When was Michael Wacha Drafted?

Michael Wacha was first drafted in 2012 by the Cardinals whilst still in college.

On June 14, 2012, the Cardinals selected Wacha in the first round of the 2012 Major League Baseball draft, with the 19th overall pick. Wacha was signed for $1.9 million.

The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim originally held  Wacha draft slot, which they forfeited to the Cardinals after signing Albert Pujols as a free agent.

Wacha, whose height and competitive nature drew favorable comparisons to right-handers Chris Carpenter and Adam Wainwrigh, was envisioned as a future starter for the Cardinals by Cardinals director of scouting Dan Kantrovitz.

Wacha rose through the minor levels swiftly. Before the 2012 season concluded, the Cardinals assigned Wacha to the Gulf Coast League (Rookie League), then to the Palm Beach Cardinals in the Florida State League, and lastly to the Springfield Cardinals in the Double-A Texas League.

He struck out 40 batters in 21 innings pitched at three different levels, allowing only eight hits, four walks, and two runs (a 0.86 earned run average).

He allowed just one home run in eight innings with Springfield, striking out 17 batters.

Wacha was invited to the Cardinals’ major league spring training camp in 2013.

Before being sent to the minor league camp, he impressed team management and players by striking out 15 hitters while only allowing one walk and one unearned run in 11+23 innings of work.