The MLB Draft is right around the corner, with the first and second round taking place on July 14th. 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 four round mock draft for the Astros. Keep in mind, the Astros don’t have a second round pick after signing Josh Hader this off-season.
Round 1, #28) Jacob Cozart, C, NC State
Trying to plan out what Brown and company will do, in only their second draft together, will be tough. With the loss of the second round pick, and subsequent bonus money, I think the Astros may look to target a guy projected a little lower than the 28th pick. Going for a guy like Cozart won’t be a huge reach though. The 6’3″ catcher from NC State is ranked in the 40-50 range by both MLB and Baseball America. He showed a huge increase in power in his junior season slugging 19 homers with 54 runs batted in over 61 games. He possesses above-average arm strength and has a chance to stick at catcher at the professional level.
Another Option: Dakota Jordan, OF, Mississippi State
Round 3, #101) Connor Foley, RHP, Indiana
I see the Foley pick similar to the Tredwell selection, where the Astros are targeting a big upside, under utilized arms from college. The 20-year-old pitched out of the pen in 2023 but moved to a start in 2024. In 63 innings, the right-hander struck out 82 posting a 4.71 ERA. He has a big time fastball sitting mid 90s and running it up to 99. He also has a good slider and chanegup. He is listed at 6’5″ and 235 lbs but is a good athlete and if starting doesn’t work out, scouts think he can be a dominant relief pitcher at the next level.
Another Option: Jay Abernathy, SS, North Cobb (GA)
Round 4, #131) Brandon Neely, RHP, Florida
Yep… another college arm… with this selection I see the Astros going with another pitcher. They seem to like taking pitchers in the middle round, and appear to have hit on some good positions players internationally. Neely is a 20-year-old pitcher from Florida who oozes with upside. While he had a 5.13 ERA this season, he racked up 108 strikeouts in 79 innings for the Gators. His fastball sits mid 90s and has been up to 96-97. He also has a good slider and a solid chanegup. MLB notes he is a bulldog on the mound and his toughness on the mound stands out.
Another Option: Casey Cooke, OF, UNC
CONCLUSION:
I think we will see the Astros go heavy on college players again, after getting some solid returns from the high school guys last year. There has been some talk of them going high school position player in the first round, and that would be fun. 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’ve done the last few drafts.
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