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Houston Astros: Players with the best shot at bringing home hardware

By T.A. Mock

Altuve, Bregman, and Correa of the Houston Astros pose for a photo with their World Series Championship rings before the first pitch against the Baltimore Orioles at Minute Maid Park on Monday, April 3, 2018 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Cooper Neill/MLB Photos via Getty Images)
Altuve, Bregman, and Correa of the Houston Astros pose for a photo with their World Series Championship rings before the first pitch against the Baltimore Orioles at Minute Maid Park on Monday, April 3, 2018 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Cooper Neill/MLB Photos via Getty Images) /
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Houston Astros pitcher
Forrest Whitley of the Houston Astros (Photo by Joel Auerbach/Getty Images) /

Forrest Whitley, RHP

I could dive into a number of players for potential Rookie of the Year honors. By the season’s end, there could easily be up to a dozen rookies making contributions, depending on any injuries and ineffectiveness.

However, one man sticks out above the rest. Young Forrest Whitley is the cream of the crop when it comes to pitching prospects, not just in the Houston Astros system but in the entire league. He was one of the best prep products in his draft class and has proven himself beyond that.

Whitley has four legitimate pitches and the last is equally as deadly as the first. His fastball rests in the mid-nineties with capable ability to approach 100 with ease. His slider and curveball are also extremely dangerous. His changeup also bites and makes batters look foolish.

He didn’t make the 25-man out of Spring Training but with the majority of the pitching staff on the final year of their deals, he could be up soon to solidify the future rotation. Additionally, if any of the new guys to the rotation (Collin McHugh, Wade Miley, or Brad Peacock) falter, he could be up sooner rather than later.

light. Also. 4 X-Factors to help the team #TakeItBack in 2019

He will have some stiff competition from the league’s most exciting prospect since Ken Griffey Jr. in Vladimir Guerrero Jr. However, young Vlady has battled some injuries last year and already this year which could open up a window for Whitley if he makes it to The Show soon enough. This will be an exciting storyline to follow.

Honorable Mention: Kyle Tucker, OF

Of course, I’d be remiss if I ignored the other top prospect in the Houston Astros organization. Kyle Tucker, in spite of last year’s struggles, still has immense potential to come in a steal the show. Josh Reddick is beginning the season on thin ice and Michael Brantley is slated for some DH and first base duty so, the door could be wide open for Tucker.

If he is able to shed off the baggage and negative weight from last year, he could take the league by storm. His numbers in the minors (24 homers, 20 steals, 93 RBIs, and a .332 average) clearly show that. After dipping his toes in the water in 2018, 2019 could be his year to fully dive in. If he does, he could be the one trying to over take Vlady Jr as the favorite for Rookie of the Year.

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