MLB Draft Tracker 2012: Carlos Correa Will Validate He Was Worthy of Top Pick

Carlos Correa will prove to be the greatest player from this draft. He is a dynamically gifted player with the potential to be an MVP.  

The Houston Astros' selection of 17-year-old shortstop with their No. 1 overall shocked many observers, but this talented and unique player will prove this to be a shrewd selection. 

Heading up to the draft, almost all of the speculation for the No. 1 pick centered around Stanford pitcher Mark Appel and high school outfielder Byron Buxton. Well, those two took a back seat to Correa on draft day, and they will be taking a backseat to him as these players begin to carve out their careers.

The 6'4", 190 pound product out of the Puerto Rican Baseball Academy is a unique blend of size, quickness and power. It is easy to see how Harold Reynolds arrived at this assessment tweeted out by the MLB.

"

Harold Reynolds compares No. 1 overall @MLBDraft pick Carlos Correa to A-Rod: “He’s as advanced as any high school player you’ll see.”

— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) June 4, 2012"

Correa is a true five-tool player. He has good speed, a tremendously powerful arm and silky smooth defense with soft hands. He is also a natural at the plate. 

He has a fluid swing and blazing bat speed. He will need to work on shortening his stride, but that shouldn't be too hard under the supervision of Major League coaches. 

He already shows good pop in his bat, and that will only improve as he begins to fill out his frame. Like almost any youngster, he will need to refine his pitch recognition and ability to hit elite breaking balls, but a little time in the minors will help him with that. 

Correa has way too much natural talent to make the improvements he needs. He has a chance to break into the big leagues while he is still a teenager, and he will have a long, great career once he gets there. 

You can follow the live draft tracker on MLB.com.