2012 MLB Draft Results: Every MLB Team's Biggest 'Signability' Concern

The 2012 MLB draft has come and gone, and now teams will begin the tedious process of negotiating with their draftees under the new CBA rules.

Chances are, there will be more top-level high school talents going to college than ever before as teams will no longer be able to shell out well-above slot bonuses to sway a prospect's decision.

With that in mind, here is a look at each MLB team's biggest signability concern, as things will be figured out one way or another by the July 13th signing deadline.

Arizona Diamondbacks

Player: CF Chuck Taylor, Mansfield Timberview High School

Pick: Fourth Round, 153rd Overall

Baseball America Rank: N/A

Slot Bonus: $285,800

Committed To: Texas-Arlington

Taylor is best known for his play on the football field, where he passed for 1,646 yards and 13 touchdowns while rushing for 1,642 yards and 19 touchdowns.

Despite those numbers, he didn't receive any scholarship offers to play football due in large part to his 5'10", 175-pound frame.

Instead, he committed to play baseball at Texas Arlington next year and seeing as he is such a raw talent on the baseball field he could honor that commitment and look to boost his stock while improving his game at the college level.

Atlanta Braves

Player: CF Sam Gillikin, Hoover High School

Pick: 33rd Round, 1,019th Overall

Baseball America Rank: 169

Slot Bonus: None

Committed To: Auburn

Ranked as the 169th overall prospect entering the draft by Baseball America, Gillikin fell for a number of reasons, with signability being the biggest.

He has a strong commitment to Auburn, but has also battled some injuries and has a below-average hit tool despite an abundance of athleticism.

It'll take a big bonus to sway him at this low of a draft position, and it seems highly likely he'll be headed to college.

Baltimore Orioles

Player: RHP Derick Velazquez, Merced College

Pick: 15th Round, 462nd Overall

Baseball America Rank: 74

Slot Bonus: None 

Committed To: Fresno State

A first-year JUCO player, Velazquez went 11-0 with a 1.43 ERA and 68 strikeouts in 106.2 innings of work.

That garnered the attention of a number of major colleges, and in the end he committed to Fresno State the day before the draft.

Given how far he fell after Baseball America ranked him as the No. 74 prospect in the draft and top JUCO arm, it will take the Orioles going way over slot to sign him.

Boston Red Sox

Player: RHP Carson Fulmer, All Saints Academy

Pick: 15th Round, 481st Overall

Baseball America Rank: 123

Slot Bonus: None

Committed To: Vanderbilt

With a terrific two-pitch repertoire of a mid-90s fastball and plus slider, Fulmer's future could be in the bullpen which is not generally how top high school arms profile.

He has a max-effort delivery with a high leg kick and lots of moving parts, which may have also scared teams off as far as making him an early-round pick.

His 10-1, 0.27 ERA, 169 K senior season was terrific, but he has some refining to do and with such a low draft slot and a solid commitment to Vanderbilt he's likely headed to college.

Chicago Cubs

Player: CF Rhett Wiseman, Buckingham Browne & Nichols

Pick: 25th Round, 764th Overall

Baseball America Rank: 136

Slot Bonus: None

Committed To: Vanderbilt

Ranked as the 136th-best prospect according to Baseball America, Wiseman was expected to be among the toughest players to sign regardless of where he was selected.

The center fielder committed to play baseball at Vanderbilt at the age of 15, so there may be no player in the nation with a stronger college commitment.

Many of the Cubs early-round picks could be signed for below slot, so there remains the possibility that they could throw all of the remaining money at Wiseman, but chances are pretty high he'll be at Vandy next season.

Chicago White Sox

Player: C Sammy Ayala, La Jolla Country Day School

Pick: 17th Round, 531st Overall

Baseball America Rank: 163

Slot Bonus: None

Committed To: UC Santa Barbara

The Cardinals gave Ayala a long look with their fourth-round pick but when their offer wasn't enough (via Patch) he fell out of the early rounds and will no doubt honor that commitment now.

St. Louis offered him $300,000 and a full tuition to college if his baseball career didn't pan out, while the White Sox offered him the same college deal and $200,000 some 13 rounds later, but he didn't bite.

As with any catching prospect, he will be in demand if he can turn potential into production at the college level.

Cincinnati Reds

Player: SS Tanner Rahier, Palm Desert High School

Pick: Second Round, 78th Overall

Baseball America Rank: 34

Slot Bonus: $649,700

Committed To: San Diego

Viewed by many as a sure-fire first-round pick, Rahier was still on the board at the end of Day 1 much to the surprise of draft expert Jim Callis (via Patch).

He was not a serious signability risk, and he brings tremendous offensive potential to a premium position. 

An odd case in that he has played in a wood bat league since his sophomore season as opposed to playing for his high school, Rahier will need to decide if the slide that no doubt cost him money is enough of a reason not to sign.

