7. Teoscar Hernandez, of |
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Born: Oct. 15, 1992. B-T: R-R. Ht.: 6-2. Wt.: 198. Signed: Dominican Republic, 2011. Signed by: Felix Francisco/Rafael Belen/Francis Mojica.
Background: The Astros signed Hernandez to a bargain $20,000 bonus in 2011 and saw him quickly climb on the prospect radar. He regressed with a disastrous 2015 season. The Astros left him off the 40-man roster that offseason, but he went unselected in the Rule 5 draft. So Hernandez focused on tracking breaking-ball spin. He found better pitches to hit in 2016 and slashed his strikeout rate from 25 percent to 17 percent.
Scouting Report: Hernandez went from being an easy out to an above-average hitter because he adopted a two-strike approach. He now takes or spoils tough, two-strike pitches he chased in the past. The improved approach did dilute his power slightly, but he still has above-average power to go with his much-improved hit tool. He is an above-average defender in center field and plus in the corners with an above-average arm, though he needs to improve his accuracy.
The Future: With Houston aiming to win the American League West, they probably won’t hand Hernandez a full-time job out of spring training. But with his ability to play all three outfield spots, he could fit as a useful fourth outfielder who plays his way into a larger role.
Read more at http://www.baseballamerica.com/minors/2017-houston-astros-top-10-prospects/#zKrFH8tEuSMjgpvC.99