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Houston Astros Top 50 Prospects for 2019

While the 2018 Houston Astros failed to repeat as World Series Champions, there was no shame in falling to the buzzsaw that was the Boston Red Sox (questionable HR no-calls aside). There have been a lot of former FarmStros on the move since last season, and that, coupled with the breakout of several prospects, there is going to be a bit of a change in the 2019 Houston Astros Top 50. Kyle Tucker made his major league debut to less than stellar results, however that did not dampen his star in the prospect community. While the signing of Michael Brantley might delay the inevitable, Tucker will be patrolling the Minute Maid Park outfield sooner rather than later. In the same vein, Forrest Whitley should join Justin Verlander and Gerrit Cole sooner rather than later.

Minor League Affiliates

AAA – Round Rock Express – Pacific Coast League

AA – Corpus Christi Hooks – Texas League

A+ – Fayetteville Woodpeckers – Carolina League

A – Quad Cities River Bandits – Midwest League

SS – Tri-City ValleyCats – NY-Penn League

R – GCL Astros – Gulf Coast League



Prospects1500 Tiers:

Tier 1: Players with high expectations of both making the majors and playing at an All-Star level for a number of years

Tier 2: Players with an above average expectation of making the majors and being a solid contributor

Tier 3: Players with an average expectation of making the majors and being a solid contributor

Tier 4: Players who have the potential of making the majors, or have high likelihood of making the majors but providing minimal impact

Tier 5: Players who are worth keeping an eye on, but likely to never make a team’s 40-man roster



Tier 1:

1. Forrest Whitley, RHP

Age: 21 (DOB: 9/15/1997)

Highest Level: AA

Season Stats: 0-2, 3.76 ERA, 8 G, 8 S, 26.1 IP, 34 K, 11 BB, 11.62 K/9, 0.99 WHIP

Whitley missed the early part of 2018 due to suspension and only threw 26.1 innings after suffering through a couple of minor injuries. Impressed in the AFL and will be in the rotation in Houston at some point in 2019. Arguable the top pitching prospect in all of baseball.

2. Kyle Tucker, OF

Age: 22 (DOB: 1/17/1997)

Highest Level: MLB

Season Stats (AAA/MLB): 128 G, 471 AB, .332/.378/.537, 24 HR, 97 RBI, 54 BB, 97K, 21 SB

Tucker made his major league debut on July 7th and lasted just 64 AB. Appeared overmatched, but also had unsustainably low .176 BABIP. Still has miles of talent and potential and is still just 22. Will start in AAA, but should make his way back to Houston around the All-Star break.

3. Yordan Alvarez, OF

Age: 21 (DOB: 6/27/1997)

Highest Level: AAA

Season Stats (AA/AAA): 88 G, 335 AB, .293/.369/.534, 20 HR, 74 RBI, 42 BB, 92 K, 6 SB

Alvarez absolutely raked in AA (.325/.389/.615), but fell back to Earth in AA. Played mostly OF in 2018, but could be stuck as a 1B/DH going forward. Should spend all of 2019 in AAA, but will be in the conversation for playing time in 2020.



Tier 2:

4. Josh James, RHP

Age: 25 (DOB: 3/8/1993)

Highest Level: MLB

Season Stats: (AA/AAA/MLB): 8-4, 3.34 ERA, 29 G, 24 S, 137.1 IP, 200 K, 56 BB, 13.11 K/9, 1.09 WHIP

The biggest jump of all Astros prospects in 2018 was Josh James. James figured out how to combat his sleep apnea and saw an uptick in velocity to average 97.7 on his fastball. Ended the regular season on the big league roster and pitched his way to the playoff roster. Near lock to begin the 2019 season in the big league rotation.

