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Astros: 4 Rookie hitters who will have big roles in 2017

By Eric Huysman

Aug 21, 2016; Baltimore, MD, USA; Houston Astros designated hitter Yulieski Gurriel (0) waits on deck in the fourth inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 21, 2016; Baltimore, MD, USA; Houston Astros designated hitter Yulieski Gurriel (0) waits on deck in the fourth inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports /
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Garrett Stubbs

MLB: Houston Astros-Media Day
MLB: Houston Astros-Media Day /

The Astros could have the best catching duo in the history of the organization. Brian McCann and Evan Gattis are in the plans for the near future. There is a chance that Max Stassi‘s future with Houston is in question. Stassi is out of options, so they could lose him if they put him on waivers.

Tyler Heineman and Trent Woodward are still in the system, but they are viewed as many as backup options only. Due to the scarcity of catchers on rosters, they both reached Triple-A quickly. The front office decided they needed to get a veteran after losing Jason Castro over the offseason. I’m aware that they traded for McCann first, but Castro had no chance intention of staying.

Should they need some catching help in Houston, the name you will hear soon is Stubbs? Drafted in the sixth round of the 2015 draft, Stubbs could be the future at catcher. He had an okay first season in pro ball in 2015 but broke out in 2016.

Still early, but…

Between High-A and Double-A, Stubbs had a slash line of .304/ .391/ .469/ .860 with ten homers and 54 RBIs. He also added 15 steals in 18 tries. Granted that Lancaster was known as a hitters park, he hit 6 or his ten homers there.

He could be of the same type of player that Craig Biggio offered early in his career. A catcher who could steal some bases and reach base often. There is not much of a history with Stubbs yet so that he could start in Double-A. However, there is not much catching depth in the system, especially if they lose Stassi. He could be ticketed for Triple-A until needed.