MLB Draft 2012: Byron Buxton and Players with Gold Gloves in Their Future

Before Minnesota Twins first-round pick Byron Buxton catches on as a hitter, he'll be dazzling on the field. This kid has a rifle for an arm, and he glides to the ball like he's a contestant on Dancing With the Stars.

Ryan Kelley of Baseball NewsHound wrote this of Buxton:

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Buxton is the 2012 draft classes’ top athlete. The Georgia native provides the dictionary example of a five-tool player. Blessed with blinding foot and bat-speed, a cannon arm and baseball instincts to match, he elicits comparisons to a young Eric Davis.

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His arm isn't just strong, it's accurate as well. Take a look at the throws in this video of Buxton. It's as if someone pulled a string on his shoulder to unleash the bombs:

If things progress as most expect them to, Buxton has some golden hardware in his future.

Not every player in the draft has Buxton's arm, but he isn't the only player that has tremendous promise as a fielder. Here are two other players that have already demonstrated their ability to throw some leather:

Albert Almora - No. 6 Chicago Cubs

The Cubs may have found their center fielder of the future in the Floridian Almora. He has great potential as a hitter, but his immediate appeal is as a defensive player.

Bleacher Nation's Brett Taylor writes this of Almora's reputation in center:

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Almora’s defense in center field is said to be so good that some scouts believe he could be an average defensive center fielder in MLB *right now.* This is not a case of a kid being the best athlete on his team, so they just stash him in center field. Almora actually is a serious center field prospect.

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Almora has the experience (having played for Team USA) and he seems to have a commitment to stay in great shape. He's a great pick for the Cubs as they try to change their culture.

Stryker Trahan - No. 26 Arizona Diamondbacks

Along with having the coolest name of any prospect selected in the first round, Trahan has an excellent throwing arm. He's a catcher right now, but the 6'1" 215-pound specimen could wind up as an outfielder.

He has 6.6 speed in the 60, which is rare for a kid that big, let alone a catcher. Add in the fact that he has a strong arm, and Trahan could make an impact in the outfield.

Perfect Game writes this about Trahan's potential at two positions:

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Trahan’s third clear plus tool is his raw arm strength. He’s thrown up to 85 mph/1.81 at showcases and his throws are on a line and true on the bag when his footwork is on target. However, Trahan’s overall defensive skills and tools as a catcher are one question scouts have in his overall package. Trahan obviously has the tools and athleticism to play the outfield and has played out there frequently with the Sun Devils during the summer.

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Take a look at Trahan in action here, and his throwing accuracy from behind the plate is clear:

I can't wait to see how these kids turn out on the next level.

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