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Not all No. 1 picks go on to have successful careers. There are a few players on this list who went on to become all-time greats — but there are also a handful of busts. How many of these former No. 1 picks do you remember?
1990 — Chipper Jones
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Best Player From Draft Class: Chipper Jones
We start things off with a home run No. 1 pick. In 1990, Atlanta selected a man named Larry Jones. Soon-to-be known as Chipper, Jones put together a Hall of Fame career with the Braves which included eight trips to the All-Star Game, a World Series win in 1995, and the NL MVP in ’99.
Jones finished his illustrious career with a .303 BA, 468 HR, and nearly 3,000 hits. Four other players drafted in the top-10 would become All-Stars — including Tony Clark, Mike Lieberthal, and Carl Everett — but Jones was clearly the best of them all.
1991 — Brien Taylor
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Best Player From Draft Class: Manny Ramirez
If you’re asking yourself — “who is Brien Taylor?” — you aren’t alone. Drafted by the Yankees, Taylor is one of three No. 1 overall picks to never make it to the Majors. Coming out of high school, Taylor was an electric pitching prospect. He touched 99 MPH with his fastball and struck out an absurd 213 batters in 88 IP.
Unfortunately, Taylor was never the same after hurting his shoulder in a fight and never advanced past AA. In 2012, Taylor was sentenced to 50 months in prison after pleading guilty to cocaine trafficking charges. Instead of Taylor, the Yankees could have drafted Manny Ramirez, Cliff Floyd, or Shawn Green.
1992 — Phil Nevin
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Best Player From Draft Class: Derek Jeter
A Fullerton, California, native, Phil Nevin developed into a top prospect while attending Cal State Fullerton — a four-time NCAA Champion and one of the best baseball programs in the country. Nevin helped lead the Titans to the College World Series twice — including a runner-up finish in 1992. After winning the Golden Spikes Award (best collegiate player), Nevin was drafted by the Astros with the top pick.
The corner infielder/outfielder enjoyed a productive 12-year career, earning one All-Star nod and retiring with 208 HR. However, Houston missed out on an all-time player — Derek Jeter, who was selected with the 6th pick. A few other notable players available in this draft included Jason Giambi, Johnny Damon, and Jason Kendall.
1993 — Alex Rodriguez
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Best Player From Draft Class: Alex Rodriguez
The Mariners picked the right player in 1993, and there is no argument to be made otherwise. Despite his PED suspension and all the questions that come with it, Alex Rodriguez is an all-time player and one of the icons of his era. 3,115 career hits, 696 home runs, three MVPs, a World Series title with the Yankees…A-Rod was a sensational talent. While All-Stars such as Billy Wagner, Torii Hunter, Derrek Lee, Chris Carpenter, and Scott Rolen were also selected in this draft, none of them come close to A-Rod. Steroids or not, Rodriguez was born to be a star.
1994 — Paul Wilson
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Best Player From Draft Class: Nomar Garciaparra
Drafted by the Mets out of Florida State in 1994, Paul Wilson was touted as a future star. In his first taste of pro ball, Wilson was named a Minor League All-Star and made his way to the Majors after just a season and a half in the Minors. However, poor performances on the mound and a slew of injuries resulted in Wilson making only 26 starts with the Mets in 1996.
He wouldn’t appear in the Majors again until ’00, and finished his career with a 40-58 record while pitching for the Mets, Devil Rays, and Reds. The Mets missed out on three big-name players who were selected with picks 12-14 — Nomar Garciaparra, Paul Konerko, and Jason Varitek.
1995 — Darin Erstad
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Best Player From Draft Class: Roy Halladay
A product of the University of Nebraska, Darin Erstad enjoyed a successful career in the Majors. Over the course of 14 seasons, Erstad was a two-time All-Star, three-time Gold Glove winner, and won the World Series in 2002 with the Angels. Erstad was a stud throughout those playoffs. After batting .421 in an ALDS victory over the Yankees, Erstad hit .364 in the ALCS, and .300 in the World Series against Barry Bonds’ Giants.
When it comes to the Angels selecting Erstad No. 1 overall, it is hard to completely bash their decision. However, they did in fact make the wrong choice. Todd Helton was picked at No. 8 and Roy Halladay went to Toronto with the 17th pick. Both Halladay — already in the Hall of Fame — and Helton — a likely Hall of Famer — would have extended the Angels’ championship window.
