Cheers, the Astros sign their first-round pick Seth Beer

Were there any other players they could have drafted that made more sense?

As we look at the Astros draft, we have to keep in mind that the Astros have realigned their scouting department. They don’t have as many people going out to scout, but instead, rely on analytics to make decisions. On this week’s Talking Stros, former scout Jeremy Booth came on the show upset. He felt like the Astros could have made a better selection than Beer with the 28th overall pick.

Let’s take a look at a couple of the high school bats who were available when they were on the clock.

Catcher – Noah Naylor (drafted 29th, ranked 27th)

Outfielder – Nick Schnell (drafted 32nd, ranked 38th)

Notable college pitchers were available at 28.

Shane McClanahan (South Florida, drafted 31st, ranked 14th)

Jackson Kowar (Florida, drafted 33rd, ranked 15th)

It is nothing against Beer as a person, but Booth felt like they could have selected a more impactful player. His primary focus was on Naylor because he would have been the Astros long-term answer at the catching position in a few years. Booth liked Beer but said that he could have been there in the second round of the draft. He even mentioned that 15 teams said Beer would have lasted to the second round to Houston’s pick.

Did the Astros reach for Beer? (Sorry, couldn’t resist)

As Booth pointed out, who is Beer when he gets to the big leagues? He is a left-handed first baseman with pop. The Astros already have no place for A.J. Reed, who may be a similar player offensively while playing better defense at first base. Then you have the right-handed equivalents in Tyler White and J.D. Davis, who are all crushing in Triple-A.

Beer was the 45th top player available in the draft according to MLB Pipeline. As a fan, I hope Beer goes on to do well in the minors and make a quick rise through the system. Evan Gattis and Marwin Gonzalez‘s future with the Astros is unclear after 2018. After discussing the selection with Booth and Brandon, I hope that they didn’t miss out on a special player. You know the Indians were glad to get Naylor.

Next: Astros Trade Hypothetical: Three relievers to target in a trade this summer

Beer will obviously have a huge marketing appeal with his last name, but he has to reach the big leagues first. If you are looking for a comp for Beer, Booth said Jeremy Giambi. If he could be a left-handed Gattis with the Astros, would you like the pick? According to Chandler Rome, Beer said that he expects to play the corner outfield spots and first base at Tri-City. Like Tucker, Astros fans will keep up with Beer’s progress. Cheers!