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Keeping up with the Astros Prospects: 1B-3B Tyler White

By Eric Huysman |
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Keeping up with the Astros Prospects: 1B-3B Tyler White

The Houston Astros are approaching the trade deadline looking for a possible bat to add to the already potent lineup, which is currently missing a few of it’s regulars with George Springer and Jed Lowrie. While missing these two guys, the biggest current weakness of the Astros lineup is the people playing first base. Jon Singleton and Chris Carter are both struggling with the bat in 2015. Carter represented someone who was supposed to be a fill-in until the first baseman of the future was ready in Singleton, but neither has taken off this year.

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At a certain point, the Astros have to address the first base situation with a trade or giving someone else in the Astros organization a chance. While the Astros are stacked with first base prospects in A.J. Reed, Matt Duffy, Conrad Gregor, Jamie Ritchie (catcher), and Tyler White, only a couple of them are ready. Duffy has been at Triple-A for the past two seasons but hasn’t been given a shot to join the Astros. However, there is someone that is quickly rising through the Astros farm system; his name is Tyler White.

Who is Tyler White?

White has risen from humble beginnings like the fictional character Walter White from Breaking Bad. Unlike the fictional White, Tyler has done things the right way after being drafted in the 33rd round of the 2013 MLD draft by the Astros out of Western Carolina University. To be drafted that late in the draft does not automatically guarantee success, but this has not stopped White from going out a playing hard every day.

I can read your mind as you read this, why do I know the name, Tyler White? Maybe this will ring a bell.

Not only was White a representative of the Hooks at the Texas League All-Star game, but he also participated in the Home Run Derby and won. After the All-Star game, White was given some good news.

Let’s take a look at some more of White’s minor league numbers (Baseball-Reference).

As you can see, White has been able to keep a steady slash line through his quick rise through seven minor league teams in three years. That is an impressive feat by anyone, much less a 33rd round pick. So let’s get to know a little bit more about the slugging first/third baseman White through an interview.

Next: Tyler White Interview

Tyler White Interview

White and Kemmer photo credit to Rich Guill (@QCBanditPhotog)

CTH: You were drafted in the 33rd round of the 2013 MLB draft, and now you are in Triple-A knocking on the Astros door. What has it been like to rise as fast as you have?

White: It has been a blessing, I have been so fortunate to play with so many great guys as well as great players. I have been fortunate enough to win a championship both years. I have enjoyed meeting so many people on my way up, as well as learning baseball from different players and coaches.

CTH: Are you ahead of your own time schedule in terms of potentially reaching the majors in 2015?

White: I wouldn’t say I really had a time schedule, I just try and take advantage of the opportunities I am given. No matter what level I am at I try and play the same way I always have, and do my best to help the team be successful. If I made it to the majors, I would do the same thing.

CTH: You have played for seven different teams in three years of professional ball, which one was your favorite stop?

White: I wouldn’t say that I have a favorite stop. Every level has its positives, Greeneville wasn’t far from home, so that was nice, but every level has been great so far.

White photo credit to Rich Guill (@QCBanditPhotog)

CTH: What is your natural position and which position do you like to play the most?

White: I’ve only played corner infelder since college besides about 20 games catching in college summer ball. I was a catcher up until high school, and then I played a lot of middle infielder. So naturally I would say I was a catcher because that is all I did growing up, but I have gone away from that so now just corner infield. I don’t care where I play as long as I am in the lineup.

CTH: Do you keep up with what is going on with the Astros in terms of first base and think that you could be next?

White: I do not pay much attention to all of that. I try and keep my mind on my game and improving as a player. Trying to control what I can control, if I handle that I believe that I will give myself a chance. I really have no idea if I could be next, but I do know I would love the opportunity.

CTH: What was it like winning the AA Home Run Derby and what player did you participate against that make you believe you had no chance?

White: I had a blast and winning in front of the Corpus fans was awesome. I am very competitive and was looking forward to participating. Fortunately, I got in a good groove, and Radison did a great job pitching to me. The guy I thought would win is Balbino Fuenmayor. He is a big RH hitter, in a park that favors RH hitters.

CTH: I understand that you were told at/after the All-Star game you were going to Fresno, walk us through what that was like.

White: They just told me in the office and gave me some advice about the promotion, and sent me on my way. It is always a scramble when you have to go play somewhere else. You have to pack and get everything situated before you get on a flight which is usually in the AM. That travel day is always really tough.

CTH: What type of player is Colin Moran, I think you took over for him after his injury?

White: He is a solid all-around player and a really good guy. His injuries this year were very unfortunate, but he got through them and has done great since.

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CTH: Which current baseball player do you model your game after?

White: I wouldn’t say I model my game after anyone. I really enjoy learning what other guys do and picking their brains trying to learn different things from different guys. My favorite player growing up was always Chipper Jones.

CTH: When you do get the call to the big leagues, who would you call first?

White: I would have to my mom because she is better at answering the phone than my dad.

I then asked him about his mustache,he responded, “Just went with it because a lot of us did in Corpus, and won the derby and have just stuck with it since.”

Thanks for taking the time to respond to these questions, I hope I will get a Twitter direct message shortly after you tell all the important people when you get the call. If you want to follow the Double-A Home Run Derby Champ, you can follow him at @twhite409 on Twitter. Good luck in your goal of reaching the bigs, I hope it’s sooner rather than later.

Next: Keeping up with the Astros Prospects: OF Jon Kemmer

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