Cleveland Indians

Player: RHP Justin Garza, Bonita High School

Pick: 26th Round, 803rd Overall

Baseball America Rank: 130

Slot Bonus: None

Committed To: Cal State Fullerton

Garza has terrific pure stuff, with a fastball that climbed from the high 80s as a junior to the 91 to 94 range this past season.

He combines that with a plus changeup and a curveball that has good late life, as his three-pitch repertoire made him a high-round talent.

There's no chance he signs after being taken so low, and he'll head to one of the better college programs out there in Cal State Fullerton where he'll have every chance to raise his draft stock greatly.

Colorado Rockies

Player: SS Dansby Swanson, Marietta High School

Pick: 38th Round, 1158th Overall

Baseball America Rank: 138

Slot Bonus: None

Committed To: Vanderbilt

A two-sport star who was also a terrific basketball player, Swanson entered the draft with big signability questions, like many Vanderbilt recruits do.

He has been praised for his makeup and is a very good student who values his education, so even before he was selected so low chances were he was headed to college.

He'll be one to watch in college, as he has the defense to stick at shortstop and a terrific combination of contact and speed that should profile him as a future leadoff hitter.

Detroit Tigers

Player: RHP Clate Schmidt, Allatoona High School

Pick: 36th Round, 1,114th Overall

Baseball America Rank: 171

Slot Bonus: None

Committed To: Clemson

A combination of arm strength and athleticism give Schmidt the look of a future innings-eater in someone's rotation.

That someone likely won't be the Tigers, though, as Schmidt warned scouts during the season that he intended to honor his commitment to Clemson regardless of where he was selected.

They still took a chance on him, but the odds are slim that he signs. With some further development of his secondary pitches and tweaks to his delivery he could be a high first-round pick three years from now.

Houston Astros

Player: LHP Hunter Virant, Adolfo Camarillo High School

Pick: 11th Round, 339th Overall

Baseball America Rank: 53

Slot Bonus: None

Committed To: UCLA

The Astros took their chances on a number of high-risk picks as far as signability, but we'll go with Virant as the least likely to sign.

Relatively new to pitching as he just started his sophomore season, Virant is a very raw, albeit projectable, left-hander. He has the potential to significantly boost his stock by going to college, and that could cause him to lean towards not signing.

At this point, he will only sign if the team fails to sign RHP Lance McCullers who they took in the supplemental round and also comes with signability risk. 

Shortstop C.J. Hinojosa (789th overall) was ranked as the No. 70 prospect but fell significantly due to a dislocated shoulder his senior season, and there is zero chance he signs.

Kansas City Royals

Player: RHP Justin Alleman, Holt High School

Pick: 18th Round, 553rd Overall

Baseball America Rank: 318

Slot Bonus: None

Committed To: Michigan State

A local Michigan kid who has led his high school team to the Division 1 state tournament, Alleman is committed to Michigan State and could honor that after falling below where he was expected to be taken.

He is focused on pitching for his high school team right now, and will make a decision when the season is over, but going to college remains a very real possibility (via Green & White).

The Royals got two very signable guys with their first two picks, and could save some money in the long run, but it remains to be seen if extra cash would lure Alleman away from MSU.

Los Angeles Angels

Player: RHP Yency Almonte, Christopher Columbus High School

Pick: 17th Round, 537th Overall

Baseball America Rank: 409

Slot Bonus: None

Committed To: Florida International

The only reason Almonte is on here is due to the fact that he slipped lower than many expected him to go, as he is very likely to sign after only committing to Florida International recently.

With their earliest pick coming at 114, the Angels stuck mostly to the college ranks as they only drafted four high school players among their 38 selections, and the other three can be considered reaches and sure signs given where they were taken.

So while the easier answer here would be no one, Almonte is the closest thing to a signing risk the Angels have.

Los Angeles Dodgers

Player: C C.J. Saylor, South Hills High School

Pick: 33rd Round, 1,016th Overall

Baseball America Rank: 426

Slot Bonus: None

Committed To: San Diego State

A terrific defensive backstop, Saylor should have no trouble remaining behind the plate as his baseball career progresses as he has terrific receiving skills, a quick release and a rocket arm.

He also possess a quick, compact swing that should develop some power as he matures and refines his approach at the plate.

Because of his stocky frame (5'10", 185) and raw offensive skills he dropped below an area he'd be willing to sign at the onset and wound up falling to the 33rd round.

Miami Marlins

Player: 3B Cody Gunter, Flower Mound High School

Pick: 19th Round, 587th Overall

Baseball America Rank: 222

Slot Bonus: None

Committed To: Kansas State

A two-way player in high school who could pitch at the college level, Gunter's future is at third base where he is plus defensively and has a projectable bat.

