Houston Astros Top 30 Prospects For 2019

The day is here. Myself and Spencer Morris collaborated for our top 30 prospects list. With much time and effort, here are our top 30 prospects in the Astros system. This is one of the deepest farms the team has had, which made deciding on final rankings a difficult exercise, with many of the players separated by tiny margins. Let the discussion begin!

30. Alex McKenna, OF

Current Level: A

ETA: 2021

DOB: 09/06/97

McKenna was drafted by the Astros in the 4th round of the this year’s draft. He put together a solid showing in his Astros’ debut. Following the draft he played for Tri-City and had a .958 OPS with 7 2B and 5 HR in 32 games. The Astros then moved him up to Quad Cities where he had a .772 OPS in 12 games. Overall he had a 164 wRC+. McKenna has solid power and is a good runner. He has plus instincts and quickness in center field which should help him stick there. He will be a fun prospect to watch next year as he plays a full season in the system.

2018 Stats: 44 G, .311 BA/.394 OBP/.512 SLG, 8 2B, 2 3B, 7 HR, 28 RBI, 6 SB

29. Jeremy Pena, SS

Current Level: A-

ETA: 2022

DOB: 09/22/97

Pena was drafted by the Astros in the 3rd round of the 2018 draft. While many shortstop prospects in college end up moving off the position, Pena looks like a lock to stay at short. He has good speed which leads to good range and possesses a plus arm. He played in 36 games following the draft and showed some ability hitting .250 with 18 BB/19 K. He doesn’t have a ton of power but being able to stick at shortstop and be a plus defender there is huge. He should be able to work his way through the minors by getting on base, providing value on the basepaths and playing great defense.

2018 Stats: 36 G, .250 BA/.340 OBP/.309 SLG, 5 2B, 1 HR, 10 RBI, 3 SB, 18 BB/19 SO

28. Josh Rojas, INF

Current Level: AA

ETA: 2020

DOB: 06/30/94

Rojas was drafted in the 26th round of the 2017 draft but has already been a quick riser making it to Double-A baseball in less than a year. He is a utility guy who can play all over the field and has good strike zone discipline, with some sneaky pop too. His final year in college he hit .294 with 28 BB/19 K. In 2017 following the draft he hit .256 with 10 HR and 40 RBI in 52 games for Quad Cities. In 2018 he played in 130 games and put up a solid 111 wRC+, 12.2 BB%, 16.0 K% and a .760 OPS. He also showed off the versatility playing 1B, 2B, 3B, SS, and LF while stealing 38 bases.

2018 Stats: 130 G, .263 BA/.351 OBP/.408 SLG, 34 2B, 6 3B, 8 HR, 55 RBI, 38 SB, 68 BB/89 SO

27. Manny Ramirez, RHP

Current Level: Rookie

ETA: 2022

DOB: 11/22/99

The Astros show a willingness to pursue undersized right-handed pitchers such as Lance McCullers and Brandon Bailey at a greater rate than other clubs, and Ramirez is a pitcher from that mold who is showing a lot of early promise. Ramirez already works 92-95 with his heater despite a slight 5’11”, 170 lb. frame, and has a curveball that shows plus as well. He has feel for pitching and has performed well thus far stateside, and shows a mid-rotation ceiling. This is a pitcher with potential to rank much higher on organizational lists later this year.

2018 Stats: 20 G (7 GS), 39.1 IP, 30 H, 22 R, 19 BB, 55 K

26. Ross Adolph, OF

Current Level: A-

ETA: 2022

DOB: 12/17/96

Adolph’s amateur career was frequently hindered by injury. He enjoyed a fully healthy 2018, and went from more or less off the radar to 12th-round selection by the Mets out of Toledo, where he had dominated MAC competition. In pro ball the 22-year old kept it rolling with a .276/.348/.509 line supplemented by seven homers and fourteen steals, and legged out an absurd twelve triples in just 61 games. There could be 20/20 potential in Adolph if the bat hits its ceiling, and he projects as an average hitter with good plate discipline. He should be able to handle center at least part time thanks to above average speed. Adolph’s game is reminiscent of nine-year MLB vet Nate McLouth.

