Last Updated: June 17th, 2026 by Michael Schatz
Throughout MLB history, some highly-touted first overall draft picks have failed to live up to their immense potential. From career-ending injuries to performance issues, these top prospects remind us that even the surest bets in baseball can go wrong. Here are the 10 biggest draft busts in MLB history that left fans and franchises wondering “what if?”
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1. Brien Taylor: The Yankees’ Million-Dollar Heartbreak
The Yankees’ 1991 first overall pick Brien Taylor seemed destined for stardom with his 98-mph fastball and record $1.55 million signing bonus. Dubbed “the next Dwight Gooden,” his promising career was derailed after a shoulder injury sustained in a fist fight defending his brother. Taylor never recovered and became the first No. 1 overall pick to never reach the majors, making him arguably the biggest draft bust in MLB history.
2. Steve Chilcott: The Pick Before Reggie Jackson
The Mets’ decision to select Steve Chilcott first overall in 1966 became infamous when they passed on future Hall of Famer Reggie Jackson. Chilcott’s career was cut short by a devastating shoulder injury in 1967, and he never advanced past Triple-A before retiring in 1972. He holds the unfortunate distinction of being the first No. 1 overall pick to never reach the major leagues.
3. Mark Appel: Stanford Star’s Long Journey
The Astros’ 2013 first overall pick Mark Appel was considered a can’t-miss prospect from Stanford. After struggling with a 5.06 ERA in the minors, he briefly retired in 2018. Though he made a comeback and finally debuted for the Phillies in 2022 at age 30, his career fell far short of the expectations that came with being a top pick.
4. Matt Bush: From Shortstop to Troubled Reliever
The Padres’ 2004 first overall pick Matt Bush was selected as a shortstop ahead of Justin Verlander. After off-field issues and poor performance, he converted to pitching. While he eventually made the majors as a reliever in 2016, his career has been marked by legal troubles and suspensions, falling well short of first-pick expectations.
5. Bryan Bullington: The “Safe Pick” That Wasn’t
Selected first overall by the Pirates in 2002 ahead of Zack Greinke and Prince Fielder, Bullington was infamously labeled a “safe pick” with a ceiling of a “No. 3 starter.” He managed just one MLB win in his career, posting a 5.62 ERA across five seasons, becoming a symbol of the Pirates’ conservative drafting strategy that haunted the franchise.
6. Brady Aiken: The Pick That Never Was
The Astros’ 2014 first overall pick Brady Aiken never signed due to medical concerns about his elbow. After Tommy John surgery in 2015, he was redrafted by the Indians but never advanced past Single-A ball. His story became a cautionary tale about the risks of drafting young pitchers and the importance of medical evaluations.
7. Danny Goodwin: The Two-Time First Pick
Danny Goodwin made history as the only player selected first overall twice (1971 and 1975). Despite the unique distinction, his MLB career was underwhelming. In seven seasons, he hit just .236 with 13 home runs, spending most of his time as a backup catcher and designated hitter.
8. Al Chambers: The Mariners’ Missed Opportunity
The Mariners’ 1979 first overall pick Al Chambers played just 57 games across three MLB seasons, hitting .208 with two home runs. The selection became particularly painful as the Mariners passed on future stars Andy Van Slyke and Steve Howe. His brief career represents one of the most disappointing top picks in draft history.
9. David Clyde: The Rushed Prospect
The Rangers’ 1973 first overall pick David Clyde became a cautionary tale about rushing prospects. Promoted directly from high school to boost attendance, his development suffered severely. Despite his immense potential, Clyde was out of baseball by age 26, managing only 18 career wins in what became a textbook case of mismanaged talent.
10. Jeff King: The Pick Before the Legends
The Pirates’ 1986 first overall pick Jeff King had a decent MLB career, but his selection ahead of future Hall of Famers Barry Bonds and Gary Sheffield makes him a relative bust. Over 11 seasons, he hit .256 with 154 home runs – solid numbers that nonetheless pale in comparison to the legendary careers of those drafted after him.