Houston Astros Prospects: Player Comparison
By Jimmy Price
4. Mike Foltynewicz, RHP
Mike Foltynewciz was drafted with the 19th overall pick in 2010 out of high school by the Houston Astros. Folty is a big, flame throwing pitcher with fastballs that reach triple digits. His first full season of minor league ball didn’t go as planned but ever since then, he has been moving up the ranks. Folty also features a curveball and changeup as his secondary pitches.
2013 Stats, A+/AA: 6-3, 3.06 ERA, 129.1 IP, 106 H, 44 ER, 66 BB, 124 SO, 4.6 BB/9, 8.6 SO/9
Best Case Scenario Player Comparison: Justin Verlander, RHP (Tigers)
This is a bold comparison since Verlander is one of the best pitchers in baseball, but Foltynewicz has the ability. Verlander and Folty both are big right handers with power fastball/curveball combinations. In his career, Verlander has 134 wins, 3.40 ERA and a WAR over 41. This is a pipe dream, but Folty has a lot of potential to be an ace like Verlander.