Climbing Tal's Hill
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Astros Draft 2018: A look at the needs of the farm system

ByEric Huysman|
PORT ST. LUCIE, FL - MARCH 06: Kyle Tucker #79 of the Houston Astros reacts after hitting a home run against the New York Mets during the seventh inning of a spring training game at First Data Field on March 6, 2018 in Port St. Lucie, Florida. The Mets defeated the Astros 9-5. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images)
PORT ST. LUCIE, FL - MARCH 06: Kyle Tucker #79 of the Houston Astros reacts after hitting a home run against the New York Mets during the seventh inning of a spring training game at First Data Field on March 6, 2018 in Port St. Lucie, Florida. The Mets defeated the Astros 9-5. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images)
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Catcher

HOUSTON, TX – MAY 22: Hector Rondon #30 of the Houston Astros shakes hands with Max Stassi #12 after the final out against the San Francisco Giants at Minute Maid Park on May 22, 2018 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TX – MAY 22: Hector Rondon #30 of the Houston Astros shakes hands with Max Stassi #12 after the final out against the San Francisco Giants at Minute Maid Park on May 22, 2018 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images)

Garrett Stubbs (next man up)

Jamie Ritchie

Chuckie Robinson

While Stubbs has been lauded as the catcher of the future for a couple of seasons, a down season last year questioned that. Jake Rogers surpassed him in the rankings before being part of the Justin Verlander trade. JJ Cooper joined Talking Stros this offseason and said that Stubbs was limited due to injuries. He fully expected him to bounce back this year, which he has.

Stubbs is number 23 on the Astros Top-30 prospects. He is hitting .364 with one homer and 15 RBIs. He is not built for power but could give you some athleticism and speed from the catching position. The 25-year-old backstop is at the Triple-A level ready to make the jump if needed. Max Stassi has stepped up this year and is serving as the primary catcher while Brian McCann is on the DL. Tim Federowicz is the backup at the moment.

Robinson is the 26 top prospect. He has gotten off to a slow start batting .176 with two homers and seven RBIs at High-A ball. Robinson has raw power and some speed for a catcher but has some room to grow.

Need: Moderate

Schedule