Astros: four prospects to watch at minor league spring training 2021

On Tuesday, Assistant General Manager Pete Putila released the Houston Astros‘ Minor League Spring Training roster. While the roster is home to a few current Alternate Training Site players, there are also a few leftover players that made an impact this spring at major league spring training.

With the push of the minor league season back to late May, the prospects will soon begin their spring training for the 2021 season. As new faces hit camp, there are a few players, who are expected to make a big impact in the coming two years.

Here is a look at the roster:

With this in mind, here are four Astros’ prospects to keep your eye on.

Pitcher: Hunter Brown

With every new name, there are a few that will be tossed your way that you have heard before. As Hunter Brown enters minor league spring training, the right-hander was also in major league camp. Through two innings of work, Brown surrendered two runs, three hits and two walks, while only fanning two batters. This isn’t the most perfect stat line from the 2019 fifth-round pick, but like many other minor leaguers, a season lost due to the pandemic and then starting against the best players in the world is a tough turn around.

The 22-year-old hasn’t pitched past A ball, but in a hopeful full season, 2021 will be the best time for Brown to climb his way through the farm system. The third ranked Astros’ prospect is anticipated to make his MLB debut in 2022.

Catcher: Korey Lee

As the home grown catching talent hasn’t progressed better than what the Astros got in Jason Castro in the past 15 years, prospect Korey Lee is expected to make a splash. While being the third ranked prospect in Houston’s system, the right-hander is a former first-round pick and is expected to be the starter of the future.

Through nine plate appearances in March, Lee recorded two hits and two walks with an RBI. As one of the many players testing the waters at other positions, the 22-year-old has played the corner infield spots and left field. This is needed for a team that is starting to lack depth, but while never playing past A ball, Lee is also anticipated to make his debut in 2022. With Martin Maldonado looking to be extended, Lee might not be ready to take the starting job just yet.

Infielder: Peter Zimmerman

Here is a name that many fans probably have no idea existed. From the state of Missouri comes Peter Zimmerman, who could be a dark horse player of the future. As a personal comparison to players like A.J. Reed or J.D. Davis, Zimmerman is mainly a first baseman, but has the versatility to play third base and left field.

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While the infielding room for minor league spring training isn’t showing big name prospects from the major league one, there are names that could make their way quickly through the farm system. As Zimmerman hasn’t played for the Astros yet, he is now 23-years-old and has the experience to hit the ground running.

Outfielder: Pedro Leon

While Pedro Leon is becoming a well known name among Astros’ fans, the right-hander didn’t have the best major league spring training. Although playing in nine games in March, the outfielder tested the waters at shortstop, where he played in his youth.

The international free agent signing has a lot of upside and could really bounce back from 12 at bats without a hit. The second ranked prospect in the Astros’ system doesn’t have an ETA just yet, but the upside is incredible for the five-tool 22-year-old.