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

By Eric Huysman

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 /
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Catcher

Jun 9, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Astros catcher Brian McCann (16) shakes hands with a batboy after scoring a run against the Los Angeles Angels during the second inning at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Erik Williams-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 9, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Astros catcher Brian McCann (16) shakes hands with a batboy after scoring a run against the Los Angeles Angels during the second inning at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Erik Williams-USA TODAY Sports /

By Eric Huysman

Next: Garrett Stubbs (#11, MLB Pipeline)

Backup: Juan Centeno

Depth: Max Stassi

Future: Jake Rogers (#21, MLB Pipeline)

At one time, this was a weakness in the Houston Astros farm system. They addressed it by drafting Jason Castro and trading for Stassi. While Stassi demonstrated some power in the minors, he was never the same after being hit by a pitch. Stassi has been removed from the 40-man roster and possibly from the plans.

Right now, the Astros are covered with Brian McCann and Evan Gattis through at least 2018. Without much of a need of a catcher in the immediate future, Centeno has already shown he can be a capable MLB backup catcher.

The prospects.

Looking at the actual prospects, Stubbs is the closest to being ready. He has gotten off to a slow start at Double-A, only batting .239 with three homers and 14 RBIs. While he might be undersized as a catcher, but he could be faster than your typical catcher. There is no room at Triple-A at the moment, but he will be moving up at some point.

Rogers was drafted in the third round of the 2016 MLB Draft. While he was drafted more for his defense, he has shown some great offensive numbers this year. He is batting .284 with nine homers and 26 RBIs between Low and High-A ball. The next step for him will be Double-A, which could be later this year.

Need: Not critical, level 5

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