Astros MiLB Position Review: Second Base
Now that the season is over we will review each position in the minor league system. This week we move on to the first base position.
Here are the previous position reviews:
TOP PERFORMERS
Jack Mayfield
Mayfield was the only guy who played primarily second base to have a solid season in 2018. Mayfield was signed as an undrafted free agent in 2013 and has made his way through the system hitting the ball at every level. In 2018 he played in AAA the entire season and had a .782 OPS and a 101 wRC+. He did rack up 31 doubles and 16 HR in 113 games. Mayfield looks to be a guy who may get the chance as a utility player in the MLB at some point.
2018 Stats: 113 G, .270 BA/.324 OBP/.457 SLG, 31 2B, 16 HR, 66 RBI, 33 BB/92 SO
THE REST OF THE PACK
Ryne Birk
Birk put together a really nice 2017 but followed that up with a disappointing 2018 season. In 2017 he hit .266 with 15 HR between A+/AA. His power basically disappeared in 2018 as he finished with just 1 HR in 116 games. Overall he had just a .579 OPS in AA.
2018 Stats: 116 G, .216 BA/.295 OBP/.284 SLG, 11 2B, 7 3B, 1 HR, 36 RBI, 13 SB, 42 BB/89 SO
Alfredo Angarita
Angarita is in the mold of other Astros minor leaguers as a guy who can play multiple positions. He played 2B, 3B, SS, LF and CF in 2018. Overall he hit just .241 with .620 OPS. He had 13 2B and 35 RBI while also stealing 11 bases.
2018 Stats: 96 G, .241 BA/.316 OBP/.304 SLG, 13 2B, 3 3B, 1 HR, 35 RBI, 11 SB, 37 BB/75 SO
2019 OUTLOOK/CONCLUSION
The Astros don’t have much at the second base position, but some guys will get forced their in the future as the minors get crowded. Hopefully next year we will start to see the young guys like Arauz and Sierra establish themselves, either at SS or 2B.
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**Photo Credit: Kiel Maddox**
