Astros Future’s Minor League Guide For 2015

Mar 3, 2014; Jupiter, FL, USA; Houston Astros catcher Max Stassi (12) chases a foul ball during a game against the Miami Marlins at Roger Dean Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

Houston Astros Top 3 Catching Prospects

1. Max Stassi (DOB: 03/15/91)

Max Stassi was acquired in the trade that sent Jed Lowrie to the Athletics prior to 2013 season. While the Astros got some major league ready talent, a big piece of the trade was Stassi. He really put himself on the map last season when he hit 17 HR with a .277 BA in 76 games in AA. In 2014 he started in AAA but struggled to get it going. He hit .247 with 9 HR in 101 games. Stassi is regarded as a good defensive catcher as well. He had a cup of coffee in the MLB in 2013 and 2014 (.333 BA in 27 at bats). The catching position is still unsettled with Houston and Stassi could start the season with the big league club.

2. Tyler Heineman (DOB: 06/19/91)

Heineman was drafted by the Astros in the 8th round of the 2012 draft from UCLA. Coming out of college Heineman was regarded as a defensive catcher with a nice hit tool as well. In his first taste of pro ball he hit .358 with 26 BB/12 K for the Tri-City Valleycats. The next year he put together a nice season in Lancaster where he saw an increase in power with 13 HR. In 2014 he started the season with Corpus Christi (AA). While he season was somewhat mediocre (.242 BA) he played well defensively committing only four errors and throwing out 46 % of base stealers. You can also check out my interview with him here: Tyler Heineman Interview.

3. Jacob Nottingham (DOB: 04/03/95)

Nottingham was drafted 6th round out of high school in the 2013 draft. While he hasn’t played above rookie level he might have the most upside of any catching prospect in the Houston Astros system. Nottingham is a 6’3″ catcher who hits from the right side. He is noted as an aggressive hitter who could develop more power as he grows. He also has the tools to become an above average backstop. Last season he hit .230 with 10 2B, 5 HR, 28 RBI in 48 games.

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Roberto Pena (A+) – Pena is regarded as a very good defender behind the plate. Some scouts believe his glove is ready for the big leagues right now. Unfortunately he bat hasn’t caught up as much. Last season he hit .249 with 22 2B, 13 HR, and 54 RBI.

Brian Holberton (A) – Holberton is an advanced college catcher out of UNC. He has shown the ability to draw some walks and limit strikeouts but he is only hitting .245 in 122 games.

Jamie Ritchie (A-) – Ritchie was drafted in the 13th round of the 2014 draft. He was assigned to Tri-City and basically dominated. He hit .331 with 12 2B, HR, 24 RBI, 29 BB/26 SO in 47 games.

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