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Astros Top-Eight Prospects After First 2 Rounds

By Eric Huysman |
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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

 Astros Prospects Six to Five

Feb 26, 2015; Kissimmee, FL, USA; Houston Astros pitcher

Michael Feliz

poses for a picture during photo day at Osceola County Stadium Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

Sixth Best Astros Prospect is Michael Feliz

You might remember Feliz as the pitcher who was unprotected from the Rule V draft but then was magically protected later that night. You might also remember him as the prospect that was promoted for a three-game stint from Double-A, only to be returned after making his major league debut.

It was a head scratcher as to why the Astros would start his arbitration clock and send him back after he makes his major league debut. Feliz was signed as an international free agent at the age of 16 in 2010 by the Houston Astros. He has been moved along slowly as he is in his fifth season and still in Double-A.

He throws in the mid-90’s with his fastball, but can hit 98 mph at times. He couples that heat with a slider and changeup. Some say that he will be a front-line starter while others say that he will be a future closer. In his debut with the Astros, he allowed one hit with very electric stuff.

Fifth Best Astros Prospect is Vincent Velasquez

Velasquez will probably not be on this list for too long with him making his major league debut on Wednesday. Scouts have told Jose de Jesus Ortiz that Velasquez has the best arm in the Astros farm system. Here is Ortiz’s exact quote from his Tweet, “People I truly respect, including several scouts who have seen him often, tell me Velasquez is the best of the #Astros arms.”

The Astros and baseball scouts alike think that Velasquez can be something special, but injuries have limited his progress. He has a plus fastball, which can reach 100 mph at times. His second best pitch is his changeup, which is a good complement to his fastball. He still needs to develop his curveball but still has the potential to be a top of the rotation pitcher.

Keeping Up With the Prospects: Vincent Velasquez

Next: Astros Top Prospects Four to Three

Astros Top Prospects Four to Three

Oct. 14, 2014; Scottsdale, AZ, USA; Houston Astros pitcher

Mark Appel

plays for the Salt River Rafters during an Arizona Fall League game against the Surprise Saguaros at Salt River Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Fourth Best Astros Prospect is Mark Appel

Appel, drafted with the first overall pick in the 2013 MLB draft, has had an up and down career so far. His stuff has remained the same; he just has become more hittable this season. Appel has struggled this season so far in Double-A with a 3-1 record along with a 5.20 ERA. In 45 innings, Appel has struck out 32 batters.

What is wrong with the former number one pick, in my opinion I think that he is bored and frustrated. He was expected to reach the majors quickly after being drafted in 2013. A change of scenery might be needed for Appel to gain back his confidence, as he was expected to be the most MLB-ready out of college. The way to get Appel back on track could be by promoting him to Triple-A or to the Astros to pitch out of the bullpen.

Third Best Astros Prospect is Daz Cameron

Daz Cameron was rated the fifth best prospect in the 2015 draft. However, there were concerns that he would only sign for a certain amount, which was only available in the first five picks of the draft. Jim Callis predicted that he expected Cameron to fall out of the first round because of signability issues. The Astros signed two people like that in 2012; their names were Lance McCullers andRio Ruiz.

What does Jonathan Mayo of MLB.com think of Cameron?

“While his upside has leveled off a bit since then, he still profiles as a center fielder who could have at least solid tools across the board. In addition to his physical ability, he shows fine instincts in all phases of the game. Cameron should have at least average big league power, but he doesn’t worry about home runs at this point. The Florida State recruit laces line drives all over the field with a short right-handed swing and plenty of bat speed. While he’s not a blazer, he can steal a few bases and chases down balls in the gaps.” – Jonathan Mayo.

Getting Cameron with the 37th pick was awesome for the Astros, but his signability remains in question. During the draft coverage, it was mentioned that people around the league had an idea that a team already offered Cameron an ‘unofficial’ guarantee of five million. Jim Callis suspected that the only team with that financial space would be the Astros. The Astros better hope that Cameron’s word is stronger than oak if that is the case.

Astros Draft Targets: Daz Cameron

Next: Astros Top Two Prospects

Astros Top Two Prospects

Jun 8, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Houston Astros shortstop

Carlos Correa

leaves the dugout before the game against the Chicago White Sox at U.S Cellular Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-USA TODAY Sports

Second Best Astros Prospect is Alex Bregman

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The Astros surprised some people by taking Alex Bregman with the second overall pick, because the Astros thought they could save a little money signing him over Brendan Rodgers.

Why did the Astros take Alex Bregman when you already have Carlos Correa in the fold? Because besides Correa, there are not too many options for a shortstop in the system. The Astros have felt the lack of depth this year having to rely on Marwin Gonzalez and Jonathan Villar, with the injury to Jed Lowrie. Bregman was a junior shortstop out of LSU, who later in the week I will do an Alex Bregman Q/A session later this week.

What does Jonathan Mayo of MLB.com think of Alex Bregman?

“Because of his size, tools and aggressive nature at the plate, he regularly gets compared to Dustin Pedroia. Like Pedroia, he appeared to be a college shortstop headed for second base in pro ball, but Bregman has looked better defensively this spring and may be able to stick at short. His arm and instincts allow him to make plays there, and he shows range to both sides.”

He hit .312/ 9hrs/ 49 RBI/ 37 sb in 2015 with LSU. Stats can be found here.

ETA: In Astros yesterday’s pregame interview, Luhnow confirmed that Bregman will stick at SS throughout the minors at least, and will figure out where to put him when the time comes.

Astros Draft Targets: Alex Bergman

The Best Astros Prospect is Carlos Correa

There is not much more to say about Correa that Astros don’t know. He has been referred to as a once in a lifetime player, who is always the best player on the field. Maybe at this point in their respective careers, Jose Altuve is better. Correa is now with the Astros, and we will continue to marvel at his great plays on the field. He is expected to hit for power, average, and above average speed.

For more about Carlos Correa, check out this interview I did earlier in the season below.

Keeping Up With the Prospects: Carlos Correa

Conclusion

This list could change as more players are added in today’s day 2 of the MLB draft. There are still some intriguing arms out there. Just because a player is not drafted in the top two rounds, doesn’t mean they won’t be a star. Thomas Eshelman didn’t get into the Astros top eight prospects list, even though he got picked in the second round. Today will be interesting, but nothing can top the success the Astros appear to have in the first two rounds.

Next: Carlos Correa Interview with CTH

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