The Houston Astros have famously switched to full-on rebuild mode, after languishing in the shadow of a 2005 World Series appearance. A star-studded team lost to the Chicago White Sox that year, and the club held on to some big names in the next few years, trying to get back to the Fall Classic, but ultimately a huge move was made.
That move, made by new owner Jim Crane and his GM, Jeffery Luhnow, was to get rid of the high-priced talent, bring in as much help as they could in exchange, and to make the most of the team’s high draft status.
The draft is what has enriched the club the most. Recent first-round selections are rising to the top of Houston’s minor league system and dividends may soon be paid.
Talent acquired in the epic offloading that has taken place the last couple of years is also looking promising. Here is a top-ten list for the Astros’ prospects:
- Carlos Correa
- Jonathan Singleton
- George Springer
- Mark Appel
- Lance McCullers
- Mike Foltynewicz
- Delino DeShields
- Nolan Fontana
- Domingo Santana
- Vincent Velasquez
That’s a pretty impressive list when respected scouts and talent observers weigh in.
