Astros Draft Notes: Bonuses, signing Carlos Correa’s brother

We have some Houston Astros draft-related notes, including the revelation of some signing bonuses and the signing of Carlos Correa’s brother.

As last week’s MLB Draft gets farther in our rearview mirror, we’re finding out more about the signing bonuses the Houston Astros are giving their draftees, and about some of the undrafted free agents they’re picking up. The most recent one, in fact, is the younger brother of star shortstop Carlos Correa.

We already know the team signed eight undrafted free agents — the first four and then the next four. The addition of J.C. Correa gives the team a total of nine undrafted free agents thus far. Presumably, Correa will have signed for a bonus around the $20,000 maximum.

A shortstop from Lamar University, Correa had been drafted by the Astros twice previously — in the 33rd round in 2018 and the 38th round in 2019. He’s a 21-year-old right-handed hitter listed at 5’11” and 190 pounds and played at Alvin Community College before transferring to Lamar.

He put up solid numbers in 2019 for Lamar, hitting .332/.381/.529 with 14 doubles and 10 homers in 53 games. His numbers weren’t as strong in 14 games in 2020 before COVID hit, but he improved his walk rate, which will serve him well moving forward.

Now that he’s graduated, Correa is the first in his family to graduate from college, and that goal was why he didn’t sign when drafted in previous years. His more famous brother, of course, made sure to congratulate him on Twitter.

Signing Bonuses

The Astros third round draft pick, Vanderbilt pitcher Tyler Brown, signed for a $577,000 bonus, which is equal to the slot value for that pick. We profiled Brown recently, who has an incredible life story and plenty of talent and upside.

Their fourth round pick, Tennessee outfielder Zach Daniels, signed for a $400,000 bonus, which is actually below the slot value of $430,800. We know the team has signed fifth round pick Shay Whitcomb, but we don’t yet know the terms. The slot value for that pick is $324,100.

We don’t have any word yet on their first pick in the draft, compensatory pick Alex Santos. The pitcher has indicated he will sign with the Astros, but there’s no news about an agreement at this point. The slot value for his pick is $870,700.