During the 2021 and 2022 drafts, the Astros selected players from Ball State University. In 2021, they selected Chayce McDermott in the 4th round. In 2022, they selected outfielder Zach Cole in the 10th round. McDermott was used as a trade piece to help win the 2022 World Series. Cole, now in Double-A, is looking like one of the Astros top prospects.
Cole put together a big 2023 season splitting time between Single-A and High-A. He posted a .869 OPS and had 20 doubles, 8 triples, 19 home runs and 37 stolen bases. He showed off the raw tools that helped him rank near the top 10 in the system.
Cole appeared poised for a huge 2024 season, but unfortunately, he started the season off on the IL (injured list) dealing with a hamstring injury.
“It was very difficult to start the year on the IL. Obviously wasn’t in the plan for this year,” Cole said. “But injuries happen and we have to do what we can.”
But through the stint on the injured list and the time he spent rehabbing, he was able to learn a lot about himself too.
“I’ve learned that some things are out of our control and we need to focus on the thing we can control, which is my preparation and attitude every day,” Cole said.
Cole made his season debut in May in the Florida Complex League playing in a few rehab games. On May 21st, he made his Double-A debut for the Hooks. Things were a little rough early on as he hit just .174 in 21 games in June. Though he quickly turned things around.
“The transition from last year to this level has been great,” Cole said. I love the better competition because it lets me know where I really stand and every level I move up presents a new challenge that I get to work through and over come.”
But Cole made some adjustments that paid immediate dividends for him. That turn around started in July, where he hit .317 with 6 doubles, 4 home runs and a triple in 16 games.
“The biggest change between the start of the year and now is the thought process while at the plate,” Cole said. “I’m analytical thinking which hurts me at times while hitting. Working with the great staff we have in our org has helped me create a plan at the plate without over analyzing things and getting in my own way.”
That turnaround really started on June 27th. In 26 games since that time, Cole has hit .314 with 11 doubles, 10 home runs, 26 runs batted in and 3 stolen bases. That is a 62 home run pace for 162 games.
While Cole has been showing off the bat, he is also an explosive athlete who will steal bases and provide plus defense in the outfield. A 10th round pick in 2022, Cole is now one of the Astros top prospects.
Check out this piece on Zach Cole too.
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