2012 MLB Draft: Updating 10 Under-the-Radar Draft Picks off to a Hot Start

While everyone is familiar with the early successes of 2012 first-rounders Mike Zunino, David Dahl, Addison Russell, Kyle Zimmer and Michael Wacha, they aren’t the only draft picks enjoying strong professional debuts.

Although some players were early selections, they never received the fanfare or hype they deserved, therefore causing their professional debuts to go largely unnoticed. Similarly, there are numerous mid-round draft picks performing well at their respective level and poised for a potential promotion before the end of the season. 

Here is a look at 10 prospects from the 2012 draft class whose performances continue to fly under the radar.

Jose Berrios, RHP, Minnesota Twins

2012 Stats (Rk): 2-0, 4 SV, 25.2 IP, 0.70 ERA, .114 BAA, 43 K/4 BB (10 G)

Although he was a supplemental first-round selection of the Twins out of a Puerto Rican high school, little was known about Berrios given his lack of stateside experience.

Well, that changed quickly.

Berrios has been absolutely dominant in both the Gulf Coast and Appalachian Leagues—at times even unhittable. His 43 K/4 BB in 25.2 innings is outstanding, and he may be ready for a full-season assignment to open 2013.

Adam Brett Walker, OF, Minnesota Twins

2012 Stats (Rk): .255/.313/.514, 24 XBH (14 HR), 44 RBI, 71 K/17 BB (53 G)

One of the top power prospects form the 2012 draft class, Walker slid to the Twins in the third round due to concerns about his lack of a true position and strikeout rates. As expected, the 20-year-old has posted impressive power numbers with 24 extra-base hits in 53 games, but has also fanned 71 times.

Jonathan Walsh, OF, Los Angeles Angels

2012 Stats (Rk): .326/.443/.567, 25 XBH (8 HR), 38 RBI, 35 K/39 BB (50 G)

With their draft picks few and far between this year, the Angels had to be creative with their selections. An 11th-round pick out of Texas, the switch-hitting outfielder has 25 extra-base hits in his first 50 games and has demonstrated advanced plate discipline with 35 K/39 BB.

Mac Williamson, OF, San Francisco Giants

2012 Stats (Rk, SS): .317/.378/.644, 15 XBH (9 HR), 27 RBI, 16 K/7 BB (25 G)

A physical specimen at 6’4”, 240 pounds, the Giants selected Williamson in the third round out of Wake Forest. The right-handed hitter has robust raw power (nine home runs in 25 games) and makes a surprising amount of contact (16 K/7 BB).

Preston Tucker, OF, Houston Astros

2012 Stats (SS): .345/.406/.575, 12 XBH (7 HR), 32 RBI, 7 K/11 BB (29 G)

A seventh-round selection out of Florida, Tucker has impressed with the bat since joining Tri-City in the New York-Penn League. With 39 hits in 29 games, the left-handed hitter has already launched seven home runs and demonstrated impressive plate discipline with a 7 K/11 BB rate thus far.

Andrew Aplin, OF, Houston Astros

2012 Stats (SS, A-): .341/.424/.521, 22 XBH (11 2B), 23 SB, 32 K/27 BB (56 G)

Selected in the fifth round out of Arizona State, the toolsy outfielder has enjoyed an impressive start to his professional career. He doesn’t have much power, but his contact rate, on-base skills and speed have made him an intriguing prospect in a loaded farm system.

Jake Lamb, 3B, Arizona Diamondbacks

2012 Stats (Rk): .316/.383/.517, 29 XBH (7 HR), 46 RBI, 8 SB, 43 K/21 BB (56 G)

Drafted by the Diamondbacks in the sixth round out of the University of Washington, the left-handed hitter has recorded 74 hits in only 56 games, 29 of which have gone for extra bases. Furthermore, he’s flashed some speed, swiping eight bases in 10 attempts.

Seth Mejias-Brean, 3B, Cincinnati Reds

2012 Stats (Rk): .349/.415/.589, 19 XBH (7 HR), 35 RBI, 24 K/16 BB (37 G)

After winning the College World Series title as a member of Arizona, the Reds selected Mejias-Brean in the eighth round of the draft. Since then, the right-handed hitter has done nothing but hit and is due for a promotion to either Class-A Short Season or Low-A. 

Tyler Pike, LHP, Seattle Mariners

2012 Stats (Rk): 2-1, 46 IP, 1.57 ERA, .178 BAA, 49 K/18 BB (10 GS)

A supplemental third-round selection by the Mariners, the 18-year-old southpaw has been impressive in nearly 50 innings after signing early. He’s been tough to square-up and keeps the ball in the yard, all while registering favorable strikeout rates.

Ross Stripling, RHP, Los Angeles Dodgers

2012 Stats (Rk): 1-0, 27.2 IP, .98 ERA, 31 K/2 BB (12 G; 10 GS)

Drafted in the fifth round out of Texas A&M, Stripling was consistently overshadowed by his teammate, first-rounder Michael Wacha. Since joining the Dodgers, the right-hander has demonstrated excellent command, although it’s somewhat expected for an older pitcher in a rookie league.