The New York Yankees’ draft history includes some legendary MLB Draft busts.
Good news: the New York Yankees draft history includes some absolute steals, like Andy Pettitte and Jorge Posada, who built the foundations of dynasties.
Bad news: Many of their first-round picks are completely abhorrent. Sometimes, they don’t even make them. Ever wonder why the ’80s featured so many bloated, aging stars? New York only made two first-round picks in the entire decade. Their names were Jeff Pries (’84) and Anthony Balabon (’85). They weren’t very good.
With MLB Draft night (Five-Rounds-Only Edition) finally upon us, it’s time to look in the mirror and try not to get spooked by what looks back, Yankee fans. These are the biggest first-round busts in our franchise’s history.
Author’s Note: If injuries were the sole reason for your downfall, you don’t make my list. Sorry! Writer’s choice. Ty Hensley, your story is sad, and you don’t belong here. Best of luck to you.
5. Yankees Draft: CJ Henry
CJ Henry was the Yankees’ first-round draft pick in 2005, and he didn’t make it in MLB.
With the 17th overall selection in the 2005 MLB Draft, the New York Yankees selected shortstop CJ Henry out of Putnam City High School in Oklahoma City.
At the time, this was a big deal.
An athletic shortstop? With Derek Jeter still in his prime? At pick No. 17?! They don’t usually select that high!
Turns out, New York didn’t have any plans for Henry beyond the very next season. He hit .240 at Single-A Charleston with a pair of homers in his first full season in the system in 2006…before serving as the centerpiece of the Bobby Abreu trade with the Philadelphia Phillies. What a heist!
By 2008, Henry was somehow back in the Yankees system, wrapping up his career with Single-A Tampa. By 2010, he was…playing basketball for the Kansas Jayhawks.
Henry’s bust potential is downgraded only because he netted the Yankees a legitimate star for 2.5 years. Other than that, he was catastrophic at 17 — and, if the Yanks had drafted smarter, they could’ve had Jacoby Ellsbury (No. 23) on his rookie deal instead of his bloated one.