Houston Astros Top Three Right Field Prospects (2016)

Houston Astros Top Three Right Field Prospects (2016)

The next position up is right field. As I stated about left field and center field, right field is another important position due to the impending free agents the Astros will have following the 2016 season. This list is headlined by a top draft pick and a low pick who has exceeded all expectations.

Lets get to the list!

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Houston Astros Top 3 Left Field Prospects
Houston Astros Top 3 Center Field Prospects

1. Kyle Tucker

Tucker, brother of current Astros Preston Tucker, was drafted by the Astros with the 5th pick in the 2015 draft out of high school. Kyle’s build is different than Preston’s as Kyle is tall and projectable at this point. Kyle has a smooth swing with great bat speed and the potential to add a ton of power from the left side. He runs well and could play center, but will most likely end up in RF. In 2015, he played primarily RF with Cameron in CF. He played in two different leagues in 2015 showing the ability to steal bases and put the bat on the ball. He has the potential to be a .300/30 HR outfielder. Tucker should start off at Quad Cities in 2016.

2015 Stats: 63 G, .246 BA/.294 OBP/.353 SLG, 12 2B, 2 3B, 3 HR, 33 RBI, 18 SB, 16 BB/29 SO

2. Jon Kemmer

Kemmer was drafted by the Astros in the 21st round of the 2013 MLB draft but has hit his way through the system. Kemmer is a stocky, left handed hitting outfielder who has spent time in LF and RF with the majority of his starts in RF. In 2015, Kemmer put together his best pro season hitting .327 with 28 2B, 18 HR in 104 games. Given his size, 6’2″ 220 lbs, it is reasonable for more power to come too. Kemmer posted the highest OPS (.988) in the Texas League and the third highest in all of AA behind Kyle Schwarber and Andrew Knapp, who both played nearly 50 less games in AA. In the second half of the season he hit .335 with 22 2B, 10 HR, 29 BB/44 SO in 61 games. He should start the season in Fresno and has a chance to contribute to the Astros very soon.

2015 Stats: 104 G, .327 BA/.414 OBP/.574 SLG, 28 2B, 4 3B, 18 HR, 65 RBI, 9 SB, 45 BB/89 SO, 174 wRC+

3. Ramon Laureano

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Laureano was selected by the Astros in the 16th round of the 2014 draft out of Northeastern Oklahoma A&M. He was drafted at a young age and made his Astros debut in 2014 as a 19-year old. In 2015 he played with Quad Cities, his first taste of full season ball. Laureano also played some center field but played primarily right field for the River Bandits. As a 20-year old he hit .265 with 15 2B, 4 HR in 76 games. Laureano has a lot of upside and could start in Lancaster this season. His walk rate (6.7%) and strikeout rate (26.4%) need improvement but he still posted a 114 wRC+.

2015 Stats: 76 G, .265 BA/.323 OBP/.415 SLG, 15 2B, 8 3B, 4 HR, 34 RBI, 18 SB, 21 BB/83 SO

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