They were supposed to be the next face of baseball. The scouts were drooling, the comparisons were wild, and fans were convinced these guys were the real deal before they even stepped in the batter’s box or on the mound.
But sometimes, the hype machine runs a little too hot. These MLB prospects were billed as “can’t miss” stars, and then they missed so big that teams are still trying to scrub the memory from their scouting reports.
14. Brandon Wood
Everyone thought he was the Angels’ next big thing. It turns out that he was just the latest reminder that minor league power doesn’t always translate.
13. Matt Bush
Drafted first overall as a shortstop and later tried as a pitcher, Bush’s story was more about off-field chaos than on-field success. He eventually made the bigs as a reliever, but it was nowhere near the stardom once forecasted.
12. Jesus Montero
The Yankees thought they had a future MVP behind the plate. Instead, they got a guy who was better known for arguing over an ice cream sandwich.
11. Todd Van Poppel
The hype was sky-high, and the fastball was electric. Unfortunately, the control issues were just as consistent — and far more damaging.
10. Dustin Ackley
Ackley was a hitting machine in college with elite polish, and it seemed like a safe bet. But the bat went silent in the majors, and he faded fast.
9. Domonic Brown
He had all the tools and even made an All-Star Game once. But that brief flash turned out to be just that — brief.
8. Phil Nevin
He had the bat, the power, and the number one overall pick pedigree. But the only thing he consistently hit was the reset button on expectations.
7. Mark Appel
Another first overall pick who couldn’t figure it out at the next level. He bounced around, retired, and eventually made a brief MLB debut — long after the hype had disappeared.
6. Delmon Young
He had the pedigree and power, but also a side of volatility. Despite flashes, he never lived up to his billing as a top overall pick.
5. Jurickson Profar
He was once the No. 1 prospect in all of baseball. But injuries and inconsistency turned him into a utility man instead of a star.
4. Koby Clemens
Being the son of a legend didn’t help when the bat never developed. He got plenty of chances, but none panned out.
3. Sean Burroughs
He won Little League World Series titles and was supposed to be a future star. Instead, his MLB career stalled almost as soon as it started.
2. Brien Taylor
Drafted No. 1 overall with a golden left arm, Taylor never even reached the majors. One off-field altercation and a shoulder injury later, the dream was over.
Read More: 13 Times the Baseball World Crowned a Star Too Soon
1. Gregg Jefferies
He was hyped as the next great hitter before he even hit 21. Despite sticking around the league, he never quite lived up to the superstar label that followed him from day one.
