Houston Astros Draft Prospect Profile: Josh Lowe
The MLB Draft slowly creeps closer and experts have it pegged as one of the most unpredictable boards in recent memory. Prospects’ names are being thrown out from all different angles, some mock drafts having a certain player at #10 while another might have him at #40. Between now and June 9th, player names will continue to move up and down on different teams’ draft boards.
However, draft experts all seem to agree that Josh Lowe, a 3B/RHP from Pope High School in Marietta, Georgia committed to Florida State, will be taken early on Day-1 of the Draft. Lowe is one of the top 2-way players eligible for the draft, not only being one of the top power hitters in the draft, but also considered by experts to be the “best High School Pitcher to come out of Georgia since Zack Wheeler.”
Pitching
As a pitcher, his 6’4″ frame has scouts wondering what kind of success he could have as a pitcher, as Florida State also presents the opportunity for Lowe to pitch in College. He features a 91-93 mph fastball, hitting as high as 95, though his offspeed pitches would need a lot of work for him to have the ability to consistently throw them for strikes.
Hitting
Lowe’s brighter future though most definitely comes at the plate and in the field. As a left handed hitter, he makes good contact and his power is very raw and is put on display every time he hits, experts giving his power a rating as high as 70 on the 20-80 scouting scale. He is also a plus speedster, timed at a 6.57 60-Yard Dash according to Perfect Game.
Fielding
Lowe’s arm strength is a plus/plus tool, which could easily lead to Lowe being solid defensive player at the hot corner. If Lowe isn’t capable of playing solid defense at 3B, however, his arm has some scouts believing he could be a very good corner outfielder as well.
Signability
In terms of signability, the farther he falls the less likely he signs with a team, most likely taking his chances with Florida State. That being said, if he were to fall, it is very unlikely he would fall far enough to make his signability a question mark. There’s a legitimate chance he won’t be on the board when the Astros are on the clock to pick at #17, but there is still a good chance he could be available when the Astros pick. His power is enough to put him higher up on a team’s draft board, so he’s definitely someone to watch for on Draft night.
MLB Comp
A good player comparison for Lowe would be Nolan Arenado as both are power hitters who hit for a decent average. In the field, both are plus fielders, Arenado obviously being better in the latter aspect, and both have great arms that make them well respected at the hot corner. Going through the minor leagues, Arenado wasn’t a great defender but he improved every year becoming one of the best third baseman in the league.
Lowe would be a great addition to an already loaded farm system for the Astros, especially at 3B. He offers the ability to be a quick riser through the system, though Luhnow may want to take time to develop High School bats over an extended period of time, similar to that of last year’s #5 overall pick Kyle Tucker who is currently tearing up Low-A ball. If Lowe makes it past the first 16 teams in the draft, he should get a very long look from the Astros once they are on the clock. With Moran, Bregman, J.D Davis, and others among the candidates for 3B, he would have some tough competition, but in a few years could find a way to make a big impact on the club if he is able to tap into his full potential, whether it be at 3B or OF.
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**Photo Credit: Jeff Zelevansky/Getty Images**