The fact that he slipped a bit has left him uncertain as to whether or not he will sign, and given the chance to play both ways a K-State he could opt for college (via Star Local News).

He could slide to the outfield, and he has the athleticism to play there, but it's his bat that rates as his best tool and he would be a steal if the Marlins can sign him.

Milwaukee Brewers

Player: RHP Buck Farmer, Georgia Tech

Pick: 15th Round, 485th Overall

Baseball America Rank: 117

Slot Bonus: None

Grade Level: Junior

The Yellow Jacket's Friday starter, Farmer has one of the best changeups in the draft. His fastball is average and sits in the low-90s, and he needs to refine his curveball or slider to be a starter.

He entered the draft with signability concerns, as he has the potential to boost his stock to first-round status with another college season, and he fell because of it.

After going 8-4 with a 3.54 ERA and 115 strikeouts in 106.2 innings, he'd be one of college baseball's top returning arms if he doesn't sign and my guess is he's back on campus for one more year.

Minnesota Twins

Player: RHP James Marvel, Campolindo High School

Pick: 37th Round, 1120th Overall

Baseball America Rank: 206

Slot Bonus: None

Committed To: Duke

Marvel has a good frame and coupled with a mid-90s fastball, fantastic curveball and solid changeup he has a tremendous amount of upside.

It is exactly that upside that makes Marvel a hard sign, as he could develop into one of the best college pitchers in the nation by the time he is next draft eligible.

It would be a major coup if the Twins could get him to sign, but if not he's a name to remember as he could be a high first-round pick three years from now.

New York Mets

Player: C Austin Barr, Camas High School

Pick: 29th Round, 290th Overall

Baseball America Rank: 234

Slot Bonus: None

Committed To: Stanford

One of the top prep catchers in the draft class, Barr was viewed as a more-or-less impossible sign but that didn't stop the Mets from giving it a shot.

He's raw but he has the tools to stay behind the plate defensively and hit for both power and average at the plate.

By 2015 he could be the top catcher in the draft, and at a premium position that could make him a high first-round pick. Hence his not wanting to sign out of high school.

New York Yankees

Player: OF/LHP Ty Moore, Mater Dei High School

Pick: 25th Round, 787th Overall

Baseball America Rank: 246

Slot Bonus: None

Committed To: UCLA

Likely to be a two-way player in college, Moore slipped in the draft due not only to signability concerns but also due to a limited skill set.

He has plus power potential coupled with the standard long-swing, too many moving parts concerns that come with high school power hitters. Beyond that, however, he doesn't bring much to the table as far as tools are concerned.

On the mound, his fastball sits in the mid-80s and he is a relatively raw prospect. Perhaps his biggest draw right now is his terrific makeup and the fact that he has continuously produced against top level competition in showcases.

Oakland Athletics

Player: LHP Kyle Twomey, El Dorado High School

Pick: Third Round, 106th Overall

Baseball America Rank: 62

Slot Bonus: $449,700

Committed To: USC

A projectable left-hander with a four-pitch repertoire, there is a lot to like about Twomey's game at this point, but a strong commitment to USC knocked him out of the first round.

The A's will no doubt make him an offer over slot in an effort to lure him away from his commitment, and he is a sure-fire no-sign.

He's one who could significantly boost his draft stock with three years of college, even given his relatively high draft position this year.

Philadelphia Phillies

Player: RHP Daniel Starwalt, Granite Hills High School

Pick: 37th Round, 1,148th Overall

Baseball America Rank: 256

Slot Bonus: None

Committed To: Stanford

One of the youngest players in the entire draft, Starwalt won't turn 18 until February 7th of next year as he has plenty of time to develop.

With a fastball that touches 95 and a plus curveball he has good, projectable stuff and an impressive 6'3", 210-pound frame.

His strong commitment to Stanford is why he fell, and the Phillies won't be able to come up with the money it'll take to sign him.

Pittsburgh Pirates

Player: RHP Mark Appel, Stanford

Pick: First Round, Eighth Overall

Baseball America Rank: 4

Slot Bonus: $2.9 million

Grade Level: Junior

Appel slipping to No. 8 was the biggest surprise of the 2012 draft, and it was later revealed that he turned down a $6 million offer from the Astros at No. 1 (via Rotoworld).

That offer was $1.2 million below slot, but still more than the Pirates will be able to offer him as they have $2.9 million to spend on the pick at slot and could up that by another $1 million at the most if they can knock down other bonuses.

Big picture, that means if the Pirates want to sign Appel they will need to go over their bonus cap and face the penalties that come with it.

Appel, just a junior, could return to school where he would immediately be the favorite to go No. 1 overall next season, and if the Pirates can't at least match the Astros offer that's exactly what the Scott Boras client will do.

