2018 Draft

[Jacksonian]

We have a month to go.  Astros pick at 28, 66, 102, and then every thirty spots.  As of April 30 Mayo has the Astros picking a high school outfielder.

[Jacksonian]

https://www.mlb.com/news/college-players-lead-in-mlb-mock-draft/c-276190214?tid=151437456

Callis has the Astros looking a high school outfielders.  This one went to the same school as Tucker.

[Reuben]

https://www.mlb.com/news/college-players-lead-in-mlb-mock-draft/c-276190214?tid=151437456

Callis has the Astros looking a high school outfielders.  This one went to the same school as Tucker.

Connor Scott. That's the same kid Mayo had to the Astros in his mock.

Callis throws out several other names, including a switch-hitting, ambidextrous catcher, Anthony Seigler.

[Col. Sphinx Drummond]

Connor Scott. That's the same kid Mayo had to the Astros in his mock.

Callis throws out several other names, including a switch-hitting, ambidextrous catcher, Anthony Seigler.

Does he switch gloves and throws lefty against a left-handed batter?

[Col. Sphinx Drummond]

Does he switch gloves and throws lefty against a left-handed batter?

When no one responded to my query immediately, I remembered that I was on the internet and could do a generic web search and find the answer myself. Seigler, as a pitcher, pitched both ways from the mound but catches strictly as a righty.

[austro]

Seigler, as a pitcher, pitched both ways from the mound but catches strictly as a righty.

How many lefty throwing catchers are there? I can't think of any. Do they even manufacture catchers gloves for lefties? Should "catchers" be possessive? If so, singular or plural?

[Col. Sphinx Drummond]

How many lefty throwing catchers are there? I can't think of any. Do they even manufacture catchers gloves for lefties? Should "catchers" be possessive? If so, singular or plural?

Very few, almost non-existent. They do make gloves for lefties.

[Reuben]

How many lefty throwing catchers are there? I can't think of any. Do they even manufacture catchers gloves for lefties? Should "catchers" be possessive? If so, singular or plural?

I think Bennie Distefano was the last lefty thrower to appear at catcher in MLB at all, and that was back in 1989 for 3 games, 6 total innings. I read a NYT article from years ago with some baseball folks claiming there's no good reason a lefty couldn't play catcher. It certainly seems to be discouraged though. The throws to 2B and 3B with a RHB in the box would obviously be the biggest drawback.

edit:Here's the article. Maybe I've posted it here before?

Interestingly enough,
"But the primary problem Distefano encountered was with plays at home. Because his glove was on his right hand, every accurate throw to the runner’s side of the plate would have to be reached for backhanded, impeding a quick tag."

[Jacksonian]

Mayo's latest mock has a high school 3B.  That's contrary to Luhnow's entire draft history for a first round pick.

[moriartp]

Another element of their draft history to keep in mind is their preference for young hitters (relative to their level) over older hitters. If a mock has them connected to a guy older than average for his class, I wouldn't take that connection seriously. I haven't looked into anyone's age yet though.

[Reuben]

Mayo's latest mock has a high school 3B.  That's contrary to Luhnow's entire draft history for a first round pick.

Although Rio Ruiz got 1st-round money, and Joe Perez wasn't too far from there. But yes, it seems in general if he's going for a HS hitter, he wants someone with more defensive upside, like a Cameron or Tucker. Is that what you mean?

[Jacksonian]

Although Rio Ruiz got 1st-round money, and Joe Perez wasn't too far from there. But yes, it seems in general if he's going for a HS hitter, he wants someone with more defensive upside, like a Cameron or Tucker. Is that what you mean?

Not exactly.  Nearly every first round pick that Luhnow has supervised, going back to the Cardinals, has been an up the middle player.  Wallace and Cox for the Cards and Tucker are the exceptions.  Note the college third basemen were flops.

[Jacksonian]

Callis now thinks high school center fielder.

[Jacksonian]

Mayo's newest mock is a high school catcher.  This is again in line with Luhnow's history.  I am also expecting a high school up the middle player to be drafted at 28.

[Reuben]

BA’s Friday mock throws a curveball, HS 1B Triston Casas:

“Casas’ power fits in the first round, but his profile makes it a bit more tough to find an obvious landing spot if he doesn’t go No. 13 to the Marlins. The Yankees make some sense as well, but if he’s on the board here the Astros might fall in love with his gaudy exit velocity numbers.”

I’ve seen previous names like Naylor, Gilbert, Walker all over the 2bd half of the first round. I think no one knows what’s gonna happen. But I, too, would be surprised if the Astros take a 1Bman.

[Reuben]

mlb.com with a Monday morning mock. Mayo has Astros getting Noah Naylor (HS C), "some see him as one of the best pure high school bats in the class". Callis has them getting Connor Scott (HS OF from the Tuckers' school), "a high school bat who slides is the best option for Houston."

[jbm]

Dude can slide?  Sounds like a steal late in the first.

[OregonStrosFan]

Go 'Stros!

[Jacksonian]

Seth Beer.  A collegiate first baseman/outfielder out of Clemson.  I’m a bit surprised at a corner college player at this point.  Definitely a departure from the Luhnow norm.  If he doesn’t hit for both high average and high power this is a miss because he has little defensive value.  If he does hit he’s your #4 hitter for a decade.

[jbm]

Damn, folks fall asleep?

Seth Beer, Clemson, BL, TR.

OF, 1B or DH projection in pros. Callis being a total wet blanket on him.

[Astros Fan in Big D]

Destined to be the most popular Astros Jersey of all time.

[VirtualBob]

Destined to be the most popular Astros Jersey of all time.

No doubt!

[Fynn]

Seth Beer.  A collegiate first baseman/outfielder out of Clemson.  I’m a bit surprised at a corner college player at this point.  Definitely a departure from the Luhnow norm.  If he doesn’t hit for both high average and high power this is a miss because he has little defensive value.  If he does hit he’s your #4 hitter for a decade.

We already have one AJ Reed, don't we?

[Jacksonian]

We already have one AJ Reed, don't we?

I would think that would be the floor.  Freeman would be the ceiling.  We'll know in a few years.

[austro]

I want to know how St. Louis qualifies for a "competitive balance" pick. I know it's based on (purported) market size, but I'm suspicious of some funny accounting here.

[juliogotay]

I would think that would be the floor.  Freeman would be the ceiling.  We'll know in a few years.

If he doesn't make it in the big-time he would be a hit in the Beer leagues.

[Astros Fan in Big D]

I want to know how St. Louis qualifies for a "competitive balance" pick. I know it's based on (purported) market size, but I'm suspicious of some funny accounting here.

Maybe they hacked into the MLB draft spreadsheet.

[Jacksonian]

Round 2: Jayson Schroeder.  Big armed right handed pitcher.  He’s committed to Washington.

[moriartp]

Reminds me of the Wade/Heck years when it felt like they always went for a HS RHP in rounds 1S or 2 (Lyles, Bushue, Velasquez, Houser).

[Jacksonian]

Reminds me of the Wade/Heck years when it felt like they always went for a HS RHP in rounds 1S or 2 (Lyles, Bushue, Velasquez, Houser).

Ouch

[jbm]

Beer Stats at Clemson  (Sorry for the shitty formatting, don't know how to make it right.)

Year               AVG    OBP    SLG            OPS    GP    AB    R    H    2B    3b    HR    RBI    HP    BB    SO    SB    CS
2016          .369    .535    .700    1.235    62    203    57    75    13    0    18    70    15    62    27    1    0
2017          .298    .478    .606    1.084    63    218    51    65    17    1    16    53    14    64    35    2    1
2018               .301    .456    .642    1.098    63    226    64    68    11    0    22    54    13    54    36    1    0

Sort of interesting tale from the stats.  Seems like he slugs, doesn't strike out much so he makes a lot of contact, but doesn't really hit for a high average (for a college first rounder).  I know they (all but Reynolds) were semi-trashing him on MLB TV last night, but I trust Luhnow et al and assume they are more confident in the bat then those guys at MLB TV.

[Jacksonian]

Beer Stats at Clemson  (Sorry for the shitty formatting, don't know how to make it right.)

Year               AVG    OBP    SLG            OPS    GP    AB    R    H    2B    3b    HR    RBI    HP    BB    SO    SB    CS
2016          .369    .535    .700    1.235    62    203    57    75    13    0    18    70    15    62    27    1    0
2017          .298    .478    .606    1.084    63    218    51    65    17    1    16    53    14    64    35    2    1
2018               .301    .456    .642    1.098    63    226    64    68    11    0    22    54    13    54    36    1    0

Sort of interesting tale from the stats.  Seems like he slugs, doesn't strike out much so he makes a lot of contact, but doesn't really hit for a high average (for a college first rounder).  I know they (all but Reynolds) were semi-trashing him on MLB TV last night, but I trust Luhnow et al and assume they are more confident in the bat then those guys at MLB TV.

