Who is the Astros’ MiLB MVP of 2017?
The Astros had some standouts in the minor leagues this year, but choosing just one will be tough. Therefore, I will give the readers a chance to vote for their MiLB MVP of 2017.
Let’s get to the list!
Kyle Tucker, OF
Tucker started the season with Buies Creek and hit .288 with 9 HR, 43 RBI in 48 games. He was promoted to Double-A and hit another 16 HR in 72 games totaling 25 HR on the season. He did all of this at just 20 years old. Overall he had a .874 OPS and a 141 wRC+ in 2017 and saw his stock rise up to one of the best outfield prospects in baseball.
2017 Stats: 120 G, .274 BA/.346 OBP/.528 SLG, 33 2B, 5 3B, 25 HR, 90 RBI, 21 SB, 46 BB/109 SO
Tony Kemp, 2B
Kemp has hit well at every level and though he was repeating AAA, he made it look easy. He finished hitting .329 with just 43 SO in 118 games. He also set a new career high in triples, homeruns, and SLG for his minor league career. He has also shown steady improvement in each year in AAA. He seems ready to get a legitimate shot with some MLB club.
2017 Stats: 118 G, .329 BA/.375 OBP/.470 SLG, 23 2B, 9 3B, 10 HR, 62 RBI, 24 SB, 35 BB/43 SO
J.D. Davis, 3B
Davis has shown power throughout his career and it continued in 2017. He started the season back in AA showing improvement before being promoted to AAA. In 16 games with Fresno he hit 5 HR and drove in 18 earning him a callup to the Astros. Davis has posted a 125 wRC+ in 18 MLB games. Moran was very good as well but played less than Davis due to the call-up and subsequent injury.
2017 Stats: 103 G, .282 BA/.345 OBP/.527 SLG, 23 2B, 26 HR, 78 RBI, 40 BB/108 SO
Jason Martin, OF
Martin was drafted by the Astros in the 8th round of the 2013 draft. Martin built on his 2016 season and made his way to AA in 2017. He started the season in Buies Creek and hit .287 with 7 HR in 46 games. With Corpus he hit .273 with 24 2B, 11 HR in 79 games. He lead all Astros minor league hitters in doubles with 35 overall.
2017 Stats: 125 G, .278 BA/.332 OBP/.487 SLG, 35 2B, 5 3B, 18 HR, 66 RBI, 16 SB, 39 BB/124 SO
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**Photo Credit: Tammy Tucker**
