Astros spring training stats: Alex De Goti has surprised

Although the Houston Astros haven’t been known for the best minor league system in the last two year, there are a few hidden gems including infielder Alex De Goti. The right-hander has been a non-roster invite since 2017 and has been productive at the plate and in the field.

While playing first base for the first time a few days ago, De Goti is among the talented group looking to versatility to make the major leagues. Although mainly a shortstop, this position could be hard to take in the Astros organization with Carlos Correa and especially with Freudis Nova and Jeremy Pena as the top infielding prospects. At 26-years-old, De Goti has stood out in spring training, but when could we see him?

De Goti would likely need to platoon to make the Astros’ 40-man.

The right-hander has been a defensive based player, while spending time at every infield spot except first base in the minor leagues. The 2016 15th round pick has been taking a slow progression through the major leagues, after being a collegiate player. AAA has been the longest tenured home for the right-hander, and while climbing in age, it could be time to test De Goti against major league pitching.

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The main issue with this would be sneaking him on the 40-man roster, while the Astros have three utility players battling for a job. In his minor league career, De Goti has slashed .262/.338/.405. Although these are average numbers at the plate, the right-hander was making good strides in his 2019 campaign, while his OPS was climbing to the .800 mark. A loss of a 2020 minor league system isn’t helping his case either, but adding a first baseman’s glove to his arsenal is.

This spring, he is slugging .400/.526/.533 in 15 at bats with four walks and five RBIs. Although standing out, he will most likely start the season in AAA, but he would be a valuable move to the 40-man, if an infielder fell to injury. At the moment, there isn’t a true place or move to add De Goti, but if the Astros try to cut money down the line, the right-hander should be thought of as a replacement. While spring training numbers are a small sample size, it would behoove the Astros to test De Goti at the big league level to see if they can use his services moving forward.