Astros Draft Tracker: All Selections from Day 2

Wright State's Quincy Hamilton (10) catches a hit in the outfield at the NCAA Baseball Tournament Knoxville Regional at Lindsey Nelson Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn. on Friday, June 4, 2021.Kns Vols Regional Opener
Wright State's Quincy Hamilton (10) catches a hit in the outfield at the NCAA Baseball Tournament Knoxville Regional at Lindsey Nelson Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn. on Friday, June 4, 2021.Kns Vols Regional Opener

Another Draft, another year without a first or second-round pick for the Houston Astros. With George Springer departing after the 2020 season, fans were expecting the team to be rewarded with a high compensation pick, as seen after 2019 with Gerrit Cole leaving.

Unfortunately, the Astros exceeded the competitive balance tax for the 2020 season, which drops their qualifying offer comp pick from the second round to after the fourth round (Pick 132) as punishment.

With the 2021 MLB Draft in full swing, let’s take a look at the Astros’ day two picks.

Round 3, 87th Pick: OF Tyler Whitaker, Bishop Gorman HS (NV)

While cashing in $689,300, Tyler Whitaker is a product of the alma mater of Joey Gallo. The right-hander played third base and shortstop before turning to the corner outfield positions, while his 6-foot-4, 190-pound frame has him No. 37 on the Top 250 MLB.com Draft Prospects list. He is committed to Arizona and is the second consecutive first pick to be a high schooler for the Astros.

Round 4, 117th Pick: SS Alex Ulloa, Calvary Christian Academy (FL)

Another round, another high school selection with shortstop Alex Ulloa (No.165 prospect by MLB). While heavily scouted by the Astros, the right-hander is already in agreement to sign with the ball club, foregoing his commitment to Oklahoma State.

Compensation 132nd Pick: P Chayce McDermott, Ball State University

As the compensation pick for losing Springer, the Astros selected right-handed pitcher Chayce McDermott, brother to NBA player Sean McDermott. The 6-foot-3, 197-pound hurler was ranked No.127 for draft prospects and is also in agreement to sign.

Round 5, 148th Pick: OF Quincy Hamilton, Wright State University (OH)

While being drafted from current Astro Joe Smith’s alma mater, outfielder Quincy Hamilton is a left-hander with speed and outfield range. He is in agreement to sign with the Astros, while he slashed .357/.471/.452 in his final year at Wright State.

Round 6, 178th Pick: P Spencer Arrighetti, University of Louisiana at Lafayette

The Astros go home grown in the sixth round with right-handed pitcher Spencer Arrighetti. The Katy native attended Cinco Ranch High School and TCU before pitching at Lafayette. He also has an agreement in place.

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Round 7, 208th Pick: OF Joey Loperfido, Duke University

Outfielder Joey Loperfido is a tall, lean left-hander, who slashed .374/.473/.612 over 53 games in 2021. The Blue Devil is far from inconsistency, as his right-hander played some infield at Duke as well. He is also in agreement to sign.

Round 8, 238th Pick: P Colton Gordon, Central Florida University

While recently undergoing Tommy John surgery, left-handed pitcher Colton Gordon had a 2.77 ERA over nine starts this past season. The 6-foot-4, 225-pound hurler was the go-to starter top open series for the Knights.

Round 9, 268th Pick: P Aaron Brown, Middle Tennessee State University

The Astros add another Brown to the mix with Aaron joining other right-handers Hunter and Tyler in the farm system. Brown posted a 3.93 ERA over 103 innings in college, but made a huge jump in strikeout rate with 113 punch outs over 85.2 innings in 2021.

Round 10, 298th Pick: OF Michael Sandle, University of South Alabama

With the final pick of the second day of the draft, the Astros selected outfielder Michael Sandle. The right-hander slashed .311 with 11 home runs and was 15/16 on stolen base attempts in 2021.

Benefits of optioning Ralph Garza Jr. during break. dark. Next

High school players that choose not to sign would move onto to their committed college team. For already enrolled collegiate players, they could turn to another year of eligibility if available, if they were do not sign. Day three (11th round – 20th round) of the MLB Draft starts on Tuesday at 11 a.m. CT on MLB.com.