, injuries and off-field issues derailed his career before he could even make it to the major leagues.

2. Matt Bush - 2004 San Diego Padres

Selected as the first overall pick by the San Diego Padres in the 2004 MLB Draft, Matt Bush was a shortstop with immense potential. However, his career was marred by off-field issues, including legal troubles and substance abuse. He never played a game in the major leagues as a position player and eventually transitioned to pitching.

3. Mark Appel - 2013 Houston Astros

Mark Appel was the first overall pick by the Houston Astros in the 2013 MLB Draft. As a college pitcher with a polished repertoire, he was expected to make a quick impact. However, he struggled with injuries and inconsistent performances throughout his career, never fulfilling his potential.

4. Greg Reynolds - 2006 Colorado Rockies

Selected as the second overall pick by the Colorado Rockies in the 2006 MLB Draft, Greg Reynolds was a right-handed pitcher with a promising future. However, he failed to live up to expectations, posting a career ERA of 7.01 in the major leagues before retiring in 2013.

5. Danny Hultzen - 2011 Seattle Mariners

Danny Hultzen was the second overall pick by the Seattle Mariners in the 2011 MLB Draft. As a left-handed pitcher with a dominant college career, he was seen as a future ace. However, injuries plagued his professional career, and he never made it past Triple-A before retiring in 2019.

6. Bryan Bullington - 2002 Pittsburgh Pirates

Selected as the first overall pick by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the 2002 MLB Draft, Bryan Bullington was a right-handed pitcher with high expectations. However, he struggled to find success in the major leagues, bouncing between teams and posting a career ERA of 5.62 before retiring in 2013.

7. Delmon Young - 2003 Tampa Bay Devil Rays

Delmon Young was the first overall pick by the Tampa Bay Devil Rays in the 2003 MLB Draft. As an outfielder with a powerful swing, he had the potential to be a star. However, his career was marred by inconsistency and off-field issues, never living up to the hype surrounding his draft status.

8. Tim Beckham - 2008 Tampa Bay Rays

Selected as the first overall pick by the Tampa Bay Rays in the 2008 MLB Draft, Tim Beckham was a highly touted shortstop with a promising future. However, he struggled to find consistency at the major league level, bouncing between teams and never fulfilling his potential.

9. Jeff Clement - 2005 Seattle Mariners

Jeff Clement was the third overall pick by the Seattle Mariners in the 2005 MLB Draft. As a power-hitting catcher, he was expected to be a cornerstone of the Mariners' lineup. However, injuries and a lack of defensive skills hindered his progress, and he never lived up to expectations.

10. Brady Aiken - 2014 Houston Astros

Brady Aiken was the first overall pick by the Houston Astros in the 2014 MLB Draft. As a left-handed pitcher with a promising future, he was expected to become a top-tier starter. However, contract negotiations fell apart due to concerns about his elbow health, and he never signed with the Astros. He was later drafted by the Cleveland Indians in 2015 but has yet to reach the major leagues.

The MLB draft is a high-stakes event where teams hope to secure talented players who will contribute to their success. However, there have been instances where highly touted prospects have failed to meet expectations and become draft busts. The top 10 draft busts in MLB history, such as Brien Taylor, Matt Bush, and Mark Appel, serve as a reminder that success in the draft is never guaranteed.