Houston Astros Get SEC Third Baseman in Latest Mock Draft

The Houston Astros already have a veteran answer at third base in Alex Bregman, but his contract is also coming up soon.

Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

The Houston Astros could look for an answer at the hot corner, if a recent mock draft is an indication.

MLB.com published its latest mock draft, which leaned on connections to the College World Series, which is going on in Omaha, Neb.

That isn’t necessarily why the site connected the Astros to a college third baseman, but that’s where the mock ended up, as the Astros got Miami (FL) third baseman Yohandy Morales at No. 28 overall.

Third base is an interesting position for the Astros. Alex Bregman is under contract through 2024. He will be 30 by then so it’s not out of the question that the Astros would re-sign him. He could also test free agency.

At the prospect level, the Astros have Joe Perez and Zach Dezenzo in their Top 30 per MLB.com. Dezenzo is on a fast ascent after being selected last year. Perez is trying to get back to Houston after a cup of coffee in 2022.

Morales played three seasons at Miami where he had a career slash of .343/.413/.635/1.048 with 49 home runs and 174 RBI. He’s played the other infield positions in the Cape Cod Summer League, but he’s been a dedicated third baseman for the Hurricanes.

The first five picks of the mock draft held steady from previous mock drafts. The Pittsburgh Pirates took LSU outfielder Dylan Crews at No. 1 overall. The Washington Nationals took LSU pitcher Paul Skenes at No. 2. The Detroit Tigers selected Florida outfielder Wyatt Langford at No. 3. The Texas Rangers took outfielder Walker Jenkins from South Brunswick High School in Southport, N.C. The Minnesota Twins selected outfielder Max Clark from Franklin (Ind.) High School.

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

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