Astros Draft Summary of the Day 2 Rounds 3-8

Astros’ Fourth Round Pick – Brett Adcock (Michigan)

With the 127th pick, the Astros take left-handed pitcher Adcock from Michigan. This is a good pick for the Astros as it seems like the system lacks a depth of left-handed pitchers, this college junior can throw 94 mph. MLB Pipeline didn’t have him ranked in the top 200 prospects.

In 2016, Adcock went 7-5/ 3.22 ERA/ 100 strikeouts in 78 1/3 innings. One thing to be a little worried about could be his control as he walked 62 batters and had seven wild pitches. According to a Cape Cod report, “Adcock has the stuff to be a top-five-rounds talent in 2016, assuming he can get his mechanics straightened out.”

He was considered one of the top left-handers in the draft, but the control issues might have caused him to fall.  Hopefully, if he could harness his control, he could be in the Astros rotation in a few seasons.

Draft Slot Value: $459,700

Next: Astros Fifth Pick

Astros’ Fifth Round Pick – Abraham Toro-Hernandez (Seminole State)

With the 157th pick, the Astros take Toro-Hernandez, who played third base for Seminole State. He is a Canadian baseball player who’s family originates from Venezuela. He is a senior, so you have to wonder if he is a senior pick for the Astros. He doesn’t have the opportunity to return to play baseball so that the Astros can sign him for a $100,000 instead of the full slot value.

Via the Canada Baseball website, Tori hit “.439 while belting 14 doubles, five triples, 20 homers and 86 RBIs in 55 games in what is known as a hitter’s conference. Played third base this year, can throw 92 mph off the mound, but catching is an option.”

Toro will have to outplay several other prospects at to win the third base job eventually, but his bat could be used down the road. Looking at his stats, I believe that he is more than just a senior selection. He also has a little speed stealing eight bases in 2016.

Draft Slot Value: $344,300

Next: Astros Six Pick

Astros’ Sixth Round Pick – Stephen Wrenn (Georgia)

The Astros were able to draft Wrenn because he has lost some value after a freak accident on the baseball field, a ball tipped off his glove and broke three bones in his face at the beginning of the 2016 season. He was still predicted to go in the first three to five rounds, so he has some talent. Last year with the Bull Dogs, Wrenn batted .297/ six doubles/ four triples/ five home runs/ 12 steals/ 26 RBI after missing the start of the season.

While he has speed, he should be able to steal more often, but needs to improve his technique to better tap into his speed. He profiles as a top of the order hitter with some gap power, but should be able to beat out many infield hits in his career. The Astros took a risk here, but could lead to a big reward.

Draft Slot Value: $257,900

Related Story: Astros Select Ronnie Dawson 61st Overall in 2016 MLB Draft

Next: Astros Seventh Pick

Astros’ Seventh Round Pick – Tyler Buffett (Oklahoma St U)

The 6’1” junior out of Oklahoma State Buffett was drafted in the seventh round of the 2016 draft, and he is coming off a year where he increased his strikeouts from the two years before. He was considered one of the best relievers in the game at a point last year, but he went through a rough patch. He was the team closer with nine saves last year and made three starts going 7-3, which is awesome for someone who pitched out of the bullpen for most of the year.

I can’t find out too much more at this point about Buffett, but he could be tried out as a starting pitching prospect or just be groomed as a closer. He throws four pitches which normally signals a rotation guy, but as the Astros are seeing with Michael Feliz this year, having the arsenal is not that bad. Buffett started the year as the closer but wrapped up as a starter. Maybe the move was to enhance his value for the draft or most likely because of need.

Draft Slot Value: $193,300

Next: Astros Select Forrest Whitley with the 17th Pick of the 2016 Draft

I have to do a broadcast now, and I will continue the draft summary later. I don’t want to short any of the top ten round prospects, so this will wait till I have the time to dedicate. The Astros saw some value in all of these players, so hopefully they sign soon and have a great year. Can’t wait to reach out to these guys and get them on Talking Stros soon.

***Stats from Baseball-Reference***

***Unless noted, Scouting Infi from MLB Pipeline and Baseball America***