Houston Astros: Who could be the team’s first draft pick?
By Kyle Cardoza
Plenty of outfielders to target
Seven different players have surveyed the outfield for the Astros this season, which isn’t necessarily a surprise. Nine different guys played at least one game in right field last year.
However, much of the team’s instability revolves around left field. Moreover, the one guy that provides the most value in that position – Marwin Gonzalez – is a free agent in November.
That opens up opportunities for high-level prospects like Kyle Tucker and Yordan or younger veterans, such as Tony Kemp. Houston already has a handful of outfielders in among its top-30 prospects. But no team can complain of having too many dependable players.
Hence, the front office may key in on one of the following guys to enhance its future outfield unit.
Nick Schnell, Roncalli High School (Indiana)
If Schnell is dissatisfied with where a team selects him, he has a stellar backup option at Louisville. But the former Indiana Player of the Year has a bat worth deploying.
Most scouts do not reference one thing Schnell is absolutely fantastic in. Instead, they praise his consistency at the plate an in the field.
A left-handed hitter, Schnell possesses top-tier bat speed and average power. But that’s with his slim 6-foot-2, 180-pound frame. Once he develops, he can add muscle to his game and no longer rely on his ability as a gap hitter for extra-base hits.
And if any Astros team ever needs a suitable garbage-time pitcher, the guy can toss a low-90s heater.
Steele Walker, Oklahoma University
Walker’s name alone epitomizes an outfielder from the South. But half of his name provides an accurate portrayal of his abilities – unfortunately, the other does not.
The junior possesses decent power for his size. He posted consistent numbers at the dish across the previous two seasons, contributing 55 extra-base hits – 21 bombs – in 438 at-bats.
Ironically, Walker’s plate discipline earns him recognition.
He drew 31 walks this season while striking out 48 times. Both his walks and strikeouts increased throughout each season, which is intriguing, nonetheless.
Though he boasts an average arm and decent speed, Walker is praised more for his IQ. Scouts believe he will be most successful in left field, arguably the Astros’ shallowest position.
Connor Scott, Plant High School (Florida)
Houston is familiar with Plant High School, as it is where top prospect Kyle Tucker hails from. Tucker has developed with much alacrity. But who knows if lightning will strike twice.
Scott ranks among the top outfielders in this year’s class, primarily because he is the complete package. Few guys in today’s game possess the skill set to succeed as a five-tool star.
The high school senior is considerably showing the most upside to be an all-around contributor. And most of the excitement involves his blinding speed.
Scott is an above-average defender with a heck of an arm. But his hitting ability is probably the least exciting aspect of his game.
Still, plenty of hitting coaches can turn a 6-foot-4, left-handed hitter, into a consistent producer. With exceptional fielding ability, Scott can become a great producer for any team.
Alek Thomas, Mount Carmel High School (Illinois)
Opposing high school pitchers ultimately had little chance to spoil Thomas’ resumé when they faced him this year. The outfielder crushed the ball in his final year, sporting a .419/.503/.750 slash.
That’s downright scary.
It’s evident that Thomas can hit the ball. He is primarily a line-drive hitting expert, which is something Astros fans enjoy seeing. While undersized, Thomas makes up for it with his discipline and bat speed. He struck out five times this year in 149 plate appearances.
The skepticism lies in his fielding ability. Although he made just one error in his final season, he lacks arm strength. Scouts claim he can survive as a center fielder because of his decent speed, but that may be his biggest test once following the draft.