2012 MLB Draft: Chicago Cubs Select Albert Almora

Albert Almora, OF, Mater Academy, Hialeah Gardens, FL: Almora has been well-known to scouts for years. Although his tools aren’t quite as impressive as Buxton’s, he is a much more polished player with no real weaknesses. He’s an excellent defensive outfielder, runs well, hits for power, hits for average, and has an unusual combination of high upside with reasonably low risk. He is listed at 6-2, 170 pounds. Committed to the University of Miami. Almora has been linked to the Cubs for some time, so this pick is not exactly a surprise. In theory he will need less development time than most high schoolers, having extensive experience in amateur ball against top competition. His makeup and work ethic are also extremely well regarded, and his tools are better than almost every other high-school player in the draft. The Cubs hope he can become the new face of the franchise.