Astros Draft: Six Players Who Could be Picked with 17th Pick

Jun 20, 2015; Omaha, NE, USA; Virginia Cavaliers catcher Matt Thaiss (21) looks at his first inning home run in the first inning against the Florida Gators in the 2015 College World Series at TD Ameritrade Park. Mandatory Credit: Steven Branscombe-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 20, 2015; Omaha, NE, USA; Virginia Cavaliers catcher Matt Thaiss (21) looks at his first inning home run in the first inning against the Florida Gators in the 2015 College World Series at TD Ameritrade Park. Mandatory Credit: Steven Branscombe-USA TODAY Sports /
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Zack Collins

Collins will most likely not be on the board when the Astros draft at 17, but if he is available, the Astros need to jump on him quickly as the future Astros catcher/designated hitter. Several of the scouting reports say that he is a below average catcher defensively, but his bat will make up for that. This could lead to a change in positions in his future, but if he is available at 17, Jeff Luhnow has to take him.

He bats from the left side of the plate, which is the mold of the type of hitter that Jeff Luhnow generally covets. The Reds previously drafted him in the 27th round of the 2013 draft he but elected to play in college instead with the Miami Hurricanes. In a light catcher draft, Collins will be highly sought after.

2016 Stats: .364/ 12 home runs/ 52 RBI/ OPS .1170 (Baseball Cube)

Prediction: Taken before the Astros pick

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