2013 MLB Draft: Houston Astros Select Stanford Pitcher Mark Appel with Top Pick

June 8, 2012; Tallahassee, FL, USA; Stanford Cardinals pitcher Mark Appel (26) in the fourth inning of game one of the Tallahassee super regional against the Florida State Seminoles at

Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Melina Vastola-USA TODAY Sports

Stanford University right hander Mark Appel was widely considered the best available player in the first-year player draft held in 2012 but due to concerns over signability, he fell to the eighth overall selection where he was picked by the Pittsburgh Pirates.

True to form, Appel was such a tough sign that he wound up spurning the Pirates’ offer and returning to school for his senior season.

All he did this season was post a 10-4 record with a sterling 2.12 ERA and 130 strikeouts in just 106 innings pitched.

Appel, who is advised by Scott Boras, will still command a hefty contract to sign with his hometown Astros, who passed on the right hander with the top overall pick last year in favor of shortstop Carlos Correa. Unlike last time, however, Appel no longer has the leverage of potentially returning to school.

Thanks to the most recent Collective Bargaining Agreement, the top overall selection has an assigned slot value of $7.79 million. The Astros have a total of $11.6 million to spend in total on picks within the first ten rounds. If Appel command full slot value, or even a contract that exceeds the assigned slot, the Astros will have difficulty being able to sign some of their remaining picks.

A polished college starter, Appel has a great chance to move quickly through the Houston system. If he signs quickly and can get acclimated to pro ball this season, it’s conceivable that Appel could be in the Houston rotation by mid-way through next season.