2012 MLB Mock Draft: Future Aces That Every Team Should Target

Everything starts with the pitcher.

A dominant ace is capable of single-handedly leading his team to victory like no other position in baseball. They are literally in position to put their squad on their back to take home the W. Finding a starting pitcher that effective, though, is much easier said than done.

Here is a 2012 first-round MLB mock draft highlighting the top future aces.

1. Houston Astros: Byron Buxton (OF, HS)

Buxton is the consensus No. 1 prospect in the 2012 draft class and is an offensive and defensive force.

2. Minnesota Twins: Mark Appel (RHP, Stanford)

The 6’4” Appel is widely considered the most talented pitcher in the draft.

An apple a day keeps the doctor away, but this Appel every five days is a win-machine. The 6’5” future stud unfailingly throws mid-90s fast balls. If there’s anyone that will beat out Buxton for the first overall pick, it’s him.

3. Seattle Mariners: Mike Zunino (C, Florida)

Zunino was drafted out of high school, but chose to play college ball for a few years and now his stock couldn’t possibly be any higher.

4. Baltimore Orioles: Kevin Gausman (RHP, LSU)

Gausman was drafted in the sixth round back in 2010 by the Los Angeles Dodgers, but he turned down their offer to sign out of high school.

According to Jonathan Mayo of MLB.com, whispers are slowly getting louder that Gausman could be considered to be selected as high as the No. 1 pick. His fastball blazes up to speeds that circle 99 mph. The only thing holding him back from going higher is his command.

5. Kansas City Royals: Kyle Zimmer (RHP, USF)

Zimmer has a bit of magic in his finger tips with a 97 mph fastball. His durability is extremely impressive too. On top of all that, he throws four pitches well.

The only thing Zimmer doesn’t have going for him is that his production isn’t as impressive as a couple of the other top pitching prospects, but that’s it. He has ace written all over him.

6. Chicago Cubs: Carlos Correa (SS, HS)

Correa is another positional player with a well-rounded skill set, and his work ethic is unrivaled.

7. San Diego Padres: Albert Almora (OF, HS)

Almora proved his ability to produce timely hits playing for team USA and, outside of Buxton, you won’t find a better outfielder in the class.

8. Pittsburgh Pirates: Devin Marrero (SS, Arizona St.)

Marrero is an elite defensive talent at short that, despite offensive struggles, is a top-10 lock.

9. Miami Marlins: Max Fried (LHP, HS)

Fried has the highest potential out of any high school pitcher in the draft and would be a good fit for the new-look Marlins.

10. Colorado Rockies: Lucas Giolito (RHP, HS)

If Giolito bounces back strong from his elbow injury, he’ll be a huge steal anywhere outside the top five picks.

11. Oakland Athletics: Richie Shaffer (3B, Clemson)

No one’s stock has risen higher than Shaffer’s as of late. The third-base stud is an impact player offensively and defensively.

12. New York Mets: Stephen Piscotty (3B, Stanford)

Piscotty isn’t far behind Shaffer as a prospect, if he’s behind him at all as the slugger has power for days.

13. Chicago White Sox: Michael Wacha (RHP, Texas A&M)

The 6’6” giant doesn’t boast the upside of the pitchers that will hear their names called in the top 10, but you won’t find much closer to a sure thing.

14. Cincinnati Reds: Gavin Cecchini (SS, HS)

Cecchini’s speed always makes him a threat to steal a base and his defensive instincts are top-notch.

15. Cleveland Indians: Courtney Hawkins (OF, HS)

Hawkins won’t hit for average, but he has more than enough power as a hitter and he’s blesses with a pitcher’s arms strength.

16. Washington Nationals: Andrew Heaney (LHP, Oklahoma St.)

Many scouts would make an argument that Heaney is the best southpaw in the draft.

17. Toronto Blue Jays: Zach Eflin (RHP, HS)

The 6’5” Eflin is a special high school talent whose fastballs float up to speeds the mid-90s.

18. Los Angeles Dodgers: Matt Smoral (LHP, HS)

While he suffered a foot fracture earlier this year, the 6’8” 225-pounder is physically gifted enough for his stock to avoid taking a hit.

19. St. Louis Cardinals: Addison Russell (SS, HS)

Russell’s hitting ability is outstanding, but at 6’0”, 215 pounds, he may have to slide over to third base in the majors.

20. San Francisco Giants: Marcus Stroman (RHP, Duke)

Stroman only stands at 5’9”, but his scorching arm strengths makes up for his lack of height and more.

21. Atlanta Braves: Joey Gallo (3B, HS)

No one in the 2012 class carries around more power in their bat than the 6’5”, 220-pound Gallo.

22. Toronto Blue Jays: Hunter Virant (LHP, HS)

Right now, Virant doesn’t have the power you look for in a starting pitcher, but he’s young and the rest of his game is impressive enough for a team to roll the dice with the hope that he picks up the speed.

23. St. Louis Cardinals: Chris Stratton (RHP, Mississippi St.)

Stratton hasn’t always produced strong numbers, but his ability to throw four pitches well amps up his value.

24. Boston Red Sox: Nolan Fontana (SS, Florida)

Fontana won’t wow you in any one area, but the jack of all trades is just one of those competitors that demands playing time on any ball club.

25. Tampa Bay Devil Rays: Lucas Sims (RHP, HS)

Sims isn’t the most polished prospect, but he has the physical ability of a starter and the killer instinct of a closer.

26. Arizona Diamondbacks: Walker Weickel (RHP, HS)

Weickle hasn’t consistently played like a first-round lock, but his potential is high enough to get him drafted early.

27. Milwaukee Brewers: Brian Johnson (LHP, Florida)

Johnson’s potential isn’t through the roof, but he’s a safe pick and has four go-to pitches in his arsenal.

28. Milwaukee Brewers: Stryker Trahan (C, HS)

As his name would suggest, Stryker swings with a ton of power, but he has plenty to work on before showcasing that strength in the majors.

29. Texas Rangers: Carson Kelly (RHP, HS)

Kelly offers teams flexibility in that he’s capable of pitching and playing third base in the pros.

30. New York Yankees: Patrick Wisdom (3B, Saint Mary’s)

Wisdom swings for the fences as well as anyone, but his lack of consistency should be put under the microscope.

31. Boston Red Sox: David Dahl (CF, HS)

Dahl won’t hit for power, but he’ll make contact with the best of them and he has speed to burn.

David Daniels is a featured columnist at Bleacher Report and a syndicated writer.

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