It's only a matter of time before one of the first rounders in last June's draft will be playing in the majors. Mike Zunino (Mariners), Michael Wacha (Cardinals), and Marcus Stroman (Blue Jays) are the most likely candidates.
Regardless, here's a look at where all of last year's 1st rounders are, and how they're currently doing as of Sunday.
1. Carlos Correa , Houston, SS, Age: 18
The first Puerto Rican ever taken with the 1st overall pick, Correa – viewed largely as a signability pick – signed quickly and picked up over 200 plate appearances in rookie ball last year. Now he’s in the Midwest League (A) where he’s hitting .206/.342/.397.
Based on the success of Correa and other players from Puerto Rico, MLB will now be partnering with the Puerto Rico Scouts Association and the countries best amateur tournament.
2. Byron Buxton, Minnesota, OF, 19
Buxton got his feet wet in rookie ball last year, and now is completely destroying the Midwest League (A) to the tune of .391/.511/.652. It will be interesting if the Twins allow him to keep mashing, or to challenge him a bit more.
3. Mike Zunino, Seattle, C, 22
How much longer will the Mariners be able to keep Zunino in the minors? In 2012 he split time between A- and AA where he hit a homerun every 12.4 at bats. Now he’s in AAA and is hitting .234/.354/.563. The Mariners are currently next-to-last in the AL with a .671 OPS, and their current catcher – Jesus Montero – could be unloaded while he still has some trade value.
4. Kevin Gausman, Baltimore, RHP, 22
In 21 Eastern League (AA) innings, Gausman has 21 K’s and 1 BB. Once he develops a 3rd pitch (a slider) he’ll very quickly find his way into the Orioles rotation.
5. Kyle Zimmer, Kansas City, RHP, 21
Zimmer is striking out 14.0/9 in the Carolina League (A+) but his control needs work, as he’s walking 3.4/9. In a recent start he struck out 11 in just 4.2 innings but also walked 4. With his big arm he’s already being compared to Justin Verlander. Most could laugh that off, but the guy making the comparison is Zimmer’s manager who also used to catch Verlander.
6. Albert Almora, Chicago (N), OF, 19
The first pick of the Cubs’ new regime broke his hamate bone in March and is expected to be ready sometime in May. I’m sure Cubs fans aren’t thinking about Derek Lee’s wrist injury even one little bit.
7. Max Fried, San Diego, LHP, 19
Through four starts at Fort Wayne (A) Fried is striking out 10.4/9 and walking 4.7/9. He’ll advance quickly once his secondary pitches develop to complement his effortless 93-96 mph fastball.
8. Mark Appel, Pittsburgh, RHP, 21
Appel did not sign and is pitching his senior season at Stanford where he is 7-3 with a 1.49 ERA.
9. Andrew Heaney, Miami, LHP, 21
Heaney finished last season in A-ball, but has yet to pitch this season due to a strained lat.
10. David Dahl, Colorado, OF, 19
After his impressive .379/.423/.625 tear through the Rookie League last year, Dahl only lasted one game in A-ball this year, and was pulled for disciplinary reasons.
In response to questions, I was sent to extended for missing a flight and for questions about attitude. I respect the Rockies decision and
— David Dahl (@ddahl21) April 7, 2013
And will continue to improve as a player, teammate, and as a person.
— David Dahl (@ddahl21) April 7, 2013
11. Addison Russell, Oakland, SS, 19
Russell blasted through three levels last year, but is now struggling in Stockton (A+). Even through his struggles, he continues to show an advanced eye, and has a .365 OBP despite hitting just .200.
12. Gavin Cecchini, New York (N), SS, 19
After struggling in rookie league last year (.246/.311/.330) Cecchini is currently in extended spring training.
13. Courtney Hawkins, Chicago (A), OF, 19
Hawkins posted solid numbers in 2012, but now can barely make contact. He’s K’d in 42 of 65 plate appearances at Winston-Salem (A+). However, six of his eleven hits have been homers.
14. Nick Travieso, Cincinnati, RHP, 19
Another player who has spent the early part of 2013 in extended spring training. He should be in Dayton (A) before long.
