Could this power hitter be the next star outfielder for Houston?
This weekend the 2025 MLB Draft will commence and teams will select the players they feel can make their respective franchises take the next step. With the draft starting Sunday, teams and experts are putting together their draft boards.
The Houston Astros may be toward the top of the AL, but strengthening the roster cannot hurt one bit. Houston holds the No. 21 pick in this year’s draft.
Keith Law of The Athletic put together his recent MLB mock draft Tuesday morning. With the 21st pick, Law predicts the Astros will take SEC power hitter Jace LaViolette of Texas A&M.
“The Astros seem more inclined to take a college hitter here, although they could be one of the buyers on late-rising pitcher Gage Wood, and I know they’re very high on prep hitter Cooper Flemming, who’d be a reach here but won’t get to their next pick at 95,” Law said.
LaViolette could replace current center fielder Jake Meyers. Meyers, 29, is in his fourth year in the league. Given how long it may take for LaViolette to work his way through the Astros’ farm system, the franchise may not have Meyers on the roster and in need of bringing up a younger outfielder.
LaViolette hit 18 home runs and brought in 61 runs, which led the Aggies in both categories. The Katy, Texas native stands at 6-foot-6 and 230 pounds. Though his batting average may be a concern, his power may be able to make up for it while his hitting rate develops in the minor leagues.
Category: Baseball