I understand the negativity.  Looking back at the drafts from this century picks starting at about 24 or so making significant major league contributions fall off the map.  So the Astros are already picking is high crap shoot territory.  Then you pick a guy with one tool, power.  If he doesn't hit enough to secure one of the nine spots in the order every day then he's a bust pick.  He's not going to provide value as a backup player in the way that Marisnick, Marwin, and backup catchers do.  So if you're picking do you go with a notion of safety, looking for a much versatility as possible or high risk and hope the one big tool blossoms?  The mlb tv pudnits would rather safety and versatility.  Luhnow and co wanted the high risk shot.  They did it last year too.  I understand the cautious optimism from that perspective as well. 

IMO, they'll be lining him up to replace Gurriel after the 2020 season, if he hits.

[drew corleone]

That was my take on it as well, Jacksonian (re: potential to replace Gurriel).

[VirtualBob]

I understand the negativity.  Looking back at the drafts from this century picks starting at about 24 or so making significant major league contributions fall off the map.  So the Astros are already picking is high crap shoot territory.  Then you pick a guy with one tool, power.  If he doesn't hit enough to secure one of the nine spots in the order every day then he's a bust pick.  He's not going to provide value as a backup player in the way that Marisnick, Marwin, and backup catchers do.  So if you're picking do you go with a notion of safety, looking for a much versatility as possible or high risk and hope the one big tool blossoms?  The mlb tv pudnits would rather safety and versatility.  Luhnow and co wanted the high risk shot.  They did it last year too.  I understand the cautious optimism from that perspective as well. 

IMO, they'll be lining him up to replace Gurriel after the 2020 season, if he hits.

There is plenty of versatility at various levels in the organization. I like the potential of this boom/bust pick.

[jbm]

From the chron:

"For a hitter with as much power as he has — and he has a lot — to not swing and miss the way he does is very rare to find," Astros assistant general manager Mike Elias said. "We feel like it's a swing that will work on the Major League level in terms of the connection and the rotation and the body and his bat control. To find those things in a power hitter is pretty special."

A 6-foot-3, 195 pound junior from Suwanee, Georgia, Beer enrolled early at Clemson in 2016. Essentially, he forewent his senior high school baseball season to play early with the Tigers.

and

"(He's) been one of the best run producers in college baseball," Elias said. "In addition to his accomplishments statistically, we've looked at his swing very carefully, we like what we see mechanically from him, we like the power that he shows, we like the future projection in terms of the production translating to the pro game."

Maybe Gallo-lite without the swing and miss

[VirtualBob]

Meant to add: Kemper, White, Rojas, De Goti, Duarte, Trompiz among others.

[Jacksonian]

Round 3: Jeremy Pena, college shortstop.  Top defender, questionable bat.  Remember Tommy Manzella?

[Reuben]

Here's a video of Seth Beer making a nice diving/sliding catch while playing RF. I don't see AJ Reed making that play.

[jbm]

Agreed, but he really didn't stick the landing.

[Jacksonian]

Here's a video of Seth Beer making a nice diving/sliding catch while playing RF. I don't see AJ Reed making that play.

Beer's not fast, but he does chug.

[Reuben]

Agreed, but he really didn't stick the landing.

Yeah, I wasn’t sure whether to call it a dive, slide, or tumble.

[Reuben]

Beer's not fast, but he does chug.

Well done.

[Knoxbanedoodle]

Of course it could be there’s something aleing him.

[Col. Sphinx Drummond]

I wouldn't call him a lager.

[WVastro]

Luckily he’s not too stout.

[Knoxbanedoodle]

Not quite as good as the spectacular catch Colin Porter made when the Express won the Texas League back in the day but something about it seemed familiar...

[Jacksonian]

Not quite as good as the spectacular catch Colin Porter made when the Express won the Texas League back in the day but something about it seemed familiar...

You’ve just about hit it on the head.

[Knoxbanedoodle]

You’ve just about hit it on the head.

Of course it could be that he just barley made the catch.

[austro]

Of course it could be that he just barley made the catch.

Wait until you see his hops when he pulls back a homer at the wall.

[Col. Sphinx Drummond]

If he ends up making it big on another team it will be bitters wheat.

[GreatBagwellsBeard]

If he ends up making it big on another team it will be bitters wheat.

Yeah, that would be a tough pilsner to swallow.

[chuck]

If he ends up making it big on another team it will be bitters wheat.

No different from Anthony Gose.

[Col. Sphinx Drummond]

Of course it could be that he just barley made the catch.

And when he rolled into that tarp he barleywine at all but he was hefeweizen.

[Col. Sphinx Drummond]

I'm tapped out but I can always count on this group to brew up a bunch of bad puns. I expect you guys to go to hellesbock to come up with more.

[chuck]

Funny how the title of this thread is 'Draft.'

[Knoxbanedoodle]

Well I for one am glad he’s not a pitcher.

[BizidyDizidy]

Astros drafted both Correa and Bregman's younger brothers today.

[Knoxbanedoodle]

Well I for one am glad he’s not a pitcher.

Mrs banedoodle told me she hopes he really raises the bar.

[Jacksonian]

Astros drafted both Correa and Bregman's younger brothers today.

As well as one of Cheo's grandsons.

[Knoxbanedoodle]

As well as one of Cheo's grandsons.

Pretty soon we’ll have a six pack.

[austro]

Did I misread things, or did we draft only one high-schooler?

[Jacksonian]

Did I misread things, or did we draft only one high-schooler?

Look at the final 5 picks.

[austro]

Look at the final 5 picks.

Yeah, I only saw the first 32, and I thought that was the end. 35-40 were HSers.

[Reuben]

Mctaggart Boutwell had an article on astros.com claiming that the Correas were the first pair of brothers ever drafted by the Astros (and the Bregmans second); has he already forgotten about Preston and Kyle Tucker? And it would not surprise me at all if there were others.

[Col. Sphinx Drummond]

Mctaggart Boutwell had an article on astros.com claiming that the Correas were the first pair of brothers ever drafted by the Astros (and the Bregmans second); has he already forgotten about Preston and Kyle Tucker? And it would not surprise me at all if there were others.

Haven't they drafted a couple of the Clemons boys as well?

[BudGirl]

yes, they also drafted one of Biggio's sons.

[jbm]

Haven't they drafted a couple of the Clemons boys as well?

I had to look this up, but you are correct: They did draft and sign the oldest one.  And they drafted one of his brothers, but he didn't sign, played at UT, was drafted and signed with another team.

[Reuben]

I had to look this up, but you are correct: They did draft and sign the oldest one.  And they drafted one of his brothers, but he didn't sign, played at UT, was drafted and signed with another team.

Koby was the elder, right? C/1B/3B/DH/? who raked one year at Lancaster and got everyone dreaming about him getting called up to the majors to catch his dad, circa 2006.

Another one (Kory? Kacy? Klyde? Kharles? ) got drafted fairly high this year, by the Tiggers, I believe.

[Col. Sphinx Drummond]

Koby was the elder, right? C/1B/3B/DH/? who raked one year at Lancaster and got everyone dreaming about him getting called up to the majors to catch his dad, circa 2006.

Another one (Kory? Kacy? Klyde? Kharles? ) got drafted fairly high this year, by the Tiggers, I believe.

I think it was Kody but it could have been Kofy or Kojy.

[jbm]

Yes, you are correct again.  He is the only one I presently know as he is a star at UT.  Really good player, probably the most likely of them to have a legit shot at the majors.

[mrpink]

I think Bennie Distefano was the last lefty thrower to appear at catcher in MLB at all, and that was back in 1989 for 3 games, 6 total innings. I read a NYT article from years ago with some baseball folks claiming there's no good reason a lefty couldn't play catcher. It certainly seems to be discouraged though. The throws to 2B and 3B with a RHB in the box would obviously be the biggest drawback.

edit:Here's the article. Maybe I've posted it here before?

Interestingly enough,
"But the primary problem Distefano encountered was with plays at home. Because his glove was on his right hand, every accurate throw to the runner’s side of the plate would have to be reached for backhanded, impeding a quick tag."

About 15 years ago, a left-handed teenager for the Lumps Gas Station summer-league team in Clifton, Tex., played one game at short before, he recalled, “They said left-handers aren’t supposed to play there” and was moved. That teenager was Zach Duke, now an All-Star left-handed pitcher for the Pittsburgh Pirates.

This is funny to me because  I did a job in Clifton just last week.  I didn't see any indication that it was the hometown of Zach Duke.  However, just down the road is Valley Mills and their giant sign proclaiming them as the hometown of Donnie Sadler.

[Col. Sphinx Drummond]

This is funny to me because  I did a job in Clifton just last week.  I didn't see any indication that it was the hometown of Zach Duke.  However, just down the road is Valley Mills and their giant sign proclaiming them as the hometown of Donnie Sadler.

