MLB Prospects: Top 20 High School Prospects from Class of 2013

A little over two months removed from the 2012 MLB first-year player draft, countless top draft picks have already logged considerable professional experience thanks to the accelerated July 13 signing deadline.

First-rounders such as Addison Russell (A’s), David Dahl (Rockies), Daniel Robertson (A’s) and Joey Gallo (Rangers) have all jumped out to hot starts in their professional debut and seem poised for a favorable assignment to begin the 2013 season.

But it’s never too early to start thinking about the 2013 draft—more specifically, the high school prospects with the potential to be first-rounders.

Here are some brief scouting notes on 20-plus Class of 2013 prep prospects who figure to shoot up the draft boards before June.

Austin Meadows, OF/LHP, Grayson HS (Ga.)

Projectable frame at 6’3”, 200 pounds with plus bat speed from the left-side of the plate and double-plus speed. 

Kevin Davis, RHP, Miller HS (Ala.)

Power arm in the 91-95 mph range with a hammer breaking ball, but has herky-jerky delivery and lacks command of both pitches.

Nick Ciuffo, C, Lexington HS (S.C)

Left-handed hitting catcher who consistently registers sub-1.85-second pop times. Power has continued to develop over the last year, too.

Cavan Biggio, INF, St. Thomas HS (Texas)

Son of future Hall of Famer Craig Biggio, Cavan is one of the more pure hitters among 2013 prep prospects, though not necessarily a well-rounded player.

Clint Frazier, OF/RHP, Loganville HS (Ga.)

Five-tool talent with plus speed, upper-90s arm from outfield, bat speed and loads of raw power.

Joey Martarano, 3B/RHP, Fruitland HS (Idaho)

Following Brandon Nimmo’s path? Physically strong player at 6’3”, 230 pounds with loads of plus power. Already committed to Boise State to play football.

Reese McGuire, C, Kentwood HS (Wash.)

Has received praise for his athleticism and advanced defensive ability behind the plate, and has power potential from the left side. 

Oscar Mercado, SS, Gaither HS (Fla.)

Arguably the top middle infield prospect among 2013 high school players, and his bat continues to develop. 

Chris Okey, C, Eustis HS (Fla.)

Above-average bat speed with a smooth weight transfer into and through the baseball.

Trey Ball, LHP/OF, New Castle HS (Ind.)

Was thoroughly impressed with the lanky left-hander at a winter workout in Chicago. Low-90s with movement and secondary pitchers on the mound; plus left-handed bat speed, plus runner, plus defender. Unsure whether he has more of a future on the mound or in the outfield. Expect him to be a two-way player if he honors commitment to Texas.

Trevor Clifton, RHP, Heritage HS (Tenn.)

6’4” right-hander whose fastball has scraped 92 mph. He’s also a solid overall athlete and has shown the ability to play third base and both corner outfield positions.

Zach Farmer, LHP, Piketon HS (Ohio)

6’3” left-hander with lots of upside; saw him this past February in Chicago, where he showed a low-90s fastball and command of a three-pitch mix.

Stephen Gonsalves, LHP, Cathedral Catholic HS (Calif.)

6’5” left-hander with a low-90s fastball and flashes a plus curveball with late, two-plane break. He has a smooth, clean arm action, but has a tendency to rush his mechanics and struggle with command at times.

Clinton Hollon, RHP, Woodford County HS (Ky.)

Right-hander has loose, lightning-quick arm that pumps fastballs as high as 96 mph. Off-speed pitches continue to develop as well.

Dominic Smith, 1B/OF/LHP, Serra HS (Calif.)

6’1”, 200-pounder with outstanding left-handed power and sits low 90s on the bump.

Justin Williams, OF/3B, Terrbonne HS (La.)

6’3” left-handed hitter has robust power, natural plus bat speed and a strong arm.

Robert Kaminsky, LHP/OF, St. Joseph Regional HS (N.J.)

One of top prep left-handed pitchers with easy velocity (94 mph) and present plus breaking ball.

Sheldon Neuse, RHP/IF, Fossil Ridge HS (Texas)

Above-average arm strength on the mound and from left side of the infield. Projectable frame with excellent present athleticism. 

A.J. Puk, LHP, Washington HS (Iowa)

Fastball sits 86-92 mph with arm-side action and has a decent changeup with some fade. At 6’6”, Puk gets superb extension after his release that causes his fastball to jump on opposing hitters. Also has impressive power from left-side of the plate.

Jonah Wesley, LHP, Tracy HS (Calif.)

Left-hander has scraped 96 mph with his fastball, but there are already signability concerns given his strong commitment to UCLA.

Jordan Sheffield, RHP, Tullahoma HS (Tenn.)

He's undersized at 6’0", 180 pounds, but the right-hander has a quick, loose arm and has reached 93-94 mph.

Keegan Thompson, RHP, Cullman HS (Ala.)

6”2’, 175-pounder has potential both on the mound and in the field. Low-90s off the bump and has shown above-average bat speed at the plate.