5. Corbin Martin, RHP

Age: 23 (DOB: 12/28/1995)

Highest Level: AA

Season Stats: (A+/AA): 9-2, 2.51 ERA, 35 G, 25 S, 122.0 IP, 122 K, 35 BB, 9.00 K/9, 1.01 WHIP

Martin improved his command when arriving in AA. Has mid-90s fastball and plus power-curve. Should start the season in AAA with an eye on the Houston rotation in 2020.

6. J.B. Bukauskas, RHP

Age: 22 (DOB: 10/11/1996)

Highest Level: AA

Season Stats: (R/SS/A/A+/AA): 4-2, 2.14 ERA, 14 G, 14 S, 59.0 IP, 71 K, 24 BB, 10.83 K/9, 1.12 WHIP

Was finally able to take the mound for some meaningful innings in 2018. Has a plus fastball and ridiculous slider. Astros are continuing to work him as a starter (as they should), but weapons might play better in a relief role. Likely to start in AA, but could be on a bullet train to Houston.

7. Freudis Nova, SS

Age: 19 (DOB: 1/12/00)

Highest Level: R

Season Stats (R): 41 G, 146 AB, .308/.331/.466, 6 HR, 28 RBI, 6 BB, 21 K, 9 SB

Needs to improve batting eye (6 BB in 146 AB) but has good bat control. Elite defender should improve power as he fills out his 6’ 1” 180 pound frame. Still a few years away, but should start 2019 in short-season Tri-City.

8. Seth Beer, OF

Age: 22 (DOB: 9/18/1996)

Highest Level: A+

Season Stats (SS/A/A+): 67 G, 260 AB, .304/.389/.496, 12 HR, 42 RBI, 25 BB, 49 K, 1 SB

The Astros 1st round pick in 2018 (#28 overall) did nothing but hit in his professional debut. Finally found some resistance in High-A, but showed improvement toward the end of the season. Plays a passable left field, but could be more suited for DH role. Should open 2019 back in the Carolina League.

9. Bryan Abreu, RHP

Age: 21 (DOB: 4/22/1997)

Highest Level: A

Season Stats: (SS/A): 6-1, 1.49 ERA, 14 G, 7 S, 54.1 IP, 90 K, 23 BB, 14.91 K/9, 1.03 WHIP

Next to Josh James, no other prospect jumped lists like Abreu. Added to the 40-Man despite never pitching above A-ball, Abreu could be a fast-mover in the Houston organization. Should start in High-A with AA not too far off. Houston will pitch him as a starter for the foreseeable future.

10. Framber Valdez, LHP

Age: 25 (DOB: 11/19/93)

Highest Level: MLB

Season Stats: (AA/AAA/MLB): 10-6, 3.60 ERA, 30 G, 19 S, 140.0 IP, 163 K, 56 BB, 10.48 K/9, 1.27 WHIP

Valdez started the season in the Texas League and finished in in the largest city in Texas. Small stature (5’ 11” 170 lbs) could preclude a move to the bullpen, but will be given every chance to make the Astros rotation in 2019. Needs to improve command (24 BB in 37.0 IP in Houston).



Tier 3:

11. Myles Straw, OF

Age: 24 (DOB: 10/17/1994)

Highest Level: MLB

Season Stats (AA/AAA/MLB): 140 G, 525 AB, .291/.381/.358, 2 HR, 32 RBI, 74 BB, 102 K, 72 SB

Speed, speed, and more speed. Straw will always have a place on a big league roster because of his speed; made the Division Series roster for that reason alone. Plays great OF defense due to being able to get to the ball so quickly. Might never be a big hitter and power will be rare. Could end up 4th OF/pinch-running specialist. Will start the season in AAA

12. Luis Santana, SS

Age: 19 (DOB: 7/20/1999)

Highest Level: R

Season Stats (R): 53 G, 204 AB, .348/.446/.471, 4 HR, 35 RBI, 27 BB, 23 K, 8 SB

The prize of the Astros’ recent trade of J.D. Davis, Santana brings a boatload of talent from the Mets organization. Reminds me of another diminutive middle infielder in the Houston system that went on to become an MVP. Has the hit tool that will get him to the majors. Should eventually move to 2B. Should start the season in short-season Tri-City, but the full season Midwest League wouldn’t be out of the question.

