Baseball America thinks the Astros have a lot riding on the selection of catcher Walker Janek
’ 2024 MLB Draft class is filled with promising talent, yet some analysts believe the team may have missed an opportunity to strengthen their future offense by not being more aggressive in selecting hitters. The Astros’ draft strategy leaned heavily on pitching and defensive skills rather than high-ceiling offensive players, raising questions about whether they’ve done enough to future-proof their lineup.
The Astros’ standout offensive prospect from the class, Walker Janek, is undoubtedly a strong addition. Janek, a catcher from Sam Houston State, displayed an impressive .364/.476/.709 slash line in college, suggesting a solid hit tool and promising power. However, his power projects as average, rather than elite, leaving his offensive impact somewhat limited. While Janek inked a $3.
Joseph Sullivan, the club’s seventh-round selection, boasts speed and defensive prowess, with a track record of stealing bases in college. However, his offensive profile remains modest, with concerns about whether he can sustain a high-level on-base percentage against advanced pitching. In his pro debut, he posted a .250 batting average with an OPS of .740 in Low-A, showing glimpses of patience at the plate but still far from being a power threat.
Meanwhile, the Astros dedicated multiple early selections to pitching, including third-rounder Ryan Forcucci and fourth-rounder Parker Smith. Both bring impressive arms and strike-throwing consistency, but this emphasis on pitching over power-hitting hitters might leave Houston with a farm system short on potential impact bats in the near future.
This draft class underscores Houston’s commitment to developing defensive-minded players and bolstering their pitching depth. While these moves could strengthen their future bullpen and rotation, the lack of a high-caliber hitting prospect outside of Janek means Houston’s future lineup may lack balance.
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