2012 MLB Draft Results: High School Prospects with Brightest Futures

Every year in the MLB draft, several teams strike gold with high school prospects, while others simply strike out.

Although it's a bit of a gamble to spend a first-round pick on an unproven 17- or 18-year-old, countless past examples have shown us that the young guns who come straight from high school are often the picks that yield the highest rewards.

Look for these high school prospects to dominate the MLB after their stints in the minors.

Carlos Correa, SS, Houston Astros

We might as well start with the first overall pick, as the smooth-swinging, lazer-throwing Correa is a future MVP in the making.

Although the Astros surprised some folks with the pick, I love the selection of Correa.

The 17-year-old Puerto Rican has every tool necessary to become the best shortstop in baseball. He's got a good build (6'4", 190 pounds), strong defensive fundamentals and he projects to hit for both power and average.

He may not be the next Alex Rodriguez, but Correa has the skills to be a perennial All-Star.

Albert Almora, CF, Chicago Cubs

Almora fell to No. 6 in the draft, but he could end up being the best player from this class.

He was certainly the best defensive outfielder available, as he's got good speed, a rocket launcher for an arm and a natural feel for the game that most high schoolers simply don't have.

He can also be very productive at the plate. He's capable of hitting 25-30 home runs per season during his peak, and with his strong discipline and work ethic, he should hit for a high average as well.

Max Fried, LHP, San Diego Padres

Fried was the third pitcher off the board, but I think San Diego got an absolute steal at No. 7.

Fried's big frame (6'4"), above-average fastball and dominant command all signal that he could soon be the ace of the Padres staff.

He throws a vicious mid-70s curveball and a solid changeup. Combine that with his advanced control of the ball and natural feel for pitching, and he should have a relatively short stint in the minors.

Don't be surprised if you see Fried dominating National League batters in a couple of years.