I think Donnie built the little league park there. Also that sign needs some upkeep.

[Reuben]

I think Donnie built the little league park there. Also that sign needs some upkeep.

"The sign does need a little sprucing up..."

[Snuffy]

Seth Beer.  A collegiate first baseman/outfielder out of Clemson.  I’m a bit surprised at a corner college player at this point.  Definitely a departure from the Luhnow norm.  If he doesn’t hit for both high average and high power this is a miss because he has little defensive value.  If he does hit he’s your #4 hitter for a decade.

Beers was on Astros' radar during prep school and knows another #1 Astros pick.

"Clemson's Seth Beer 'blessed to be picked' by World Series champion Houston Astros"  ....his familiarity with the Astros dates back to his time as a standout prep in Suwanee, Georgia.  He said he's close with the Astros' area scout, with whom he talked to "on a regular basis" when he was in high school. Still, their history didn't foster any sense of entitlement in Beer's mind during the draft....

...Beer said he's never been to Texas but is friends with Houston's No. 2 prospect and 2015 first-round draft pick, Kyle Tucker....

[Snuffy]

Someone did their homework for a detailed Forbes article tying the Astros draft to recent trades:

"...Astros Draft Featured A Run On A Position Of Need"
....Right-hander Justin Verlander and catcher Brian McCann were instrumental in the Astros securing their first World Series pennant last season, but the trades to acquire both cost the organization right-handed pitching prospects currently ranked among the top 100 by MLB.com. ....Throughout the majors, there are a number of young right-handers and former Astros farmhands making inroads....

[VirtualBob]

Is anyone doing a draft follow up on signings this year? Or am I missing an obvious link somewhere?

[Jacksonian]

Is anyone doing a draft follow up on signings this year? Or am I missing an obvious link somewhere?

There are no official signings yet.

[toddthebod]

Is anyone doing a draft follow up on signings this year? Or am I missing an obvious link somewhere?

Thanks for asking.  I was wondering the same thing and searching all through the interwebs for it.

We are obviously spoiled having had the benefit of great coverage from this site for so many years. 

[Snuffy]

There are no official signings yet.

MLB.com- https://www.mlb.com/astros/news/draft-pick-seth-beer-astros-agree-to-deal/c-280574046

[Jacksonian]

MLB.com- https://www.mlb.com/astros/news/draft-pick-seth-beer-astros-agree-to-deal/c-280574046

That's not official.  He has to pass the physical.  Once that's done the Astros will be announcing the signing all over the place.

[Snuffy]

That's not official.  He has to pass the physical.  Once that's done the Astros will be announcing the signing all over the place.

Was wondering about significance of the "official" announcement.
Much obliged.

[Jacksonian]

Was wondering about significance of the "official" announcement.
Much obliged.

He's supposed to be in Houston today.  If there's no announcement today that's a little worrisome.  If there's not one by the end of the day tomorrow I'll be very concerned.

[Jacksonian]

The first six official signings are in.  Including the 3rd round shortstop.

No word on him so signing Beer is not yet on tap.

[Reuben]

The first six official signings are in.  Including the 3rd round shortstop.

No word on him so signing Beer is not yet on tap.

Beer signing now official. We can all breathe.

edit to add link

[WVastro]

Beer signing now official. We can all breathe.

edit to add link

I’ll drink to that!

[juliogotay]

Beer signing now official. We can all breathe.

edit to add link

Beer was just on the Astros pre-game show being interviewed. Reporting to Tri-Cities.

[Reuben]

Beer was just on the Astros pre-game show being interviewed. Reporting to Tri-City.

FIFY

[jbm]

Twin cities, Quad cities and Tri City.   Didn’t you reside in one of those cities, or in the Tri City?  Why is it Tri City anyway?

[jbm]

And for that matter, what is the third city (Albany Troy ??), or am I completely missing the point and not to supposed to conceive of it as three cities in the first place.

[VirtualBob]

And for that matter, what is the third city (Albany Troy ??), or am I completely missing the point and not to supposed to conceive of it as three cities in the first place.

It is the Tri-City Area. Third one is Schenectady (possibly misspelled).

[Reuben]

Bob is correct, and yes, I used to live about 75 minutes from Troy, where “The Joe” is, so we’d go to a handful of games each summer, circa 2010-14. They usually made the playoffs too, so we got to experience some of those games.

[Nate Colbert]

The first six official signings are in.  Including the 3rd round shortstop.

16 officially signed per the Astros transaction page: http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/transactions/#month=6&year=2018&team_id=117

[Nate Colbert]

10th rounder Chandler Taylor gets the first assignment to a full season club--joins QC as replacement for OF Jake Adams Meyers who got kicked up to BC today.

[Jacksonian]

10th rounder Chandler Taylor gets the first assignment to a full season club--joins QC as replacement for OF Jake Adams who got kicked up to BC today.

Adams?

[Nate Colbert]

CWS of course kicks off this weekend. As far as Astros' draft picks, senior RHP Brett Daniels (17th-rounder) works out of the pen for UNC as they face off against Oregon State on Saturday afternoon. Senior righties J.P. France (14th-round pick) and Jacob Billingsley (32nd-rounder) take the hill for Miss. State. The Bulldogs face Washington Saturday night. France is a reliever while Billingsley is in their rotation.

[Nate Colbert]

Adams?

I'm rusty.

[Jacksonian]

I'm rusty.

Welcome back anyway.

[toddthebod]

By the way, if anyone wants to see some of the new draft picks with me at either Brooklyn or Staten Island, shoot me an message.  The Valley Cats play in Staten Island June 24-26.  I will be attending at least two of these games. 

[Jacksonian]

I'm rusty.

Just for clarification it was Jacob Meyers who was recently promoted.  Jake Adams had been promoted a couple of weeks ago.

[Nate Colbert]

Just for clarification it was Jacob Meyers who was recently promoted.  Jake Adams had been promoted a couple of weeks ago.

10th rounder Chandler Taylor gets the first assignment to a full season club--joins QC as replacement for OF Jake Adams Meyers who got kicked up to BC today.

[Nate Colbert]

25th round pick OF Logan Mattix and 26th rounder INF David Hensley also get assigned to QC. They're replacing Corey Julks and Cody Bohanek who moved up to BC.

[VirtualBob]

I’ll drink to that!

This beer is pretty weak. OPS of 2.1

[WVastro]

This beer is pretty weak. OPS of 2.1

Guess it’ll be all about quantity then...

[Nate Colbert]

Officially Signed (16): OF Seth Beer (1st), SS Jeremy Pena (3rd), RHP Cody Deason (5th), C Cesar Salazar (7th), RHP Austin Hansen (8th), OF Chandler Taylor (10th), RHP Mark Moclair (12th), SS Trey Dawson (15th), C Alex Holderbach (16th), SS Michael Wielansky (18th), OF Austin Dennis (20th), OF Marty Costes (22nd), OF Logan Mattix (25th), SS David Hensley (26th), C Juan Paulino (27th), RHP Layne Henderson (30th)
Unofficially Signed (2): OF Scott Schreiber (9th), LHP Jonathan Bermudez (23rd)**
Will Sign (7): RHP Shawn Dubin (13th), RHP J.P. France (14th), RHP Brett Daniels (17th), RHP Dalton Roach (21st), RHP Joseph Gonzalez (28th), RHP Jacob Billingsley (32nd), RHP Ben Gross (34th)***
Yet to Sign (7): RHP Jayson Schroeder (2nd), OF Alex McKenna (4th), RHP R.J. Freure (6th), RHP Brett Conine (11th), RHP Devin Conn (19th), RHP Miguel Figueroa (24th), RHP Riley Cabral (31st)
Questionable to Sign (2): C Lyle Lin (29th), RHP J.C. Correa (33rd)****
Unlikely to Sign (6): LHP A.J. Bregman (35th), RHP Cole Ayers (36th), 2B Antonio Cruz (37th), C Cole Stilwell (38th), RHP Brandon Birdsell (39th), SS Nathan Duerte (40th)*****

*Confirmed via MLB transactions page
**Per media tweets (Berman/Tags/Kaplan/other)
***College seniors with no eligibility remaining
****Lin (Arizona State sophomore) is currently playing for Bourne in the Cape Cod League while Correa's bro (a Lamar commit after playing for Alvin CC) is playing for Anchorage in the Alaska Baseball League
*****Late round HS picks and/or courtesy picks

[Nate Colbert]

6/17/18 Update (reflecting 3 more official signings)

