Over the past decade or so, the Houston Astros have done an excellent job of developing impact players in the Minor Leagues. From Jose Altuve and George Springer to Kyle Tucker, Yordan Alvarez, and the majority of Houston’s current rotation. Let’s look at the next group of potential Astros core players. This Astros prospect report has their top five prospects according to MLB.com.
5. OF Colin Barber
The Astros’ fifth-ranked prospect is outfielder Colin Barber. The lefty hitter was drafted in the fourth round of the 2019 MLB Draft. All of his scouting grades are at least 50 on the 20-80 scale except for run, which is a 55. Therefore, Barber is a very well-rounded player from a tool perspective.
Barber is currently at rookie ball on a rehab assignment, but the 21-year old has spent most of his season at the A+ level. In 56 games at A+, Barber slashed .303/.410/.470 with 18 extra-base hits. The outfielder has spent extensive time at all three outfield spots. The pandemic, and injuries have slowed the development of Barber, but the Astros still have high expectations for the young man.
4. OF/IF Pedro Leon
Pedro Leon was signed as an international free agent out of Cuba in January of 2021. Now, he is the fourth-ranked prospect in the Astros’ system. Leon’s strongest tools are his running ability and his arm, which are 70 and 80 respectively.
Leon has spent 2022 at Triple-A, where he has played four different positions, however center field has been his primary position. In 90 games at Sugar Land, Leon is hitting .237/.370/.452 with 32 stolen bases. The 24-year old has great on-base skills, but he does have a bit of a strikeout issue. He has struck out 107 times in 395 plate appearances this season. Leon is currently on the IL after suffering a facial fracture from a fastball to the face.
3. C/1B Yainer Diaz
Catcher Yainer Diaz is the Astros’ third-ranked prospect. Houston acquired Diaz in the Phil Maton deal last year. The 23-year old’s best tools are his hitting ability and his arm, which are both 60.
Diaz is in the midst of his best season yet. Between Double-A and Triple-A, he is slashing .298/.351/.525 with 46 extra-base hits, and 87 RBI. He has struck out just 72 times. Contact has always been a big part of his game, but Diaz has shown more power this season than ever before. He is inexperienced behind the plate, but has the ability to be an average defender.
2. OF Drew Gilbert
The Astros’ top draft pick in this year’s draft is Drew Gilbert, and he is their second-ranked prospect. The left-handed hitter has very good all-around tools and hits for a lot of contact. Gilbert made it to Single-A before an elbow injury ended his season early as Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle reports. In ten games between Rookie ball and Single-A, he slashed .362/.455/.673 with six stolen bases and just two strikeouts. It was just a glimpse due to injury, but Gilbert showed his massive potential in his first taste of pro ball.
1. RHP Hunter Brown
The Astros’ top prospect is right-handed pitcher Hunter Brown. Brown was drafted in the fifth round of the 2019 draft. Brown’s best pitches are his fastball and curveball. Both of these pitches are rated at 65 on the 20-80 scale. However, the soon-to-be 24-year old’s slider is also very effective, it is rated at 55.
Brown has dominated at the Triple-A level this season. In 21 appearances (13 starts), he has pitched to a 2.49 ERA and is striking out batters at a rate of 11.6 per nine innings. Brown has put it all together this year, however, there is one knock on his game. The prospect is walking batters at a rate of 4.0 per nine innings. Command has always been a bit of an issue, but the stuff is great and the potential is immense.
The Astros at the Major League level continue to win, but to win in the future, they must develop well. With this crop of Astros prospects, both the present and future are bright in Houston.
Main Photo:
Embed from Getty Images
Players Mentioned:
Jose Altuve, George Springer, Kyle Tucker, Yordan Alvarez, Colin Barber, Pedro Leon, Yainer Diaz, Phil Maton, Drew Gilbert, Hunter Brown
