The MLB draft is a bit of a roll of the dice. Some picks fizzle out, but now and again, a team hits it big and selects a player who lives up to the hype. Here are 15 MLB draft picks who blew expectations out of the water. Some became stars, while others pushed it further to become legends.
Ken Griffey Jr.
Ken Griffey Jr., a respected name in baseball, was the number one overall pick in 1987. Drafted straight out of high school, he quickly became a fan favorite with his smooth swing and stellar outfield defense. Griffey’s 630 career home runs and 10 Gold Gloves secured his place as one of the greatest players ever.
Derek Jeter
While Derek Jeter wasn’t the top pick, being drafted sixth overall in 1992, he became the face of the New York Yankees for two decades. Known for his clutch hitting, Jeter helped lead the Yankees to five World Series titles. He entered the Hall of Fame in 2020, one vote short of being a unanimous selection.
Mike Trout
Mike Trout may have been drafted 25th overall in 2009, but he’s easily one of the best players of his generation (at just 33 years old). With a rare combination of power, speed, and defense, Trout has racked up three MVP awards and consistently posts eye-popping stats. He’s consistently adding to his already remarkable legacy.
Chipper Jones
Selected first overall in 1990, Chipper Jones spent his 19-year career with the Atlanta Braves. He had 468 home runs, a .303 batting average, and over 2,700 career hits as a switch-hitter with power and precision. Jones was instrumental in the Braves’ 1995 World Series championship and was named MVP in 1999.
Bryce Harper
As the first overall pick in 2010, Bryce Harper came into the league with sky-high expectations, and he hasn’t disappointed. Harper has won two MVP awards and is an eight-time All-Star. Though he’s faced criticism for his attitude at times, his talent is undeniable, and he continues to stack impressive numbers with the Philadelphia Phillies.
Alex Rodriguez
One of the baseball greats, Alex Rodriguez, made headlines for his immense talent and controversies. Drafted first overall in 1993, A-Rod hit 696 home runs, won three MVPs, and was a 14-time All-Star. Rodriguez won a World Series with the Yankees in 2009 and remains one of the most talked-about figures in the sport.
Justin Verlander
With three Cy Young Awards and multiple no-hitters, Verlander has built a Hall of Fame-worthy career. Taken second overall in 2004, he developed into one of the most dominant pitchers of his era. His late-career resurgence with the Houston Astros saw him win another World Series and remain an ace well into his late 30s.
Clayton Kershaw
In 2006, the Los Angeles Dodgers drafted Clayton Kershaw seventh overall. His postseason struggles were a talking point until 2020, when he helped lead the Dodgers to a long-awaited World Series title. After three Cy Young Awards, an MVP, and a Golden Glove award, Kershaw continues to post league-best stats.
Max Scherzer
When Max Scherzer was picked 11th overall in 2006, few predicted the career that would follow. Scherzer has won three Cy Young Awards and has consistently been one of the best pitchers in the game. In 2019, his postseason heroics helped the Washington Nationals secure the franchise’s first World Series title.
Nolan Ryan
Though Nolan Ryan wasn’t a high draft pick,12th round, 1965, his career is the stuff of legend. Ryan’s longevity and durability were unmatched, with a record seven no-hitters and almost 6,000 strikeouts. The Hall of Famer’s fastball was feared throughout his 27-year career, and even as a veteran, he remained a dominant force.
Robin Yount
Rockin Robin spent his 20-year career with the Milwaukee Brewers, becoming one of the best shortstops in MLB history. A 1973 third-overall pick, he won two MVP awards and got voted into the Hall of Fame in 1999. Yount’s ability to adapt allowed him to move to center field later in his career.
Cal Ripken Jr.
Cal Ripken Jr. may be best known for his record-breaking consecutive games played streak, but he was also an incredible player. The former third baseman and shortstop was picked in the second round in 1978. Throughout his record streak of 2,632 consecutive games, he collected over 3,000 hits and won two MVP awards.
Buster Posey
A skilled catcher and clutch hitter, Posey, drafted fifth overall in 2008, quickly became a cornerstone of the San Francisco Giants’ success. He bagged three World Series titles, an MVP award, and a batting title, among other achievements. Posey retired in 2021 as one of the greatest players in the Giants’ history.
Manny Machado
At just 32, Machado still has plenty of years to add to his already impressive resume. Known for his smooth defense and powerful bat, the 2010 third-overall pick has consistently been among the best players in baseball since his debut. Machado has been a six-time All-Star and has 339 career home runs.
Joe Mauer
One of the best catchers in MLB history, Joe Mauer spent his entire career with the Minnesota Twins, retiring in 2018 as a beloved hometown hero. The first overall pick in 2001, he collected an MVP award, three Gold Gloves, and three batting titles—an extremely rare feat for a catcher.
15 Stars Who Rose to Fame from the MLB Draft