Astros Draft: Looking at the positions of need for early picks

Apr 20, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Astros pitcher Chris Devenski (right) celebrates with catcher Brian McCann after the final out to defeat the Los Angeles Angels at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 20, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Astros pitcher Chris Devenski (right) celebrates with catcher Brian McCann after the final out to defeat the Los Angeles Angels at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
1 of 9

Looking at the Top Astros prospects to see what positions that need to be addressed during the draft.

May 23, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Astros general manager Jeff Luhnow smiles before a game against the Detroit Tigers at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
May 23, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Astros general manager Jeff Luhnow smiles before a game against the Detroit Tigers at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

Here we are, days away from the 2017 MLB Amateur Draft. The Houston Astros will have five of the top 100 picks of the draft. With the picks received by St. Louis Cardinals for Hackgate, the five picks are 15, 53, 56, 75, and 91. The Astros are done with the top five picks stage of the franchise, but they can still get a good player at 15.

Looking at the recent phistory of the 15th pick, the most notable player drafted was 2004 when Stephen Drew was picked. Scott Kazmir was drafted with the 15th pick in 2002 and Chase Utley in 2000. I could keep going, but as you can see, the 15th pick is not guaranteed success. However, Mike Elias and his team have spent months scouting potential targets.

Two years ago they drafted Alex Bregman and Kyle Tucker in the first round. They are showing the talent. Bregman has already reached the bigs, and Tucker could make his debut next year. The Astros front office has already planned out this year’s draft. Let’s take a look and see what positions the Astros need to address the most.

Granted, the Astros will most likely draft the best available players. But let’s find the weakness in our farm system.

Schedule