2018 Stats: .276/.348/.509, 8.0% BB, 19.7% K, 9 2B, 12 3B, 7 HR, 14 SB

25. Cristian Javier, RHP

Current Level: A+

ETA: 2021

DOB: 03/26/97

A great spinner of the baseball, Javier has a loose delivery that creates deception and a wide arsenal. He needs to fill out his frame and generate more consistent velocity, but he has great command of his secondaries even if his delivery prevents pinpoint location. He shows a curve, slider change and cutter, of which the curve stands out most, though all are workable pitches and the slider shows above average potential as well. He faces long odds to be a true starter despite having all the requisite stuff- his frame is unlikely to hold up to big workloads, and he’ll likely never have strong location with his mechanics. That said, he has baffled hitters in pro ball thus far, managed 110 innings in 2018, and, like others in the Astros system, could fit well into a 100-120 inning role splitting time between the bullpen and rotation, or throwing frequent longer relief outings.

2018 Stats: 25 G (18 GS), 110 IP, 72 H, 33 ER, 50 BB, 146 K

24. J.J. Matijevic, OF

Current Level: A+

ETA: 2020

DOB: 09/06/97

Matijevic was the Astros 2nd round pick in 2017. Scouts were unsure where he would play but it looks like the Astros are set on him being an outfielder at this point. Matijevic put together a really solid 2018 season. He started the year in Quad Cities but make quick work hitting .354 with 10 XBH in 13 games. He spent the rest of the year in Buies Creek and showed off his power with 20 2B, 19 HR in 88 games (.513 SLG). Overall he posted a respectable 10.2 BB% and a very good 147 wRC+. He generated some great exit velocity this season and really showed off the power stroke. Reports are down on his defense a bit but his bat should be able to carry him. For more on Matijevic click here.

2018 Stats: 101 G, .277 BA/.350 OBP/.538 SLG, 26 2B, 4 3B, 22 HR, 62 RBI, 13 SB

23. Abraham Toro, 3B

Current Level: AA

ETA: 2020

DOB: 12/20/96

A plus athlete out of Quebec, Toro was drafted as a third base regular starter kit in the 5th round of the 2016 draft, and has steadily improved since then. Toro is very mobile with plenty of range at third, though does have some trouble with inconsistency. His arm is plus-plus, and while he’s not the most accurate thrower at present, it projects as an asset on defense. He switch-hits and has power from both sides of the plate. Toro generates a lot of bat speed and when he really gets a ball on the screws, the contact is explosive. He hit .257/.361/.473 in High-A play, earning a promotion, and then managed a .230/.317/.371 line at Corpus in 50 games down the stretch. His performance wasn’t outstanding, but he was relatively young for Double-A, 21 during the season, and he has followed up his regular season with terrific showings in the Arizona Fall League and Spring Training. All of the tools are there for Toro to develop into a regular, even if the profile hasn’t fully materialized just yet. Consistency is his greatest weakness at present, and he could also end up in a utility role playing at various corner spots.

2018 Stats: 133 G, 536 PA, .247/.345/.435, 62 BB, 108 K, 35 2B, 3 3B, 16 HR, 8 SB

22. Brandon Bailey

Current Level: AA

ETA: 2020

DOB: 10/19/94

Another undersized right-handed pitcher, Bailey shows an innate feel for generating lots of movement on all of his stuff. His 5’10” frame doesn’t always work against him- his low release point and elite fastball life combine to make his heater incredibly difficult to square up, when it doesn’t miss bats entirely. His breaking ball and changeup also show potential to be above average pitches, and both have continued to improve as he has moved up the ladder. His statistical performance has been rock solid thus far, and he handled a late season promotion to Corpus Christi admirably. Bailey is fairly advanced, with 256 pro innings and 302 strikeouts to his name, and has the look of a future #4 starter or perhaps more- even if he may never be a 200 inning guy.

2018 Stats: 25 G (17 GS), 122.1 IP, 90 H, 43 R, 52 BB, 136 K

21. Peter Solomon

Current Level: A+

ETA: 2021

DOB: 08/16/96

Solomon was another high upside pick. A guy who had electric stuff but control issues. Just as the picks before, he dominated in the minors this season. He started the year with Quad Cities and had a 2.43 ERA with 88 K in 77.2 innings. He was promoted to Buies Creek where he was even better posting a 1.96 ERA with 4 BB/26 K in 23 innings. Overall he had a 2.32 ERA with a 2.40 FIP in 100.2 innings. Oh, and you wouldn’t believe it but he also posted good groundball numbers. Solomon has a low to mid 90s fastball and mixes in a solid slider, curveball, and changeup. The progress that Solomon has made in a short time is pretty staggering, and he’s no longer merely a lottery ticket.

