Houston Astros hope draft pick is best Beer they’ve ever bought
By Kyle Cardoza
The Houston Astros found several key players in the MLB draft. And while many questioned their reasoning for their first pick in this year’s event, the front office likely knows what it’s doing. Will Seth Beer prove it?
The Houston Astros didn’t take risks in each of the past two drafts. Scouts praised Forrest Whitley and J.B. Bukauskas heading into June. Both were deemed top-20 picks.
Seth Beer wasn’t considered a sure thing. Maybe that’s why he was left on the board by the 28th pick despite where he was positioned in many mock drafts.
Nevertheless, general manager Jeff Luhnow and his scouting squad saw a silver lining in his game. The Clemson prospect can hit. And that’s all Beer needed on his resumé to convince the Astros to select him in Monday’s draft.
Beer’s OPS in his junior season was a hefty 1.098. He swatted 20 bombs in the regular season – fourth-most in the nation – and drove in 54 runs. The left-handed slugger also drew 18 more walks than strikeouts, which may remind fans of Joey Votto.
The pick is intriguing for a number of reasons. With left field and catcher being the team’s most unproductive spots in the lineup, the front office went with a pure hitter with no set position.
Fans on social media claimed Beer could slide into the designated hitter spot in the near future. However, it’d be naive to think the reigning World Series champions focused on reeling in a DH, especially in the first round.
Instead, Beer will surely do his best in the outfield in the minors. If not, he can spotlight at first base. As long as he continues to hit, any team will find a place for him.
It helps to know he’s excited to join the organization as soon as possible.
Who are Beer’s comparisons?
Votto was mentioned, but two other players resemble Beer in more aspects – Matt Adams and Kyle Schwarber.
No one praised either of the two for their tremendous fielding ability. Frankly, both have struggled in the field throughout their careers. Hence, both are not everyday players.
However, they have potential to smoke 400-foot blasts at nearly any ballpark with ease. And both are versatile enough to play multiple positions. That’s essentially what Beer looks to be at this point.
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If a National League team drafted Beer, he might have been limited, as Schwarber and Adams are. Of course, these presumptions may not be accurate in a few seasons if Beer develops well — or if he struggles.
Beer might even be better. Several college players possess raw power. Their discipline typically gets in the way of them becoming an above-average hitter. And that’s where Beer has an advantage.
Being Houston’s first-round pick, Luhnow and company must expect the lefty to unleash his maximum potential. If that happens, he could be compared to guys like Votto or Cody Bellinger.
Although, fans will see how well he can adjust to better pitching throughout the years. As always, it usually takes a season or two to gauge where a prospect’s development is.
Next: Can fans trust Ken Giles anymore?
But if Seth Beer can continue to translate his dominance at the plate into his new career, the Houston Astros will find a place for him – somewhere and somehow.