Who Am I?
Tyler White
First baseman
Age: 26
Height: 5′ 11″
Weight: 225
Bats right, throws right
How Did I Get Here?
White was drafted in the 33rd round by the Astros in 2013. He debuted on the Opening Day 2016 roster.
Contract Status:
White has two option years remaining and could be eligible for arbitration in 2020.
Why Am I Here?
Well, the plan was originally to let White win the first base job last season. I mean, that wasn’t the original plan – you don’t plan for a 33rd round pick to do anything with your organization except to soak up at bats. But White started hitting in the minors, and kept hitting, and hit his way right into the Opening Day lineup. And for 9 glorious games, it looked like Tyler White would be the greatest out-of-nowhere story of the season, as he started off .483/.529/.897 tear that included 3 doubles, 3 homers, and a Player of the Week award. Unfortunately, the league caught up with him, as he hit only .183/.252/.308 the rest of the season.
Given that you don’t exactly look for that kind of hitting from a first baseman – and the fact that Gurriel and Reed are ahead of him at first base – White is looking to become a utility player. Look for him to get reps at third and second in addition to first at Fresno, and if Marwin Gonzalez is injured at any point, White could take over that utility role.
What Are My Strengths?
White has a good eye and showed good patience for a rookie. He wasn’t guessing early in the count – he was working his way to pitches he knew he could turn on.
What Are My Weaknesses?
Once pitchers saw the book on him, they would throw a get-over strike one without fear that he’d jump on it, and then control the at-bat from there. And while he has some power, it’s not the kind of power that’s going to carry him at first base. He’ll need to show that he can field respectably across the infield to hold down a job.
Loves to hit: As indicated above on his pitch selection, White was going hunting for fastballs – even with his disappointing numbers, he did hit .273 with a .442 SLG against the heater.
Hates to hit: Curveballs. White saw 92 curveballs, and went just 1 for 23. (He wasn’t much better against sliders, at just 2 for 13.)
What is my future with the Astros?
If he can show enough glove around the infield? He’s the heir apparent to Martin Gonzalez. If not? well, he’ll always have that wondrous early April 2016. It’s a whole lot more than most 33rd round picks do.
What is my projected 2017 performance?
| PA | BA | OBP | SLG | H | HR | RBI | SB | CS | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 (MLB) | 276 | .217 | .286 | .378 | 54 | 8 | 28 | 1 | 0 |
| 2016 (AAA) | 190 | .241 | .305 | .500 | 42 | 13 | 29 | 1 | 1 |
| PECOTA | 99 | .245 | .333 | .421 | 21 | 3 | 12 | 0 | 0 |
| ZIPS | 458 | .248 | .323 | .419 | 101 | 16 | 59 | 1 | 1 |
| MMWAG | 150 | .255 | .315 | .418 | 45 | 5 | 20 | 0 | 0 |
Who else would I remind you of?
If only he could catch. Who knows, maybe he’ll do that too, if that’s what it takes to get back to the bigs.
Yeah, I was in the show. I was in the show for 21 days once – the 21 greatest days of my life. You know, you never handle your luggage in the show, somebody else carries your bags. It was great. You hit white balls for batting practice, the ballparks are like cathedrals, the hotels all have room service, and the women all have long legs and brains.
Don’t think, meat. It can only hurt the ball club.