MLB Draft 2012: High School Sluggers with Greatest Long-Term Value

The 2012 edition of the MLB Draft has more high-level high school prospects than ever before.

Sure, there is a report by MLB.com that the Houston Astros plan on using the No. 1 overall pick on Stanford pitcher Mark Appel tonight, but by the end of the first round, it is very conceivable to see more players selected that have yet to step foot on a college campus rather than collegiate veterans.

For teams looking for long-term answers in the field, this is great news. While the talent pool is incredibly deep, here are three sluggers still going to high school grad parties that stand above the rest with their unbelievable potential.

Byron Buxton, OF, Appling County High School (Ga.)

The unanimous No. 1 position player on the board has everything you look for when projecting a strong major league hitter. At 6’2’’ and 190 pounds, he has the size and speed of a young Ken Griffey Jr.

What makes him so intriguing is his ability to hit for both average and power. He has extremely fast hands and the plate discipline of a player much older than 18 years old.

Toss in an incredible arm and the ability to cover a ton of ground in center field, and you have a complete player that won’t get past the Seattle Mariners at No. 3.

Albert Almora, OF, Marion Christian Academy (Fla.)

What you have to love about this 18-year-old is his vast experience.

According to MLB.com, Almora has played for USA Baseball more than any other player in history. Sure, he’s still not as experienced as a collegiate player, but there is no doubt he’ll be on the path to advancement through the minor leagues at a faster rate than his high school peers.

He has shown the ability to drive the ball to all sides of the field and has power that will increase as he adds to his 180-pound frame.

Above-average across the board on defense, there are a lot of reasons to be excited about Almora. He could very well be the first high schooler in this draft to reach the Big Show.

Courtney Hawkins, RF, Carroll High School (Texas)

Hawkins pitched some in high school, but there is no doubt his future is in the field.

When you stand at 6’2’’ and 210 pounds, the ball flies off your bat when you make sound connection. While there is certainly work to do in curbing his plate discipline, there is no doubt he has the ability to be a premiere power hitter one day.

He will likely take more time to develop than the above mentioned players; but nobody in the entire draft has the potential to hit more home runs in the big leagues than Hawkins. 

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