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Astros Minor League Spotlight: Jack Mayfield

ByAndrew Gleinser|
WEST PALM BEACH, FL - FEBRUARY 21: Jack Mayfield #76 of the Houston Astros poses for a portrait at The Ballpark of the Palm Beaches on February 21, 2018 in West Palm Beach, Florida. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
WEST PALM BEACH, FL - FEBRUARY 21: Jack Mayfield #76 of the Houston Astros poses for a portrait at The Ballpark of the Palm Beaches on February 21, 2018 in West Palm Beach, Florida. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)

Shining a spotlight on Astros’ Triple-A affiliate Fresno Grizzlies infielder Jack Mayfield.

You won’t find Jack Mayfield‘s name on a list of the Astros‘ top prospects. He wasn’t an early draft pick or a big-time signing. At age 27, he’s unlikely to develop into a perennial All-Star. The infielder, though, continues to climb through the ranks.

He’s also the subject of this season’s first installment of the Astros Triple-A spotlight, thanks to his strong start to the 2018 campaign.

The Stats

Mayfield joined the Astros as a minor league free agent in 2013. Since then, he’s worked his way steadily up the ladder. He doesn’t feature notable speed or big-time power but has been both solid and versatile.

Mayfield posted his best minor league season so far in 2017. Between Double-A and Triple-A, he slashed .283/.327/.500 with 20 homers and ten steals. He also played second base, third base, and shortstop.

He saw action with the Astros in Spring Training in each of the last two years. In 2018, Mayfield hit .313/.370/.500 with two homers in 48 Grapefruit League at-bats. He carried that hot hitting over to Fresno as well.

Coming into Wednesday’s game, Mayfield was hitting .333/.346/.833 with three homers and 10 RBIs in six games. He’s being counted on to step up for a Fresno team missing Colin Moran from last year’s squad. So far, he’s been a vital piece of the team’s offense.

The Outlook

While it doesn’t seem likely that Mayfield will join the ranks of the major leagues’ best, he could prove to be a quality player. If he continues to perform well in Fresno, he could be in line to join the Astros in the event of an injury or trade. He could also look to replace Marwin Gonzalez should Gonzalez leave as a free agent after the season.

Next: Astros: Yuli Gurriel expected to be in Friday's lineup

Though often overlooked, Mayfield continues to improve as a player and show off great versatility as an infielder. At this rate, he may yet carve a place for himself on a major league roster.

***Statistics courtesy of MiLB.com***

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