Pitchers
RHP Forrest Whitley
Anytime you are awarded your systems minor league pitcher of the year. You know you had a great season. Whitley has done nothing but dazzle since being the Astros first round pick (17th overall) in 2016. This season at the age of 19-20, Whitley pitched at three different levels and dominated at all three. In 23 games, the young flamethrower struck out 143 batters and held his opponents to a .230 batting average. He finished his season at Double-A Corpus and ended with a 2.83 ERA over three levels. The future is very bright for the kid from San Antonio, TX.
RHP Rogelio Armenteros
While Whitley shows up on prospect boards everywhere, Armenteros is a guy who has largely been under the radar. However, his numbers this season were fantastic. The Cuba native pitched at AA Corpus Christi and Triple-A Fresno and was the best pitcher at both levels.
He finished with an ERA at 2.04, and opposing hitters hit only .205 against him. His 146 strikeouts to 38 walks are awesome. Rogelio is a guy that could be in Houston very soon.
RHP Yoanys Quiala
Here is a name the average Astros fan probably does not know. Quiala is another Cuban arm in the system that had a solid season. The 6’3″ Righty went 5-1 with a 2.31 ERA at Buies Creek, before getting the call-up to AA Corpus Christi. There he continued to pitch well and carried a 2.86 ERA throughout his time in Corpus.
On the year, Yoanys finished with a 2.57 ERA in 24 games, in which he pitched 108.2 innings. He struck out 92 batters and walked only 24. He managed to avoid the long ball, as he just gave up six home runs. Next season will be a good indicator for Quiala as to whether he is legit or not, as he will spend the season at AA Corpus and AAA Fresno.
Honorable Mentions
RHP Carson LaRue
12-7, 3.23 ERA, 105 K’s to 30 BB’s. Pitched at Quad Cities and Buies Creek in 2017.
RHP Jorge Alcala
7-6 3.05 ERA, 95 K’s to 45 BB’s, Pitched at Quad Cities and Buies Creek in 2017.