2012 MLB Draft Signing Bonus: Best First-Round Bargains

With the Major League Baseball Draft signing deadline approaching at 5 p.m. ET on Friday, the number of deals we have seen up to this point is vastly different from years past. The new CBA has protected teams from themselves, as they were forced to make creative moves to sign players. 

Trying to find a bargain before a player even steps on the field is liable to make a team look foolish in a few years if he turns out to be a bust. Since all we have right now is potential and upside, we can talk about who will look like a steal, based on their signing bonus, in the future. 

Here are the best first-round bargains to come out of the 2012 Major League Baseball Draft with one day to go before the signing deadline. 

Michael Wacha (St. Louis Cardinals, Signed For $1.9 Million via St. Louis Post-Dispatch)

No one would argue that Wacha has the most upside in this draft. He is basically a finished product right now, with only a few things to work on in the minors. He has a solid four-pitch arsenal, including a plus changeup. 

Despite the lack of upside, Wacha should be one of the first players from this class to make it to the big leagues. He is going to be a No. 4, possibly a No. 3, in the majors. There are a lot of teams out there who would love to have a fast-moving pitcher like Wacha on the cheap. 

I liked the pick when it was made. I think it is even better now. 

Courtney Hawkins (Chicago White Sox, Signed For $2.5 Million via Chicago Tribune)

The backflip Hawkins did after he was drafted probably earned him the extra $500,000. Possessing one of the most intriguing bats in this class, Hawkins was a drastic departure from draft strategy for the White Sox. 

In the past, this team has been geared more toward low-ceiling college players who could move quickly but didn't have much potential. It didn't help that they would trade what players they did have in the system to acquire aging players. 

The White Sox needed to do something to fix their depleted farm system. Hawkins has the power and arm to be a very good right fielder in the big leagues. They got a deal done quickly, so he can start his journey to Chicago very soon. 

Marcus Stroman (Toronto Blue Jays, Signed For $1.8 Million via New York Newsday)

Stroman was one of my personal favorite players in the 2012 MLB Draft. His stuff was easily the best of any college pitcher, and he was second only to a healthy Lucas Giolito among all pitchers. If he was taller, Stroman would have gone 15 picks higher. 

As it is, a 5'9" Stroman was able to last all the way until the Blue Jays made their second selection in the first round. He is going to be the first player from this class to make it to the big leagues, I would put money on that. 

I fear the Blue Jays will use him strictly as a reliever for his entire career. With his combination of stuff, feel and aggressiveness, I would love to see him at least get a chance to start until he proves he can't do it. 

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