13. Cionel Perez, LHP

Age: 22 (DOB: 4/21/1996)

Highest Level: MLB

Season Stats: (AA/AAA/MLB): 7-1, 2.33 ERA, 28 G, 11 S, 85.0 IP, 101 K, 35 BB, 10.69 K/9, 1.18 WHIP

Made his major league debut in 2018 after a brief 5.1 IP in AAA Fresno. Worked well out of the Houston bullpen in 11.1 IP and is currently slated to be the only LHP reliever Houston will have to start the season. Hard thrower with three plus pitches, could stand to work on his command, but improved in that regard between 2017 and 2018.

14. Jairo Solis, RHP

Age: 19 (DOB: 12/22/1999)

Highest Level: A

Season Stats: (A): 2-5, 3.55 ERA, 13 G, 11 S, 50.2 IP, 51K, 32 BB, 9.06 K/9, 1.60 WHIP

Prior to being shut down for 2019 with TJ surgery in late 2018, Solis lacked many of the intangibles that caused him to shoot up prospect lists in 2017. His command was the first thing that went as his BB/9 jumped from 3.86 to 5.86 and his K/9 dropped from 10.13 to 9.06.

15. Abraham Toro, 3B

Age: 22 (DOB: 12/20/96)

Highest Level: AA

Season Stats (A+/AA): 133 G, 474 AB, .247/.345/.435, 16 HR, 78 RBI, 62 BB, 108 K, 8 SB

Taken out of tiny Seminole State JC in 2016, Toro has not been one to hit for high average since becoming a professional. Really found his power stroke in 2018 with 35 doubles to go along with his 16 HR. 3B is pretty well set in Houston, but Toro could push for playing time as a DH in 2020. Will likely return to AA to start 2019.

16. Tyler Ivey, RHP

Age: 22 (DOB: 5/12/96)

Highest Level: A+

Season Stats: (A/A+): 4-6, 2.97 ERA, 24 G, 18 S, 112.0 IP, 135 K, 29 BB, 10.85 K/9, 1.03 WHIP

Ivey really came into his own in 2018. Showing a low 90s fastball with an average curve and slider. Does not repeat his delivery well which could preclude a move to the bullpen. Could be a valuable reliever in the Brad Peacock mold. Likely to start in the Carolina League, but could be in Corpus very soon.

17. Jayson Schroeder, RHP

Age: 19 (DOB: 11/14/1999)

Highest Level: R

Season Stats: (R): 0-0, 1.05 ERA, 7 G, 5 S, 18.0 IP, 18 K, 9 BB, 9.00 K/9, 1.22 WHIP

Admittedly low on Schroeder in 2018 midseason rankings, the Washington state player of the year pitched well in his brief pro debut. FB sits in the 92-93 range with decent offspeed offerings. Possesses the high spin rate that the Astros love. Will most likely start the season back in the GCL. Ceiling of #3 or #4 starter.

18. J.J. Matijevic, OF

Age: 23 (DOB: 11/14/1995)

Highest Level: A+

Season Stats (A/A+): 101 G, 383 AB, .277/.350/.538, 22 HR, 62 RBI, 44 BB, 113 K, 13 SB

Drafted as a 2B in 2017, Matijevic has been exclusively an OF in his pro career. Embarrassed the Midwest League in a brief showing in early 2018, earning the call to High-A after just 13 games. Combined 52 extra-base hits in 383 at-bats, Matijevic sees the ball very well. With a hot start to 2019, could be in AA before the All-Star break with an outside shot to end the season in AAA.

