The MLB Draft is right around the corner, with the first and second round taking place on July 9th. The Astros look to add more weapons to the system. While the MLB draft is probably the hardest draft to try and predict, here is a look at a potential three round mock draft for the Astros.
Round 1, #28) Chase Davis, OF, Arizona
I know what you’re thinking… another outfielder.. but in baseball going best player available, especially in the first round, seems to be the best idea. Here, the Astros would be getting another top outfield talent in Chase Davis. Davis, listed at 6’1″ and 216 lbs, has big raw power from the left side. Scouts previously noted some swing and miss in his game but he cut down on his strikeouts in a big way (from 22.7% to 14.3%) over the last year. Scouts think he may be a corner outfielder, but his bat will play anywhere on the diamond.
Another Option: Jake Gelof, 3B, Virginia
Round 2, #61) Josh Rivera, SS, Florida
With the lower levels lacking infield depth, the Astros get a best player available and a need here in shortstop Josh Rivera. He is a 22-year-old senior who had a breakout year hitting .348 with 19 HR, 18 SB in 70 games. Due to him being a senior, the Astros might be able to get him to sign under slot in this position. Scouts note he has good raw power, which he tapped into this season, is solid defensively and should be able to stay at shortstop in professional baseball.
Another Option: Antonio Anderson, SS, North Atlanta HA (GA)
Round 3, #99) Alex Mooney, SS, Duke
Yep… another college bat and college shortstop. Here the Astros would get a shortstop who turned 21 just days before the draft. Mooney is a solid hitter and while he doesn’t have great power, he has enough to get into double digits, which is plenty for the position. He has above average arm strength and should stick at the shortstop position. Scouts noted that he has great energy and leadership skills, a good guy to add to the system.
Another Option: Michael Carico, C, Davidson
CONCLUSION:
I think we will see the Astros go heavy on college bats early again (like they did with Gilbert and Melton last year). Adding college talent is a need for a system that is still feeling the effects of the picks that were taken away following the scandal. Projecting the draft is tough, but the Astros will most likely identify some sneaky pitchers in the top 10 rounds. It would be nice to see them swing for the fences on a couple high school prospects again, like they did with Clifford in 2023. This will be Dana Brown’s first draft so we no clue how he will want to run it.
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