2012 MLB Draft Results: First-Round Selections Poised for Stardom

Many first-round selections from this year's MLB draft will never sniff the major leagues, while others will become superstars for their respective teams. 

The nature of baseball makes their draft the hardest to predict. Prospects must navigate their way through multiple minor-league levels before they even get a chance to prove themselves in the majors. The most experienced college prospects usually take at least a year to arrive.

This year's crop of first-round picks is no different. No player will get their chance before the middle of next season, but several players will be ready to explode when their time comes.

Let's take a look at a few first-rounders destined to do big things.

Carlos Correa

We can start with the draft's No. 1 overall selection. Correa is an elite shortstop prospect with an A-Rod type of feel to him.

Correa has a plus bat with developing power. He will get stronger as he matures, and he will get plenty of time to do so before he reaches the major league level.

The Astros took Correa with high hopes. They desperately need a face for their beleaguered franchise, and Correa's bat could be it. He has the potential to hit 30 home runs, hit .290-.300 and steal a few bases while he is at it.

Shortstops with big bat potential are rare commodities, especially ones who field their position as well. Correa may not project as a long-term shortstop, but he will be a star no matter where he lines up.

Byron Buxton

It's easy to put the draft's top two picks on this list, I know. But both players will do big things at the major league level.

Buxton has a legitimate five-tool ceiling. He already has elite speed, a developing bat and a rocket arm from the outfield.

As he ages and develops, these tools will increase. He must improve his approach at the plate, but his raw ability is through the roof.

The Twins do not have an exciting farm system, but their fans will flock to see Buxton take the field. His speed and athleticism make him a must-watch each time he steps foot between the lines.

Buxton is going to be a high-caliber contact hitter who could potentially steal 50 bases. His laser-like arm from the outfield will inspire doubt in the league's quickest runners.

He will not arrive for another two or three years, but Buxton will be a great player when he gets his opportunity.

Kyle Zimmer

Zimmer has only been pitching for two years, but those two years earned him the No. 5 overall pick.

He has considerable upside and could be one of the first draftees to reach the major leagues.

Zimmer's four-pitch mix and sound mechanics will allow him to rise quickly. His lack of experience makes you wonder how good this kid could be as he continues to work on his game.

The Royals grabbed Zimmer and will continue to develop his approach on the mound. He has every raw physical tool you could want, but his inexperience on the bump could prove problematic as the level of competition increases.

As Zimmer gains experience, so will his technique and off-speed pitches. This will add to his considerable upside.

Expect Zimmer to reach the majors faster than you would expect from a kid with limited experience at his position.

Max Fried

Fried will be the Padres' ace in due time. He is a powerful southpaw with a devastating three-pitch repertoire.

Coming from the prep ranks will lengthen Fried's stay in the minors, but it does not hurt his tremendous upside.

He does not have many knocks in terms of physical tools. His fastball rides in and hums in the low-to-mid 90s. When he throws his breaking ball for strikes, it is excellent. And his changeup is rapidly developing.

Fried's lanky, 6'5'' frame turns him into a rubber band on the mound. He will continue his development as he matures and harnesses command of his curveball.

The Padres were wise to snatch up this year's top high school left-hander. He will be an elite starter in this league as long as the Padres give him time to grow.