Officially Signed (19): OF Seth Beer (1st), SS Jeremy Pena (3rd), RHP Cody Deason (5th), C Cesar Salazar (7th), RHP Austin Hansen (8th), OF Chandler Taylor (10th), RHP Mark Moclair (12th), RHP Shawn Dubin (13th), SS Trey Dawson (15th), C Alex Holderbach (16th), SS Michael Wielansky (18th), RHP Devin Conn (19th), OF Austin Dennis (20th), OF Marty Costes (22nd), OF Logan Mattix (25th), SS David Hensley (26th), C Juan Paulino (27th), RHP Layne Henderson (30th), RHP Riley Cabral (31st)*
Unofficially Signed (2): OF Scott Schreiber (9th), LHP Jonathan Bermudez (23rd)**
Will Sign (6):  RHP J.P. France (14th), RHP Brett Daniels (17th), RHP Dalton Roach (21st), RHP Joseph Gonzalez (28th), RHP Jacob Billingsley (32nd), RHP Ben Gross (34th)***
Yet to Sign (5): RHP Jayson Schroeder (2nd), OF Alex McKenna (4th), RHP R.J. Freure (6th), RHP Brett Conine (11th), RHP Miguel Figueroa (24th)
Questionable to Sign (2): C Lyle Lin (29th), RHP J.C. Correa (33rd)****
Unlikely to Sign (6): LHP A.J. Bregman (35th), RHP Cole Ayers (36th), 2B Antonio Cruz (37th), C Cole Stilwell (38th), RHP Brandon Birdsell (39th), SS Nathan Duerte (40th)*****

*Confirmed via MLB transactions page
**Per media tweets (Berman/Tags/Kaplan/other)
***College seniors with no eligibility remaining
****Lin (Arizona State sophomore) is currently playing for Bourne in the Cape Cod League while Correa's bro (a Lamar commit after playing for Alvin CC) is playing for Anchorage in the Alaska Baseball League
*****Late round HS picks and/or courtesy picks

[Nate Colbert]

6/19/18 Update (reflecting 2 unofficial signings)

Officially Signed (19): OF Seth Beer (1st), SS Jeremy Pena (3rd), RHP Cody Deason (5th), C Cesar Salazar (7th), RHP Austin Hansen (8th), OF Chandler Taylor (10th), RHP Mark Moclair (12th), RHP Shawn Dubin (13th), SS Trey Dawson (15th), C Alex Holderbach (16th), SS Michael Wielansky (18th), RHP Devin Conn (19th), OF Austin Dennis (20th), OF Marty Costes (22nd), OF Logan Mattix (25th), SS David Hensley (26th), C Juan Paulino (27th), RHP Layne Henderson (30th), RHP Riley Cabral (31st)*
Unofficially Signed (4): OF Alex McKenna (4th), RHP R.J. Freure (6th), OF Scott Schreiber (9th), LHP Jonathan Bermudez (23rd)**
Will Sign (6):  RHP J.P. France (14th), RHP Brett Daniels (17th), RHP Dalton Roach (21st), RHP Joseph Gonzalez (28th), RHP Jacob Billingsley (32nd), RHP Ben Gross (34th)***
Yet to Sign (3): RHP Jayson Schroeder (2nd), RHP Brett Conine (11th), RHP Miguel Figueroa (24th)
Questionable to Sign (2): C Lyle Lin (29th), RHP J.C. Correa (33rd)****
Unlikely to Sign (6): LHP A.J. Bregman (35th), RHP Cole Ayers (36th), 2B Antonio Cruz (37th), C Cole Stilwell (38th), RHP Brandon Birdsell (39th), SS Nathan Duerte (40th)*****

*Confirmed via MLB transactions page
**Per media tweets (Berman/Tags/Kaplan/other)
***College seniors with no eligibility remaining
****Lin (Arizona State sophomore) is currently playing for Bourne in the Cape Cod League while Correa's bro (a Lamar commit after playing for Alvin CC) is playing for Anchorage in the Alaska Baseball League
*****Late round HS picks and/or courtesy picks

Mark Berman @MarkBermanFox26 5 hours ago
RHP RJ Freure (@rjfreure33), 6th-round pick from Pitt, has a contract agreement w/ the #Astros. Took his physical today n Florida: "It's a relief. I'm ecstatic. It's so cool. It's a dream come true. To work for an organization like the Astros,it's no better way to start pro ball"

Mark Berman @MarkBermanFox26 4 hours ago
Outfielder Alex McKenna (@Alexjmckenna), 4th-round pick from  Cal Poly-San Luis Obispo, says he has an agreement with the #Astros and will take his physical later this week: "It's pretty cool. I'm excited. I feel like I'm ready to go. I'm excited to see what the future holds."

[Nate Colbert]

6/19/18 Update (updating for some additional official signings announced this afternoon)

Officially Signed (25): OF Seth Beer (1st), SS Jeremy Pena (3rd), RHP Cody Deason (5th), RHP R.J. Freure (6th), C Cesar Salazar (7th), RHP Austin Hansen (8th), OF Scott Schreiber (9th), OF Chandler Taylor (10th), RHP Brett Conine (11th), RHP Mark Moclair (12th), RHP Shawn Dubin (13th), SS Trey Dawson (15th), C Alex Holderbach (16th), SS Michael Wielansky (18th), RHP Devin Conn (19th), OF Austin Dennis (20th), OF Marty Costes (22nd), LHP Jonathan Bermudez (23rd), RHP Miguel Figueroa (24th), OF Logan Mattix (25th), SS David Hensley (26th), C Juan Paulino (27th), RHP Joey Gonzalez (28th), RHP Layne Henderson (30th), RHP Riley Cabral (31st)*
Unofficially Signed (1): OF Alex McKenna (4th)**
Will Sign (5):  RHP J.P. France (14th), RHP Brett Daniels (17th), RHP Dalton Roach (21st), RHP Jacob Billingsley (32nd), RHP Ben Gross (34th)***
Yet to Sign (1): RHP Jayson Schroeder (2nd)
Questionable to Sign (2): C Lyle Lin (29th), RHP J.C. Correa (33rd)****
Unlikely to Sign (6): LHP A.J. Bregman (35th), RHP Cole Ayers (36th), 2B Antonio Cruz (37th), C Cole Stilwell (38th), RHP Brandon Birdsell (39th), SS Nathan Duerte (40th)*****

*Confirmed via MLB transactions page
**Per media tweets (Berman/Tags/Kaplan/other)
***College seniors with no eligibility remaining
****Lin (Arizona State sophomore) is currently playing for Bourne in the Cape Cod League while Correa's bro (a Lamar commit after playing for Alvin CC) is playing for Anchorage in the Alaska Baseball League
*****Late round HS picks and/or courtesy picks

[toddthebod]

According to Callis:

"6th-rder R.J. Freure signs w/@Astros for $348,800 (pick 192 = $237,600). Pittsburgh RHP, leads NCAA D-I w/14.6 K/9, fastball up to 97 mph, curve can make hitters look silly too. @MLBDraft"

[Reuben]

According to Callis:

"6th-rder R.J. Freure signs w/@Astros for $348,800 (pick 192 = $237,600). Pittsburgh RHP, leads NCAA D-I w/14.6 K/9, fastball up to 97 mph, curve can make hitters look silly too. @MLBDraft"

reliever or starter?

[Jacksonian]

reliever or starter?

TBD.  It’ll mostly depend on how good his third and fourth pitch are.

[Nate Colbert]

6/21/18 Update (updating for new information on 34th-rounder Ben Gross)

Officially Signed (25): OF Seth Beer (1st), SS Jeremy Pena (3rd), RHP Cody Deason (5th), RHP R.J. Freure (6th), C Cesar Salazar (7th), RHP Austin Hansen (8th), OF Scott Schreiber (9th), OF Chandler Taylor (10th), RHP Brett Conine (11th), RHP Mark Moclair (12th), RHP Shawn Dubin (13th), SS Trey Dawson (15th), C Alex Holderbach (16th), SS Michael Wielansky (18th), RHP Devin Conn (19th), OF Austin Dennis (20th), OF Marty Costes (22nd), LHP Jonathan Bermudez (23rd), RHP Miguel Figueroa (24th), OF Logan Mattix (25th), SS David Hensley (26th), C Juan Paulino (27th), RHP Joey Gonzalez (28th), RHP Layne Henderson (30th), RHP Riley Cabral (31st)*
Unofficially Signed (1): OF Alex McKenna (4th)**
Will Sign (4):  RHP J.P. France (14th), RHP Brett Daniels (17th), RHP Dalton Roach (21st), RHP Jacob Billingsley (32nd)***
Yet to Sign (1): RHP Jayson Schroeder (2nd)
Questionable to Sign/Likely to Continue College Careers (3): C Lyle Lin (29th), RHP J.C. Correa (33rd), RHP Ben Gross (34th)****
Unlikely to Sign (6): LHP A.J. Bregman (35th), RHP Cole Ayers (36th), 2B Antonio Cruz (37th), C Cole Stilwell (38th), RHP Brandon Birdsell (39th), SS Nathan Duerte (40th)*****

*Confirmed via MLB transactions page
**Per media tweets (Berman/Tags/Kaplan/other)
***College seniors with no eligibility remaining
****Lin (Arizona State sophomore) is currently playing for Bourne in the Cape Cod League while Correa's bro (a Lamar commit after playing for Alvin CC) is playing for Anchorage in the Alaska Baseball League. Gross has finished up his econ degree at Princeton and with one year of eligibility left looks like he'll transfer to Duke and play for them next season while working on his masters
*****Late round HS picks and/or courtesy picks

[Nate Colbert]

OF Scott Schreiber (9th round) becomes the 4th member of the 2018 draft class to be assigned to QC.

