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Biggest MLB Prospect Bust in the History of All 30 Franchises

The pitcher above is Todd Van Poppel, and if you grew up in the 1990s collecting baseball cards, it's a name you are likely familiar with.

The flame-throwing Texas high school star was supposed to be a generational talent on the mound, and he likely would have been the No. 1 overall pick in the 1990 draft had he not explicitly told the Atlanta Braves he would not sign with them. They then pivoted to a Florida prep shortstop named Chipper Jones.

Van Poppel is but one high-profile example of a can't-miss prospect who did indeed miss, and he still stands as one of the most notable busts in MLB history.