It’s About That Time: An Early Houston Astros Mock Draft
The MLB Draft is creeping closer, and the Astros have the opportunity to add an influx of talent into the farm system this year. They possess two of the top five picks due to the happenings of the Brady Aiken debacle last year, but we don’t need to discuss that.
Second Overall
Brendan Rodgers/SS/Lake Mary HS (FL)
I wanted Dansby Swanson with this pick, but the noise in the industry is that he might be the selection at number one for the Arizona Diamondbacks.
Rodgers, however, has been the consensus number one prospect for months now, and I’m more than happy to take him at number two. Rodgers is considered to be the best prep bat in the draft since…Carlos Correa.
He has lightning quick hands and absolutely mashes at the plate. He has speed, a strong arm, and a solid glove that will stick at shortstop. He has the ability to be a legitimate 20/20 threat from the shortstop position.
He might eventually push Correa over to third.
Fifth Overall
Dazmon Cameron/OF/Eagle’s Landing Christian Academy (HS)
I would be thrilled to get Daz Cameron at number five. Son of former big-leaguer Mike Cameron, Daz shows plus ability in four out of the five tools, with power being the only tool lacking. The Astros reportedly love Daz too. Jeff Luhnow was in attendance at his school’s playoff game last week.
He shows great instincts on the base paths, which undoubtedly comes from the tutelage of his father. He has great speed and has power to the gaps, just not home run power. Scouts say he will lead the league in triples one day and I can believe that.
Cameron has the speed and glove to stay in center field, but has the arm of a corner outfielder.
I’m not sure how I feel about adding two high school bats in the top five, as I wouldn’t mind adding a college guy that could fast track to the majors, but both Cameron and Rodgers are impact players that could be cornerstones of teams for years.
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Others Considered:
Alex Bregman/MIF/LSU
Coaches love Bregman. He’s the definition of a leader, he plays the game the right way and he’s talented. Bregman doesn’t have the size or arm strength to stick at shortstop in the majors and he’s roadblocked by Altuve at second base. I’m not one to draft based off of need in baseball, but when there’s alternatives that are just as good and the position he’s roadblocked at is your franchise player, I’ll make an exception.
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Kyle Tucker/OF/Plant HS (FL)
Ironically, Kyle Tucker is the brother of recent Astros call-up, Preston Tucker. Kyle has been linked to the Astros in the draft, but he’d be a bit of a reach at number five in my eyes.
Walker Buehler/RHP/Vanderbilt
Buehler would be the top arm available at number five and would be a solid selection for the Astros if they want to go pitcher. The buzz around the industry, however, is that the Astros want to add two bats with their first two picks.
Buehler touches 96 and sits in the 92-94 range. He has a dirty curve ball that could be a plus-plus offering at the major league level.
These are some early thoughts but who do you think the Astros will take?
We’ll have to see when the draft is on-deck next month!