The Astros made eight picks on the second day of the draft. Below is a quick run down on the players.
DAY 1 and 2 PICKS:
Rd 11, #343) Jason Schiavone, C, James Madison
Schiavone is a 21-year-old catcher who put up a strong junior year for James Madison. In 61 games, he hit .284 with 18 homers, 9 stolen bases and a 1.020 OPS. He has a great arm and a quick pop with a good chance to stick at catcher.
Rd 12, #373) Ryan Verdugo, RHP, CSU Bakerfield
Verdugo struggled his first couple of seasons in college but turned things around in 2024 posting a 2.72 ERA with 93 K in 89.1 innings. The 21-year-old runs the fastball up to 95, but sits low 90s, and has a plus slider.
Rd 13, #403) Bryce Boettcher, OF, Oregon
Boettcher, listed at 6’2″ and 220 lbs, also played football for Oregon. The 22-year-old has his best season in college hitting .276 with 12 homers and 15 stolen bases for the Ducks. His playing time was limited until this year so there should be room for growth.
Rd 14, #433) Ryan Mathiesen, RHP, The Master’s University
Mathiesen was a two-way player at the Master’s University. On the mound, he struck out 34 in 25.2 innings in relief. As a hitter, he batted .400 with 12 homers. The Astros announced him as a pitcher.
Rd 15, #463) Drew Vogel, SS, Murray State
Vogel played four years for Murray State and had a breakout senior season as the starting shortstop hitting .331 with 20 homers and 16 stolen bases. He’s had some success in wood bat leagues too.
Rd 16, #493) Bryce Mayer, RHP, Missouri
Mayer started his college career at St. Charles Community College before finishing his college career with Missouri. In 2024, the right-hander struck out 57 over 53.1 innings.
Rd 17, #523) Ethan Wagner, OF, P27 Academy (SC)
Wagner was the first high-school pick for the Astros this draft. The 18-year-old outfielder is listed at 6’0″ and 215 lbs. and has a commitment to Tennessee. He hit .460 his last year for P27 Academy.
Rd 18, #553) Grant Burleson, RHP, Western Kentucky
Burleson pitched at Columbia State Community College before transferring to Western Kentucky. In 2024, the right-hander struck out 39 over 34 innings pitching mainly in relief.
Rd 19, #583) Twine Palmer, RHP, Connors St. College
Palmer is a big pitcher, listed at 6’5″ and 203 lbs. The 20-year-old had a good year for Connors St. going 10-3 with a 2.87 ERA, striking out 110 batters in 94 innings.
Rd 20, #613) Ky McGary, OF, Sandra Day O’Connor HS (AZ)
The Astros swung big here on McGary, rated by MLB as the #212 prospect in the draft. The outfielder has good pop and is a plus athlete, but has a strong commitment to the his hometown college, Arizona State.
What are your thoughts on the Astros draft class?
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