2018 Stats: 24 G, 2.32 ERA, 100.2 IP, 78 H, 32 BB, 114 K, 10.2 K/9

20. Framber Valdez, LHP

Current Level: MLB

ETA: 2018

DOB: 11/19/93

Still a prospect despite making appearances in Houston last year, Valdez is a lefty who throws a heavy ball, working with a sinking fastball and vertical curveball. He had great success against minor league hitters and held his own in the bigs, but saw his walk rate balloon as more selective big league competition laid off his stuff. Valdez doesn’t have great location, and will need to find a way to drop pitches other than his four seamer for strikes more frequently to find big league success. At 25 years old, it is difficult to forecast a command jump, and his most likely roles look like middle or long relief, where he does project well.

2018 Stats: 22 G (14 GS), 103 IP, 100 H, 51 R, 32 BB, 129 K

19. Jairo Solis

Current Level: A

ETA: 2022

DOB: 12/22/99

Solis was signed by the Astros out of Venezuela in 2016. He has all the makings of a top pitching prospect but, unfortunately, he had Tommy John surgery late last year and will likely miss all of the 2019 season. In 2018 he made his full-season debut at just 18 years old but held his own striking out 51 in 50.2 innings and posting a 3.55 ERA. He has a fastball that sits in the mid 90s, a good curveball, and a developing changeup. Despite the surgery, he will return in 2020 at just 20 years old and still one of the highest potential pitching prospects in the system.

2018 Stats: 13 G, 3.55 ERA, 50.2 IP, 49 H, 32 BB, 51 K, 9.1 K/9

18. Jayson Schroeder

Current Level: Rookie

ETA: 2022

DOB: 11/14/99

Drafted out of the state of Washington in the second round of the 2018 draft, Schroeder shot up draft boards after seeing his velocity jump mightily in his senior year to the mid-90s. At 6’2” with great athleticism, Schroeder projects for strong future command and his curveball shows a lot of promise as his strongest secondary. This is a profile that the Astros have targeted and had success developing in the past. He’s in the early stages of development, and where his velocity might stabilize is a bit of a mystery at this point, but he has a promising skillset that allows him to project to the rotation if development goes as planned. At age 19 with just 18 pro innings under his belt, it will be interesting to see how aggressively the Astros push Schroeder in the upcoming season.

2018 Stats: 18 IP, 13 H, 3 R, 9 BB, 18 K

17. Ronnie Dawson, OF

Current Level: AA

ETA: 2020

DOB: 05/19/1995

Dawson was slow to develop after being made a second round selection in the 2016 draft, but his physical gifts seem to translate more readily to the diamond each year. He’s still not an outstanding hitter and projects as average in that regard, but 2018 saw him add more speed to his game and handle the jump to Double-A with aplomb. Dawson is a former football player, but has trimmed his frame to take greater advantage of his speed without sacrificing power. He looks good in center field nowadays, and has a skillset reminiscent of Baltimore Orioles outfielder Cedric Mullins. Dawson still needs more polish and he’s an older prospect who will turn 24 in May, but he has intriguing tools and burgeoning skills that give him second-division regular or fourth outfielder potential.

2018 Stats: 119 G, 491 PA, .258/.333/.428, 24 2B, 2 3B, 16 HR, 35 SB

16. Garrett Stubbs, C

Current Level: AAA

ETA: 2019

DOB: 05/26/93

A contact-and-defense catcher, Stubbs has a unique profile but rejuvenated his stock with a strong 2018 campaign. After a 2017 in which he struggled mightily at the plate, Stubbs put together a .310/.382/.455 slash with Triple-A Fresno with a pretty 15.6% K rate. He doesn’t really hit for power- he has hit 18 home runs in four minor league seasons- but is a well regarded defender, has had a double-digit walk rate at every single stop in his minor league career, and has real bat-to-ball skills. Outside of his rocky 2017, Stubbs has hit every stop of the way, and is ready for the show defensively. He’s also a 50 runner, so he won’t clog the bases like some catchers and can even steal the occasional bag. There isn’t a ton of upside here, but Stubbs is big-league ready and could have a long career as the second half of catching tandems. He has some similarities to Dodgers catcher Austin Barnes.

