MLB Draft 2013: Top 25 College Baseball Prospects

With less than two months until the 2013 first-year player draft, held annually on June 6-8, nearly every organization is busily scouting the players at the top of its list.

For teams selecting early in the first round, this involves evaluating this year’s key names: Mark Appel, Jonathan Gray, Sean Manaea, Kris Bryant and Ryne Stanek—all of whom are college players and potential top-10 picks.

But beyond those soon-to-be household names, who are the other highly regarded college prospects expected to have their names called on Day 1?

Here’s a look at Prospect Pipeline’s top 25 college prospects for the 2013 draft.

25. Eric Jagielo, 3B/OF, Notre Dame

Position: 3B/OF

Height: 6’3”

Weight: 215

Bats/Throws: L/R

School: Notre Dame

2013 Stats: .398/.523/.684, 14 XBH (7 HR), 18/19 K/BB (29 G)

Overview: Eric Jagielo, a 6’3” left-handed hitter, is a mature hitter with plus bat speed and above-average power potential; balanced and fluid swing; bat path helps to generate impressive backspin carry; polished approach; not afraid to take a walk; comfortable using entire field, though most of his power is to the pull side; better athlete than given credit for; fringy defense at third base, his natural position; defensive versatility has led to playing time in the outfield this spring; above-average arm strength also profiles favorably at either corner outfield position; bat should help him move up the draft board by June.

24. Bobby Wahl, RHP, Ole Miss

Position: RHP

Height: 6’3”

Weight: 200

School: Ole Miss

2013 Stats: 51.2 IP, 1.57 ERA, .212 BAA, 45/25 K/BB (8 GS)

Overview: The 6’3” right-hander’s stock has taken a hit this spring due to poor fastball command and ineffective secondary offerings; fastball stills works in the low-90s with late life to the arm side; command isn’t nearly as sharp as it was in 2012; can still reach back for 94 to 96 mph at times; slider that once flashes plus potential has lost a grade due to fringy command and a softer break; changeup is still being developed but should serve as a viable third pitch.

23. Jonathan Crawford, RHP, Florida

Position: RHP

Height: 6’1”

Weight: 205

School: Florida

2013 Stats: 47.1 IP, 4.37 ERA, .238 BAA, 38/13 K/BB (8 GS)

Scouting Notes: 6’1” right-hander turned heads in 2012 with strong campaign and high 90s fastball; velocity has dipped this year as he’s worked mostly in the low 90s; has been reluctant to throw the pitch as often as he did last year; slider has sharp, swing-and-miss bite, though his overuse of the pitch has impacted his overall success; control and command of both pitches has been inconsistent this spring; in danger of falling out of first-round consideration; may only profile as a reliever unless he returns to form.

22. Trevor Williams, RHP, Arizona State

Position: RHP

Height: 6’3”

Weight: 228

School: Arizona St.

2013 Stats: 57 IP, 2.84 ERA, .248 BAA, 46/9 K/BB (8 GS)

Scouting Notes: 6’3” right-hander showcases some of the best command in the 2013 draft class; has been touched up in recent starts, but overall body of work is impressive; pounds strike zone with 88 to 91 mph fastball and will top out at 93; throws pitch on consistent downhill plane; sustains velocity deep into outings; shape and pace of curveball is improved relative to previous seasons; still developing slider and changeup; controls pace of game; finally missing the amount of bats that his stuff suggests he should.

21. D.J. Peterson, 3B/1B, New Mexico

Position: 3B/1B

Height: 6’1”

Weight: 205

Bats/Throws: R/R

School: New Mexico

2013 Stats: .420/.518/.920, 29 XBH (12 HR), 12/21 K/BB (27 G)

Overview: 6’1”, 205-pounder possesses tons of present strength but lacks projection; right-handed hitter flat-out rakes; line-drive swing and approach makes him an extra-base machine; short, simple bat path with a quiet load; above-average power potential; may be developed as a third baseman upon turning pro, but future is at first base; puts significant pressure on his bat as a right-right first baseman; will be interesting to see how much power he generates with wood.

