Former 'Can't-Miss' MLB Prospects Now Facing Make-or-Break Years in 2014

Trevor Bauer was traded by the Diamondbacks last offseason after a meteoric rise to the major leagues in 2012.
Tony Dejak/Associated Press

Due to the overwhelming failure rate of prospects, an organization can rarely afford to be overly patient or forgiving with its top young players. However, when that player is a former top draft pick or international signee, an organization tends to be more lenient due to the amount of money originally invested.

Headed into the 2014 season, there are several former top prospects on the verge of falling out of the long-term picture with their current club. And for many of them, the upcoming season may be their final chance to turn the developmental corner and avoid becoming merely a “what could have been” player.

Here’s a look at three once highly regarded prospects facing a make-or-break season in 2013.