Astros: Top 10 non-prospects that surprised with big impacts

7. Chris Devenski

Christopher Michael Devenski. Where do we start with this one? Drafted in the 25th round of the 2011 MLB draft out of Cal Fullerton by the Chicago White Sox. Devo was involved in a forgettable trade in 2012. The Astros were rebuilding, and Brett Myers was the hottest commodity they had at the time.

After shipping Myers to the White Sox for left-handed prospect Blair Walters and Matt Heidenreich. In steps Trade Master Luhnow working his Jedi Mind Tricks, convincing the White Sox to add Devenski as a Player to Be Named Later. Almost set to be a forgettable piece. Who would’ve known that the two main pieces in that trade would be the forgettable ones? As evident of Heidenreich being released a mere three years later and Walters never making the Majors.

Devenski honed his craft for four years in the Minors and finally received an invite to the Big League Camp in the Spring of 2016. Wowing both scouts and coaches alike, as they wasted little time calling him to the Majors for good.

On April 8th, a mere four games into the season, Devo found himself relieving Scott Feldman in a rough game to watch. He wasted little time blowing away the competition, going a solid three innings pitched and striking out four batters.

Through the 2016 season, Astros witnessed what would be the beginning of the best 7th inning reliever they’ve seen since the “Octavio Dotel–Brad Lidge–Billy Wagner” days. Posting an eye-popping 108.1 innings as a reliever and posting 104 strikeouts.

In 2017, his role was even more predominant throughout the season, as he was credited with a hold in 25 games and saved four. In the World Series, he was featured heavily, as the left-handed hitter heavy Dodgers were susceptible to his changeup.  Going five innings of two-run ball and five strikeouts.

Lately, he hasn’t been the same, but that’s due to a mix of injury and a lack of appearances. However, helping the Astros win their first World Series gives him a major push on this list.