2012 MLB Draft Projections: Prep Players That Will Become Studs

Carlos Correa is going to be an amazing offensive player in the major leagues, and this will be a strong draft for preps players in general. Correa is, of course, the one that sits in the forefront of my mind.

He was just selected No. 1 overall by the Houston Astros. The 17-year-old became the first Puerto Rican in history to be taken with the top pick. It's easy to see why the Stros fell in love with Correa.

Dare I say, I see some Miguel Cabrera in him at the plate. He already has good patience, and the ball jumps off his bat. Correa has star written all over him, and it will be exciting to see how good he can be.

Take a look at his swing in this video:

Here are a few of the other preps who project as future standout major leaguers.

Byron Buxton — No. 2 — Minnesota Twins 

Buxton was taken just one spot under Correa out of Appling County High School in Georgia. He is the best pure athlete in the draft, in my opinion, and has a great ceiling as a defensive outfielder.

He glides to the ball in the field, and he has a strong, but accurate, throwing arm. At the plate, he has solid power potential as well.

Buxton isn't as far along in his development as Correa, but his ceiling is nearly as high. Check out Buxton's swing and his powerful throwing arm in this video:

Albert Almora — No. 6 — Chicago Cubs

Almora is a 6'2", 180-pound outfielder from Marion Christian Academy in Florida, and the Cubs hope he can end their futility in center field. My apologies to the decent Marlon Byrd, but the position has largely been a failure for the organization.

Almora has the tools, demeanor and attitude to change that. He can run down fly balls with the best of them. He shows tremendous range and a sure glove. He has some good power potential but will likely be a 25-home-run guy at his highest point.

I'm most impressed with his leadership qualities. The Cubs are trying to change their culture, and that has to start in the front office. They have hired Theo Epstein, and it's up to Epstein and his staff to inject the farm system with players who are winners.

I believe they've done that by drafting Almora.

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