19. Cristian Javier, RHP

Age: 21 (DOB: 3/26/1997)

Highest Level: A+

Season Stats: (A/A+): 7-6, 2.70 ERA, 25 G, 18 S, 110.0 IP, 146 K, 50 BB, 11.95 K/9, 1.11 WHIP

Has dominated at the lower levels of the minor leagues. Repeated A-ball to start 2018, but was quickly promoted to High-A after just 11 games (7 starts). Improved walk rate, but decreased strikeout rate followed. Still a bit of an unknown, but should continue to climb the prospect ladder. Will turn 22 right before the start of the season and should begin back in High-A Fayetteville.

20. Garrett Stubbs, C

Age: 25 (DOB: 5/26/1993)

Highest Level: AAA

Season Stats (AAA): 84 G, 297 AB, .310/.382/.455, 4 HR, 38 RBI, 35 BB, 53 K, 6 SB

Stubbs put together a much better 2018 in AAA. Hit for average with an ability to find the gap. Might be a better defender in the majors, but won’t be embarrassed by his bat. Will start the season in AAA, but will be “first-man up” when catching depth is needed in Houston.

21. Rogelio Armenteros, RHP

Age: 24 (DOB: 6/30/1994)

Highest Level: AAA

Season Stats: (AAA): 8-1, 3.74 ERA, 22 G, 21 S, 118.0 IP, 134 K, 48 BB, 10.22 K/9, 1.31 WHIP

Bursting onto the scene in 2017, Armenteros shot up many prospect boards. An increase in ERA and walks brought his 2018 numbers more in line with his career lstats. Seems he has been passed on the prospect depth chart by the likes of James, Perez, and Valdez; and with Whitley and Martin waiting in the wings, Armenteros might be no more than “depth-in-case-of-injury” material. Conversely, he could fetch a nice return on the trade market for pitching-needy teams.

22. Alex McKenna, OF

Age: 21 (DOB: 9/6/1997)

Highest Level: A

Season Stats (SS/A): 44 G, 164 AB, .311/.394/.512, 7 HR, 28 RBI, 14 BB, 40 K, 6 SB

4th round selection in 2018 finished the season in the full season Midwest League. Hits for average and plays a solid CF. Could average 10-12 SB a year as he learns to improve on the basepaths. Should start back in Quad Cities.

23. Joe Perez, 3B

Age: 19 (DOB: 8/12/1999)

Highest Level: R

Season Stats (R): 4 G, 11 AB, .364/.500/.364, 0 HR, 0 RBI, 3 BB, 1 K, 1 SB

2nd round pick in 2017, but missed the season with Tommy John surgery. Started off strong in 2018, but spent the majority of the season on the DL. Hits when healthy. Needs to work on his glove to really move up the ladder. Health could become a concern.



Tier 4:

24. Brandon Bailey, RHP

Age: 24 (DOB: 10/19/1994)

Highest Level: AA

Season Stats: (A+/AA): 6-8, 2.80 ERA, 25 G, 17 S, 122.1 IP, 136 K, 52 BB, 10.01 K/9, 1.16 WHIP

The return from the A’s in the Ramon Laureano trade Bailey may be small in stature, but has the ability to flat strike people out. Another pitcher with a high spin rate the Astros can make work. Offspeed stuff makes FB look faster than it actually is. Likely long reliever in the future. AA looks like his home to start 2019.

25. Brandon Bielak, RHP

Age: 22 (DOB: 4/2/1996)

Highest Level: AA

Season Stats: (A+/AA): 7-8, 2.23 ERA, 25 G, 17 S, 117.0 IP, 131 K, 39 BB, 10.08 K/9, 1.15 WHIP

11th round draft choice in 2017, Bielak reached AA quickly thank to dominating the lower minors. Encountered first difficulty in AA, but impressed enough to earn an invite to Spring Training. Houston will continue to use him as a starter, but would be dominant in the back of a bullpen. Likely to begin the season in AA, but could move quickly as the needs of the Astros change.