1996 — Kris Benson
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Best Player From Draft Class: Jimmy Rollins
The top of the 1996 MLB Draft wasn’t particularly successful. The Pirates opted to take Kris Benson with the top pick. Benson starred at Clemson during his college days — posting a 14-0 record with a 1.40 ERA during his Junior season. With the Pirates, Benson got off to a pretty decent start — going 21-26 in his first two years with the club.
Tommy John surgery following his second year derailed a promising career, though he did bounce back to pitch for seven more years. Going back to the ’96 draft class, Jimmy Rollins is far and away the best player to be drafted that year. Rollins was taken with the 46th pick and would go on to win an MVP and World Series with the Phillies. After Rollins, Roy Oswalt was the gem of the class — as the future three-time All-Star was picked in the 23rd round.
1997 — Matt Anderson
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Best Player From Draft Class: Lance Berkman
Matt Anderson peaked as a pitcher while attending Rice University. As an Owl, Anderson won 30 games and notched 14 saves. In his first taste of professional ball, Anderson posted a sub-1.00 ERA in the Minors. However, his stuff didn’t quite translate to the Big Leagues. Over the course of seven seasons, Anderson saved 26 games and recorded a 5.19 ERA.
To say the Tigers botched their No. 1 pick would be an understatement. The next four picks — J.D. Drew (didn’t sign), Troy Glaus, Jason Grilli, Vernon Wells — became All-Stars. The same can be said for fellow first-round picks Michael Cuddyer (9th), Jon Garland (10th), fellow Rice Owl Lance Berkman (16th), and Jayson Werth (22nd).
1998 — Pat Burrell
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Best Player From Draft Class: CC Sabathia
Although he doesn’t have an All-Star selection to his name, Pat Burrell was a very good player for the Phillies. Drafted out of the University of Miami, Burrell made an immediate impact in Philadelphia — finished 4th for NL Rookie of the Year. While with Philly, Burrell averaged 28 HR and 92 RBI per season — including 33 HR and 86 RBI during the 2008 World Series-winning campaign.
This draft had a handful of very good players including Mark Mulder, J.D. Drew, Brad Lidge, Mark Buehrle, and Matt Holliday — but nobody enjoyed a better career than CC Sabathia. Picked 20th overall by Cleveland, Sabathia went on to win 251 games, a Cy Young, topped 3,000 strikeouts, and is a likely Hall of Famer.
1999 — Josh Hamilton
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Best Player From Draft Class: Albert Pujols
Blessed with light-tower power, Josh Hamilton was seen as a can’t-miss prospect and a future superstar. Unfortunately for Tampa Bay, Hamilton never appeared in a game for the organization due to both injuries and drug addiction. Hamilton wouldn’t make his Major League debut until 2007 — with the Reds — and quickly developed into one of the league’s top hitters with the Rangers.
Hamilton was named to five-straight All-Star teams, won the 2010 MVP — 32 HR, 100 RBI, .359 BA, 1.044 OPS — finished fifth for MVP in ’12, and helped lead Texas to back-to-back World Series appearances. Tampa could have had its pick of three good pitchers (Josh Beckett, Barry Zito, Ben Sheets), or some guy named Albert Pujols — taken 402nd overall.
2000 — Adrian Gonzalez
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Best Player From Draft Class: Yadier Molina
After the Mariners took Alex Rodriguez with the top pick in 1993, not one No. 1 pick from ’94-99 was an infielder. The Marlins broke that streak by drafting Adrian Gonzalez in 2000. El Titan was shipped to Texas before ever suiting up for the Marlins, and was again traded to the Padres after just two years with the Rangers. With the Padres, Gonzalez became one of the best players in franchise history — averaging 32 HR and 100 RBI over five seasons.
Had the Marlins kept Gonzalez, nobody would fault them for their selection. Instead, we now must look at the other players the Marlins could have had. Chase Utley and Adam Wainwright were taken in the first-round. Cliff Lee and Yadier Molina were available in the fourth. That is a lot of star power.
2001 — Joe Mauer
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Best Player From Draft Class: Joe Mauer
Yadier Molina is the best catcher of his era — a 10-time All-Star, nine-time Gold Glove winner, and two-time World Series champion. However, Joe Mauer was the best hitting catcher of his era — hands down. A Minnesota native, Mauer was drafted by his hometown team and became a franchise icon.
