These MLB players went straight to the majors

Mackenzie MeaneyMackenzie Meaney|published: Fri Mar 08 2024 20:00
source: Getty Images

On Monday, the Pittsburgh Pirates told No. 1 overall pick Paul Skenes that he will begin in the minor leagues. While it is disappointing we get robbed of seeing one of the league’s most exciting pitching prospects right out of the gate, the move is not unprecedented. In the history of the MLB, only 23 players have ever been brought straight to the major leagues, with only three such moves since 2000.

Mike Adamson

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Year Drafted: 1967

School: University of Southern California

Team Drafted By: Baltimore Orioles

Steve Dunning

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Year Drafted: 1969

School: Stanford University

Team Drafted By: Cleveland

Burt Hooton

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Year Drafted: 1971

School: University of Texas

Team Drafted By: Chicago Cubs

Accolades: 1x All-Star, 1981 World Series, NLCS MVP

Rob Ellis

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Year Drafted: 1971

School: Michigan State

Team Drafted By: Milwaukee Brewers

Pete Broberg

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Year Drafted: 1971

School: Dartmouth

Team Drafted By: Washington Senators

Dave Roberts

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Year Drafted: 1972

School: University of Oregon

Team Drafted By: San Diego Padres

Dick Ruthven

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Year Drafted: 1973

School: Fresno State

Team Drafted By: Philadelphia Phillies

Accolades: 2x All-Star, 1980 World Series

Dave Winfield

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Year Drafted: 1973

School: University of Minnesota

Team Drafted By: San Diego Padres

Accolades: Hall of Fame, 12x All-Star, 1992 World Series, 7x Gold Glove, 6x Silver Slugger

David Clyde

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Year Drafted: 1973

School: Westchester High School

Team Drafted By: Texas Rangers

Eddie Bane

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Year Drafted: 1973

School: Arizona State

Team Drafted By: Minnesota Twins

Denny Walling

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Year Drafted: 1975

School: Clemson

Team Drafted By: Oakland Athletics

Mike Morgan

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Year Drafted: 1978

School: Valley High School

Team Drafted By: Oakland Athletics

Accolades: 1x All-Star, 2001 World Series, good Immaculate Grid answer (he pitched for 12 teams)

Bob Horner

source: Getty Images

Year Drafted: 1978

School: Arizona State

Team Drafted By: Atlanta Braves

Accolades: Rookie of the Year, 1x All-Star

Tim Conroy

source: Getty Images

Year Drafted: 1978

School: Gateway High School

Team Drafted By: Oakland Athletics

Brian Milner

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Year Drafted: 1978

School: TCU

Team Drafted By: Toronto Blue Jays

Pete Incaviglia

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Year Drafted: 1985

School: Oklahoma State

Team Drafted By: Texas Rangers

Jim Abbott

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Year Drafted: 1988

School: Michigan

Team Drafted By: California Angels

Accolades: Threw a no-hitter

John Olerud

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Year Drafted: 1989

School: Washington State

Team Drafted By: Toronto Blue Jays

Accolades: 2x All-Star, 2x World Series, 3x Gold Glove, 1993 Batting Title

Darren Dreifort

source: Getty Images

Year Drafted: 1993

School: Wichita State

Team Drafted By: Los Angeles Dodgers

Ariel Prieto

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Year Drafted: 1995

School: Fajardo Regional College

Team Drafted By: Oakland Athletics

Xavier Nady

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Year Drafted: 2000

School: Cal

Team Drafted By: San Diego Padres

Accolades: 2012 World Series

Mike Leake

source: Getty Images

Year Drafted: 2009

School: Arizona State

Team Drafted By: Cincinnati Reds

Accolades: 1x Gold Glove

Garrett Crochet

source: Getty Images

Year Drafted: 2020

School: Tennessee


Team Drafted By: Chicago White Sox