Astros Prospect Stock Report 2021: Volume 5
Just like the stock market, prospects’ stock will go up and down throughout the season. Here is the Astros Prospect Stock Report: Volume 5. With the season winding down, I decided to list two hitters and two pitchers on the stock up side and leave off the stock down for this one.
Disclaimer – Being on the stock down part of this list does not necessarily mean the player is a bad prospect. More just noting the rough patch they are experiencing this season.
Previous Stock Reports:
⇑ Stock Up ⇑
Hitter – Shay Whitcomb
Whitcomb was the Astros 5th round pick in 2020 and signed for just $56,000. He had some good numbers in college but has really found his power stroke this season crushing 18 HR. He has also been a pleasant surprise on the base paths leading the Astros system in stolen bases with 27. The 22 year old has played 2B, 3B and SS this year showing off his versatility on the infield. His stock will continue to rise if he continues to show off the power/speed combination.
2021 Stats: 84 G, .287 BA/.362 OBP/.504 SLG, 19 2B, 18 HR, 62 RBI, 27 SB, 132 wRC+
Hitter – Justin Dirden
Dirden was signed as an undrafted free agent following the 2020 draft. He had some great college numbers and so far his success has translated to professional ball. He started the year in Fayetteville and hit .267 with a .936 OPS. He got promoted to High-A and is hitting .310 with .945 OPS in 18 games. Overall he has a 151 wRC+ with. 15.2 BB% and a .258 ISO. A great season for him and one prospect to keep an eye on moving forward.
2021 Stats: 76 G, .277 BA/.404 OBP/.535 SLG, 17 2B, 4 3B, 14 HR, 56 RBI, 10 SB, 151 wRC+
Pitcher – Misael Tamarez
Tamarez has put together a really strong season and has seen his stock rise a ton. But he has been even more dominant recently. Over his last six outings he has a 1.57 ERA with 48 K in 28.2 innings. Thats good for 15.0 K/9 and a 44.0 K%. Overall this season he has a 3.68 ERA with 86 K in 58.2 innings, and is doing it at just 21 years old. With a high 90s fastball and solid changeup and slider, he should continue to see his stock soar.
2021 Stats: 15 G, 3.68 ERA, 58.2 IP, 41 H, 24 ER, 30 BB, 86 K, 13.2 K/9, 34.7 K%
Pitcher – Jonathan Bermudez
Bermudez was drafted in the 23rd round of the 2018 draft and has arguably been the best pitcher in the Astros system this season. He started the year in Corpus Christi and had a 3.32 ERA (2.83 FIP) with 21 BB/106 K in 78.2 innings. He has since been promoted to AAA and has been even better in two outings striking out 13 over 8.2 innings and allowing just 1 earned run. Bermudez should have an opportunity to make his major league debut sooner rather than later if he continues performing at this level.
2021 Stats: 20 G, 3.09 ERA/2.72 FIP, 87.1 IP, 77 H, 30 ER, 23 BB, 119 K, 12.3 K/9, 26.6 K-BB%
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**Photo Credit: Joe Dwyer**