20. Tom Windle, LHP, Minnesota

Position: LHP

Height: 6’4”

Weight: 215

School: Minnesota

2013 Stats: 55 IP, 1.31 ERA, .163 BAA, 50/9 K/BB (8 GS)

Scouting Report: 6’4” left-hander continues to move up the board with a strong spring; relies on arm strength rather than utilizing core and lower half; fastball features above-average velocity in the 88 to 92 mph range; sustains it deep into starts; he throws his slider with conviction and demonstrates consistent command; changeup flashes above-average potential with nice fading action in the low 80s.

19. Michael Lorenzen, OF/RHP, Cal State Fullerton

Position: OF/RHP

Height: 6’3”

Weight: 200

Bats/Throws: R/R

School: Cal St. Fullerton

2013 Stats: .361/.437/.615, 16 XBH (6 HR), 7 SB, 23/10 K/BB (32 G); 10.2 IP, 1.69 ERA, .196 BAA, 9/2 K/BB (11 G)

Scouting Report: 6’3”, 200-pounder offers a unique blend of athleticism and loud tools; potential in the outfield and on the mound continues to draw mixed reviews from scouts; right-handed hitter with plus raw power; showcases bat speed despite uppercut bat path; swing is seemingly just as long as it was as a high school senior; questionable hit tool and plate discipline; over-aggressive approach leads to too many whiffs; slightly above-average speed and plus arm profile well at all three outfield positions.

On the mound, Michael Lorenzen has impressed with plus velocity in the 94 to 97 mph range as Fullerton’s closer; curveball is a hammer with sharp 12-to-6 shape and downer bite; role has prevented development of additional secondary pitches.

18. Jason Hursh, RHP, Oklahoma State

Position: RHP

Height: 6’1”

Weight: 197

School: Oklahoma St.

2013 Stats: 54.2 IP, 2.63 ERA, .253 BAA, 42/11 K/BB (8 GS)

Scouting Notes: 6’1” right-hander missed entire 2012 season while recovering from Tommy John surgery; redshirt sophomore with serious arm strength; delivery involves some effort that begins with a sizable leg kick; plus fastball velocity in the mid-90s with late, arm-side run; will reach back for upper 90s and even flirt with triple digits; throws a hard slider in the mid-to-high 80s with impressive depth and sharp, swing-and-miss break; changeup is comparatively raw and remains a work in progress; huge upside but comes with risk given medical history.

17. Marco Gonzales, LHP, Gonzaga

Position: LHP

Height: 6’1”

Weight: 185

School: Gonzaga

2013 Stats: 54 IP, 3.00 ERA, .248 BAA, 49/11 K/BB (8 GS)

Scouting Notes: Excellent athlete at 6’1”, 185 pounds; arguably the most impressive two-way college player in the class; solid hit tool and plate discipline, though his future is on the mound; smooth, effortless mechanics; repeats delivery; consistent release point for entire arsenal; left-hander’s fastball isn’t overpowering at 87 to 91 mph but plays up due to his excellent command; pounds lower half of the strike zone; changeup is best pitch and a true plus offering; registers in the high 70s and is aided by his deceptive, fastball-like arm speed; curveball features similar velocity with a variant shape; has a feel for manipulating the pitch; can’t underestimate his feel and above-average command of all three pitches; profiles as a backend starter at the next level, which is anything but a knock.

16. Phil Ervin, OF, Samford

Position: OF

Height: 5’10”

Weight: 205

Bats/Throws: R/R

School: Samford

2013 Stats: .374/.508/.707, 16 XBH (8 HR), 10 SB, 17/23 K/BB (30 G)

Overview: 5’11”, 205-pound frame leaves little room for physical projection; impressive all-around tools; quick bat and compact stroke suggest potential for above-average hit tool (at worst) at the next level; plus bat speed thanks to strong wrists; patient and confident hitter who maintains a consistent approach; outstanding plate discipline and pitch recognition; above-average speed translates well on the basepaths and in outfield; impressive defensive outfielder with a strong throwing arm.

