Astros Prospect J.C. Correa Takes on a New Position

Astros’ infielding prospect, J.C. Correa, picks up a new position.

The Houston Astros‘ minor-league catching field has bolstered over the last three years with the additions of Korey Lee, Yainer Diaz and Luke Berryhill.

While once a system lacking major-league options in the near future, the Astros have more than three minor-league backstops making cases for promotions in the next two years. But with a blockage at the position, a known-name could be joining this group in 2022.

J.C. Correa, younger brother of Carlos Correa, is a middle-infielder in Houston’s system, playing his first season in 2021. Correa had previously been drafted by the Astros in 2018 and 2019, before signing in 2020.

Although most of the blockage at the middle-infield positions and at third base are higher in the system, Correa could be adding versatility with a latest report. The 23-year-old has been practicing at catcher this offseason, as he posted to his Instagram this week.

"“New era,” Correa said on Instagram. “God’s plan is perfect. Working hard like always and enjoying the process of my road to The Show.”"

Correa made his professional debut this season, starting off in Low-A Fayetteville. After slashing to an .869 OPS over 56 games, the right-hander got a promotion to High-A Asheville. Correa has been one of the most disciplined hitters in the Minor Leagues, too.

In that time, Correa played all infield positions with a majority of his innings coming at the shortstop position like his brother. While playing a few games in left field, too, the 23-year-old is displaying all levels of versatility to climb through the system.

Most Astros’ prospects have picked up innings in left field to add to their resume, but if Correa does play catcher in 2022, he will have played six of nine defensive positions in two seasons of Minor League Baseball.

An older prospect that hasn’t played past High-A, Correa is doing everything he can to make it to The Show.

A team can never have too many catchers, and the Astros have prospered with versatility like this in their history with options like Craig Biggio and Garrett Stubbs, who is more comparable to Correa than the Hall of Famer.