Updated Astros top 30 prospects list released yesterday. I suspect we'll drop from top tier to middle of the pack when the new MLB rankings are released. We still have some potential elite guys at the top but our depth took a big hit with the Greinke trade.
Freudis Nova will become our new No. 1 prospect when Whitley gets to the show. He was an international signee as a 16 year old back in 2016 and has huge upside at SS. He's only 19 and is probably still a couple years away from being ready for the show, but that could be just in time if our current SS decides to test the market after 2021.
Among our 2019 draftees: Korey Lee (catcher) already up to No. 3, Jordan Brewer (CF) at No. 7 and Grae Kessinger (SS) No. 12.
Here's the scouting report on Nova:
Quote:
Scouting grades: Hit: 50 | Power: 50 | Run: 60 | Arm: 65 | Field: 55 | Overall: 50
The Marlins were prepared to sign Nova, one of the best all-around talents in the 2016 international class, for $2.5 million until he tested positive for performance-enhancing drugs that February. After he passed several subsequent drug tests, the Astros gave him a $1.2 million bonus when the signing period opened in July. He drew comparisons to Hanley Ramirez and Edgar Renteria as an amateur in the Dominican Republic, and he did nothing to dispel them in his first two years in Rookie ball.
Nova has a higher offensive ceiling than most shortstops and grades very well in Houston's analytic measures of strength, speed and conditioning. He makes repeated contact with his quick right-handed swing, and his high exit velocities and the loft in his stroke portend average or better power in the future. His plus speed could make him a 20-20 player and his only obvious need at the plate is to develop more patience.
Nova has all the tools to remain at shortstop. He has quick feet and hands as well as one of the strongest arms in the system, clocked at 97 mph across the diamond. He has seen a lot of action at second and third base in 2019 and would profile well at either position if he outgrows shortstop.