26. Dean Deetz, RHP

Age: 25 (DOB: 11/29/1993)

Highest Level: MLB

Season Stats: (A/AA/AAA/MLB): 2-0, 1.23 ERA, 31 G, 1 S, 44.0 IP, 66 K, 24 BB, 13.50 K/9, 1.25 WHIP

Started the season late due to suspension, but made up for lost time rather quickly. Pitched to 0.89 ERA in 40.2 minor league innings while striking out 63. Was a September call-up and appeared in 4 games. Improved control will help Deetz hold down a role in a Major League bullpen sooner rather than later.

27. Jonathan Arauz, SS

Age: 20 (DOB: 8/3/1998)

Highest Level: A+

Season Stats (A/A+): 125 G, 437 AB, .229/.305/.373, 8 HR, 47 RBI, 46 BB, 74 K, 8 SB

A throw-in the trade the brought Ken Giles to Houston, Arauz profiles as a glove-first SS. Has improved pitch recognition at each stop in the minors.Offense could improve as he fills out. Has been young for almost every level. One worth keeping an eye on. Should repeat High-A to start 2019.

28. Heitor Tokar, RHP

Age: 18 (DOB: 10/25/2000)

Highest Level: R

Season Stats: (R): 0-1, 1.66 ERA, 13 G, 8 S, 43.1 IP, 35 K, 6 BB, 7.27 K/9, 0.76 WHIP

Big Brazilian (6’ 6” 256 lbs) pitcher that is very under the radar at this point. Sits 88-91 with the FB; generates ground ball outs due to extreme angle of the ball approaching the hitter. Also offers solid changeup and fringe slider.

29. Peter Solomon, RHP

Age: 22 (DOB: 8/16/1996)

Highest Level: A+

Season Stats: (A/A+): 9-1, 2.32 ERA, 24 G, 13 S, 100.2 IP, 114 K, 32 BB, 10.19 K/9, 1.09 WHIP

Yet another Houston pitcher in the low-minors that dominated his level. Fastball sits 92-96 with a plus curveball and slider. A pitcher that gets a lot of ground ball outs that should play well at Minute Maid.

30. Ronnie Dawson, OF

Age: 23 (DOB: 5/19/1995)

Highest Level: AA

Season Stats (A+/AA): 119 G, 446 AB, .258/.333/.428, 16 HR, 63 RBI, 45 BB, 130 K, 35 SB

Another player that can change the game with his speed. Had slight drop off in production in 2018, but still full of potential. High strikeouts and low walks show he needs to improve pitch recognition to succeed at the higher levels.

31. Ross Adolph, OF

Age: 22 (DOB: 12/17/1996)

Highest Level: SS

Season Stats (SS): 61 G, 232 AB, .276/.348/.509, 7 HR, 35 RBI, 21 BB, 52 K, 14 SB

Power is currently raw, but speed is plus. Upside of a 20-20 player. Will need to improve defensively to stay in center, but doesn’t profile well offensively if the move to a corner OF is necessary.

32. Nick Tanielu, 3B

Age: 26 (DOB: 9/4/1992)

Highest Level: AAA

Season Stats (AA/AAA): 105 G, 392 AB, .288/.336/.418, 9 HR, 59 RBI, 28 BB, 50 K, 3 SB

Tanielu is starting to reach the age where the dreaded term “organizational depth” gets used. He has hit well in every stop of his career. Likely bench player who makes good contact and doesn’t strike out much.

33. Jeremy Pena, SS

Age: 21 (DOB: 9/22/1997)

Highest Level: SS

Season Stats (SS): 36 G, 136 AB, .250/.340/.309, 1 HR, 10 RBI, 18 BB, 19 K, 3 SB

Pena was a 3rd round pick in 2018. Good defensive shortstop with little power in his bat. High walks and low strikeouts should service him well in the big leagues. Has above-average speed that can be a great weapon moving forward.