In his third year, Mauer won his first of three Batting Titles by hitting .347. He won his second two years later by batting .328. The following season, 2009, Mauer took home the American League MVP thanks to a slashline of .365/.444/.587 to go along with a career-high 28 HR and 96 RBI. Mauer finished his career with three Gold Gloves, five Silver Sluggers, and six All-Star nods.
2002 — Bryan Bullington
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Best Player From Draft Class: Zack Greinke
Bryan Bullington became a hot commodity following a stellar career at Ball State University. As a senior, Bullington went 15-0 and was named an All-American. Pittsburgh fell in love and took the pitcher No. 1 overall — a mistake had been made. Bullington made just six appearances with the Pirates and 26 overall during his MLB career before heading to Japan to continue his career.
Zack Greinke, a future Hall of Famer, was drafted five picks later by the Royals. Prince Fielder went No. 7 to Milwaukee. Cole Hamels was the 17th pick. Matt Cain went 25th. Future MVP Joey Votto (44), Jon Lester (57), and Brian McCann (64) all went in Round 2. Nice work, Pittsburgh.
2003 — Delmon Young
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Best Player From Draft Class: Adam Jones
The top pick out of Camarillo High School in California, Delmon Young never quite became the superstar the Devil Rays anticipated him to be. After being named the Minor League Player of the Year in 2005, Young shined for Tampa in ’07 — finishing second for the Rookie of the Year. Tampa sent him to Minnesota following that year, and Young went on to finish 10th for the AL MVP in 2010 (.298 BA, 21 HR, 112 RBI).
While Young had a nice career highlighted by winning the ALCS MVP in ’12, Tampa could have done much better. Adam Jones — a five-time All-Star and four-time Gold Glove winner — was taken with the 37th pick. Two future All-Stars for the Dodgers, Matt Kemp and Andre Ethier, were available. So too was Jonathan Papelbon, a longtime rival in the AL East who finished his career with 368 saves and six All-Star nods.
2004 — Matt Bush
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Best Player From Draft Class: Justin Verlander
Want to talk about a terrible draft pick? Here we go. In 2004, the Padres opted to select Matt Bush — a local kid from Mission Bay High School in San Diego — over Justin Verlander. An electric shortstop, Bush never played for the Padres due to numerous off-field incidents including multiple altercations. More off-field incidents led to both the Blue Jays and Rays releasing the former top-prospect.
It wasn’t until 2016 that Bush would make his debut with the Rangers — as a reliever. Meanwhile, Verlander has three Cy Young Awards, an MVP, 257 wins (and counting), and over 3,000 strikeouts. Another Southern California native, Jered Weaver, was also available to the Padres that year. Weaver would make three All-Star teams and win 150 games with the Angels.
2005 — Justin Upton
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Best Player From Draft Class: Ryan Braun
The Upton family is a baseball family. B.J. Upton was the No. 2 pick in 2002 by the Devil Rays, and Justin Upton was taken No. 1 overall by the Diamondbacks three years later. From 2007-12, Upton was a star in Arizona — making two All-Star teams and finishing fourth for the NL MVP in 2011 at the age of 23. In 16 years, Upton was a four-time All-Star and three-time Silver Slugger.
The 2005 MLB Draft had a ton of talent in the first-round. Eight of the top 12 picks became All-Stars — with both Ryan Braun (5th) and Andrew McCutchen (11th) winning MVPs. Upton played very well for Arizona, but the franchise could have had an MVP player or Troy Tulowitzki, who was taken at No. 7.
2006 — Luke Hochevar
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Best Player From Draft Class: Clayton Kershaw
Before being selected by the Kansas City Royals with the No. 1 pick in 2006, Luke Hochevar had his name called in two previous drafts. In both 2002 and 2005, the Los Angeles Dodgers drafted the pitcher — but failed to sign him on both occasions. So, Kansas City got their man in ’06. Playing for the Royals between 2007-16, Hochevar went 46-65 with a 4.98 ERA and was the winning pitcher in KC’s Game 5, World Series-clinching win over the Mets in 2015.
And although he had a fine career, the Royals flubbed the No. 1 pick — big time. Pick No. 3 was Evan Longoria, a three-time All-Star. Andrew Miller, a two-time All-Star, went sixth. With the No. 7 pick, the Dodgers selected Clayton Kershaw — a three-time Cy Young winner and one of the best pitchers of all-time. If that wasn’t bad enough, Tim Lincecum (two CY) and Max Scherzer (three CY) went with picks 10 and 11. Three pitchers, eight Cy Youngs. Hochevar, not even an ace.