15. Aaron Blair, RHP, Marshall

Position: RHP

Height: 6’5”

Weight: 220

School: Marshall

2013 Stats: 42.2 IP, 2.11 ERA, .161 BAA, 47/15 K/BB (7 GS)

Scouting Notes: 6’5”, 220-pound right-hander has a large, durable frame; durability and stamina to work deep into starts; fastball registers in the 89 to 92 mph range with late life; will reach back for 94 or 95 mph at times; effectively mixes secondary pitches after establishing fastball; advanced command of above-average changeup; could improve a grade at maturity; curveball is decent, but nothing special at the moment; bulldog mentality on the mound; present feel for sequencing that should only improve.

14. Kevin Ziomek, LHP, Vanderbilt

Position: LHP

Height: 6’3”

Weight: 200

School: Vanderbilt

2013 Stats: 59.2 IP, 1.81 ERA, .153 BAA, 65/19 K/BB (8 GS)

Overview: 6’3” left-hander employs a considerable leg kick to initiate momentum toward the plate; works quickly and maintains consistent approach; jerky arm action creates lots of deception but may hurt his projection as a starter at the next level; ability to hide the ball makes his 88 to 93 mph fastball seem hotter; above-average curveball is difficult to recognize; swing-and-miss offering; can get around it at times to generate slurvy spin and break; changeup doesn’t lag far behind with late fade to the arm-side; demonstrates a natural feel for sequencing three-pitch mix.

13. Aaron Judge, OF, Fresno State

Position: OF

Height: 6’7”

Weight: 255

Bats/Throws: R/R

School: Fresno St.

2013 Stats: .330/.405/.545, 13 XBH (5 HR), 31/14 K/BB (28 G)

Scouting Notes: A physical specimen at 6’7”, 255 pounds, Aaron Judge has a body seemingly designed for a career on the gridiron; loaded with strength; monster raw power but lacking in-game frequency; swing can get long, but he has enough bat speed and pure strength to get by; fringy pitch recognition results in too many strikeouts; decent approach; needs to punish mistakes with more consistency; athleticism and above-average speed cater to his profile as a big league right fielder; above-average arm strength with carry; overall package gives plenty to dream on.

12. Andrew Mitchell, RHP, Texas Christian

Position: RHP

Height: 6’3”

Weight: 225

School: Texas Christian

2013 Stats: 22.2 IP, 3.57 ERA, .235 BAA, 34/14 K/BB (3 GS; 12 G)

Scouting Notes: Possesses one of the best arms in the draft class; exposure was limited earlier in the season spring due to his role as the TCU closer; recently moved into the starting rotation; 6’3” right-hander showcases excellent velocity and sits in the mid-90s; tops out around 97 or 98 mph; curveball and changeup are raw but very promising; arm strength alone should make him a top-20 selection come June.

11. Ryan Eades, RHP, LSU

Position: RHP

Height: 6’3”

Weight: 198

School: Louisiana St.

2013 Stats: 55.1 IP, 1.30 ERA, .243 BAA, 51/13 K/BB (8 GS)

Scouting Notes: Inconsistent 2012 season for LSU; legitimate first-round stuff; 6’3”, 198-pound frame should allow the right-hander to add strength to core and lower half; above-average command of four-pitch mix; clean mechanics and smooth delivery despite big leg kick; fastball sits 90 to 93 mph and will reach 95 early in starts; has a tendency to leave fastball up in the zone; doesn’t shy away from attacking hitters’ hands; curveball is a hammer when on and projects as a plus pitch; slider and change are less advanced with room to improve.

