Astros Crawfish Boil: January 26, 2023

Your Thirsty Thursday Boil.

Houston Astros News

Familiar faces reportedly emerge as Houston Astros GM candidates (chron.com)

It all comes full circle for this Astros legend and his son (mlb.com)

FOCO Launches Verlander Houston Astros Cy Young Bobblehead (si.com)

Astros name former Braves, Blue Jays exec Brown as new GM (tsn.ca)

MLB News

Here are the Top 10 OF prospects for 2023 (mlb.com)

Picking Long-Shot Dark Horses for Major MLB Awards in 2023 (bleacherreport.com)

Every team’s projected top player for ‘23 (mlb.com)

MLB’s top prospects provide hope for rebuilding teams. Why do ownership progeny insist on souring it? (sports.yahoo.com)

Oops! All Astros: Yanquiel Sanchez

Yanquiel Sanchez is a six-foot-three, 200 lb. left-handed throwing pitcher from Pilon, Cuba. Born on January 28, 2001, he agreed to his first professional deal with the Astros on September 10, 2021. On June 3, 2022, he received his first assignment, to the Rookie level DSL Astros Orange squad.

Sanchez appeared in 10 games for the Oranges, starting seven times and making three trips out of the bullpen. On July 30, he struck out five over 2 ²⁄₃ innings of hitless relief, only walking one batter and earning his only win of the season in a 4-1 triumph over the DSL KC Stewart. On August 23, he struck out six over four shutout innings in a 4-0 win against the Stewarts.

Sanchez held the opposition to a .263/.348/.313 slashline, finishing 1-1 with a 2.73 ERA. He posted a 1.405 WHIP and struck out 37 in 26 ¹⁄₃ innings, good for a 12.6 K/9. Considering he only walked 11, it’s possible that Sanchez may have a future in baseball. It’s a given he’ll go at least one more season. Look for him to possibly start 2023 with the Fayetteville Woodpeckers at the Low-A level. Thanks for reading.