10 Early-Round 2012 MLB Draft Picks Who Already Look Way Behind Schedule

Now a little more than a month removed from the 2012 signing deadline, many of the early-round MLB draft picks have received promotions to a more advanced level. For example, both Mike Zunino (Mariners) and Marcus Stroman (Blue Jays) have already reached Double-A.

However, there are also countless draft picks who’ve had a disappointing start to their professional career. With some of these players, it’s likely that they’ll be asked to repeat their current level rather than be rushed up the ladder.

While the future remains bright for nearly all of these highly touted prospects, their lack of immediate success is surprising and a bit disconcerting.

Byron Buxton, OF, Minnesota Twins

Rookie: .217/.309/.425, 23 R, 14 XBH, 5 SB, 33 K/13 BB (36 G)

Although he’s flashed power at times this season, Buxton’s professional debut has been somewhat of a disappointment. I know that it’s early and we are talking about a 36-game sample size, but it’s still enough for the Twins to consider having him begin the 2013 season in the Appalachian League.

Fernelys Sanchez, OF, Atlanta Braves

Rookie: .155/.269/.224, 2 XBH, 32 K/9 BB (17 G)

In his defense, this is the first time he’s played baseball since the beginning of the high school season, when he fractured his fibula during an awkward slide. There’s no doubt that he has the speed for the professional level, but the switch-hitter’s bat is a big work in progress.

Steve Bean, C, St. Louis Cardinals

Rookie: .178/.307/.263, 7 2B, 11 RBI, 40 K/22 BB (35 G)

Selected by the St. Louis Cardinals at No. 59 overall, Bean has struggled at the plate since entering professional baseball. A left-handed hitter, the organization moved him from the Appalachian League to their Gulf Coast League affiliate, where he has hit significantly better.

His plate discipline has been decent, but the Cardinals would have preferred a stronger start.

Max White, OF, Colorado Rockies

Rookie: .192/.320/.296, 7 XBH, 6 SB, 50 K/22 BB (37 G)

The left-handed hitter had some serious helium headed into the draft, as he was selected in the second round (No. 73 overall) by the Colorado Rockies.

Although he has plus speed and all-around outstanding athleticism, White’s baseball skills lag well behind. With 50 strikeouts in 37 games, the outfielder will need to improve his plate discipline over the final two months of the season to avoid beginning 2013 back in the Pioneer League.

Collin Wiles, RHP, Texas Rangers

Rookie: 30.2 IP, 7.34 ERA, .313 BAA, 21 K/11 BB (11 G; 9 GS)

One of the more surprising (and confusing) picks on Day 1, the Rangers drafted Collin Wiles in the supplemental first round at No. 53 overall.

Not a first-rounder by any means, the Rangers drafted him based on his projectability at 6’4”, 180 pounds. While he may one day turn out to be an educated steal for the Rangers, the early results have been unimpressive.

Stephen Johnson, RHP, San Francisco Giants

2012 Stats (R, SS): 14.2 IP, 1 SV, 6.14 ERA, .288 BAA, 12 K/9 BB (14 G)

For a guy who boasted arguably the top fastball in the 2012 draft class—late-season reports had it up to 102 mph—Johnson has been far too hittable in his professional career.

His mechanics and arm action are both unorthodox, but apparently that hasn’t made him any more deceptive to opposing hitters. Although his fastball is explosive, he’s struggled to command it down in the zone, resulting in 17 hits (two home runs) in a little more than 14 innings.

Tyler Gonzales, RHP, Toronto Blue Jays

Rookie: 11 IP, 11.45 ERA, .362 BAA, 6 K/3 BB (7 G; 1 GS)

The final pick (No. 60 overall) in the supplemental first round, Tyler Gonzales was a pitcher who relied on velocity and movement, rather than command, in high school.

In each of his first three appearances, the hard-throwing right-hander gave up exactly four runs. On two occasions, he was able to record only one out before getting pulled. The right-hander has power stuff but will need to refine the command of all his pitches.

It’s a small sample, but no one wants to begin a professional career in this manner.

Peter O'Brien, C, New York Yankees

2012 Stats (R, SS): .199/.241/.309, 9 XBH, 33 K/7 BB (34 G)

It’s hard to find a catcher with two plus tools, let alone one who has also shown his potential at the college level. With plus power and a plus arm, O’Brien has the foundation to be a successful professional catcher.

However, his swing was more a “metal bat swing” when he began his career, and he’s struggled to find a swing that can better handle the tougher pitching he's facing in the minors.

Tanner Rahier, SS/3B, Cincinnati Reds

Rookie: .196/.280/.310, 10 XBH (4 HR), 27 RBI, 38 K/20 BB (42 G)

A second-round selection of the Reds, no one doubted Rahier’s present power. However, his tendency to be too aggressive at the plate worried some scouts, and with good reason.

He’s driving the ball at times and will draw the occasional walk, but he will need to make more contact going forward.

Travis Jankowski, OF, San Diego Padres

2012 Stats (R, Low-A): .222/.262/.306, 11 XBH, 22 RBI, 11 SB, 35 K/10 BB (44 G)

The centerpiece of Stony Brook’s Cinderella season in 2012, Jankowski was selected at No. 44 overall in this year’s draft. He has plus speed and defense in center field, but his bat has been lacking thus far.

In his defense, he has played most of his games at Low-A Fort Wayne, which is a more advanced level relative to the rest of players on this list.