15 worst draft picks in Texas Rangers history

Not every draft pick is a winner and the Texas Rangers have a long history of drafting what is the consensus player at a spot and it ends up just missing.

This does not mean the player was a "bust" as that term is too loosely thrown around, it just didn't work out in Arlington. Misses do not insult the player for who he is, just that the fit was not right.

Since there are is a long history of Rangers draft picks not working out, lets look at a few of the many draft misses in the franchise's history.

15 worst draft picks in Rangers history

David Clyde, RHP (1973: Round 1, Pick 1)

It took Clyde 22 days to make his MLB debut and that is the only notable thing the number one pick in 1973 did for the Rangers. The most bold player development strategy of all time did not work.

Bubba Thompson, OF (2017: Round 1, Pick 26)

If Jon Daniels published a book on how to draft in the MLB, I would only read it to take notes on what not to do. Thompson made a brief stint for the Rangers and amounted to very little besides being the fastest Ranger ever.

Dillon Tate, RHP (2015: Round 1, Pick 4)

Drafted above the likes of Kyle Tucker, Josh Naylor, and Walker Buehler, Rangers' fans wish they could have this one back.

Luis Ortiz, RHP (2014: Round 1, Pick 30)

Ortiz lasted two years in the farm system before being traded for Jonathan Lucroy with another member of this list.

Lewis Brinson, OF (2012: Round 1, Pick 29)

Brinson was able to be a very promising prospect but did nothing for the Rangers outside of being traded for Jonathan Lucroy as well.

Chi Chi Gonzalez, RHP (2013: Round 1, Pick 23)

After a fairly promising rookie season, things only went downhill in Arlington. He did get seven years of big league time elsewhere.

Kevin Matthews, RHP (2011: Round 1, Pick 33)

Matthews unfortunately did not pan out as the 33rd pick in the 2011 draft as he never made it past Triple-A with the Rangers.

Jake Skole, OF (2010: Round 1, Pick 15)

The former two-sport star decided to go with baseball out of high school and returned to the University of Georgia to play football in 2017. Can now be seen touring the United States with the Savannah Bananas.

Kasey Kiker, LHP (2006: Round 1, Pick 12)

Kasey peaked in Double-A for the Rangers and just never got it going in the minor leagues after a very promising amateur career.

Tanner Scheppers, RHP (2009: Round C-A, Pick 44)

Despite making it to the MLB for the Rangers, Scheppers' time in Arlington was short-lived and dissappointing. Not the worst the Rangers have seen, but certainly is on the list.

Mike Olt, 3B (2010: Round C-A, Pick 42)

After being a compensation pick in 2010, Olt gained a lot of hype as a prospect but did very little in the majors for Texas.

Drew Meyer, 2B (2002: Round 1, Pick 10)

The University of South Carolina hall of famer did not have as successful of a run in Arlington and was out of baseball after 2010.

Zach Cone, OF (2011: Round C-A, Pick 37)

The other 2011 draft pick was just another player in what may be the worst draft class of all time.

Jonathan Johnson, RHP (1995: Round 1, Pick 7)

A fellow alumni of Florida State University had an unceremonious end to his college and professional careers sadly.

Donald Harris, OF (1989: Round 1, Pick 5)

Finally, the fifth overall selection in 1989 went two picks ahead of Frank Thomas and outdo everything possible over Harris. Runs the Donald Harris Baseball Foundation today in the Austin, Texas area.