Astros Draft 2018: A look at the needs of the farm system

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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Middle Infielders

CLEVELAND, OH – MAY 26: Tony Kemp #18 of the Houston Astros hits a two run home run during the sixth inning against the Cleveland Indians at Progressive Field on May 26, 2018 in Cleveland, Ohio.(Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OH – MAY 26: Tony Kemp #18 of the Houston Astros hits a two run home run during the sixth inning against the Cleveland Indians at Progressive Field on May 26, 2018 in Cleveland, Ohio.(Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)

Tony Kemp

Alex De Goti

Ryne Birk

Anibal Sierra

Jonathan Arauz

Freudis Nova

J.J. Matijevic

We see what players like Kemp can do in the big leagues. With Jose Altuve and Carlos Correa manning the middle infielder positions for years to come. Arauz was part of the Ken Giles trade, think of it as more of a throw-in. The nineteen-year-old shortstop is ranked number 21 and could be a surprise player for the Astros down the road. He’s batting .296/ 4 homer/ 27 RBIs.

The highest-ranked player on this list is Nova at fifth overall. He is only 18, so he has some time to develop. He will play for the GCL Astros this year, but he could be a stud while hitting for power and average. Birk and Matijevic are recent draft picks rising through the system. There are no super studs in this group yet, but there is time for them to develop.

Need: Marginal

Schedule