10. Colin Moran, 3B, North Carolina

Position: 3B

Height: 6’3”

Weight: 215

Bats/Throws: L/R

School: North Carolina

2013 Stats: .381/.513/.610, 13 XBH (7 HR), 8/31 K/BB (31 G)

Scouting Notes:  Arguably the most advanced college bat in the class; left-handed hitter employs an open stance with a balanced setup and comfortable hand placement; effortless, fluid swing; impressive barrel control; line-to-line approach; showcasing the power this spring that scouts wanted to see; room to add strength to physically strong 6’3”, 215-pound frame; still uncertainty regarding future power potential; poor range at third base; will avoid moving to first base for as long as possible to avoid additional pressure on bat.

9. Andrew Thurman, RHP, UC Irvine

Position: RHP

Height: 6’3”

Weight: 205

School: UC Irvine

2013 Stats: 48.2 IP, 2.22 ERA, .225 BAA, 45/9 K/BB (7 GS)

Scouting Notes: 6’3”, 205-pound right-hander has strong core and lower half; utilizes strength in delivery; fastball works comfortably in the 90 to 93 mph range; scrapes 95 mph; relatively flat; effectively commands pitch to both sides of the plate; lacks consistent feel for secondary offerings; changeup is most impressive at the moment; throws it with conviction and sells it with fastball-like arm speed; demonstrates above-average command of tight slider; shape and pace of curveball varies; one of the better and more projectable four-pitch mixes in the class.

8. Chris Anderson, RHP, Jacksonville

Position: RHP

Height: 6’4”

Weight: 225

School: Jacksonville

2013 Stats: 59.2 IP, 2.11 ERA, .209 BAA, 75/9 K/BB (8 GS)

Scouting Notes: 6’4” right-hander has a tall, projectable frame; never posted eye-opening numbers until this season; everything coming together at the right time; impressive four-pitch mix; crisp fastball in the 90 to 94 mph range; seems to have a few more ticks in the tank; improved command of slider this spring; plus potential; solid-average or better changeup; making nice progress with curveball; chance for even more draft helium over next two months.

7. Ryne Stanek, RHP, Arkansas

Position: RHP

Height: 6’4”

Weight: 190

School: Arkansas

2013 Stats: 42.3 IP, 1.90 ERA, .204 BAA, 38/16 K/BB (8 GS)

Scouting Notes: 6’4” right-hander has a slender frame with a loose arm and decent athleticism; has cleaned up mechanics over the last year; still inconsistent and hurt his projection as a major league starter; fastball works in the low-to-mid-90s; throws plus slider in the mid-80s and induces a healthy amount of whiffs; has a tendency to throw it too often without establishing other pitches; solid-average changeup that’s still developing; mixed opinion among scouts as to whether he’ll be a starter or reliever as a professional.

6. Austin Wilson, OF, Stanford

Position: OF

Height: 6’5”

Weight: 245

Bats/Throws: R/R

School: Stanford

2013 Stats: .250/.333/.375, 3/1 K/BB (3 G)

Scouting Notes: 6’5”, 245-pound outfielder’s loud tools are first-round-worthy despite shoulder injury that's sidelined him for most of the spring; physical specimen that still requires projection; high-ceiling prospect; swing mechanics and bat path are inconsistent; strong wrists and hands; plus bat speed even with length to swing; still learning to tap into plus raw power; average runner; athleticism, range and arm strength project favorably as a right fielder; plate discipline and pitch recognition have steadily improved; would benefit from working deeper counts; could make case to be first college position player selected in the draft with a strong finish this season.

5. Braden Shipley, RHP, Nevada

Position: RHP

Height: 6’3”

Weight: 190

School: Nevada

2013 Stats: 58.2 IP, 2.30 ERA, .211 BAA, 57/16 K/BB (8 GS)

Scouting Notes: At 6’3”, 190 pounds, Braden Shipley, a right-hander, has a projectable build with room to fill out; athletic delivery; comfortable working deep into starts; fastball has consistently sat 92 to 97 mph this spring; velocity has been down a tick or two as of late; present above-average slider that projects as a plus pitch at maturity.

