Who Will be on Astros 2017 World Series Roster?

Now that the 2015 Winter Meetings are over, lets look towards the future of the Houston Astros. This article will look at who will still be on the Astros roster when we win the 2017 World Series, as predicted by a Sports Illustrated cover a couple of months ago. With the recent signings of Pat Neshek and Luke Gregerson, is the Astros’ management ready to move forward with their goal of being a consistent contender? Luhnow keeps on referring to groups of prospects coming in waves, the next wave should be the best wave to date.

While it’s impossible to totally predict the entire 25 man roster two years from now, this author will look at contract status and what prospects might push other players off the roster. Here is a look.

Catcher

Starter: Max Stassi

Back-up: Hank Conger

Max Stassi and Hank Conger will combine as a cather duo like Carlos Corporan and Jason Castro did in 2014. While Stassi is the more offensive catcher, Conger becomes the personal catcher to Mark Appel and Michael Foltynewicz.

1st base: Jon Singleton

Back-up: Colin Moran

Jon Singleton rebounded from his terrible rookie season in 2014 to become a Ryan Howard clone. He probably hit 35 homeruns with a low batting average and high strikeout rate. He becomes an average defender at first, but will hit the game winning home run to get the Astros into the playoffs off David Robertson of the White Sox. With the emergence of Rio Ruiz and his strong Spring training, Colin Moran had to learn how to play first after a poor 2016 rookie season.

2nd base: Jose Altuve

Back-up: Tony Kemp

With Jose Altuve missing the end of the 2016 season, Tony Kemp played mostly second base in September, he gets A.J. Hinch confidence to be the backup to Altuve. Jose Altuve gets back to his healthy everyday player status, and hits 0.300 with 30 stolen bases.

Shortstop: Carlos Correa

Back-up: Ronald Torreyes

Fresh off beating fellow former top prospect Byron Buxton for Rookie of the Year in 2016, Carlos Correa is everything that the Astros hoped he would be. He was always touted as a young Alex Rodriguez or Troy Tulowitzki, but develops into more of a Mike Trout type hitter. He follows up his rookie of the year, with a productive season in 2017.

Third base: Rio Ruiz

Back-up: Colin Moran

After a strong showing in spring training, Rio Ruiz took over third base after Colin Moran struggled in his rookie season offensively. Ruiz finished second in rookie of the year voting in 2017.

Right Field: George Springer

Back-up: Preston Tucker

After two injury filled seasons to start his career, Springer finally had a Giancarlo Stanton breakout year in 2016. Jim Crane and Jeff Luhnow locked him up for 10 years following the 2016 season. He finished 2nd in MVP voting in 2016, and has become the new face of baseball.

Center Field: Tony Kemp

Back-up: Brett Phillips

Tony Kemp lead the Astros in steals in 2016, and hits in front of Jose Altuve. Jose Altuve and Tony Kemp lead the league in double steals. Phillips is blocked from a starting position in the outfield, but because of his athleticism, he plays all three outfield slots and designated hitter.

Left field: Jake Marisnick

Back-up: Brett Phillips

Jake Marisnick never lives up to his high rankings as a prospect, but is a defensive genius with speed on the basepaths. Astros fans keep pressing for fan favorite Phillips to become everyday player, manager A.J. Hinch sticks with Jake.

Designated Hitter: Preston Tucker

After the trade of Chris Carter in 2016 for a rental starting pitcher, Preston Tucker was called up and did his best Chris Carter impression.

Starting Rotation

Dallas Keuchel: He goes toe to toe with Appel in most categories, but keeps his ace status with a lower WHIP, plus he’s a seasoned veteran. Manager A.J. Hinch tells Keuchel in his terrible Joker impersonation, “You are my number one!” The Astros lock him into rotation with multiyear deal after 2015 season.

Mark Appel: Appel shows the Astros why he was drafted number one, going 16-8 with a 2.89 ERA in 2016.

Collin McHugh: The former waiver claim, in his second year after signing his 5 year extension, is still mystifying hitters

Michael Foltynewicz: Folty continues to do his thing, finishing 4th in strikeouts in 2016.

Josh Hader: comparisons of a young Clayton Kershaw emerge during his rookie season, even though he’s had a few rough starts, he’s a young ace on the rise.

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Bullpen

Luke Gregerson: Closer

Pat Neshek: 8th inning

Lance McCullers: closer in training

Asher Wojiechowski: Long man

Josh Fields

Kevin Chapman: More than just lefty specialist

Luis Cruz: Left handed especial!

I’m sure if the Astros are to get to the World Series in 2017, they will need a little more veteran experience. But I know most Astros fans are excited for the future. Imagine if they all live up to expectations, the Astros are in good hands with Luhnow.

What are your thoughts on the roster? Did I miss anyone?

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Schedule