Houston Astros: Assessing the Draft Class of 2018

The Houston Astros found themselves in unfamiliar territory during this year’s MLB draft. However, they still made out like bandits with their selections!

Picking 28th in the first round was not going to be an easy feat for the Houston Astros. Regardless, the team used it to their advantage and got some really good young players. Here now are future stars that make up the Draft Class of 2018!

Full list of players can be found on MLB.com

* = Denotes highlighted pick.

1. Pitch Perfect

*Jayson Schroeder (Juanita HS in WA) RHP, Round 2, Pick 66 overall

Pitching was not the biggest premium of the Draft Class of 2018, despite what many had believed. Quite frankly, neither were the other half of the battery, the catchers.

According to a report put out by the Houston Chronicle, Jayson Schroeder possesses a mid 90’s velocity four-seam fastball that looked incredibly impressive to scouts. Perhaps, it is his 6’2″ 205 lb frame that helps the velocity get across. Even his off speed pitches still get near 80 MPH on the radar gun.

Schroeder was a commit to the University of Washington. With his selection value up near the million dollar mark, things could change for the young righty pretty quickly. We’ll have to wait and see what happens.

The rest of the pitching class appears to be very right handed heavy. One lefty that did make the cut was Johnathan Bermudez, a junior out of Southeastern U. He was drafted 702nd overall in round 23, which carries no pick value to it.

It is a mystery that the Astros did not go after more southpaws to take over for the undoubted departures of Dallas Keuchel and Tony Sipp. Lefty specialists may be the type of players they trade for. Further developments should arrive on this soon.

2. Hold Your Position

* Seth Beer (Clemson) OF, Round 1, Pick 28 overall

There’s the old saying, “A rose by any other name would smell as sweet.” Well folks, nothing can be sweeter than a player with the last name of Beer. I mean, the script just writes itself on that one!

The Houston Astros were incredibly position heavy this year in the Draft Class of 2018. Most especially, when it came to the second round. However, the round 1 selection of Beer has gotten the most attention. Not just for his name, but also, for his clutch hitting over the years.

First off, it helps that he is a lefty bat. With so much of the current lineup being right-handed heavy, getting left-handed hitters in the mix will be a huge asset. Brian McTaggart of MLB.com notes quite eloquently that Beer is an extremely disciplined and controlled hitter. Possessing a batting average above .300 and an OPS north of 1.000, this kid just may be up in the big leagues sooner than we think.

Our co-expert, TA Mock, agrees with this sentiment, as he pointed out in his recent piece on the youngster out of Clemson. The one thing I would disagree with TA on is his worse case scenario of Beer being a DH only player. Just ask someone like Evan Gattis, who although has done well lately, actually succeeds at the plate more when he plays the field.

Some players just prefer to take the field. I have every bit of confidence that Beer will want to as well.

3. Don’t Sell them Short

More from House of Houston

* Jeremy Pena (University of Maine – Orono) SS, Round 3, Pick 102 overall

Position wise, the Houston Astros took five catchers, seven outfielders, one second baseman and four shortstops in the Draft Class of 2018. In a way, however, the shortstop draftees might have their emotions toyed with, as Carlos Correa and Alex Bregman plan to factor in for that position at the big league level for quite some time to come.

Nevertheless, Junior Jeremy Pena just may be someone to crack the majors roster. The Press Herald in Maine highlights the 20-year-old as being speedy on the base paths with 10 stolen bags and a defensive gem at the position. Additionally, he is also a solid contact hitter, with a .303 batting average and a .393 batting average.

Next: What must be done to solve the Astros' glaring problem

Overall, the Houston Astros Draft Class of 2018 was a success. Here’s hoping that the new guys will help lead to more championships in the future for H-Town!

Home/Houston Astros