Recent Top Prospects That Still Haven't Panned Out

THIS IS NOT A BUST LIST...yet...

The other day, I was doing card research and saw that Jackson Holliday’s 1/1 superfractor auto from Topps Chrome sold for almost $70,000. I was baffled by this number, considering how Holliday has struggled in his debut season. So, I got bored and just started to look at MLB Pipeline’s Top 10 prospects from each of the last five years.

Lot of studs on those lists, but also some players who haven’t really worked out yet. Now, I want to preface that I do not think these players will all be “busts.” I am just showing that they haven’t lived up to their ranking on these prospect lists.

The player that everyone will get their panties in a bunch about is Jackson Holliday. So, here is a little comparison to show that I do not think a player's first 50 games define their career.

Wander Franco: #1 Overall in 2020 and 2021

This one doesn't need much explaining. Stats: Jail

Gavin Lux: #2 Overall in 2020

Before Dodgers fans get their panties in a bunch, remember, this is not a "bust" list. Lux just simply hasn't worked out yet. He is showing some signs here in 2024 but still holds only a…

103 OPS+ .254 AVG/28 HR/150 RBI/ .713 OPS

Jarred Kelenic: #4 Overall in 2021

Many Mets fans rioted when Kelenic was initially traded to the Mariners a few years back. Yet, he accumulated a riveting 0 WAR for Seattle.

Stats: .213 AVG/46 HR/30SB/.663 OPS.

Victor Robles: #4 Overall in 2019

Robles is having a VERY solid 2024, but he has been in the league for five years, so I think Washington fans were hoping this would happen five years ago.... and in a Nationals uniform instead of a Mariners one.

Stats: .243 AVG/ 35 HR/.683 OPS/89 SB

Nick Senzel: #6 Overall in 2019

Besides Franco being a criminal, Senzel is the worst player on this list

Stats: -2.9 WAR/.195 BA/7 HR/ 18 RBI/ .662 OPS

Eloy Jimenez: #3 Overall in 2019

I really hope that Eloy can restart his career in Baltimore. It has never been about talent with Eloy; he is just not able to stay on the field.

Stats: .271 AVG/ 95 HR/ 298 RBI/ .787 OPS

Mackenzie Gore: #5 Overall in 2020

Gore was a crucial piece in the 2022 trade that sent Juan Soto to the San Diego Padres. CJ Abrams and James Wood have made a significant impact on the Nationals. Gore has been... eh.

Stats: 4.40 ERA/ 378 Ks/ 93 ERA+

Jackson Holliday: #1 Overall in 2024

BEFORE YOU THROW A FIT, THIS IS NOT A BUST LIST. Holliday has been up for a cup of coffee. I by no means think he is a bust, but compared to how previous Orioles top prospects, he has not panned out

Stats: 0.0 WAR/.181 AVG/ 5 HR/ 20 RBI/ 61 OPS+

Jordan Walker: #4 Overall in 2023

Similar to Holliday, I do not think Walker can be labeled a bust yet. Way too early for that. But since Walker marched in with the clydesdales last year, he hasn't done much.

Stats: -0.6 WAR/ .259 AVG/ 17 HR/ 58 RBI/ 101 OPS+

Spencer Torkelson: #3 Overall in 2021

Torkelson was the #1 pick in the 2020 draft. Since then, Detroit has given him over 1200 ABS to try and figure out big-league pitching... he hasn't

Stats: -0.8 WAR/ .221 AVG/ 47 HR/ .693 OPS/ 93 OPS+

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