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Astros Prospect Profile: Max Stassi

By texasfury93

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Any time that the Houston Astros defeat the St. Louis Cardinals is a special moment. That happens less with the teams in different leagues now, but the rivalry still lingers. Max Stassi jolted an opposite field two-run home run to provide the difference in a Grapefruit League match-up last week. This post takes a look at his prospect profile.

I’ve actually met Stassi in person. Using ‘met’ is generous because I asked him a couple of really weird questions…anyways…I’m slightly shorter than his 5’10” stature. March 15th is actually his 24th birthday, so tweet him (@MaxStassi10) to wish him a happy birthday.

MLB Pipeline ranks him as the #16 prospect in the Astros system:

"“Originally drafted by the A’s, Stassi was part of the package dealt to Houston in February 2013 in exchange for Jed Lowrie and Fernando Rodriguez. Stassi broke out in his first year in the Astros’ system, and he made his Major League debut last August.Stassi has a simple swing and is at his best using an up-the-middle approach. He has solid power, and he has tapped into it more as the quality of his at-bats have improved. Stassi is solid defensively, and he earns praise for his handling of pitchers.Injuries have dogged Stassi throughout his career, even forcing him onto the disabled list during his brief stint in the big leagues. If he can stay healthy, Stassi has the potential to contribute on a more regular basis soon in the Major Leagues.”"

It’s unclear where Max will start this season. He could be the third catcher for the Astros, but with Evan Gattis on the roster, there is a chance that El Oso Blanco will be the emergency catcher. With Carlos Perez departing via trade last November, it could very well mean that Stassi will start the season in AAA. If Stassi were to start in the minors it would probably mean that both Marisnick and Singleton made the MLB roster.

For what it’s worth: RosterResource has Stassi starting the season in the minor leagues.

Regardless of where Stassi starts this season, I am sure that he will provide an impact with his bat for the Houston Astros soon. His future with the club is likely dependent on whether or not the Astros can retain Jason Castro. That being said, I would love to see Max behind the dish at Minute Maid Park more often.

Next: Profile: Josh Hader

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