Houston Astros: Corpus Christi Player Spotlight – Jack Mayfield

Jack Mayfield is proving his worth early this season.

While the pitching for the Corpus Christi Hooks is getting much of the attention for their 4-2 start to the season, there has been some great hitting as well. One under-the-radar prospect for the Houston Astros that has got the job done early in the year is Jack Mayfield, and he is the spotlight for this week.

Career

Jack Mayfield has been all over the farm system for the Houston Astros as he begins his fifth year in the minor leagues. Mayfield, a free agent signing in 2013, made his way all the way up to Triple-A last year where he struggled to make good contact. In 45 games for the Fresno Grizzlies last year, he hit a measly .197 with a .534 OPS.

Due to the low numbers in a decent amount of games, Mayfield found himself back in Corpus Christi this season where he has started off the year well. He has led the team in RBIs through the first six games and has been stellar in the clutch, even hitting a bases-clearing triple earlier this week. He is hitting the ball hard and has been rewarded with a nearly .900 OPS so far.

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Strengths and weaknesses

Mayfield has several different strengths that make him a valuable player for the Astros. His infield versatility has come in handy throughout his baseball years, and even so far this year. He has already appeared at three spots in the infield for the Hooks this season and has always been a good fielder in his career. Mayfield also has some decent pop in his bat and has hit nearly 40 homers in his years in the minors. His strikeout numbers are not too shabby either with less than one per game.

Mayfield has a few weaknesses that are holding him back from becoming a great prospect for the organization. His first main weakness is something he cannot change: his age. He is 26 years old which is already the same age or older than some of the main players for the Houston Astros at his positions. He also has a fairly low OPS most seasons so far and does not walk enough, only 19 times total last year.

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The future

Jack Mayfield’s primary concern, for now, should be to continue his hot start in Corpus Christi and earn his way back up to Fresno. He has shown talent and skill wherever he has gone but needs to put it together to prove his worth to the organization truly.

***Stats from MiLB.com***