Astros Top-Eight Prospects After First 2 Rounds

After the Astros had drafted Thomas Eshelman with the 46th overall pick, the MLB Network Draft Special showed an updated Baseball-America’s Astros top-ten list by John Manuel. What they did was insert the four players drafted in the first two rounds into the current Astros top-eight, to create a new one. This new ranking was made prior to the third round of the 2015 draft that resumes on Tuesday so the names could change a little.

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However, one of the players drafted did not even make the cut for the Astros top-eight. I will list the updated top-eight prospects, from the eighth down to the first prospect on the list.

Eighth Best Astros Prospect is Kyle Tucker

Drafted in the first round of the 2015 draft, Kyle Tucker was the fifth overall pick. He was ranked as the third best outfielder in the draft prior to the draft, with Daz Cameron being the first. He’s listed as the seventh-best prospect overall by MLB Pipeline, but the Astros reached for him with the fifth pick. Baseball America had him listed as the tenth-best overall draft prospect.

“It’s awesome. I’ve never had the opportunity to play with [Preston] before because he’s seven years older. Hopefully, I’ll have opportunity.” – Kyle Tucker via Brian McTaggart.

Tucker is the younger brother of current Astros leftfielder Preston Tucker, and he is believed to be better than BamBam, also know as Preston Tucker. Kyle Tucker’s swing can be compared to Ted Williams in terms of a similar bat path. The Astros highly scouted him heavily for the draft and probably had some inside knowledge of Kyle’s skills through Preston.

What does Jonathan Mayo of MLB.com think about Tucker? 

"“Tucker has one of the purest swings and best bats in the 2015 high school crop. He makes consistent hard contact and, once he fills out his lanky frame, he could be a plus hitter in both average and power.” – Jonathan Mayo."

Astros Draft Prospects: Kyle Tucker

Seventh Best Astros Prospect is Brett Phillips

If you have been reading our content at Climbing Tal’s Hill, you know that Brett Phillips has become a regular contributor with quotes and interviews. Astros fans think highly of Phillips, as he could be a five-tool type of player for the Astros. However, the rumors are that the Phillidelpia Phillies are high on Phillips as well, and he could be part of a rumored Cole Hamels trade.

Phillips was drafted in the sixth round of the now famous Astros 2012 draft class and has steadily become a better prospect as time has passed. He has improved from a top of the order hitter with above average speed, to someone who can stick in centerfield and hit in the third spot in the batting order. He is currently at Lancaster and is hitting .322/ 10 hr/ 40 RBI/ 4 SB.

Keeping Up With the Prospects: Brett Phillips

Next: Astros Prospects Six to Five