2018 Stats: 84 G, 340 PA, .310/.382/.455, 19 2B, 6 3B, 4 HR, 6 SB

15. Rogelio Armenteros, RHP

Current Level: AAA

ETA: 2019

DOB: 06/30/94

It was surprising that the 24-year old Armenteros didn’t get a shot at any point in 2018, and equally surprising that he didn’t get much of a look to break with the club this season. He’s performed excellently at every stop as a minor leaguer, and was outstanding in Triple-A for a full season in 2018, striking out 134 in 118 innings over 22 appearances. A finesse oriented command arm, Armenteros’ best pitch is his plus change, which he uses liberally and locates well. He works mainly in the upper-80s with his fastball, affording him little margin for error with the pitch, and his breaking ball is pretty fringy, which may combine to make it difficult for Armenteros to start long term; but, he could have a long career as a changeup artist out of the pen who can throw multiple innings, and perhaps he could even turn into something like Kyle Hendricks.

2018 Stats: 22 G (21 GS), 118 IP, 106 H, 51 R, 48 BB, 134 K

14. Tyler Ivey

Current Level: A+

ETA: 2021

DOB: 05/12/96

Ivey was a high upside selection in the 2017 draft. He initially attended Texas A&M before transferring to Grayson Community College. Some saw it as a possible over draft but Ivey’s numbers, and stuff, are proving other wise. Ivey started the season with Quad Cities had a 3.46 ERA in 41.2 innings. The peripherals were even better. He had 8 BB/53 K (26.b K/BB%) and a 2.14 FIP/2.40 xFIP in those 41.2 innings. He was promoted to Buies Creek where he has a 2.69 ERA with 82 K in 70.1 innings. There he had a 2.56 FIP/2.86 xFIP and 54.4 GB%. Like Bielak, Ivey has a good fastball and an above average curveball. He also has a slider, chanegup, and cutter, though those are a little behind the other pitches. He has all the makings of a top starter.

2018 Stats: 24 G, 2.97 ERA, 112.0 IP, 86 H, 29 BB, 135 K, 10.8 K/9

13. Luis Santana, 2B

Current Level: Rookie

ETA: 2022

DOB: 07/20/99

Acquired in the J.D. Davis trade with the Mets, Santana is a unique prospect with an unorthodox, plate-crowding hitting style. As a 5’8” second baseman, Santana draws some Jose Altuve comparisons, though his upside is probably that of early career Altuve, before his power surge. Santana certainly looks the part of a plus hitter despite the strange setup, striking out just 45 times in 529 plate appearances in 2018. He also shows advanced plate discipline, something Altuve did not do early in his career. He’s not exactly like the Astros’ former MVP, and not as toolsy, but he’s a player along the same lines with the potential to be a top of the order hitter while playing up the middle.

2018 Stats: 53 G, 231 PA, .348/.446/.471, 13 2B, 4 HR, 8 SB, 23 K, 27 BB

12. Brandon Bielak, RHP

Current Level: AA

ETA: 2020

DOB: 04/02/96

Bielak was drafted out of Notre Dame in the 11th round following a really rough junior season. The Astros aggressively started Bielak in High-A and he pitched great posting a 2.10 ERA with 74 K in 55.2 innings. He was promoted to AA where he had a 2.35 ERA, even though his peripherals went down a bit (22 BB/57 K in 61.1 innings). Overall he had a 2.23 ERA with a 2.94 FIP across both levels. Bielak has a good fastball and mixes in a very good curveball, a solid slider, and developing changeup. He had a great first season and could see AAA this year in just his second full season.

2018 Stats: 25 G, 2.23 ERA, 117.0 IP, 96 H, 39 BB, 131 K, 10.1 K/9

11. Bryan Abreu, RHP

Current Level: A

ETA: 2021

DOB: 04/22/97

Abreu has been a bit of a late bloomer as he was signed in 2013 but really broke onto the scene in 2018. In 2018, between two levels, Abreu had a 1.49 ERA and an absurd 90 K in 54.1 innings. Abreu possesses a solid mid 90s fastball but what really led to his strikeouts was his above average slider and curveball. The Astros added him to the 40 man roster to protect him from the Rule 5 Draft so he could be a fast riser. He has the size and stuff to project as a starter but a bullpen spot isn’t an unrealistic scenario either.

2018 Stats: 14 G, 1.49 ERA, 54.1 IP, 33 H, 23 BB, 90 K, 14.9 K/9

10. Myles Straw, OF

Current Level: MLB

ETA: 2018

DOB: 10/17/94

Straw has steadily made his way through the system after being a 12th round pick in 2015. He hits for average, draws walks, and steals bases. He started the year in AA and hit .327 with a .414 OBP in 65 games. He was also 35-41 in stolen bases. He was promoted to AAA and played in 66 games hitting .257 with .349 OBP while stealing another 35 bags. Overall he hit .291 with 70 SB in 131 games. He saw some time in Houston too and was 3-for-9 with a homer. He possesses plus speed and is probably the fastest player in the Astros system. He also has a very strong arm and with the his speed, should be able to be plus in center field. Plus speed, plus arm, and above average defense bodes well for Straw to big a major leaguer for a long time.