[Mike S.]

Looks like the Astros have $1,952,794 to spend without losing a draft pick.  Really interested to see what McKenna's deal is (assuming he does sign and it's overslot), and whether there's enough left to sign Schroeder.

[Jacksonian]

Looks like the Astros have $1,952,794 to spend without losing a draft pick.  Really interested to see what McKenna's deal is (assuming he does sign and it's overslot), and whether there's enough left to sign Schroeder.

Signed both fora combined under that: ~$1.65mil

[Nate Colbert]

6/22/18 Update (updating for Schroeder signing and McKenna signing is official)

Officially Signed (27): OF Seth Beer (1st), RHP Jayson Schroeder (2nd), SS Jeremy Pena (3rd), OF Alex McKenna (4th), RHP Cody Deason (5th), RHP R.J. Freure (6th), C Cesar Salazar (7th), RHP Austin Hansen (8th), OF Scott Schreiber (9th), OF Chandler Taylor (10th), RHP Brett Conine (11th), RHP Mark Moclair (12th), RHP Shawn Dubin (13th), SS Trey Dawson (15th), C Alex Holderbach (16th), SS Michael Wielansky (18th), RHP Devin Conn (19th), OF Austin Dennis (20th), OF Marty Costes (22nd), LHP Jonathan Bermudez (23rd), RHP Miguel Figueroa (24th), OF Logan Mattix (25th), SS David Hensley (26th), C Juan Paulino (27th), RHP Joey Gonzalez (28th), RHP Layne Henderson (30th), RHP Riley Cabral (31st)*
Will Sign (4):  RHP J.P. France (14th), RHP Brett Daniels (17th), RHP Dalton Roach (21st), RHP Jacob Billingsley (32nd)**
Questionable to Sign/Likely to Continue College Careers (3): C Lyle Lin (29th), RHP J.C. Correa (33rd), RHP Ben Gross (34th)***
Unlikely to Sign (6): LHP A.J. Bregman (35th), RHP Cole Ayers (36th), 2B Antonio Cruz (37th), C Cole Stilwell (38th), RHP Brandon Birdsell (39th), SS Nathan Duerte (40th)****

*Confirmed via MLB transactions page and/or club announcement
**College seniors with no eligibility remaining
***Lin (Arizona State sophomore) is currently playing for Bourne in the Cape Cod League while Correa's bro (a Lamar commit after playing for Alvin CC) is playing for Anchorage in the Alaska Baseball League. Gross has finished up his econ degree at Princeton and with one year of eligibility left looks like he'll transfer to Duke and play for them next season while working on his masters
****Late round HS picks and/or courtesy picks

[Nate Colbert]

Signed both fora combined under that: ~$1.65mil

Jim Callis  @jimcallisMLB 33m ago
2nd-rder Jayson Schroeder signs w/@astros for $1.2 million (pick 66 value = $965,300). Washington HS RHP,  can run fastball into mid-90s, solid curveball, promising changeup too. Washington recruit

EDIT: Callis corrected his tweet later to say $1.25 million instead of $1.2 million.

Jim Callis  @jimcallisMLB 30m ago
4th-rder Alex McKenna signs w/@astros for $432,500 (pick 132 value = $410,400). Cal Poly OF, advanced bat, some raw power too, solid speed.

[Jacksonian]

6/22/18 Update (updating for Schroeder signing and McKenna signing is official)

Officially Signed (27): OF Seth Beer (1st), RHP Jayson Schroeder (2nd), SS Jeremy Pena (3rd), OF Alex McKenna (4th), RHP Cody Deason (5th), RHP R.J. Freure (6th), C Cesar Salazar (7th), RHP Austin Hansen (8th), OF Scott Schreiber (9th), OF Chandler Taylor (10th), RHP Brett Conine (11th), RHP Mark Moclair (12th), RHP Shawn Dubin (13th), SS Trey Dawson (15th), C Alex Holderbach (16th), SS Michael Wielansky (18th), RHP Devin Conn (19th), OF Austin Dennis (20th), OF Marty Costes (22nd), LHP Jonathan Bermudez (23rd), RHP Miguel Figueroa (24th), OF Logan Mattix (25th), SS David Hensley (26th), C Juan Paulino (27th), RHP Joey Gonzalez (28th), RHP Layne Henderson (30th), RHP Riley Cabral (31st)*
Will Sign (4):  RHP J.P. France (14th), RHP Brett Daniels (17th), RHP Dalton Roach (21st), RHP Jacob Billingsley (32nd)**
Questionable to Sign/Likely to Continue College Careers (3): C Lyle Lin (29th), RHP J.C. Correa (33rd), RHP Ben Gross (34th)***
Unlikely to Sign (6): LHP A.J. Bregman (35th), RHP Cole Ayers (36th), 2B Antonio Cruz (37th), C Cole Stilwell (38th), RHP Brandon Birdsell (39th), SS Nathan Duerte (40th)****

*Confirmed via MLB transactions page and/or club announcement
**College seniors with no eligibility remaining
***Lin (Arizona State sophomore) is currently playing for Bourne in the Cape Cod League while Correa's bro (a Lamar commit after playing for Alvin CC) is playing for Anchorage in the Alaska Baseball League. Gross has finished up his econ degree at Princeton and with one year of eligibility left looks like he'll transfer to Duke and play for them next season while working on his masters
****Late round HS picks and/or courtesy picks

I’m thinking those will signs are more like should signs.  Every year a few later senior draft picks don’t sign to move on to other things.

[Nate Colbert]

I’m thinking those will signs are more like should signs.  Every year a few later senior draft picks don’t sign to move on to other things.

Or occasionally a guy flunks a physical and isn't able to sign a contract. Either way, those are rarities that don't happen very often.

3 of those 4 have been in the CWS and thus the delay in signing. That only leaves Dalton Roach and there is some indication he may have already signed.

[Mike S.]

Wonder if $300k is enough to pry Birdsell away from his commitment to a&m.

[Nate Colbert]

Wonder if $300k is enough to pry Birdsell away from his commitment to a&m.

I would not be surprised to see Nathan Duarte sign.

[Nate Colbert]

7/4/18 Update (updating for Daniels and Billingsley signings)

Officially Signed (28): OF Seth Beer (1st), RHP Jayson Schroeder (2nd), SS Jeremy Pena (3rd), OF Alex McKenna (4th), RHP Cody Deason (5th), RHP R.J. Freure (6th), C Cesar Salazar (7th), RHP Austin Hansen (8th), OF Scott Schreiber (9th), OF Chandler Taylor (10th), RHP Brett Conine (11th), RHP Mark Moclair (12th), RHP Shawn Dubin (13th), SS Trey Dawson (15th), C Alex Holderbach (16th), RHP Brett Daniels (17th), SS Michael Wielansky (18th), RHP Devin Conn (19th), OF Austin Dennis (20th), OF Marty Costes (22nd), LHP Jonathan Bermudez (23rd), RHP Miguel Figueroa (24th), OF Logan Mattix (25th), SS David Hensley (26th), C Juan Paulino (27th), RHP Joey Gonzalez (28th), RHP Layne Henderson (30th), RHP Riley Cabral (31st)*
Unofficially Signed (1): RHP Jacob Billingsley (32nd)**
Will Sign (2):  RHP J.P. France (14th),  RHP Dalton Roach (21st)***
Questionable to Sign/Likely to Continue College Careers (3): C Lyle Lin (29th), RHP J.C. Correa (33rd), RHP Ben Gross (34th)****
Unlikely to Sign (6): LHP A.J. Bregman (35th), RHP Cole Ayers (36th), 2B Antonio Cruz (37th), C Cole Stilwell (38th), RHP Brandon Birdsell (39th), SS Nathan Duerte (40th)*****

*Confirmed via MLB transactions page and/or club announcement
**Per his own twitter account
***College seniors with no eligibility remaining
****Lin (Arizona State sophomore) is currently playing for Bourne in the Cape Cod League while Correa's bro (a Lamar commit after playing for Alvin CC) is playing for Anchorage in the Alaska Baseball League. Gross has finished up his econ degree at Princeton and with one year of eligibility left looks like he'll transfer to Duke and play for them next season while working on his masters
*****Late round HS picks and/or courtesy picks

[Nate Colbert]

Even though the signing deadline was this past Friday, Astros have yet to issue a PR with the final tally of players signed.

