Big-Name MLB Prospects Who Were Branded with 'Bust' Label After Brutal 2012

Fans are always quick to deem a prospect a “bust” simply because he under-produced relative to expectations. Although the compulsion to scrutinize under such circumstances is understandable, stating that a specific player has bottomed-out based on a one-year sample isn’t exactly sound reasoning. 

Rather, it’s necessary to consider how a player was viewed at the time they were either drafted or signed, the rate of their subsequent development and whether they possess the ability to make adjustments at higher levels. Basically, calling a player a “bust” should be based more on their outlook with previous performance taken into consideration.

Having said that, here’s a look at five prospects genuinely worthy of the “bust” label.

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