Climbing Tal's Hill
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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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Outfield

Mar 24, 2017; Port St. Lucie, FL, USA; Houston Astros center fielder Derek Fisher (77) connects for a base hit during a spring training game against the New York Mets at First Data Field. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 24, 2017; Port St. Lucie, FL, USA; Houston Astros center fielder Derek Fisher (77) connects for a base hit during a spring training game against the New York Mets at First Data Field. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /

By: Reed Graff

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Derek Fisher was a supplemental pick of the Houston Astros in the 2014 Major League Draft, in which the Astros made him the 37th overall pick. He could be the player that saves the disastrous draft class that was 2014 in which the Astros failed to sign the #1 overall pick Brady Aiken.

In his time in the system, Derek Fisher has shown the offensive ability that had him widely considered the top college bat in the 2014 draft. Through 351 career minor league games, Fisher has a .283 average with 61 home runs and 88 stolen bases. He has lit up Triple-A pitching this season, to the tune of a .338 batting average, 16 home runs, 43 Rbi’s, and 12 stolen bases.

The numbers speak for themselves. Fisher is major league ready. The main knock on Fisher, however, is that he has a high strikeout rate, striking out 373 times in 1359 minor league at-bats. While strikeouts may always be a part of his game, Fisher has above average speed, the power to hit 20+ home runs regularly, and the defensive skills to lock down a corner outfield spot.

The 23-year-old could start for Houston right now, and he will likely finish this season either playing for another team due to trade or locking down left field in Houston.

Future

The future of the outfield and possibly the best prospect in the Astros system is 20-year-old Kyle Tucker. A member of the 2015 draft class that included Alex Bregman and Daz Cameron, Tucker has shot up the minor league system and shows an advanced ability to hit.

The younger brother of fellow Astros outfield prospect Preston Tucker, Kyle is a more athletic and better-built player. He can be a very good corner outfielder. He is still growing into his body, and he already possesses solid power, speed, and defensive skills. So far in his minor league career, he has hit 22 home runs, which isn’t a huge number, but he is still growing into his 6’4 frame, and as he does so, the power should develop.

He has a career average of .275 and his 64 stolen bases speak volumes to the versatility he has. While he profiles best as a corner outfielder, he could play some center. My favorite stat with Tucker is the career on-base percentage of .345.

If he can continue to improve his approach at the plate and develop into a solid power hitter, the Astros could have a .275 hitter that can eclipse 30+ home runs and 20 stolen bases. Tucker could potentially make the team late next season if he continues his development. However, the following season is more realistic.

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