34. Ryan Hartman, LHP

Age: 24 (DOB: 4/21/1994)

Highest Level: AA

Season Stats: (AA): 11-4, 2.69 ERA, 25 G, 18 S, 120.2 IP, 143 K, 26 BB, 10.67 K/9, 1.08 WHIP

Hartman got little to no resistance in his debut in the Texas League in 2018. Solid fastball and cutter play well against his mid-80s changeup. Should have a good long role as a swingman with occasional spot starts.

35. Reymin Guduan, LHP

Age: 26 (DOB: 3/16/1992)

Highest Level: MLB

Season Stats: (AAA/MLB): 3-3, 3.68 ERA, 46 G, 0 S, 58.2 IP, 87 K, 32 BB, 13.35 K/9, 1.35 WHIP

Strictly a reliever at this point, Guduan looks like a player that will ride the shuttle between AAA and the big leagues for the foreseeable future.

36. Nathan Perry, C

Age: 19 (DOB: 7/7/1999)

Highest Level: SS

Season Stats (R/SS): 51 G, 154 AB, .214/.289/.344, 2 HR, 20 RBI, 16 BB, 33 K, 1 SB

If there is one position that Houston has weak depth, it’s at C. Perry is still young, but has good plate discipline (26 BB/47 K in 224 career AB) and has the potential to provide 10-15 HR as he grows into his 6’ 2” 195lb frame.



Tier 5:

37. Josh Rojas, UT

Age: 24 (DOB: 6/30/1994)

Highest Level: AA

Season Stats (A+/AA): 130 G, 480 AB, .263/.351/.408, 8 HR, 55 RBI, 68 BB, 89 K, 38 SB

Has the potential to be a Marwin Gonzalez-type player. Played every position except P, C, and CF for both Buies Creek and Corpus Christi. Weakest at 3B, but profiles well at other positions. Bat-first, but won’t be a liability defensively. Hardest player for me to rank. Could definitely see him moving up this list mid-season.

38. Alex De Goti. SS

Age: 24 (DOB: 8/19/1994)

Highest Level: AAA

Season Stats (AA/AAA): 125 G, 452 AB, .283/.335/.440, 12 HR, 62 RBI, 28 BB, 80 K, 8 SB

Primarily a SS, De Goti also played 2B and 3B in 2018. 16.2 K%, De Goti has a patient eye that should allow to be a serviceable utility player moving forward.

39. Brett Adcock, LHP

Age: 23 (DOB: 8/28/1995)

Highest Level: AA

Season Stats: (A+/AA): 9-5, 2.89 ERA, 25 G, 14 S, 106.0 IP, 95 K, 58 BB, 8.07 K/9, 1.17 WHIP

Lefties always seem to have the ability to hang on to roster spots; especially thiose that havbe the ability to make bats swing-and-miss. Command has been a problem in his professional career, but makes up for that with a .178 BAA. Like Rojas, a strong 2019 could see Adcock rise the prospect rankings.

40. Deury Carrasco, SS

Age: 19 (DOB: 9/20/1999)

Highest Level: SS

Season Stats (R/SS): 45 G, 144 AB, .243/.327/.368, 1 HR, 10 RBI, 17 BB, 44 K, 17 SB

Makes up for lack of power with speed and contact. Another dimunitive MI in the Houston system looks like he will repeat 2019 at short season Tri-City.

41. Carlos Machado, OF

Age: 20 (DOB: 6/5/1998)

Highest Level: SS

Season Stats (SS): 52 G, 194 AB, .304/.346/.412, 3 HR, 28 RBI, 14 BB, 26 K, 5 SB

A personal favorite, Machado has hit every year he has been in organized baseball (2015-18: .312/.362/.387). Solid contact hitter with good plate discipline. Power should increase as he fills out. Could be a fast riser in 2019

42. Kit Scheetz, LHP

Age: 24 (DOB: 5/18/1994)

Highest Level: AA

Season Stats: (A+/AA): 2-1, 2.24 ERA, 38 G, 0 S, 68.1 IP, 87 K, 17 BB, 11.46 K/9, 1.17 WHIP

The reigning “Best Name in the Astros System,” Scheetz continued his rise all the way to AA. Upper 80s fastball with an average curveball and slider. Could be a valuable bullpen piece as soon as 2020, depending on his season and the outcomes of several players above him. A dominant 2019 will absolutely move him up these rankings.

