2013 MLB Mock Draft: Early Predictions for Entire First Round

The 2012 MLB First-Year Player Draft ended on Wednesday evening, as rounds 16-40 were wrapped up over about six hours.

And while many of these players’ professional careers are just beginning, it’s still never too early to look ahead at the 2013 draft class.

To keep things fresh and entertaining, I have taken the current Major League Baseball standings and created a rough, preliminary mock draft. Obviously, it’s nearly impossible to say that this will carry any weight in a year, but I figured the least I can do is spread the word on some of the top players in the 2013 draft class.

1. San Diego Padres: Austin Meadows, OF, Grayson HS (Ga.)

The Padres continue to rebuild by selecting Meadows, who, in my opinion, will be the top prep player (and possibly the best overall player) on the board at this time next year.

2. Chicago Cubs: Karsten Whitson, RHP, Florida

Although his poor sophomore season gives him the potential to look foolish for turning down the money as a first-round pick in 2009, I think Whitson rebounds next season and regains his top-prospect status. 

3. Minnesota Twins: Oscar Mercado, SS, Gaither HS (Fla.)

Possibly the best middle infield prospect in the 2013 draft class, Mercado will be one of the more coveted players at this time next year. 

4. Houston Astros: Bobby Wahl, RHP, Mississippi

After passing on Mark Appel and drafting Carlos Correa, I think the Astros will draft a pitcher with their first pick in 2013. I see Wahl as someone who should keep climbing the draft boards after an impressive 2012 season.

5. Kansas City Royals: Colin Moran, 3B, North Carolina

After an impressive 2012 campaign, Moran should be one of the top college bats on the board next season. 

6. Oakland Athletics: Adam Plutko, RHP, UCLA

They took a lot of prep bats this year, so expect the A’s to pick up a top college pitcher (or possibly hitter) in 2013. Plutko is a workhorse who eats innings and has ratio stats trending in the right direction. 

7. Seattle Mariners: Clinton Hollon, RHP, Woodford County HS (Kent.)

After taking Zunino, I see the Mariners adding the top arm on the board, which as of now may be Hollon, the best college right-hander in the nation. 

8. Colorado Rockies: Kris Bryant, 3B/1B, San Diego

His bat could be a nice corner infield complement to Nolan Arenado’s.

9. Milwaukee Brewers: Ryan Eades, RHP, LSU

A pitching-heavy draft in 2011 followed by power bats in 2012. I think they go for more arms next year, preferably ones not too far away from the big leagues. 

10. Arizona Diamondbacks: Austin Wilson, OF, Stanford

Most of their top prospects are either on the mound or infield, so adding Wilson (if he’s still available) could bolster their future outfield.

11. Detroit Tigers: Josh Dezse, RHP/1B, Ohio State

A college hitter who has that healthy blend of power and plate discipline. 

12. Los Angeles Angels: Dylan Covey, RHP, San Diego

They went with a position player and two likely bullpen arms with their first three picks in 2012, so expect them to go after a starter next year. 

13. Philadelphia Phillies: Chris Rivera, SS, El Dorado HS (Calif.)

I don't think I need to tell you that the Phillies really need a genuine shortstop prospect. 

14. St. Louis Cardinals: Zach Collins, C/1B, American Heritage HS (Fla.)

They added a slew of bats this year and should continue to in 2013. 

15. Pittsburgh Pirates: Michael Lorenzen, OF/RHP, Cal State Fullerton

There's a chance that Lorenzen doesn't last this long, but I could definitely see him profiling in the Pirates' outfield. 

16. Toronto Blue Jays: Sheldon Neuse, SS/RHP, Fossil Ridge HS (Texas)

Arguably the No. 2 prep right-hander in the nation headed into the 2013 season. 

17. Boston Red Sox: Reese McGuire, C, Kentwood HS (Wash.)

Yes, they drafted Swihart in 2011 and have Ryan Lavarnway in their system, but you can never have enough catching prospects.

18. Cleveland Indians: Ryne Stanek, RHP, Arkansas

They over-drafted Tyler Naquin this year when everyone thought they'd take Chris Stratton or Michael Wacha, so expect them to target a top college arm in 2013. 

19. Atlanta Braves: Daniel Palka, OF/LHP, Georgia Tech

Another advanced college hitter who should receive looks on the mound as well.

20. New York Yankees: A.J. Vanegas, RHP, Stanford

Vanegas could be the type of college reliever who doesn't take long to reach the big leagues. 

21. Baltimore Orioles: Trey Ball, OF/LHP, New Castle HS (Ind.)

I saw this kid at a showcase this past winter, and he may be shooting up the draft boards between now and then. 

22. San Francisco Giants: Joey Martarano, 1B/3B, Fruitland HS (Idaho)

After landing Chris Stratton, I would think the Giants add a position prospect with projectable power next season. 

23. New York Mets: JaCoby Jones, OF/3B, LSU

They were able to make a host of safe, smart picks this season, so why not go for the best athlete with the highest ceiling next year?

24. Cincinnati Reds: Zach Farmer, LHP, Piketon HS (Ohio)

One of the top prep left-handers who should develop serious draft helium over the next year. 

25. Chicago White Sox: Dominic Ficociello, 3B/1B, Arkansas

They drafted high-ceiling prep talent with their first two picks in 2012, and could add a sure-fire big league player in Ficociello in 2013. 

26. Tampa Bay Rays: Corey Knebel, RHP, Texas

They drafted positional talent with their first three picks this year, so I'd expect that the Rays add an elite college arm in 2013. 

27. Miami Marlins: Conrad Gregor, OF/1B, Vanderbilt

The Marlins have gone all-in on prep position players prior to drafting Andrew Heaney on Monday, and are in need of promising college bats. 

28. Washington Nationals: Tim Richards, SS, Wilson HS (Calif.)

The Nationals won't be able to snag a top pick next year, as they're already a significantly better team competing for the National League East crown. Look for them to draft one of the more toolsy players on the board next year. 

29. Texas Rangers: Jordan Sheffield, RHP, Tullahoma HS (Tenn.)

One of the better right-handers in the 2013 draft class, he may not last until the late-first round. But if he's there, Sheffield is exactly the type of pitcher that the Rangers covet. 

30. Los Angeles Dodgers: Brian Ragira, 1B/3B, Stanford

They finally added a projectable bat in Corey Seager, and they should continue down that path in 2013. If Ragira can improve his plate discipline, he could be a great complement at first base with Seager manning the hot corner.