Astros: 3 prospects with best fielding tools per Baseball America

The Astros’ farm system might not be ranked high, but it stands with three of the best defensive tooled prospects.

The Houston Astros‘ farm system has been ranked near the bottom in the major-leagues by various news outlets, but there are a few bright spots lurking in the minor-leagues. From Baseball America, three Houston prospects ranked at the top of their position regarding defensive position in their respective league.

Triple-A West: Sugar Land Skeeters

Jake Meyers, OF

While now with the Astros, Jake Meyers was doing as much work with his glove as he was with his bat. The 25-year-old is a member of a select group, as he throws lefty and hits righty, while his counterpart, Chas McCormick, does the same thing.

Meyers was eyed as the top defensive outfielder in the Triple-A West, along with being the best batting prospect. The left-hander didn’t record an error over 499.1 innings in the outfield in 2021, while slashing .343/.408/.598 in 271 at-bats from the right-side of the plate.

Taylor Jones, 1B

Although falling to the 10-day injured list due to health and safety, Taylor Jones is scheduled to start a rehab assignment this week with the Skeeters. The right-hander tested positive for COVID-19, after slashing .306/.300/.571 in his previous 15 games.

The primary first baseman ranked top at his position in the Triple-A West, while also flashing the leather in left field. The 27-year-old stands as one of the last utility contenders for a postseason roster spot, while his return to the 40-man roster hasn’t been announced.

Low-A East: Fayetteville Woodpeckers

Yainer Diaz, C

While a piece in the Myles Straw trade, Yainer Diaz is proving to be more than just a throw in. The right-hander played all of his Low-A season with the Lynchburg Hillcats, before being assigned to the Woodpeckers by the Astros.

The 22-year-old was promoted to the High-A Asheville Tourists approximately two weeks after being acquired. While slashing .317/.356/.522 with all three teams this year, Diaz has been identified as the top defensive catcher in Low-A for 2021. Although older than most of the prospects at his level, the right-hander could be a darkhorse for 40-man catching depth in the next two years. Also, Diaz was awarded High-A East League Player of the Week on Monday.

Among other Baseball America analysis, top prospect Korey Lee ranked 92nd on the outlet’s Top 100 Prospects. The right-hander was recently activated from the 7-day IL, after missing close to a month of baseball in Double-A.