Looking at the Astros 2020 Draft class a year later…
The 2020 draft was very interesting for everyone involved. Due to COVID, the draft was limited to just 5 rounds. The college baseball season was cut short with most teams playing just a handful of games. So while the clubs had some information on prospects, it was nothing like a normal draft year. The Astros scouting department has shown their ability to find some diamonds in the rough and you will see some below. Let’s take a look at the draftees in 2020 and some of the guys they signed as UDFAs. Remember, the Astros did not have a first or second round pick due to the scandal but did receive a compensation pick (#72) overall for the loss of Gerrit Cole.
Rd 2, #72) Alex Santos, RHP, Mount St. Michael HS (NY)
Santos was drafted by the Astros with the compensation pick received when Cole signed with New York. Santos is a great athlete at 6-4, 194 lbs. He has a mid 90s fastball and showed off his talent this year pitched for Fayetteville at just 19 years old. The righty posted a 3.46 ERA with 48 K in 41.2 innings.
Rd 3, #101) Tyler Brown, RHP, Vanderbilt University
Brown was a dominant reliever in college and the Astros have since moved him to starter. He had some ups and downs this year but posted great striking out numbers striking out 108 in just 90.2 innings. He flashed his potential as a starter, including striking out 7 over 6.2 innings in his final start of the season.
Rd 4, #131) Zach Daniels, OF, University of Tennessee
In the 4th the Astros took a high upside college outfielder in Daniels. He struggled his first couple years in college but put together a solid 2020 before COVID cancelled the season. He has loud tools and showed them a bit this year with 9 HR, 22 SB but posted just a .700 OPS between Low-A and High-A.
Rd 5, #160) Shay Whitcomb, SS, University of California, San Diego
Whitcomb had a solid college career and signed for just $56,000. Don’t let the bonus fool you though as he can play. The 6-3 righty split time between Low-A and High-A this year and slashed .293/.363/.530 with 23 HR, 30 SB. He played all over the infield showing off his versatility. Next year in AA will be a good challenge for him.
UNDRAFTED FREE AGENTS
J.C. Correa, INF, Lamar University
Some thought this was a courtesy signing because of Carlos but J.C. can freaking play. He started the year in Low-A and hit .306 with 19 2B in 56 games before being promoted to High-A where he hit .314 in 45 games. Overall he slashed .310/.368/.464 with 32 2B, 9 HR this season.
Jimmy Endersby, RHP, Cal State University-Fullerton
Endersby had his choice of all 30 teams and chose to sign with the Astros. It appears he made the right choice as he had a successful first season making it up to Double-A. Overall he posted a 3.90 ERA with 110 K in 97 innings. Walks were a little high, but definitely a solid first season.
Jonathan Sprinkle, RHP, University of Central Missouri
Sprinkle put up some unreal numbers in college in relief striking out 110 in just 63.1 innings between 2019 and 2020. This year in the system he showed some of those insane strike out numbers punching out 79 in just 44 innings. He also allowed just 24 hits. The walks were there early on, but Sprinkle started mowing guys down as he moved up to Double-A. Read more here.
Justin Dirden, OF, SE Missouri State
Dirden had some great numbers at SE Missouri State including a hot start to 2020 before COVID hit. He is looking like a steal after his performance this year. Between Low-A and High-A he slashed .274/.397/.537 with 18 2B, 6 3B, 15 HR, 10 SB. He has power, draws walks, has some speed. Definitely one to watch.
Cesar Gomez, RHP, UT Arlington
Gomez pitched primarily in relief at UT Arlington but the Astros saw something in him and signed him. This season he split time between Low-A and High-A posting a 5.82 ERA but striking out 76 in 86.2 innings.
Kyle Gruller, RHP, Houston Baptist University
In college, Gruller had some nice numbers including strikeouts but the walks were a little high. This continued in the Astros system. In his first year in the system he a 4.30 ERA striking out 37 in 29.1 innings but he walked 24.
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**Photo Credit: Joe Dwyer**
