MLB Draft 2013: Riskiest Prospects Expected to Be Selected in First Round

Unlike the NBA or NFL drafts, there are many more variables when picking players in the MLB draft. This leads to more risk from some of the top prospects.

The first issue is that a good portion of the talent is coming straight out of high school, where it is harder to get a high level of scouting. Additionally, these players will have a lot to prove making the jump to professional ball, especially compared to college stars.

To make matters worse, some high draft picks could decide not to sign with the team that drafted them, like Mark Appel did a year ago.

While a few guys could be considered relatively safe picks who will get to the majors in a hurry, these prospects could become superstars or fail to get out of the minors.

Kohl Stewart, RHP, St. Pius X HS (Texas)

Based on potential, there are few players in the draft better than Kohl Stewart. He can already throw mid-90s with his fastball, and he has a solid changeup to go with it. 

The high school player is also a good-enough athlete to earn a scholarship to Texas A&M in both baseball and football. This could potentially keep him from signing, although it does not project to be an issue.

Even if he does sign, however, there are plenty of reasons for concern. He is extremely raw as a pitcher and needs to fix his delivery in order to lead to more long-term success. He also struggles with his command at times.

While there will certainly be a team that falls in love with his upside, a lot of things will need to go right for him to reach his maximum potential.

Nick Ciuffo, C, Lexington HS (South Carolina)

It often takes a long time for catchers to move through minor league systems. Not only do they have to work on hitting like every other position player, but the defensive aspects of a backstop take time to perfect.

Nick Ciuffo is relatively advanced for his age behind the plate, but he still has a lot to improve. He is not as strong defensively as Reese McGuire, and he does not have the power of Jon Denney, both of whom should be drafted in front of him.

As a hitter, he has a nice compact swing. Unfortunately, that has not always translated to the games, and he might struggle to hit for a high average as a professional.

While Ciuffo has the talent to stick behind the plate, there are too many variables to make this a safe pick.

Austin Meadows, OF, Grayson HS (Georgia)

The common word often heard when describing prospects is "tools." Scouts want players with a lot of different abilities that can eventually come together to make a great baseball player.

Austin Meadows has plenty of tools that could make him an above-average hitter, fielder and baserunner in the majors. Then again, there is no guarantee that he will make it that far.

The outfielder provides plenty of straight-line speed but has not used that to provide good range in the field. He also does not have a strong arm, which could limit his position versatility.

Although he also has upside as a hitter, he is yet to display consistency in this regard either. It will take him a long time to get through the minors, if he is ever able to reach the top level of the sport. 

This risk will not be worth it for every team, especially those looking to improve in a hurry. 

Rob Goldberg is a member of Bleacher Report's Breaking News Team. Follow him on Twitter for the latest updates.