15. Tyler Naquin, Cleveland, OF, 22
At his age Naquin should be able to advance quickly. He’s in Carolina (A+) right now where he’s hitting an impressive .310/.385/.483. For a guy who ideally projects as a leadoff hitter, it’s slightly concerning that he’s walked just 7 times in 96 plate appearances and that he’s 6/11 in stolen bases as a professional. But 10 of 27 hits have been for extra bases, and that gap power should have him playing in Akron soon.
16. Lucas Giolito, Washington, RHP, 18
Giolito, who had the makings of a potential No. 1 overall pick before his high school injury, is now sitting out the season after having Tommy John surgery.
17. D.J. Davis, Toronto, OF, 18
Davis had mixed success at three different levels last year, but is currently in extended spring training.
18. Corey Seager, Los Angeles, SS, 19
Seager isn’t expected to last long playing for the Great Lakes Loons (A), and he’s off to a solid .271/.363/.471 start to the year. He’s been on base 14 times in the past seven games.
19. Michael Wacha, St. Louis, RHP, 21
Wacha is on the fast track to the majors, and would likely already be there if the fans got to choose. Currently he’s in Memphis (AAA). Heading into today’s start he has a 1.96 ERA in 23 innings. But opponents only have a .177 BABIP so his ERA should be taken with a grain of salt.
20. Chris Stratton, San Francisco, RHP, 22
In 2012 Stratton put on a strong performance in short season. Now he’s in Augusta (A) and has picked up right where he left off. Through 22.2 innings (4 starts) he’s posted a 2.38 ERA with a 0.926 WHIP. If he continues to pitch well, he should be on schedule to move quickly through the levels.
21. Lucas Sims, Atlanta, RHP, 18
Sims projects in Atlanta’s rotation a few years from now, for this year Sims has been pitching out of the pen. He’s only 18 and is playing in the South Atlantic League (A). So far his control has been a serious issue while he gets his feet wet, with 10 walks in 11.1 innings.
22. Marcus Stroman, Toronto, RHP, 21
There aren’t a lot of high-end pitching prospects who are 5-9, but Stroman is one. He rose quickly to AA last season, but is now sitting out a 50-game suspension. He’ll likely start the year back in AA, but don’t be surprised if he’s in the majors in a few months. He was probably ready straight out of college.
23. James Ramsey, St. Louis, OF, 23
After jumping straight to high A last year and struggling, Ramsey is now swinging the bat much better, with a .357/.486/.554 line. He’s also 11/13 in stolen base attempts as a pro.
24. Deven Marrero, Boston, SS, 22
The Red Sox are loaded at shortstop, but Marrero is doing his best to push his way up the chart. In Salem (A+) he’s hitting .294/.400/.451 and the slick fielder (with a plus arm) is yet to commit an error in 224 chances at SS.
25. Richie Shaffer, Tampa Bay, 3B, 22
The Rays showed confidence in Shaffer by jumping him straight into the Florida State League (A+) this season, but he’s struggled. In 78 plate appearances he’s only mustered a .194/.218/.319 line.
26. Stryker Trahan, Arizona, C, 19
Trahan, who has a huge bat for a 19-year-old, has remained in extended spring training in order to work on his catching skills, which definitely need the work.
27. Clint Coulter, Milwaukee, C, 19
Coulter had the benefit of short season ball in Arizona last year, but now’s he in Wisconsin (A) where he’s struggling in the colder weather. His OPS is just .604, but it’s far too early to worry.
28. Victor Roache, Milwaukee, OF, 21
After missing last season with a wrist injury and the beginning of this season with a thigh injury, Roache finally debuted and hit the 2nd pitch he saw for a homerun. He only has 25 plate appearances, but is hitting the ball well (.900 OPS) in Wisconsin (A).
29. Lewis Brinson, Texas, OF, 18
Brinson is another 18-year-old playing in the Sally (A). He’s had to make some fairly significant adjustments to his swing, and is hitting at a decent enough clip (.242/.301/.421).
30. Ty Hensley, New York (A), RHP, 19
Hensley pitched just 12 innings before needing hip surgery last year, and he’s yet to return.