2018 Stats: 131 G, .291 BA/.381 OBP/.353 SLG, 17 2B, 6 3B, 1 HR, 31 RBI, 70 SB, 73 BB/102 K

9. Cionel Perez, LHP

Current Level: MLB

ETA: 2018

DOB: 04/21/96

Perez originally agreed to a deal with the Astros worth $5.15 million but the deal was voided due to a physical. Perez was later signed for $2 million. Perez put together a great 2018 season. He started the year in AA and posted a 1.83 ERA with 83 K in 68.1 innings while flashing a 98 MPH heater. He pitched in 5 games in relief for the Grizzlies before being promoted to Houston. With the Astros, he had a 3.97 ERA in 11.1 innings. While he is smaller in stature, he has a solid mix of pitches with a mid 90s fastball and an improving slider and changeup. He also has the advantage of being a left handed pitcher and might be able to carve out a role in the bullpen this year, even though he still projects as a starter.

2018 Stats: 20 G, 2.08 ERA, 73.2 IP, 59 H, 28 BB, 89 K, 10.9 K/9 (AA/AAA)

8. Freudis Nova, SS

Current Level: Rookie

ETA: 2022

DOB: 01/12/00

Nova is one of the highest potential guys in the Astros system. He was signed for $1.2 million in 2016 and made his stateside debut during the 2018 season. He played in 41 games and hit .308 with 6 HR and 9 SB. Overall he had a 120 wRC+ at just 18 years old. Nova really has all the tools to succeed. Quick feet, strong arm, plus speed, and the ability to hit for both average and power. He has above average raw power too, which is nice to see from a young shortstop. We should see him in Quad Cities in 2019 which will be a good test for the 19 year old. If you’re looking for the next #1 prospect in the system after Whitley and Tucker graduate, the smart money is on Nova.

2018 Stats: 41 G, .308 BA/.331 OBP/.466 SLG, 3 2B, 1 3B, 6 HR, 28 RBI, 9 SB

7. Seth Beer, 1B/OF

Current Level: A+

ETA:2021

DOB: 09/18/96

Beer was the Astros first round pick in 2018, but some people wondered how he would do with a wood bat. He put up numbers early proving them wrong so far. Beer started with Tri-City and had a 1.090 OPS in 11 games before being promoted to Quad Cities. There he had a .934 OPS in 29 games. He finished the season with Buies Creek posting a .746 OPS in 27 games. Through all three levels he had a 155 wRC+ and had just a 16.6 K%. Beer has an intriguing combination of power and patience and should see his bat carry him through the system. Beer played more games in left than first base in 2019 but ultimately I see him ending up as a DH/1B. So long as Beer is a 45 hitter or so, his plus plus discipline and power will play anywhere. Here is another good read on Beer.

2018 Stats: 67 G, .304 BA/.389 OBP/.496 SLG, 14 2B, 12 HR, 42 RBI, 25 BB/49 SO

6. Yordan Alvarez, OF

Current Level: AAA

ETA: 2019

DOB: 06/27/97

The Astros got a steal in Alvarez when they acquired him from the Dodgers in a trade for Josh Fields. Alvarez had a breakout 2017 and continued to see his stock as a prospect rise in 2018. He got off to a great start hitting .299 with 8 2B, 6 HR, 26 RBI in his first 27 games but then missed about a month dealing with a hand injyr. He came back in mid June and finished his time in AA hitting .325 with 12 HR, 46 RBI and 168 wRC+ in 45 games. He was promoted to AAA where he had a .801 OPS with 8 HR in 43 games (111 wRC+). Overall he had a 139 wRC+ as a 21 year old between AA and AAA. Alvarez is huge (6’5″, 225 lbs) but actually moves around really well. The Astros continue to play Alvarez and left and praise his work there, but many do project him to first base or DH. He has monster power and has improved his plate discipline. He was ranked the #34 prospect in all of baseball by Baseball America, but outside the top 100 by FanGraphs, demonstrating a wide range of opinions throughout the industry. Getting to his prodigious power more readily in games will be the biggest focus for Alvarez in the short term, alongside his enigmatic defense.