Both the MLB Pipeline draft database and BA's draft database show 14th-rounder J.P. France as expected as having signed. A bit of a mystery as far as 21st-rounder Dalton Roach who should have signed as well but neither database reflects that.

Seniors such as Roach with no college eligibility remaining are not subject to the July 6th deadline so going forward (if he hasn't already signed) the possibility of him joining the org remains.

Subject to the PR and Roach's status, here's the latest:

Signed (30): OF Seth Beer (1st), RHP Jayson Schroeder (2nd), SS Jeremy Pena (3rd), OF Alex McKenna (4th), RHP Cody Deason (5th), RHP R.J. Freure (6th), C Cesar Salazar (7th), RHP Austin Hansen (8th), OF Scott Schreiber (9th), OF Chandler Taylor (10th), RHP Brett Conine (11th), RHP Mark Moclair (12th), RHP Shawn Dubin (13th), RHP J.P. France (14th), SS Trey Dawson (15th), C Alex Holderbach (16th), RHP Brett Daniels (17th), SS Michael Wielansky (18th), RHP Devin Conn (19th), OF Austin Dennis (20th), OF Marty Costes (22nd), LHP Jonathan Bermudez (23rd), RHP Miguel Figueroa (24th), OF Logan Mattix (25th), SS David Hensley (26th), C Juan Paulino (27th), RHP Joey Gonzalez (28th), RHP Layne Henderson (30th), RHP Riley Cabral (31st), RHP Jacob Billingsley (32nd)
Still Could Sign (1):  RHP Dalton Roach (21st)
Didn't Sign (9): C Lyle Lin (29th), RHP J.C. Correa (33rd), RHP Ben Gross (34th), LHP A.J. Bregman (35th), RHP Cole Ayers (36th), 2B Antonio Cruz (37th), C Cole Stilwell (38th), RHP Brandon Birdsell (39th), SS Nathan Duerte (40th)

[Reuben]

So was Schroeder the only HS player signed?

[Nate Colbert]

So was Schroeder the only HS player signed?

Yes.

[Nate Colbert]

Breaking down the 30 signees by background:

• HS--1
• JUCO--1
• College Soph/Junior--20
• D1--15
• D2--2
• D3--1
• NAIA--2
• College Senior--8
• D1--5
• D2--2
• NAIA--1

And by position:

• RHP--15
• LHP--1
• C--3
• SS--4
• OF--7

Summing up, almost exclusively college guys with a greater emphasis on small schools (eight from D2/D3/NAIA) than in the recent past. Among the bigger schools, about what you'd expect with the SEC (4) and ACC (3) leading the way followed by the PAC 12, BIG 10 and Big West with 2 apiece. No switch-hitters among the 14 position players signed with 4 LHBs and 10 RHBs. Pitching-wise, it continues to be hell finding lefties.

[Jacksonian]

Pitching-wise, it continues to be hell finding lefties.

I disagree with this up to a point.  In the first 5 rounds or so this may be true though a lefty was taken just a couple of picks after Beer.  Past round 5 there were lefties taken by other teams while the Astros picked up righties.  Rounds 6 and 8 saw the Astros pick righties.  Within 5 picks or less of each of those another team took a lefty.  With the draft being a complete crap shoot, but especially after round 4 or 5, I don't see a reason not to pick a lefty or two in rounds 6-10.  Why not take a chance on the rarer commodity?

[Nate Colbert]

Thumbnails follow on each of the signed picks. Keep in mind:

• Position is how the Astros listed the player when drafted.
• Figure after the bonus # is where it ranks among this year's Astros draft class.
• May be slightly redundant with some of the earlier comments in this thread.
• Comments by necessity may at times be on the glib side. Don't yell at me.
• Should be read in conjunction with https://www.mlb.com/draft/tracker/astros.

1. Seth Beer
Position: OF
Hits: Left
Plate: With zero expected defensive value, it's all on the bat
Field: 1B or bust
Bonus: $2,250,000 (1st)
School: D1 (ACC)
Class: JR
Other: If this were 2016, he might have gone #1 overall had he been eligible. Not drafted out of HS.

2. Jayson Schroeder
Position: RHP
FB: 92-93 (possibly up to 95)
CB/SL: Both seem to have potential but pundits seem to suggest the slider may be his future calling card
CH: Callis says it's "promising"
Bonus: $1,200,000 (2nd)
School: HS
Class: N/A
Other: Overslot money (by $235K, highest among the 3 draftees for which the Astros did that and obviously not unexpected given that he was a HSer)

3. Jeremy Pena
Position: SS
Hits: Right
Plate: Mendoza line but with some pop (hit just .228 in the CCBL last year)
Field: Will stick at short say the scouting gurus (9 errors in 22 games already for TRC notwithstanding). Mike Elias said the Astros rated him top defensive SS in the draft.
Bonus: $535,000 (3rd)
School: D1 (America East)
Class: JR
Other: Age 20 at the time he was drafted. Similar physique as his father Geronimo, who spent parts of 7 seasons in the bigs as a utility infielder (though never played SS). Drafted by the Braves in the 39th round out of HS.

4. Alex McKenna
Position: OF
Hits: Right
Plate: Might hit for average but how much pop is there? (hit .298/.346/.403 in the CCBL last year)
Field: Can he stick in CF? Mixed views (at best) on that issue
Bonus: $430,000 (4th)
School: D1 (Big West)
Class: JR
Other: Also age 20 at the time he was drafted. Slight overslot by $20K. Not drafted out of HS.

5. Cody Deason
Position: RHP
FB: 90-94
CB/SL: Curve is his out pitch
CH: Will have to improve if he's to be a future starter
Bonus: $285,000 (6th)
School: D1 (PAC 12)
Class: JR
Other: Nice frame (6'4" 205 lbs). Battle tested as the Friday starter for Arizona this past season and CWS experience as a freshman out of the bully back in 2016. Outstanding season as a reliever in the CCBL last year: 32 Ks in 22 IP though he did walk 11 while giving up just 12 hits. Not drafted out of HS.

6. R.J. Freure
Position: RHP
FB: 92-95 
CB/SL: Curve described as a plus pitch
CH: If he even has one, probably described as a work in progress
Bonus: $346,300 (5th)
School: D1 (ACC)
Class: SOPH
Other: Also age 20 on draft day. Draft-eligible sophomore. Canuck via the U of Pittsburg. Whiffed 95 batters this past season for the Panthers as a reliever in 59 innings and led D1 in K/9. But...he walked 35. Also bullpen duty in 2017 in the CCBL--18 hits and 10 walks given up in 18 IP with 25 Ks. 2nd-highest overslot for an Astros draftee this year at $109K. How'd he do against the Beer Man? Seth homered off him in their only matchup this past season. Not drafted out of HS.

7. Cesar Salazar
Position: C
Hits: Left
Plate: Will he or won't he? Hit, that is. A breakthrough season this past spring followed .229/.318/.375 numbers in the CCBL
Field: Described as a defense-first catcher. Which is code of course for weak bat.
Bonus: $160,000 (7th)
School: D1 (PAC 12)
Class: JR
Other: Deason's batterymate with the Wildcats and also his roommate this season (and JJ Matijevic's roommate last year). Bilingual. Grew up in Mexico before moving to the US in HS. Draft-eligible as a sophomore but didn't get picked nor was he selected out of HS. Probably will be a big asset in the development of young pitchers in the lower levels of the minors but whether he advances past AA is likely gonna depend on whether that 2018 offensive upgrade is for real and translates to the pros.

8. Austin Hansen
Position: RHP
FB: Touches 96 but fades quickly 
CB/SL: Alternatively described as a slurve or CB but seems to be effective
CH: Reports say it's solid
Bonus: $156,500 (8th)
School: D1 (BIG 12)
Class: JR
Other: A Jim Stevenson pick. One of the primary late inning options this past season for the Sooners with 52 Ks in 38 IP. Control was better than his first two seasons but still a bit of an issue. CCBL numbers in 2017 underwhelming with a 1.44 WHIP. Not drafted out of HS.

9. Scott Schreiber
Position: OF
Hits: Right
Plate: Power is definitely there
Field: 1B or bust
Bonus: $10,000 (T21st)
School: D1 (BIG 10)
Class: SR
Other: A non-selection out of HS in 2014 but did get drafted three years later in the 26th round as a JR but did not sign. Impressive spring with the Huskers (.369/.446/.692) following a disappointing CCBL season (.255/.270/.352). Turns 23 in October.

10. Chandler Taylor
Position: OF
Hits: Left
Plate: A 3TO type player
Field: Corner guy (Probably of zero significance but he's been playing mostly RF for the River Bandits in early going)
Bonus: $70,000 (T17th)
School: D1 (SEC)
Class: JR
Other: Wasn't picked out of HS in 2015 but became a 27th rounder of the Twins as a draft eligible sophomore in 2017. A .230/.383/.513 slash line in the Cape last year mirrors his Bama numbers this spring.

