Series: Houston Astros Top 5 Outfield Prospects
By Ryan Simmons
Unlike other positions in our organization, the outfield positions have some great players making their way through the ranks.
First up is Andrew Aplin.
Aplin was drafted out of high school by the Yankees late in the draft, but opted for college. He attended Arizona State and was drafted in the 5th round of the 2012 MLB Amateur Draft.
In his short time with the organization, he’s put up some impressive numbers. Last season with Class A Lancaster, Aplin sported a .278 BA with 102 runs scored, 32 doubles, and 107 RBI.
It’s safe to say he’ll start 2014 in AA with potential for a mid-season promotion to AAA when a certain player… *cough* George Springer *cough* makes his way to the Majors.
Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
Next up is Preston Tucker.
Other than the players you’ll see on the next few slides, Tucker is the player that provides the most excitement to me.
He knocked in 25 home runs over the course of last season (between Class A and AA) while batting .297 with 103 RBI and 56 walks. That looks very good. So far he looks better than a 7th round pick from the 2012 draft. Keep an eye on that one. He could be the Astros version of Allen Craig (a Luhnow draftee himself).
Lastly, we’ve got Leo Heras.
Heras is 24 years old and started playing AAA ball in the Mexican League at 17. He was widely accepted as the best prospect to come from Mexico.
He was best described by FanGraphs in June of 2012:
"He has speed, power, and age on his side. Only 22 and ranking among the best hitters in the league, Heras is looking elite in a league that is 6 years older than him on average. If this is not the kind of player the ML exists to find, then who is?"
That’s the best possible description. I’d keep an eye on his progress as well.
These guys are all players to watch as they progress through the Minor League system… especially seeing as how a few of the players you’re about to see on the following slides could (and should) be called up to the Majors at some point this coming season.