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

By Eric 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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Pitchers

HOUSTON, TX – JUNE 17: David Paulino #63 of the Houston Astros pitches in the first inning against the Boston Red Sox at Minute Maid Park on June 17, 2017 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TX – JUNE 17: David Paulino #63 of the Houston Astros pitches in the first inning against the Boston Red Sox at Minute Maid Park on June 17, 2017 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images) /

Forrest Whitley

J.B. Bukauskas

Cionel Perez

Jorge Alcala

David Paulino

Corbin Martin

Hector Perez

Francis Martes

Rogelio Armenteros

Whitley is one of the top pitching prospects in the game. He was the 17th player drafted overall in 2016. He did lose some developmental time with his 50-game suspension for testing positive for a banned substance. Whitley is at the top, but the Astros farm system is loaded with starting pitching prospects. While you can never have too many starting pitcher options.

Cionel Perez has put himself on the map with his performance this year. He has a 1.66 ERA in 10 games while striking out 54 batters in 43 1/3 innings. Martes’ future is up in the air until he learns to harness his control. Paulino has shown potential, but a suspension has held him back as well. Armenteros opened some eyes this spring.

Need: Moderate

In summary.

While there is not any clear need for the Astros, they could probably look for another Tucker like player. Maybe a high school slugger who has raw talent, who can lead the future Astros. A team with more immediate needs will draft a college player who could be ready soon. The Astros may not have the highest ranked minor league system, but they have a deep one. They have the highest winning percentages in the minors at the moment.

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Whatever they add, it supplements the players they may lose this year to improve the bullpen. They will go with the best available, but don’t be surprised if its a player off the radar. The Astros always seem to have an ace up their sleeve, with the exceptions of Brady Aiken and Mark Appel. Not every prospect will work out, but when they do, they become superstars. The Astros have the 28th pick in the first round on Monday.

***Stats from Baseball-Reference and MLB Pipeline***