Houston Astros Prospects: Player Comparison

10. Rio Ruiz, 3B

Rio Ruiz is the Astros best third base prospect standing at 6’2″ and 215 lbs. Ruiz was drafted in the 4th round out of Bishop Amat Memorial High School, CA in 2012 by the Astros.Ruiz was a highly regarded prospect coming out of a high school but in his senior year of high school he had to have a blood clot removed from his neck, causing him to miss time his senior. He fell in the draft and many believed the Astros got a steal getting him in the 4th round.

2013 Stats, Class A: 114 G, .260 BA/.335 OBP/. 430 SLG, 46 R, 33 2B, 1 3B, 12 HR, 63 RBI, 12 SB, 50 BB/92 SO

Best Case Scenario Comparison: Eric Chavez, 3B (Athletics, Yankees, Diamondbacks)

Ruiz has drawn comparisons before for their size (Chavez is listed at 6’1″, 215 lbs), left handed swing, good defense at 3rd and both from Southern California. They both also can hit the ball to all fields and have a good knowledge of the strike zone. Over his career Eric Chavez averaged 32 2B, 26 HR, 92 RBI, .268 BA, 817 OPS per 162 games along with a career WAR of 37.0. If Ruiz became what Chavez was for the Athletics in 2000s, that would be a huge win for the Astros.