Tyler White to start at first base for Houston Astros

Tyler White, a non-roster invitee, impressed Houston Astros management to the point that he earned a spot on the 25-man roster to open the 2016 season.

The Houston Astros selected Tyler White in the 33rd round (977 overall) in the 2013 MLB Draft. From 2013-2015, Tyler White climbed from Rookie ball to Triple-A, hitting at every stop along the way. The two things keeping White suppressed in the minors are his sub-par defense and his draft position in 2013. However, despite being a career minor league player and not on the 40-man roster, Tyler White earned a non-roster invite to Spring Training.

Next: Travis Shaw named starting third baseman for Red Sox

At the beginning of Spring Training, the Houston Astros’ first base job was a three horse race, with A.J. Reed, Jon Singleton, and Tyler White all vying for the spot. The belief around Astros camp was that either Jon Singleton or A.J. Reed would secure the job. However, A.J. Reed finished 2015 at Double-A, so the Houston Astros wanted to see him hit more advanced pitching before giving him the call. Moreover, Jon Singleton did nothing to prove he deserved to start at first base, hitting just .151 with three homers.

With the Houston Astros sending both Reed and Singleton down to the minors before the new season opened, that left Tyler White with a spot on the 25-man roster and a chance to see the bulk work at first base to open the season. Tyler White dazzled in Spring Training, owning a .348/.446/.543 slash line, with two home runs and 10 RBI in 46 at-bats. Tyler White’s impressive 2015, mixed with hit hot Spring Training, led to him being seen as the best option at first base.

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In 2015, Tyler White split time between Double-A and Triple-A, and he showcased his plus hit tool for the majority of the season. Last year, Tyler White hit 14 home runs with 99 RBI; also, he managed to sustain a superb slash line of .325/.442/.496. With an OBP over 100 points higher than his already-impressive batting average, Tyler White has an advanced eye for the strike zone, which should bode well for his time with the Houston Astros.

While the Houston Astros did not state what type of role Tyler White will play, it is believed that he will receive most of the starts at first base. However, he will receive the occasional day off to give Marwin Gonzalez or Luis Valbuena playing time at the cold corner. Tyler White possesses average power for a first baseman, but if he can hit for average, he should be a valuable asset to a team that needs more production from their corner infield positions.

If A.J. Reed hits out of the gate in the minors, he should be knocking on the door for a promotion, especially since the Houston Astros gave him an extended look at first base during Spring Training. Tyler White does not have a long leash at first base, but if he hits for the Astros, the team found a diamond in the rough, with White being a former 33rd round pick in 2013. Tyler White might be one of the best stories in baseball heading into the 2016 season.

Look for Tyler White to man first base more often than not, and he could provide some hidden value in fantasy baseball leagues. Hopefully, Tyler White carries over his torrid Spring Training to the regular season. If so, watch out, because he could be an impact bat. If not, his time in the MLB might be short lived, with A.J. Reed seen as the first baseman of the future for the Houston Astros.

Next: Travis Shaw named starting third baseman for Red Sox

Tyler White hopes to help the Houston Astros clinch consecutive playoff appearances. The Astros improved during the offseason and should find themselves playing in October at season’s end. White hopes to contribute to the process.

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