The Houston Astros made some strategic choices during the first 10 rounds of the MLB Draft, focusing on college players who have proven themselves on the field. With a preference for college performers, the Astros selected nine collegians and one high school player in their first 10 picks.
The team’s amateur scouting director, Kris Gross, expressed his enthusiasm for college players, stating, “We like college performers.” This approach aligns with the Astros’ strategy of selecting players who have already demonstrated their skills and potential at the collegiate level.
Among their picks on Monday, the Astros selected Jake Bloss, a graduate student from Georgetown, in the third round. Bloss had an impressive season, winning the Big East Pitcher of the Year award and falling just one strikeout short of a school record. With a fastball that reaches 97 mph and a strong pitch mix, Bloss is expected to progress quickly through the minor leagues.
In the fourth round, the Astros chose Cam Fisher, an outfielder from UNC Charlotte known for his power hitting. Fisher tied the Conference USA single-season home run record with 30 home runs and finished the season with an impressive .813 slugging percentage and 1.320 OPS. Gross praised Fisher’s power and described him as a hardworking player who brings his best to the game every day.
The Astros also selected Chase Jaworsky, a left-handed hitting shortstop from Rock Canyon High School in Colorado, in the fifth round. Although Jaworsky has a college commitment to Utah Valley, it is likely that the Astros will exceed the slot value for his pick in order to secure his signing. Gross described Jaworsky as a talented shortstop with innate hand-eye coordination and impressive athleticism.
Ethan Pecko, a right-handed pitcher from Towson, was chosen in the sixth round. Pecko had limited playing time during his two seasons at Towson but caught the Astros’ attention with his dominant performance in the Northwoods League this summer. With a fastball that reaches 95 mph and a slider that is considered his out pitch, Pecko has the potential to be a strong asset for the Astros.
In the seventh round, the Astros selected Joey Dixon, a right-handed pitcher from Stanford. Dixon has a four-pitch mix and attacks hitters with a three-quarter slot. Although he struggled with consistency during his collegiate career, Dixon has shown flashes of potential and possesses a fastball that reaches up to 96 mph.
The final three picks for the Astros in the eighth, ninth, and tenth rounds were Ryan Johnson, an infielder from Pepperdine, Jeron Williams, a shortstop from Toledo, and Austin Deming, an infielder from BYU. These picks address the Astros’ need for middle infielders in their minor league system.
Johnson is a versatile player who has experience at catcher, second base, and in the outfield. Williams was named the Mid-American Conference Player of the Year and led Division I baseball with 49 stolen bases. Deming had an outstanding senior season, posting a .663 slugging percentage and a 1.660 OPS.
Overall, the Astros’ draft strategy focused on selecting college players who have proven themselves on the field. With an emphasis on performance and potential, these picks have the potential to make a significant impact in the Astros’ minor league system and eventually contribute to the major league team.