Now that the season is over we will review each position in the minor league system during the 2023 season. This week we will look at the second base position.
Previous Positions:
TOP PERFORMERS
Will Wagner
Wagner missed some time with injuries but when he was healthy, he was one of the best hitters in the system. In 53 games in Double-A, Wagner hit .309 with a .892 OPS. He earned a late promotion to Triple-A and went 15-for-26 in 6 games. Overall this year Wagner hit .337 with 20 doubles, 7 homers and a .938 OPS in 65 games. He will be one to watch next season as he is just one step away from the majors.
2023 Stats: 65 G, .337 BA/.420 OBP/.518 SLG, 20 2B, 2 3B, 7 HR, 38 RBI, 6 SB
THE REST OF THE PACK
J.C. Correa
Correa had some struggles this year as he played the full season in Double-A. He played in 100 games overall hitting .247 with a .645 OPS. He finished the year stronger though hitting .312 with a .809 OPS over the final 45 games. Overall he has 13 doubles, 6 homers, 46 RBI and struck out just 48 times.
2023 Stats: 100 G, .247 BA/.307 OBP/.339 SLG, 13 2B, 3B, 6 HR, 46 RBI, 7 SB
Dauri Lorenzo
Lorenzo made his full-season debut in 2023 and played the full year at Fayetteville. The switch-hitter hit .225 in 72 games and lacked power though, connecting on just 9 extra base hits all season.
2023 Stats: 72 G, .225 BA/.304 OBP/.286 SLG, 6 2B, 3 HR, 22 RBI, 1 SB
Kobe Kato
Kato started the year in Fayetteville hitting .667 with 7 walks in 6 games earning a quick promotion to High-A. He finished the season in Asheville playing in 82 games hitting .233 with a .676 OPS including 19 stolen bases. Overall, he had a .727 OPS with 22 stolen bases and 49 BB/54 SO.
2023 Stats: 88 G, .252 BA/.375 OBP/.352 SLG, 21 2B, 2 HR, 31 RBI, 22 SB
Sandro Pereira
Pereira made his Astros system debut in 2023 playing in the DSL. He posted a .884 OPS with 17 BB/30 SO in 43 games. He also picked up 10 extra base hits and 8 stolen bases.
2023 Stats: 43 G, .298 BA/.457 OBP/.427 SLG, 5 2B, 4 3B, 1 HR, 18 RBI, 8 SB
2024 OUTLOOK/CONCLUSION
The Astros haven’t had to worry about second base in a long time. With Jose Altuve continuing to perform, posting a 151 OPS+ in 2023, they will continue to be set at the second base position with the future Hall of Fame. Will Wagner is a really good prospect and should force the Astros hand in 2024.
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