Who Has Better Top 5 Prospects, Astros or Rangers?

Round 1: Carlos Correa versus Joey Gallo

Mar 5, 2014; Kissimmee, FL, USA; Detroit Tigers left fielder

(63) breaks up a double play attempt by Houston Astros shortstop Carlos Correa (84) in the first inning at Osceola County Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

Carlos Correa-ss (ETA 2016) was the number one overall pick in 2012, and he is now ranked by MLB Pipeline as the third best overall prospect. Last season he was hampered by a broken right fibula after only 62 games in 2014. In those 62 games at High-A Lancaster, he hit 0.325/ 50 runs/ 6 2b/ 3 3b/ 6HR/ 57 RBI/ 30 SB. He will most likely start year of at AA, and depending on how he plays, might be a September call-up.

From MLB pipeline (3rd overall);

Scouting Grades: Hit: 70 | Power: 65 | Run: 50 | Arm: 70 | Field: 55 | Overall: 70.

Aug 7, 2014; Frisco, TX, USA; Frisco Rough Riders third baseman Joey Gallo (24) bats during the game against the Springfield Cardinals at Dr Pepper Ballpark. Springfield beat Frisco 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

Joey Gallo-3B (ETA 2016) was drafted with the 39th overall pick in 2012, and he has shown some pop in the minors so far. In 2014 between Class-A and AA, Gallo hit 0.271/ 97 Runs/19 doubles/ 3 triples/ 42 HR/ 106 RBI/ 7 SB. With his long swing, he will strikeout a lot but hit many home runs once he gets to the majors.

From MLB Pipeline (9th overall);

Scouting grades: Hit: 45 | Power: 80 | Run: 40 | Arm: 70 | Field: 40 | Overall: 65

While Gallo obviously has the power advantage over Correa, our shortstop is the better overall hitter. Gallo profiles as a Chris Carter type player. Gallo has the best raw power in baseball right now, but boasted an “Astro” like strikeout percentage with 33%. Correa has been compared to Alex Rodriguez or Troy Tulowitzki.

Advantage Astros.

Next: Round 2: Mark Appel versus Jake Thompson