Best Undrafted MLB Players: The Greatest Success Stories in Baseball
The journey to Major League Baseball is often marked by early recognition of talent and high draft selections, but some of the greatest stories in baseball history come from those who were overlooked. These undrafted players defied the odds, rising through the ranks to become some of the most successful and respected figures in the sport.
Their careers are a testament to perseverance, determination, and raw talent that couldn’t be ignored. This list honors the 9 best undrafted MLB players, showcasing those who not only made it to the big leagues but also left an indelible mark on the game.
#9: Jim Leyritz (1986 – 2000)
Position: Catcher / First Baseman / Third Baseman
Height/Weight: 6’1″, 195 lbs
Teams: New York Yankees, Anaheim Angels, Texas Rangers, Boston Red Sox, San Diego Padres, Los Angeles Dodgers
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Jim Leyritz made a name for himself as one of the most clutch performers in postseason history. Despite going undrafted, Leyritz carved out a solid MLB career, known for his versatility and knack for delivering in big moments. His most iconic moment came in Game 4 of the 1996 World Series, where he hit a game-tying three-run homer off Atlanta Braves closer Mark Wohlers, helping the Yankees secure a pivotal win and eventually the championship.
Accolades/Stats:
- 2x World Series Champion
- 7 career postseason home runs
- Known for his game-tying home run in the 1996 World Series
#8: Marcus Giles (2001 – 2007)
Position: Second Baseman
Height/Weight: 5’8″, 180 lbs
Teams: Atlanta Braves, San Diego Padres
Marcus Giles was known for his gritty play and solid production as the everyday second baseman for the Atlanta Braves. In 2003, Giles had a breakout season, earning a spot on the National League All-Star team and finishing the year with a .316 batting average, 21 home runs, and 69 RBIs. His combination of power, speed, and defensive reliability made him a key contributor to the Braves’ success during the early 2000s.
Accolades/Stats:
- 2003 NL All-Star
- .291 career batting average
- Known for his strong defensive play and consistent production
#7: Dan Quisenberry (1979 – 1990)
Position: Relief Pitcher
Height/Weight: 6’2″, 170 lbs
Teams: Kansas City Royals, St. Louis Cardinals, San Francisco Giants
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Dan Quisenberry was one of the most dominant relievers of the 1980s, known for his submarine-style delivery and pinpoint control. As the closer for the Kansas City Royals, Quisenberry led the American League in saves five times and was a key figure in the Royals’ 1985 World Series championship run. His ability to induce ground balls and avoid walks made him a reliable and consistent closer throughout his career.
Accolades/Stats:
- 1985 World Series Champion
- 3x All-Star
- 5x AL Saves Leader
- 244 career saves
#6: Bruce Sutter (1976 – 1988)
Position: Relief Pitcher
Height/Weight: 6’2″, 190 lbs
Teams: Chicago Cubs, St. Louis Cardinals, Atlanta Braves
Bruce Sutter revolutionized the closer role with his mastery of the split-finger fastball, a pitch that became his signature weapon. Sutter led the National League in saves five times and won the 1979 NL Cy Young Award while with the Chicago Cubs. His dominance continued with the St. Louis Cardinals, where he played a crucial role in their 1982 World Series championship, famously striking out Gorman Thomas to end Game 7.
Accolades/Stats:
- 1979 NL Cy Young Award Winner
- 1982 World Series Champion
- 5x NL Saves Leader
- 300 career saves, Hall of Fame inductee
#5: Jorge Posada (1995 – 2011)
Position: Catcher
Height/Weight: 6’2″, 215 lbs
Teams: New York Yankees
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Jorge Posada was a cornerstone of the New York Yankees’ dynasty in the late 1990s and early 2000s. As a switch-hitting catcher with power and patience, Posada was a consistent offensive force, finishing his career with 275 home runs and 1,065 RBIs. He was a five-time All-Star and a key contributor to the Yankees’ four World Series championships between 1996 and 2000.
Accolades/Stats:
- 5x All-Star
- 4x World Series Champion
- 5x Silver Slugger Award
- 275 career home runs
#4: Bobby Bonilla (1986 – 2001)
Position: Third Baseman / Outfielder
Height/Weight: 6’3″, 240 lbs
Teams: Pittsburgh Pirates, New York Mets, Baltimore Orioles, Florida Marlins, Los Angeles Dodgers, Atlanta Braves, St. Louis Cardinals
Bobby Bonilla was one of the most feared hitters in baseball during the late 1980s and early 1990s. Known for his power and ability to hit for average, Bonilla was a six-time All-Star and a key player for the Pittsburgh Pirates during their successful run in the early 1990s. He won three Silver Slugger Awards and finished his career with 287 home runs and 1,173 RBIs.
Accolades/Stats:
- 6x All-Star
- 3x Silver Slugger Award
- 1997 World Series Champion
- 287 career home runs
#3: Kevin Mitchell (1984 – 1998)
Position: Outfielder / Third Baseman
Height/Weight: 5’10”, 185 lbs
Teams: New York Mets, San Francisco Giants, Seattle Mariners, Cincinnati Reds, Cleveland Indians, Boston Red Sox, Oakland Athletics
Kevin Mitchell was one of the most explosive hitters of the late 1980s, best known for his MVP-winning season in 1989 with the San Francisco Giants. That year, Mitchell led the National League with 47 home runs and 125 RBIs, showcasing his immense power and run-producing ability. Mitchell was a two-time All-Star and played a key role in helping the New York Mets win the 1986 World Series.
Accolades/Stats:
- 1989 NL MVP
- 2x All-Star
- 1986 World Series Champion
- 234 career home runs
#2: Mike Piazza (1992 – 2007)
Position: Catcher
Height/Weight: 6’3″, 200 lbs
Teams: Los Angeles Dodgers, Florida Marlins, New York Mets, San Diego Padres, Oakland Athletics
Mike Piazza is widely regarded as the greatest offensive catcher in baseball history. Over his 16-year career, Piazza hit 427 home runs, the most ever by a catcher, and drove in 1,335 runs. He was a 12-time All-Star and a 10-time Silver Slugger Award winner, dominating the 1990s and early 2000s with his powerful bat. Piazza played a crucial role in leading the New York Mets to the 2000 World Series.
Accolades/Stats:
- 12x All-Star
- 10x Silver Slugger Award
- 427 career home runs, Hall of Fame inductee
#1: Larry Walker (1989 – 2005)
Position: Outfielder
Height/Weight: 6’2″, 185 lbs
Teams: Montreal Expos, Colorado Rockies, St. Louis Cardinals
Larry Walker was one of the most complete players of his generation, excelling in every facet of the game. A five-time All-Star and seven-time Gold Glove winner, Walker combined power, speed, and defensive brilliance throughout his career. He won three batting titles and was named the National League MVP in 1997 after hitting .366 with 49 home runs and 130 RBIs.
Accolades/Stats:
- 1997 NL MVP
- 3x NL Batting Champion
- 5x All-Star, 7x Gold Glove Winner
- 383 career home runs, Hall of Fame inductee