2007 — David Price
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Best Player From Draft Class: Freddie Freeman
The Rays nailed it with the No. 1 pick this time around. David Price had a standout career at Vanderbilt, including being named the College Player of the Year as a junior. Price reached the Majors just a year after being drafted by the Rays and earned the save in Game 7 of the 2008 ALCS. In his second full-season, Price was the Cy Young runner-up. Two years later, Price led the league in wins (20) and ERA (2.56) en route to his only Cy Young.
Price was fantastic with the Rays and continued to thrive once he left town, but the franchise could have had a cornerstone player for years to come. With the 78th pick, Atlanta snagged Freddie Freeman — the 2020 NL MVP. Freeman would be a perfect fit in Tampa (past and present). Other notable players in this draft class include Madison Bumgarner, Corey Kluber, Giancarlo Stanton, Anthony Rizzo, and Josh Donaldson.
2008 — Tim Beckham
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Best Player From Draft Class: Buster Posey
While the Rays made a great pick in 2007, the same cannot be said for their selection in ’08. Tim Beckham was an extremely gifted talent coming out of high school — projected to be a five-tool shortstop. Beckham’s talent never translated on the field and he never became more than an average Major League player.
Meanwhile, Eric Hosmer — picked No. 3 — became an All-Star and vital member of Kansas City’s World Series-winning team. Buster Posey came off the board two picks later, and the future Hall of Famer went on to win three World Series and an MVP with the Giants. Posey shined at Florida State, it remains a mystery as to how four teams let him slip by.
2009 — Stephen Strasburg
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Best Player From Draft Class: Mike Trout
Ahead of the 2009 MLB Draft, Stephen Strasburg was an absolute lock to go No. 1. Arguably the most hyped pitching prospect of all-time, Stras signed a $15.1 million contract with the Nationals — a record sum. Despite battling injuries, Stras largely lived up to the hype. He was a three-time All-Star and was named World Series MVP in 2019 when the Nats took down Houston.
However, he is not close to being the best player from his draft. That honor goes to one Mike Trout. Trout has been one of the best players in baseball since 2012 and has a chance to be known as a top-5 player of all-time. In addition to Trout and Strasburg, superstars Nolan Arenado, Paul Goldschmidt, and DJ LeMahieu were also in this draft.
2010 — Bryce Harper
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Best Player From Draft Class: Bryce Harper
In back-to-back drafts, the Nationals were able to snag the most hyped pitching prospect and hitting prospect of all-time. Harper was featured on the cover of Sports Illustrated as a 16-year-old — touted as baseball’s “chosen one.” Before leaving Washington for the Phillies, Harper made six All-Star teams and won the NL MVP in 2015 at the age of 22.
Harper’s draft class includes two other superstars — Christian Yelich and Manny Machado. Yelich won the NL MVP in ’18 and was on his way to repeating in ’19 before fracturing his knee cap late in the year. Machado hasn’t won an MVP, but he has been great for a long time. A six-time All-Star, Machado is also an elite defender — owning two Gold Gloves and one Platinum Glove. However, Harper is the best of the bunch with two MVPs to his name.
2011 — Gerrit Cole
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Best Player From Draft Class: Mookie Betts
Talk about a loaded draft. The 2011 MLB Draft has produced a slew of superstars in today’s game. The No. 1 overall pick, Gerrit Cole, signed the richest contract for a pitcher in MLB history with the Yankees — $324 million. With the third pick, Arizona selected Trevor Bauer — the highest-paid player (per year) in history. Anthony Rendon at No. 6, Francisco Lindor at No. 8, Javier Baez (9th), and George Springer (11th) have been stars, as well.
The late Jose Fernandez was off the board at No. 14, and Sonny Gray, Trevor Story, and Blake Snell also went in the first-round. And then there is the best player from the draft — Mookie Betts. Selected in the fifth-round by the Red Sox, Betts is a top-5 player in baseball and has won an MVP, six Gold Gloves, and two World Series — one with both the Dodgers and Red Sox. Betts’ greatness resulted in the superstar signing a 12-year/$365 million contract with Los Angeles.
