Houston Astros Select Elite Prep Shortstop in Latest Mock Draft

The Houston Astros need to restock their organization and it could start with a prep shortstop that might not be ready for a few years.

ESPN’s latest mock draft has the Astros taking Eaton, Colo., shortstop Walker Martin, though it certainly isn’t clear what the Astros will do with the selection:

The Astros have been tied to Martin, (Sammy) Stafura and North Carolina 3B Mac Horvath (likely available at their next pick). Martin and Stafura are risky upside types who've seen a variety of takes on their ability, so pairing that pick with a 22-year-old proven college performer in Horvath matches well with the Astros' plan.

Martin has a back-up plan if he doesn’t like where he’s selected. He’s already committed to the University of Arkansas. He’s one of the best prep prospects in the nation. Earlier his month he was selected as the Gatorade Player of the Year for Colorado. The left-handed hitter could also play second base at the next level.

The Astros are taken care of at shortstop right now with second-year pro Jeremy Peña. But the only pure shortstop in the organization’s Top 30 prospects is Camilo Diaz, who is at rookie league.

The first five picks featured the same five players that have appeared in other mocks, though the order changed slightly. The Pittsburgh Pirates took LSU pitcher Paul Skenes at No. 1 overall. The Washington Nationals took LSU outfielder Dylan Crews at No. 2. The Detroit Tigers selected Florida outfielder Wyatt Langford at No. 3. The Texas Rangers took outfielder Max Clark from Franklin (Ind.) High School The Minnesota Twins selected outfielder Walker Jenkins from South Brunswick High School in Southport, N.C.

The MLB Draft will be held July 9-11 in Seattle during All-Star Weekend.

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