The MLB Draft started on Sunday and the Houston Astros made three selections, adding some much-needed depth to their farm system. Keep in mind, the Astros haven't had a first or second round pick for the last two years because of the punishment handed down by MLB for the sign-stealing scandal.
The Astros used their first pick (No. 28 overall) to select Tennessee outfielder Drew Gilbert.
Ht.: 5'10" Wt.: 185 lbs Bats: L Throws: L
Gilbert hit .362 last season for the Volunteers with 11 home runs, 70 RBI, while slugging .673 with an OPS of 1.128.
Be sure to check out the video above as Gilbert's manager from Tennessee shares some interesting insight, as he was in person giving analysis at the draft.
With the Astros next pick, they selected left-handed Oregon State outfielder/infielder Jacob Melton at No. 64 overall. Melton hit .360 last season for the Beavers with 17 home runs, 83 RBI, while slugging .670 with an OPS of 1.094.
With the Astros 3rd pick in the draft (No. 80 overall), Houston selected right-handed pitcher Andrew Taylor from Central Michigan.
In Taylor's career at Central Michigan, the 6-foot-5, 190-pounder went 20-8 with a 2.45 ERA in three seasons. He recorded 261 strikeouts and walked 55 in 195 career innings.
All three of the Astros top picks are college players, meaning they might make an impact in the big leagues sooner rather than later.
The MLB Draft will continue over the next two days, with it coming to an end on Tuesday after 20 rounds.
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How Astros surging ace raises key questions about Houston's short, long-term rotation moves
Jul 25, 2024, 5:39 pm
It's no secret to Astros fans that the ascension of Hunter Brown is one of the primary reasons the team was able to rebound from a disastrous start to the season.
Astros manager Joe Espada has seen enough from Brown to start throwing around the word “ace” when talking about him.
Joe Espada on Hunter Brown: "He's having that ace feeling to him. We are expecting him to go out there and deliver what he just did. We knew all along that is in him and now he's starting to turn the corner. He's starting to have that swag where he knows 'my team needs a win.'"
— Chandler Rome (@Chandler_Rome) July 24, 2024
And it appears the biggest key to Brown's turnaround was mixing in a two-seam fastball to keep right-handed hitters honest. Brown needed a pitch that could command the inside of the plate, which allows his other pitches to be more effective.
We learned just recently, from Chandler Rome of The Athletic, that Alex Bregman was the one that suggested the addition of the two-seam fastball to Brown's arsenal.
Come to find out, Bregman often shares advice on how to attack hitters. Or he'll ask pitchers why they chose a certain pitch in a specific situation.
This just goes to show that veteran leadership can make a big difference. Especially on a team with so many young pitchers and catchers. Bregman was able to help Brown when no pitching coach could.
For Brown, this small tweak could be the catalyst that changes the course of his career. And the Astros season for that matter.
However, some will say the difference in Brown is more about confidence than anything else. But confidence only builds after repeated success. Nobody knows where Brown would be without the two-seam fastball.
Looking ahead
If the Astros do make the playoffs, where will Espada slot Brown in the playoff rotation? Framber Valdez has the playoff experience, so he'll probably be penciled in as the number one starter.
Justin Verlander (neck) still isn't facing live batters, so it's hard to count on him. Ronel Blanco has been an All-Star level pitcher this season, but he doesn't have any experience pitching playoff games for the Astros.
So it wouldn't be surprising at all if Brown is the team's number two starter. In all likelihood, whoever is pitching the best at the end of the season may get the nod. But it's fun to discuss in the meantime.
Finally, how does Hunter Brown's arrival impact the Astros' plans at the trade deadline? And how could that affect Justin Verlander's future with the club?
Be sure to check out the video above for the full conversation!
Catch our weekly Stone Cold ‘Stros podcast. Brandon Strange, Josh Jordan, and Charlie Pallilo discuss varied Astros topics. The first post for the week generally goes up Monday afternoon (second part released Tuesday) via The SportsMap HOU YouTube channel or listen to episodes in their entirety at Apple, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.