San Diego Padres

Player: RHP Zach Eflin, Hagerty High School 

Pick: First Round (S), 33rd Overall

Baseball America Rank: 31

Slot Bonus: $1.525 million

Committed To: Central Florida

A Top 20 talent who didn't fall all that far despite expectations that he'd be a tough sign, Eflin boosted his stock as much as anyone in 2012.

His fastball spiked from the low-90s his junior year to the 94-to-95 mph range, and he pairs that with a terrific changeup and a curveball that should only get better.

A triceps injury cost him some time, and that paired with a strong commitment and lofty bonus demands could make Eflin one of the best true freshman arms in college baseball next season.

San Francisco Giants

Player: SS Drew Jackson, Miramonte High School

Pick: 37th Round, 1,138th Overall

Baseball America Rank: N/A

Slot Bonus: None

Committed To: Stanford

The brother of Cubs top prospect Brett Jackson, the Giants took a chance on Drew in hopes that they would have some left-over money for an above-slot deal.

He has good speed and the tools to be a shortstop at the next level, but a strong commitment to his education and to Stanford scared teams off.

Their first eight picks were college players, so the Giants could have some bonus money left over when all is said and done. We'll have to wait and see.

Seattle Mariners

Player: RHP James Kaprielian, Beckman High School

Pick: 40th Round, 1,211th Overall

Baseball America Rank: 73

Slot Bonus: None

Committed To: UCLA

With one of the best curveballs in the entire draft, a fastball that sits 91 to 93, a changeup that he has a good feel for and a 6'3" frame that should kick his fastball up a few notches once he fills out, Kaprielian was a supplemental-round talent.

His firm commitment to UCLA almost left him undrafted, and the Mariners selecting him with their final pick is more or less a throw-away selection.

A pair of no-hitters made him a fairly well-known name among scouts, and when all is said and done at UCLA he could be a household name.

St. Louis Cardinals

Player: 3B Trey Williams, Valencia High School

Pick: 11th Round, 360th Overall

Baseball America Rank: 100

Slot Bonus: None

Committed To: Pepperdine

Williams has plus power potential and a projectable frame to go along with a glove that should be plenty good enough to stick at the hot corner.

He was ranked as the No. 27 draft prospect heading into the high school season, but dropped down many boards as a perceived lack of energy and intensity raised some red flags.

The Cardinals went heavy on college talent early, and should be able to sign some guys for under slot. That'll give them more money to use towards Williams, but it likely won't be enough.

Tampa Bay Rays

Player: Dylan Floro, Cal State Fullerton

Pick: 13th Round, 422nd Overall

Baseball America Rank: 310

Slot Bonus: None

Grade Level: Junior

Drafted by the Rays in the 20th round out of high school, Floro chose to go to college in an effort to boost his draft stock.

He did, but his upside has faded as his fastball has lost velocity and his slider has flattened out over the past three years.

He's still had good success thanks to a deceptive delivery and good command, as he went 10-3 with a 2.52 ERA this past season, but his stuff profiles him as a middle reliever at this point. The Rays obviously like him, so he could sign, but he could also return for his senior season in hopes that his stuff comes back and his stock shoots up.

Texas Rangers

Player: OF Jameis Winston, Hueytown High School

Pick: 15th Round, 486th Overall

Baseball America Rank: 59

Slot Bonus: None

Committed To: Florida State

A 5-star football recruit rated by many as the top prep quarterback in the nation, Winston was also one of the top 100 high school baseball players in the country.

He was the No. 59 draft prospect according to Baseball America, but there may have been no more sure-fire non-sign than Winston in the entire draft.

He'll take his talents to FSU, where he has the potential to be one of the better two-sport stars to come along in recent memory.

Toronto Blue Jays

Player: CF Anthony Alford, Petal High School

Pick: Third Round, 112th Overall

Baseball America Rank: 36

Slot Bonus: $424,400

Committed To: Southern Mississippi

Alford was the Mississippi Gatorade Player of the Year in both baseball and football, as he is the definition of an athlete.

He has said flat out that he is not ready to quit playing football, and it would take a bonus well-over slot for the Blue Jays to convince him otherwise.

Second-round pick Chase DeJong is also a tough sign, as he has a strong commitment to pitch at USC next season.

Washington Nationals

Player: RHP Freddy Avis, Menlo School

Pick: 25th Round, 774th Overall

Baseball America Rank: 56

Slot Bonus: None

Committed To: Stanford

A big right-hander with a mid-90s fastball, terrific curveball and developing changeup, Avis was a consensus top 100 talent entering the draft.

However, he is committed to getting an education and his commitment to Stanford likely won't be broken after he slipped to the 25th round.

If the Nationals are unable to sign first-round pick Lucas Giolito, who slipped out of the top five due to an injury, they could use that money to make a run at Avis, so that's something to keep an eye on.

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Full Baseball America top-500 draft prospect list located here.