MLB Draft 2012: 10 Early Round Picks Who Will Never Sign with Their Team

In barely a day's work, teams all across the league have hedged their bets on players that will no doubt resemble the future of their franchises, even if they don't know which they'll be just yet.

While college players have certainly been taken in great numbers, teams always find the will to take chances on the sometimes unpolished high school stars that possess the talent to have a seemingly non-existent ceiling.

These players won't all end up signing, however, as spending time in college can mean a huge difference in terms of dollars and cents when considering a second shot at the draft down the road.

Here are some players who have the talent to make the move to professional baseball, but may not sign on the dotted line this time around.

Zach Eflin, RHP

San Diego Padres, No. 33
Hagerty H.S.(FL)

With a fastball that consistently ranges in the low to mid-90s and a solid changeup, Zach Eflin came into the draft with as much hype as many other high school pitchers that were projected to come off the board early on.

As can be the case in states that have strong baseball crops, however, he's been overshadowed by a number of other prospects who are taking off ahead of him and may instead opt to attend college and try his luck at a higher slot next time around.

Lance McCullers, Jr., RHP

Houston Astros, No. 41
Jesuit H.S (FL)

Lance McCullers, Jr. certainly comes with baseball in his blood, though there's little doubt that he has the talent it could take to overtake his father's place in the history of the game.

With less control of his arsenal than would ideally be hoped from a high school prospect entering an organization, McCullers could certainly benefit from some development in the NCAA before signing a contract.

Matt Smoral, LHP

Toronto Blue Jays, No. 50
Solon H.S. (OH)

As one of the top prospects coming from Ohio, Matt Smoral has an ideal combination of size and flexibility that allows him to create great arm speed in his delivery, something that could vault him into the first round in another year's draft. 

He doesn't have great command of a breaking ball, and with room to improve on his tendency to go after hitters, he may look to gain confidence in his pitch selection before finally making the jump.

Carson Kelly, 3B

St. Louis Cardinals, No. 86
Westview H.S. (OR)

An Oregon native, there's little doubt that infielder Carson Kelly was one of the best prospects to come out of his region.

He has the versatility to throw serious heat from the mound, though his real future is likely in the left side of the infield.

With a scholarship waiting for him at the University of Oregon, Kelly may be tempted to stay home for a while before joining a professional organization.

Tyrone Taylor, CF

Milwaukee Brewers, No. 92
Torrance H.S. (CA)

As is the case with Kelly, Tyrone Taylor has a big decision on his hands as he looks to decide whether to sign with the Milwaukee Brewers, or stay in California and sign with Cal State Fullerton.

Taylor was a two-sport star in high school, no doubt a reason that scouts have been wowed by his pure athleticism, and if he could develop as a consistent on-base threat, he could swipe bases on a regular basis.

Kyle Twomey, LHP

Oakland Athletics, No. 106
El Dorado H.S. (CA)

With four solid pitches at his disposal, Kyle Twomey has garnered his fair share of attention, something that comes as no surprise considering southpaws are always looked at in a high regard.

Though he can through all his pitches with relative ease, he would benefit from further development and in a few years, could easily make the jump high into the first round of an entry draft.

Anthony Alford, CF

Toronto Blue Jays, No. 112
Petal H.S. (MS)

We've seen a number of two-sport stars taken early on in this year's draft, though it's quite possible none possess the potential to thrive at another sport as much as Anthony Alford.

Alford has a football scholarship waiting for him at Southern Miss, and with the money that a No. 112 selection doesn't bring, it wouldn't be surprising to see him end up in shoulder pads instead of a batting helmet.

Austin Schotts, CF

Detroit Tigers, No. 121
Centennial H.S. (TX)

Austin Schotts has the makeup of a potential outfield star at some point down the road, though his arm strength has come into question, something that may force an organization to move him to the infield.

He does have great ability in the batter's box, and after committing to Oklahoma State, Schott may opt to be a Cowboy rather than a Tiger.

Tyler Pike, LHP

Seattle Mariners, No. 126
Winter Haven H.S. (FL)

We've already talked about a number of high school pitchers hailing from Florida, and as his draft status may indicate, Tyler Pike came in under the radar compared to the others.

His fastball is currently in the low-90s, and with an average curveball and changeup, taking his scholarship offer from Florida State would allow him to further develop command of the pitches, possibly even add another.

D'vone McClure, CF

Cleveland Indians, No. 143
Jacksonville H.S. (AR)

D'Vone McClure came into high school as a highly touted two-sport athlete, excelling on both the diamond and the gridiron.

In a decision that isn't always seen in prep stars, however, McClure would opt to focus solely on baseball, and while his bat has developed into something special, he's still got plenty of work to do in the field.

With a scholarship waiting for him at in-state University of Arkansas, a late fourth-round selection may not be enough for him to walk away from home just yet.