43. Chad Donato, RHP

Age: 23 (DOB: 6/3/1995)

Highest Level: A

Season Stats: (SS/A): 9-0, 1.62 ERA, 15 G, 12 S, 77.2 IP, 98 K, 22 BB, 11.36 K/9, 0.88 WHIP

Pitched to 0.00 ERA across 16.0 IP in short season ball, prompting a promotion to full-season A. Had a ridiculous August, 2018 (6-0, 1.23 ERA, 36.2 IP, 19 H, 5 ER, 7 BB, 46 K, .154 BAA) that put him on the prospect radar. Will turn 24 mid-season, so might be a bit old for the league, but has shown potential that could let him move quickly.

44. Enoli Paredes, RHP

Age: 23 (DOB: 9/28/1995)

Highest Level: A+

Season Stats: (A/A+): 6-4, 1.43 ERA, 24 G, 5 S, 69.0 IP, 90 K, 29 BB, 11.74 K/9, 0.91 WHIP

Coming back from an injury that ended his 2017 season early, Paredes is yet another Astros farmhand that just knows how to miss bats. Has a high floor and with a strong 2019 could work his way into the discussion as a future bullpen piece.

45. Jake Meyers, OF

Age: 22 (DOB: 6/18/1996)

Highest Level: A+

Season Stats (A/A+): 121 G, 421 AB, .278/.363/.423, 8 HR, 46 RBI, 51 BB, 83 K, 16 SB

Strong armed outfielder that is not afraid to use the bathpaths; needs to improve success rate (16 SB in 30 attempts).

46. Cy Sneed, RHP

Age: 26 (DOB: 10/1/1992)

Highest Level: AAA

Season Stats: (AAA): 10-6, 3.83 ERA, 26 G, 20 S, 127.0 IP, 114 K, 53 BB, 8.08 K/9, 1.36 WHIP

Has potential to move up this list, but might have hit his ceiling. Too many prospects above him to make much of an impact at the ML level. At least in Houston.

47. Akeem Bostick, RHP

Age: 23 (DOB: 5/4/1995)

Highest Level: AAA

Season Stats: (AA/AAA): 2-5, 3.67 ERA, 22 G, 16 S, 98.0 IP, 105 K, 37 BB, 9.64 K/9, 1.30 WHIP

Bostick has bounced back and forth between prospect/non-prospect for the majority of his career. This season just happens to be “on.”

48. Osvaldo Duarte, 2B

Age: 23 (DOB: 1/18/1996)

Highest Level: A+

Season Stats (A+): 132 G, 486 AB, .276/.336/.401, 7 HR, 52 RBI, 44 BB, 120 K, 21 SB

High strikeouts and speed have defined Duarte since he signed in 2013.Nothing special stands out; just decent across the board.

49. Taylor Jones, 1B

Age: 25 (DOB: 12/6/1993)

Highest Level: AAA

Season Stats (AA/AAA): 123 G, 452 AB, .281/.374/.480, 18 HR, 80 RBI, 61 BB, 124 K, 2 SB

Jones definitely looked the part in AA, but seeming hit a wall after his promotion to AAA (.210/.294/.378). At 25, will need to prove that the AA numbers were no fluke.

50. Corey Julks, OF

Age: 22 (DOB: 2/271996)

Highest Level: A+

Season Stats (A/A+): 125 G, 459 AB, .270/.351/.418, 10 HR, 62 RBI, 55 BB, 108 K, 30 SB

2018 numbers improved upon promotion to High-A. Makes good contact, but has high strikeout numbers. Good speed. Has potential to work his way into 40-man roster consideration with a strong 2019.