Tyler White
Remember when White enjoyed a hot stretch at the beginning of the 2016 season?
Since then, he’s had difficulty becoming relevant again from an Astros standpoint. But he still has enough upside to turn his career around.
Gurriel’s ascendance into an everyday role player diminished White’s opportunities for the big-league club. Gonzalez’s breakout campaign last year didn’t do him any favors either.
Even in Triple-A, Reed held down first base for the majority of last season. Still, White has potential to make an impact because of his pure hitting ability.
He was a consistent producer at the dish in the minors last year. He also smacked 25 homers while hitting an even .300 and sporting a near-.900 OPS.
White fared decently in the MLB last season, hitting .279 with nine extra-base hits in 67 plate appearances. If Houston’s infield wasn’t so productive, Hinch might have given White an extended opportunity.
But, alas, it’s difficult being a solid hitter on a World Series champion roster.
White made strides in the power department in 2017, which could help his chances. He may not have reached Reed’s level just yet, but he did boast a .528 slugging percentage in Fresno last year. That was throughout an entire season as well, showing consistency.
The Astros don’t need upgrades offensively, and White isn’t necessarily an upgrade. But if he earns a chance to prove himself while filling in for Gurriel – if injured– or Gonzalez, he could run away with it.
However, it’s not a sure thing, even with last year’s improvement.