Astros Crawfish Boil: Tuesday, December 27, 2022

It’s the Tuesday Boil.

Houston Astros News

How Will the Houston Astros Address Their Dilemma at the Catcher’s Position? (si.com)

Houston Astros superstar Jeremy Pena destroys a pitch while enjoying his offseason: “The World Series may be long over, but the MVP is still raking” (sportskeeda.com)

MLB News

U.S. to let MLB stars play for Cuba in World Baseball Classic (pennlive.com)

Carlos Correa Injury History: A look at the All-Star’s previous health issues (sportskeeda.com)

Report: 3 teams recently contacted Correa after Mets’ physical issues (thescore.com)

Angels Coach Benji Gil To Manage Team Mexico In 2023 World Baseball Classic (angelsnation.com)

These 5 Minor League systems improved most in 2022 (mlb.com)

MLB Executive expects the defensive shift ban to have a major impact on the game: “It’s been the talking point for awhile from a player perspective” (sportskeeda.com)

Evaluating 7 White Sox fan predictions for ‘23 (mlb.com)

MLB Rumors: Mets Optimistic To Sign Carlos Correa Despite ‘Iffy’ MRI (nesn.com)

3 most interesting MLB free agents still on the shelves after Christmas (fishstripes.com)

MLB Network’s proposed Yankees-White Sox trade seems insane (yanksgoyard.com)

Oops! All Astros: Abel Mercedes

Abel Mercedes is a six-foot-one, 185 lb. right-handed pitcher from El Seibo, DR. Born on June 29, 2002, he signed his first professional deal with the Astros on June 21, 2021.

Soon after signing, Mercedes made his professional debut with the Rookie-level DSL Astros. In 19 ¹⁄₃ innings over 10 relief appearances, he struck out 21 but walked 22, racking up a 2.276 WHIP and a 7.91 ERA. With a lot still to prove, he rejoined the DSL in 2022.

In his second DSL season, Mercedes joined the newly split DSL Astros Orange squad. On July 5, he made his best appearance to date, striking out eight and allowing only two hits in an otherwise perfect five-inning relief appearance as the Oranges topped the DSL Red Guardians, 7-1. In his very next appearance, on July 13, Mercedes started and took the 10-4 loss to the DSL Red Red Sox, but struck out 10 (while allowing four runs) in four innings. On August 3, he struck out seven against just one walk in an otherwise perfect four inning start in an 8-4 win over the DSL Braves.

Mercedes’ metrics improved by a great gulping breath of air, with a WHIP drop to 1.541 and a K/9 increased to 13.9. He struck out 57 in 37 innings, and held opponents to a .208/.338/.250 slashline. Although baserunners stole on 18 of 23 attempts overall, Mercedes stock nonetheless was greatly increased by his overall improvement. Look for him to start the 2023 season with one of the stateside FCL affiliates and a likely mid-season promotion to the Low-A Fayetteville Woodpeckers.