2012 — Carlos Correa
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Best Player From Draft Class: Corey Seager
The American League Rookie of the Year in 2015, Carlos Correa is a good baseball player — and arguably the most disliked player in the game, as well (Astros’ cheating scandal). Minnesota’s shortstop has made two All-Star teams and has hit a staggering 18 HR in postseason play. Joining Correa in the first-round are Byron Buxton, two stud pitchers — Lucas Giolito and Max Fried — and the best player from 2012, Corey Seager.
Playing shortstop for the Dodgers, Seager was named the NL Rookie of the Year in 2016 — and also finished third for the MVP. After a second-straight All-Star appearance in ’17, Seager battled hip and elbow (Tommy John) injuries the next two years. Finally healthy in ’20, Seager was sensational throughout the shortened year and carried the Dodgers to the World Series — slugging eight homers en route to both NLCS and World Series MVP honors. In ’23, Seager slashed .327/.390/.623 with 33 HR for the Rangers — and went on to win his second World Series MVP.
2013 — Mark Appel
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Best Player From Draft Class: Aaron Judge
Mark Appel was a dominant collegiate pitcher at Stanford. For two years in a row, the big righty was the most coveted pitching prospect in the game. So, it wasn’t a surprise when the Astros selected him with the top pick in 2013. Unfortunately, Appel struggled with injuries and personal issues. The former top prospect stepped away from baseball in 2018 without reaching the Majors.
Houston could have selected Kris Bryant, who went second to the Cubs. Bryant won the NL Rookie of the Year in 2015 and NL MVP in ’16. Picked in the fourth-round, Cody Bellinger quickly developed into a two-way star with the Dodgers — winning the NL RoY in ’17 and MVP in ’19. The top player from the draft, however, is Aaron Judge. The Yankee star won the ’22 MVP after hitting an AL-record 62 HR and driving in 131 runs.
2014 — Brady Aiken
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Best Player From Draft Class: Trea Turner
Because he was a very good left-handed pitcher, Brady Aiken drew comparisons to some of the game’s all-time great southpaws. The Astros — who had the No. 1 overall pick for the third year in a row — were convinced Aiken was going to be a star and took him with the first pick. However, Aiken and the Astros couldn’t come to terms and he went unsigned…talk about a waste of a No. 1 pick.
Philadelphia found its ace, Aaron Nola, six picks later. Two more solid pitchers — Carlos Rodon and Kyle Freeland — went in the top-10, as did Kyle Schwarber and All-Star Michael Conforto. Star shortstop Trea Turner was picked at 13 by the Padres (now with Philadelphia), and Matt Chapman went at 25.
2015 — Dansby Swanson
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Best Player From Draft Class: Walker Buehler
Another product of Vanderbilt’s baseball machine, Dansby Swanson was selected by the Diamondbacks to lead their franchise into the future. Then, in a stunning turn of events, Arizona shipped Swanson to Atlanta six months after drafting him No. 1. Swanson blossomed into a star while the Braves, and ultimately signed a lucrative contract with the Chicago Cubs ahead of the 2023 season.
With that being said, one of Swanson’s collegiate teammates would have been the better pick at No. 1. That man is Walker Buehler. The Dodgers snagged Buehler with the 24th pick, finding yet another ace pitcher to lead the way. Buehler is a popular pick to win a Cy Young in the future. And if Arizona wanted to stick to an infielder, Alex Bregman was the pick. Bregman, picked No. 2, is a two-time All-Star with the Astros and has two top-5 MVP finishes to his name.
2016 — Mickey Moniak
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Best Player From Draft Class: Shane Bieber
We are starting to get into the territory of “too soon to tell” as it pertains to whether the top pick was the right one. The Phillies selected Mickey Moniak out of La Costa Canyon High School in California. Moniak is an excellent hitter and very good defender, and projects to be a solid MLB player once he gets a chance to play everyday.
But so far, Shane Bieber is the clear star of the class ahead of Mets slugger Pete Alonso. While Alonso slugged a ridiculous 53 HR as a rookie, Bieber dominated the American League in 2020 with ease. A year after finishing fourth for the Cy Young, Bieber claimed the CY and finished fourth in MVP voting. On the year, Bieber went 8-1 with a 1.63 ERA and 122 SO — earning the Triple Crown. This class has a ton of stars with the likes of Bo Bichette and Will Smith earning All-Star nods so far.
