Astros have 1 of the 30 hottest pitching prospects

Recently, MLB Pipeline recently released a list of the hottest pitching prospects for each organization. The list sports big-time prospect names like Grayson Rodriguez of the Baltimore Orioles and Matthew Liberatore of the St. Louis Cardinals.

However, there are several lesser known names who are making waves at every level of the minor league system including Astro Chayce McDermott.

Chayce McDermott was a supplemental fourth-round pick (that the Houston Astros got for losing George Springer in free agency) out of Ball State University last July. The right-hander brings quality stuff to the organization. While he’s been primarily a starter throughout the career, some scouts have noted that McDermott might be better suited for a relief role.

McDermott has a fastball that averages around 93-94 MPH, even topping out at 98 MPH at times. He also wields an above-average 12-to-6 curveball and a slider in the low-to-mid 80’s. Both breaking pitches have room for improvement. However, he is already showing flashes of serious swing and miss potential.

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McDermott spent his collegiate years at Ball State. Before the 2018 season, McDermott was sidelined for the season for Tommy John surgery. However, he hasn’t let that slow him down. In the 2021 season, alone, the right-hander posted a fiery 8-2 record with a 3.05 ERA and125 strikeouts, while averaging 13.61 strikeouts-per-nine for the Ball State Cardinals.

Since joining the Astros’ organization in mid-August, he has kept that same energy. Over 21.1 innings pitched for the Low-A Fayetteville Woodpeckers, McDermott, struck out forty batters with a 2.95 ERA and a 1.08 WHIP.

The Astros have proven time and time again that they are able to develop the less-heralded players into quality Major League-ready players. Chayce McDermott is poised to have a solid career, should he continue to develop at this trajectory. He’s definitely a player that you will want to keep an eye on as his career progresses.

Last Thursday, the Astros reeled in right-handed pitchers Normar Torres (18-year-old) and Hector Cuevas (20-years-old) to minor-league contracts. The two were assigned to the DSL Astros today. Tyler Ivey is reportedly scheduled to continue his rehab assignment with a start for Triple-A Sugar Land on Friday.