2012 Gulf Coast League Top 20 Prospects

By Ben Badler
September 25, 2012

---

See also: GCL Top 20 Prospects Chat
See also: GCL Top 20 Prospects With Scouting Reports
See also: Complete League Top 20 Prospects Schedule

---

   

GCL TOP 20 PROSPECTS

1. Byron Buxton, of, Twins

2. Carlos Correa, ss, Astros

3. D.J. Davis, of, Blue Jays

4. Rio Ruiz, 3b, Astros

5. Wyatt Mathisen, c, Pirates

6. Carlos Tocci, of, Phillies

7. Dilson Herrera, 2b, Pirates

8. Tzu-Wei Lin, ss, Red Sox

9. Tyler Glasnow, rhp, Pirates

10. Jose Peraza, ss, Braves

11. Steve Bean, c, Cardinals

12. Alberto Tirado, rhp, Blue Jays

13. Luis Merejo, lhp, Braves

14. Jake Thompson, rhp, Tigers

15. Austin Schotts, of, Tigers

16. Kolby Copeland, of, Marlins

17. Avery Romero, 3b/2b, Marlins

18. Harold Castro, 2b, Tigers

19. Jin-De Jhang, c, Pirates

20. Francellis Montas, rhp, Red Sox

For the first time in several years, the Rookie-level Gulf Coast League was deep with prospects. With the signing deadline for the draft pushed up a month to July 13, several top draft picks signed quickly and received enough playing time to qualify for the list, which hadn't been the case in recent years.

The top two picks in the draft, Astros shortstop Carlos Correa and Twins center fielder Byron Buxton, made their pro debuts in the GCL before moving up to the Rookie-level Appalachian League. Neither player stood out in terms of performance, but both players made an impression around the league despite their lukewarm statistics.

The Pirates won the league championship and placed four players on this Top 20, starting with catcher Wyatt Mathisen at No. 5. Taiwan hasn't been a hotbed for prospects and has been more notable for producing pitchers than position players, but two Taiwanese hitters cracked our prospect list: Red Sox shortstop Tzu-Wei Lin and Pirates catcher Jin-De Jhang.