11. Brett Conine
Position: RHP
FB: Struggles to maintain velocity but has hit 95 at times. Unsurprisingly, gets smoked when he's not hitting that which frequently happens 
CB/SL: Above average curve
CH: Can be effective but depends on what's happening with the FB
Bonus: $125,000 (T9th)
School: D1 (Big West)
Class: JR
Other: No relation to the big leaguer. Big guy (6'4", 220 lbs). Closer at CSF. Pretty good numbers over 2 seasons in the CCBL (47 punchouts in 45 IP with a 1.08 WHIP). Reliever profile but stands to reason the Astros will eventually at least try him in the rotation. Not drafted out of HS.

12. Mark Moclair
Position: RHP
FB: Jumped from upper 80s range early in college career to mid 90s this past season   
CB/SL: "Average" slider
CH: Unknown
Bonus: $125,000 (T9th)
School: D2 (Sunshine State)
Class: JR
Other: Jump in velocity, recent healthiness (which could also be viewed as a negative), lack of innings on the arm and the K/9 numbers are certainly intriguing. Regards that final item, 14.9 this past season which actually jumped to 16.1 late in the year. Control though has been a major problem. Both on evidence early, early in his pro career with 11 Ks and 6 BBs plus 3 plunks in his first 6 innings of work for the V-Cats. Econ major at Tampa. Loosely described as the closer for the Spartans but often times stretched out to 100 pitches in outings. Started pitching late in HS career and injuries limited his work his first 2 years in college. Not drafted out of HS.

13. Shawn Dubin
Position: RHP
FB: Tops out at 94-95 but that report was from a couple years ago   
CB/SL: Says the slider is his best pitch
CH: Unknown
Bonus: $1,000 (T23rd)
School: NAIA (Mid-South)
Class: SR
Other: A year at juco, 2 years at the U of Buffalo before they shut their baseball progam down and a senior season at Georgetown (the Kentucky one). Mediocre #s at D1 Buffalo but blossomed when he dropped down to the Tigers and ended up being named an NAIA First Team All-American. 128 Ks vs 18 BBs in 98 innings this spring. Less than 10 innings was the extent of his HS pitching career as he was primarily a SS. Turns 23 in September. Went undrafted as a junior and out of HS. Skinny (6'1" 160 lbs).

Dubin is particularly thrilled to join the Astros’ organization, given how well the defending World Series champions develop pitchers. “Honestly this is the best case scenario,” he said. “I'm a Yankee fan being from New York, but the Astros organization, pitching-wise, they're No. 1 in every single category there is. So from a pitcher aspect, this is the best possible opportunity that I have, so it's pretty surreal.” http://www.oleantimesherald.com/sports/allegany-native-dubin-drafted-by-astros/article_714d4eae-6a86-11e8-bee5-13cb1e26d9de.html

14. J.P. France
Position: RHP
FB: 89-92 range
CB/SL: Solid curveball
CH: Plus
Bonus: $1,000 (T23rd)
School: D1 (SEC)
Class: SR
Other: A starter at Tulane, transferred to Mississippi State for his final year of eligibility where he was almost exclusively a reliever. Already 23 on draft day. His coach in HS was former Astro Kirk Bullinger. Never previously drafted.

15. Trey Dawson
Position: SS
Hits: Right
Plate: Don't think he'll hit for pop and probably not for average
Field: Will stick at short say the draft gurus but probably a utility guy ultimately due to the light bat
Bonus: $125,000 (T9th)
School: D1 (SEC)
Class: JR
Other: 32nd rounder of the Tigers coming out of HS. Off to a nice start at the plate for the V-Cats (.319/.431/.447) but unlikely to last. Hit .267/.356/.354 in the Northwoods League in 2017. Multiple stops in his college career--LSU to Chipola JC to the Wildcats.

16. Alex Holderbach
Position: C
Hits: Right
Plate: Comes with some pop and manages strike zone pretty well
Field: Is his future behind the plate? Only God (and Luhnow) knows.
Bonus: $100,000 (13th)
School: D1 (Ohio Valley)
Class: JR
Other: Utility player his first 2 years at EKU--in 2017 he played (# of games) 3B(13),2B(12),SS(2),C(6),OF(4)and DH(10). The plan for 2018 was for him to play 3B but injuries to 2 catchers caused a move to behind the plate fulltime and he ended up one of three finalists for the Johnny Bench Award. Superb offensive numbers for the Colonels in 2017 and 2018 sandwiched a nice summer in the Great Lakes Collegiate League (.383/.465/.571 with 23 walks vs 16 strikeouts). Not drafted out of HS. Nice mullet.

17. Brett Daniels
Position: RHP
FB: 88-92
CB/SL: Throws both, average
CH: Above average
Bonus: $1,000 (T23rd)
School: D1 (ACC)
Class: SR
Other: 6th Tar Heel to be drafted by the Astros in the Luhnow era (not to mention others like Colin Moran who were subsequently acquired). Regressed over his final 3 seasons at Chapel Hill with progressively higher WHIPs. Stint with Orleans in the Cape last summer was more positive with an 0.92 WHIP in 29 innings. Never previously drafted.

18. Michael Wielansky
Position: SS
Hits: Right
Plate: Don't think he was drafted for his glove.
Field: BA suggested OF as a possible future given his speed. Has played 2B and 3B since joining the V-Cats.
Bonus: $75,000 (T14th)
School: D3 (North Coast Athletic)
Class: JR
Other: Only the 2nd D3 player to have 200 hits, 200 runs and 150 RBIs by the end of his junior year. Distinguished himself playing in the Valley League last summer by hitting .432/.489/.677 and being named MVP and ranked by BA as the 9th best prospect in the league. That batting average was the highest in the 56 year history of the league. Never previously drafted.

19. Devin Conn
Position: RHP
FB: 90-93
CB/SL: "Nice" slider and curve combo
CH: None reported
Bonus: $125,000 (T9th)
School: D2 (Sunshine State)
Class: SOPH
Other: Originally a 2-way player at Middle Tennessee State (MTS). Took a red-shirt in 2016 as a freshman after TJS (which is why he was draft eligible as a sophomore). The following year the Parkland, FL native was in the Blue Raiders starting rotation initially before moving to the bullpen. Walked 31 in 51 IP while whiffing 57. Moved back home in 2018 to attend Nova Southeastern (same school the Astros drafted JD Martinez out of and also where Mike Fiers went). Concentrated on pitching for the Sharks and the results were impressive: 128 Ks vs 29 BBs in 85 IP. Multiple arm slots. Never previously drafted.

20. Austin Dennis
Position: OF
Hits: Right
Plate: Good eye, doesn't strike out a lot
Field: Can he play CF?
Bonus: $70,000 (T17th)
School: D1 (CUSA)
Class: JR
Other: Teammate of Devin Conn at MTS in 2017. Hit .345/.417/.485 for the Blue Raiders this spring with 27 walks vs just 24 punchouts in 229 ABs. That slash line was a significant improvement over his sophomore numbers (which in turn was a significant improvement over his fresman year). He also swiped 25 of 28 bases. I suspect the development staff will preach heavily on the launch angle thing with him looking to add significantly more power. Numbers in the Alaska Baseball League last summer weren't exactly stellar (.258/.315/.311) but he did K just 10 times in 122 ABs and went 10-0 in steals. Played a number of positions for MTS (73 starts in RF, 67 in CF and 23 at 2B) and even did some pitching. Doesn't tell us anything long-term but he's played all 3 OF spots in the early going for the V-Cats. Never previously drafted.

22. Marty Costes
Position: OF
Hits: Right
Plate: 2017 Marty or 2018 Marty?
Field: Not sure I'd bet on RF which then leaves LF or DH
Bonus: $75,000 (T14th)
School: D1 (BIG 10)
Class: JR
Other: 5'9" but listed at 205 lbs. Crumbled from a superb .322/.429/.548 for the Terps as a sophomore in 2017 to just .235/.382/.374 this spring (although the plate discipline was still there with 34 BBs vs 34 Ks in 179 ABs). Unclear whether injury or other factors (see following sentence) played a role in the dropoff. Attitude issues cropped up this spring with a series suspension against Purdue in April due to the proverbial "violation of team rules" and possible disciplinary action with regards to two other games. Encouraging wood bat track record with a .319/.438/.560 slash in the Cal Ripken League in 2016 followed by .293/.427/.511 numbers the next summer in the CCBL. Drafted by the Astros in the 25th round last year as a sophomore. Was not on BA's Top 500 draft prospects list this year but was on last years at #208. He was described then as a "below-average runner with a body that's not going to help him improve in that area moving forward. He can't play up the middle and his 5-foot-9 height eliminates first base, so a team is likely going to have to put him in one of the outfield corners and hope his bat will carry value on its own."