2017 — Royce Lewis
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Best Player From Draft Class: Royce Lewis
A superb athlete, Royce Lewis was taken No. 1 overall by the Twins because of his skill at the plate and ability at shortstop. Lewis has a promising future. In 2023, Lewis starred for the Twins in limited action. The top pick hit .309 with 15 HR in 58 games, and proceeded to hit four home runs in the postseason. Health has been a major issue for the No. 1 pick, but he’s looked excellent when he’s taken the field.
Cincinnati’s Hunter Greene has a flamethrower for an arm and should develop into an ace. MacKenzie Gore, now with Washington, still has time to develop into an ace, as well. However, Lewis looks to be the best player from the class thus far.
2018 — Casey Mize
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Best Player From Draft Class: Shane McClanahan
The No. 1 pick out of Auburn, Casey Mize could be a good pitcher down the road. After throwing a no-hitter in the Minors, Mize was called up to the Tigers in 2020. Since that time, Mize has gone 7-14 with a 4.29 ERA and missed the entire 2023 season.
Atlanta’s Jarred Kelenic appears to have a bright future — although he may not be the star he was projected to be. Alec Bohm has been a mainstay for the Phillies since ’21, and figures to be one of the better players from this draft for years to come. Triston Casas (Boston), Logan Gilbert (Seattle), and Grayson Rodriguez (Baltimore) are future stars. For now, however, McClanahan is the gem of the draft. A two-time All-Star, the Tampa Bay lefty has looked like a future Cy Young winner when on the mound.
2019 — Adley Rutschman
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Best Player From Draft Class: Adley Rutschman
Taken No. 1 overall in the 2019 MLB Draft, Adley Rutschman is the player Baltimore will build around moving forward. Rutschman is an elite catcher and will be a star for years to come. While playing at collegiate powerhouse Oregon State, Rutschman slugged 28 HR, batted in 174 runs, and slashed .352/.473/.559 over three seasons.
A switch-hitter, the young catcher has an advanced approach at the plate — drawing more walks than strikeouts, while also capable of hitting for power to all fields. Defensively, Rutschman is elite. He calls a good game, is quick behind the dish, and has a cannon for an arm that limits the running game. In addition to Rutschman, Arizona’s Corbin Carroll, Kansas City’s Bobby Witt Jr. and Texas’ Josh Jung are stars in MLB already.
2020 — Spencer Torkelson
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Best Player From Draft Class: Jared Jones
Spencer Torkelson is going to be a problem in the Majors. As a freshman at Arizona State, Detroit’s No. 1 pick broke Barry Bonds’ freshman home run record — slugging 25 for the season in just 55 games. He would go on to hit 23 as a sophomore, and six more as a junior before the season was canceled due to COVID-19. In ’23, Torkelson launched 31 HR for the Tigers and appeared to find his footing in the Majors after a tough start to his career. The best player thus far, however, is Jared Jones. The 22-year-old Pittsburgh hurler is off to an excellent start in his career, and will be a stalwart for the Pirates’ staff moving forward.
2021 — Henry Davis
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Best Player From Draft Class: Mason Miller
Davis debuted for the Pirates in 2023 and had mixed results. The No. 1 pick appeared in just 62 games, and hit seven homers for the club. While that is a pretty good showing in terms of power, Davis struggled to hit for average — .213/.302/.351. The best player thus far has been Oakland’s flamethrower Mason Miller, who has quickly become one of the league’s most unhittable relievers. Additionally, Cincinnati’s Matt McClain played very well for the Reds as a rookie in ’23.
2022 — Jackson Holliday
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Best Player From Draft Class: Jackson Holliday
The son of former star Matt Holliday, Jackson has the looks of a future MVP. The youngster is the top prospect in baseball ahead of the 2024 season. Playing across four levels of the Minor Leagues in ’23, Holliday hit .323 and showcased his immense potential at every stop. His MLB debut was a bit shaky, but we’re not giving up on Holliday so quickly.
2023 — Paul Skenes
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Best Player From Draft Class: Paul Skenes
The No. 1 pick of the 2023 MLB Draft is a can’t-miss prospect. Towering on the mound at 6-foot-6, Skenes possesses a fastball that tops out at 102 MPH. Viewed as the best pitching prospect since Stephen Strasburg, Skenes dominated during his final collegiate season. At LSU, Skenes went 12-2 with a 1.69 ERA and 209 strikeouts in 122.2 IP. The flamethrower made his debut in ’24, and has dazzled early on. The best is yet to come for Skenes.