4. Kris Bryant, 3B/OF, San Diego

Position: 3B/OF

Height: 6’5”

Weight: 215

Bats/Throws: R/R

School: San Diego

2013 Stats: .351/.517/.847, 25 XBH (14 HR), 5 SB, 25/36 K/BB (31 G)

Scouting Notes: At 6’5’, 215 pounds, Kris Bryant possesses tons of physical strength; surprising athleticism for his size; right-handed hitter’s excellent bat speed results in true plus raw power to all fields; employs a confident and patient approach; may always strike out more than desired; comfortable hitting in any count; makes noticeable in-game adjustments, especially in regards to his approach.

Average speed and athleticism give him options defensively; ability to play third base at the next level is questionable; range isn’t great but serviceable; good hands and transfer; has received significant playing time the outfield this spring; favorable projection at both corner outfield positions; above-average arm is enough for either third base or right field as a professional.

3. Sean Manaea, LHP, Indiana State

Position: LHP

Height: 6’5”

Weight: 235

School: Indiana St.

2013 Stats: 45.1 IP, 0.99 ERA, .178 BAA, 55/13 K/BB (7 GS)

Scouting Notes: 6’5”, 215-pounder has projectable frame with room to add more strength; smooth mechanics with a loose, whippy arm; excellent arm speed with natural deception; repeats low-to-mid three-quarters release point; fastball is easily his best pitch and will touch 95 or 96 mph early in starts; registers in the 91 to 94 mph range when working deep into starts; explodes out of his hand; late arm-side life makes it difficult for right-handed hitters to square up; above-average command of the pitch throughout strike zone; secondary offerings are relatively raw; out pitch is a slider which he throws with velocity; legitimate plus pitch when around the zone; lacks a consistent feel for changeup; generates swing-and-miss fading action, especially when thrown off a well-located fastball; potential above-average offering.

2. Jonathan Gray, RHP, Oklahoma

Position: RHP

Height: 6’4”

Weight: 240

School: Oklahoma

2013 Stats: 53.2 IP, 1.34 ERA, .152 BAA, 63/9 K/BB (7 GS)

Scouting Notes: Strong, mature 6’4”, 240-pound frame; in the best shape of his career since arriving at Oklahoma definition of a power pitcher; fastball is absolute gas and sits in the mid-to-high 90s with late life and decent arm-side run; has topped out at 100 to 102 mph in multiple starts; difficult to barrel; slider still can be inconsistent, but is considerably improved compared to previous seasons and without a doubt his best secondary offering; pitch works in the mid-to-high 80s with tight spin and late, swing-and-miss bite; has grown more comfortable throwing it early in counts; ability to bury it for whiffs when ahead in the count is impressive; changeup lags well behind other two pitches but flashes at least above-average potential.

1. Mark Appel, RHP, Stanford

Position: RHP

Height: 6’5”

Weight: 215

School: Stanford

2013 Stats: 55.7 IP, 1.13 ERA, .170 BAA, 71/9 K/BB (7 GS)

Scouting Notes: 6’5” right-hander has slender but powerful frame; repeatable mechanics; consistent three-quarters arm slot; has done a much better job working on a downhill plane this season; fastball sits 93 to 96 mph and jumps out of his hand; holds velocity deep into starts; capable of scraping 97 or 98 mph; has a feel for cutting vastly improved slider relative to last season; capable of missing bats at the highest level; circle-changeup in the low-to-mid-80s has been more effective this season.

Revamped approach this spring has boosted his draft stock; attacks opposing hitters with more confidence; sequencing has become a strength after throwing too many unnecessary secondary pitches last year; finally putting away hitters like he should.