23. Jonathan Bermudez
Position: LHP
FB: I got nothing--only scouting info I found after a cursory search was 5-year old stuff from when he was coming out of HS.
CB/SL: Slider is his breaking ball of choice
CH: Yeah, he has one
Bonus: $75,000 (T14th)
School: NAIA (Sun)
Class: JR
Other: Listed at 6'2" 225 lbs and the only southpaw taken in the draft by the stros. Had quite the peripatetic college career. Originally from Puerto Rico (he graduated from HS there in 2013), Bermudez went the juco route with his first stop at Miami-Dade College in 2014 where he posted 77 punchouts in 74 innings with 25 free passes. Didn't pitch in 2015. He next moves up the state a bit to Winter Haven where he pitches for Polk State College (another juco) in 2016. 62/11 strikeouts to walks in 51 IP there. He figures he'll give the Gulf Coast a try and announces he's committing to D2 Saint Leo. But he never pitches there. In fact, no pitching at all in the spring of 2017. Decides to give central Florida another try and takes the NAIA route by heading to Southeastern U in Lakeland. His 2018 for the Fire included a 16 strikeout no-hitter en route to being named NAIA Pitcher of the Year. Ended up mowing down 153 while walking 31 in 111 innings. Threw 125 pitches in a 2018 NAIA World Series game. When asked about the pitch count, his head coach replied that “No, 125 pitches is normal for our pitchers (starters) because we build them up to a maximum 130 to be ready for the postseason.” In his three preceding appearances, Bermudez tossed 124, 132 and 121 pitches. Turned in a 1.30 WHIP pitching in the NECBL in the summer of 2017 with 45 ponches in 43 IP. Named to that league's All-Star squad and pitched a scoreless inning in the game which immediately preceded the playoffs. In those playoffs, struck out 8 over 4 frames while allowing just 1 run on 3 hits to finish off his summer. Turns 23 in October. Never been drafted previously.

24. Miguel Figueroa
Position: RHP
FB: Dated info said he was throwing upper 80s out of HS.
CB/SL: Unknown
CH: Unknown
Bonus: $20,000 (20th)
School: NAIA (Sooner Athletic)
Class: JR
Other: A Jim Stevenson signing. 2 years at Pima JC before heading to OKC. Had 128 Ks in 133 innings while at juco being used as a starter and in relief. Once he joined the Stars, he became a fulltime reliever and whiffed 48 in 38 IP.  Sent to the GCL club rather than Tri-City after joining the organization (roster considerations overwhelmingly dictate much of this). Never drafted previously.

25. Logan Mattix
Position: OF
Hits: Right
Plate: Don't see a particular strength in his batwork
Field: Without access to a recent scouting report, it's hard to know where he fits in the outfield grass. He has been used exclusively in CF since joining the River Bandits.
Bonus: $1,000 (T23rd)
School: D2 (Peach Belt)
Class: SR
Other: His coach at Georgia College called him a five tool player. Okay. Hit .400/.460/.640 this spring for the Bobcats. A massive difference in home/road splits suggests he and his teammates benefited from a hitter-friendly home park which inflated the overall numbers. Put up a .247/.347/.407 slash in the Northwoods League in 2016, bettering that with a .316/.391/.468 mark the following year in the Coastal Plains League and representing the Savannah Bananas in the league all-star game. Won a D2 Rawlings Gold Glove in 2017. Never drafted previously.

26. David Hensley
Position: SS
Hits: Right
Plate: In its current version, that bat just doesn't play.
Field: He's 6'6" so odds are heavily against SS. 3B is BA's projection. He's played all over the infield in early going for
QC.
Bonus: $1,000 (T23rd)
School: D1 (Mountain West)
Class: SR
Other: Head-scratching lack of pop for a guy his size--just 7 homers in 4 years for the Aztecs and an .094 ISO. Sucky wood bat numbers, .200/.269/.276 in the Northwoods League in 2016 and .220/.298/.280 up in Alaska the following year. Never previously drafted.

27. Juan Paulino
Position: C
Hits: Left
Plate: Lots of raw power it's said.
Field: Couldn't find a recent scouting report on defensive skills after a cursory search but let's face it if they were halfway decent he probably would have gone a lot higher than the 27th round.
Bonus: $10,000 (T21st)
School: JUCO (Bi-State)
Class: SOPH
Other: A Jim Stevenson signing. Went from .338/.451/.637 (team average: .355/.464/.635) as a freshman to .408/.510/.811 (team average: .356/.464/.620) this spring. Had an incredible 47 PB in 51 games and threw out 24% of basestealers in 2017. That led to considerably fewer games behind the plate this year as he played a lot of 1B. Never drafted previously.

28. Joey Gonzalez
Position: RHP
FB: Low 90s
CB/SL: "Good" slider
CH: Unknown
Bonus: $60,000 (19th)
School: D1 (Atlantic Sun)
Class: JR
Other: Listed at 5'11". Bullpen work for the Hatters his 1st two years before moving to the rotation this spring as the midweek starter. A massive 71 walks in 145 IP in his 3 years there, though he did K 147. Did better in the Coastal Plains League last summer with a 33/5 K to BB in 37 innings. Never drafted previously.

30. Layne Henderson
Position: RHP
FB: High 80's, occasionally breaking 90
CB/SL: Neither are as good as his changeup
CH: Effective
Bonus: $1,000 (T23rd)
School: D2 (Pacific West)
Class: SR
Other: Worked out of the bullpen in 2017 (42 Ks in 32 IP) before moving to the rotation this spring and leading the staff with 92 whiffs in 74 innings. Roster considerations are usually the overriding reason for these things but after signing the Astros put him with the GCL club (where he's struggling in the early, early going). Same school as Adrian Tovalin, drafted by Houston in the 16th round last year after putting up a 1.163 OPS for the Cougars but was released barely a year later. Never drafted previously.

31. Riley Cabral
Position: RHP
FB: Low 90's on a good day
CB/SL: Average to above average slider
CH: None reported
Bonus: $1,000 (T23rd)
School: D1 (American Athletic)
Class: JR
Other: Listed at 5'11". Two years at Chipola before moving on to the Tigers and the AAC this spring. Must have been desperate to start his professional career as he took the paltry thousand bucks normally given to college seniors. Perhaps he realized what a terrible decision he made turning down the D-Backs when they took him in the 13th round last year after an outstanding juco season.

32. Jacob Billingsley
Position: RHP
FB: Low 90's
CB/SL: Good curve
CH: None reported
Bonus: $1,000 (T23rd)
School: D1 (SEC)
Class: SR
Other: Listed at 5'11". Turns 24 in a couple of weeks. Simply cannot locate the plate. 82 walks over 134 innings (while striking out 137) in his Bulldogs career and his summer in the Cape last year resulted in 18 walks and 7 WPs in 29 IP. Never drafted previously.

[VirtualBob]

Nice rundown. Thanks.

[jbm]

Yeah, that's an awesome job.

side note: I find it entertaining that Callis and other pundits are predicting the eventual pitch dominance/mix of high school pitchers. 

[BudGirl]

Thumbnails follow on each of the signed picks. Keep in mind:

• Position is how the Astros listed the player when drafted.
• Figure after the bonus # is where it ranks among this year's Astros draft class.
• May be slightly redundant with some of the earlier comments in this thread.
• Comments by necessity may at times be on the glib side. Don't yell at me.
• Should be read in conjunction with https://www.mlb.com/draft/tracker/astros.

You scare me with your awesomeness.

[Fynn]

You scare me with your awesomeness.
[/quote

Right.  What she said.

[austro]

Wow! Thank you very much, Nate!

[Nate Colbert]

A bit of a mystery as far as 21st-rounder Dalton Roach who should have signed as well but neither database reflects that. Seniors such as Roach with no college eligibility remaining are not subject to the July 6th deadline so going forward (if he hasn't already signed) the possibility of him joining the org remains.

He has signed with the River City Rascals of the indy Frontier League. https://msumavericks.com/news/2018/7/19/baseball-roach-signs-pro-contract-with-frontier-leagues-river-city-rascals.aspx

Failed physical with the Astros is about the only thing that makes sense here.

[jbm]

Yeah, that's a head scratcher.  Maybe to prove he is healthy.  The stories about affiliated minor league ball still sound preferable to life in the Frontier League. 

[Jacksonian]

IMO, the Sandoval trade highlights why you have to take fliers on lefties in the draft.  Even if you don't value them other teams do, and if you can hit just enough on one you can at least use him in trade.

[Lefty]

He has signed with the River City Rascals of the indy Frontier League. https://msumavericks.com/news/2018/7/19/baseball-roach-signs-pro-contract-with-frontier-leagues-river-city-rascals.aspx

Failed physical with the Astros is about the only thing that makes sense here.

Is it like the NBA where the Astros hold his rights, or at some point does he become a FA?

[Nate Colbert]

Is it like the NBA where the Astros hold his rights, or at some point does he become a FA?

Retained up until one week before the 2019 draft is my understanding.