2018 Stats: 88 G, .293 BA/.369 OBP/.534 SLG, 21 2B, 20 HR, 74 RBI, 6 SB, 42 BB/92 SO

5. J.B. Bukauskas

Current Level: AA

ETA: 2020

DOB: 10/11/96

There are very few pitchers with as much raw stuff as Bukauskas in the minor leagues- they can probably be counted on one hand. Bukauskas has struggled some with injury during his career but has steadily improved since being a first-rounder out of high school. He still has the upper-90s heat and plus-plus slider that made him a first-rounder twice over, and his changeup has made serious strides recently as well. Bukauskas shows three plus pitches, and one of them is an easy 7. He has had trouble with walks, but he gets consistent shape on his stuff and I’m optimistic than his strike throwing will improve. He’ll likely never be a starter able to throw a 200+ inning workload, and he’s unlikely to be pitch-efficient, but good luck hitting him. The Astros will find a role to maximize his value, and he’ll miss bats at an elite rate as long as he is healthy.

2018 Stats: 14 G (14 GS), 59 IP, 42 H, 14 R, 25 BB, 71 K

4. Corbin Martin, RHP

Current Level: AA

ETA: 2019

DOB: 12/28/95

Martin was a polarizing prospect in the draft with some seeing him as a first round talent and others seeing him as a mid round pick due to concerns as a starter. The Astros selected him in the second round and he has been great. He started the 2018 season in Buies Creek and struck out 26 batters in 19 scoreless innings while allowing just 4 hits, earning him a quick promotion to AA. Martin’s first start in Double-A was rough but he got rolling after that one. He pitched in 20 games after that first outing and he had a 2.45 ERA (3.26 FIP) with 96 K in 102.2 innings. Overall he had a 2.51 ERA (3.07 FIP) and struck out 122 in 122 innings. Martin has a mid 90s fastball, a plus slider, and an above average changeup. He had a great first full season in the minors and is on the cusp of a callup after just being drafted two years ago.

2018 Stats: 25 G, 2.51 ERA, 122.0 IP, 88 H, 35 BB, 122 K, 3.49 K/BB

3. Joshua James, RHP

Current Level: MLB

ETA: 2018

DOB: 03/08/93

James’ velocity had been trending up for awhile, but it exploded in 2018 after he got treatment for sleep apnea in the offseason. The 6’3” James now works in the upper 90s and can get as high as 102, and his changeup and slider both have great action. It’s a unique profile, and a unique story, but James has all the stuff needed to be a mid-rotation starter in short order as long as his arm holds up throwing at such high velocities. He’ll open the year in the big league bullpen and is probably first in line to move into a rotation opening- depending on if and when that happens, James is a dark-horse rookie of the year candidate with the potential to rack up strikeouts in bunches.

2018 Stats: 23 G (21 GS), 114.1 IP, 79 H, 45 R, 49 BB, 171 K

2. Kyle Tucker, OF

Current Level: MLB

ETA: 2018

DOB: 01/17/97

Tucker came into the season as the Astros top position player prospect and the #15 prospect in all of baseball by Baseball America. He did not disappoint in 2018 and actually moved even higher in the pre-2019 lists. He started the season in AAA as just a 21 years old and dominated the Pacific Coast League. In 100 games he had a .990 OPS, 24 HR, 93 RBI and a 155 wRC+. He posted respectable walk (10.3 BB%) and strikeout (18.1 K%) numbers as well. He was eventually promoted to Houston and struggled a bit, but numbers indicate he was quite unlucky and didn’t really get enough opportunities to bounce out of it. Here is a good read on Tucker and his 2018 season. Astros fans should expect to see a lot of Kyle Tucker in 2019.

2018 Stats: 100 G, .332 BA/.400 OBP/.590 SLG, 27 2B, 3 3B, 24 HR, 93 RBI, 20 SB, 48 BB/84 SO

1. Forrest Whitley, RHP

Current Level: AA

ETA: 2019

DOB: 09/15/97

Whitley was the Astros first round pick in 2016 and he has steadily made his way up the prospect boards. Whitley was dominant in 2017 but had an interesting 2018 season. He missed the first part of it serving a suspension for violating drug policy. He struggled with some injuries and only tossed a combined 26.1 innings this year but is still the top pitching prospect in baseball. Whitley has five above average pitches with a plus fastball, slider and changeup. Fangraphs noted Whitley as having the best collection of pitches in the minor leagues. With his size and pitch collection, he has all the makings of a top flight starter. He might start back at AA this season but I doubt he lasts there long.

2018 Stats: 8 G, 3.76 ERA, 26.1 IP, 15 H, 11 BB, 34 K, 11.6 K/9