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**Right below is the Astros Risers and Shiners list simplified. Scroll further down for FULL Future Grades, Role, ETA, and summaries on EACH PLAYER ranked on this list! Tons of 2021 Statistics on each player as well! Some player highlights, future outlooks and more enjoy!**
**These will exclude any 2022 draft picks due to the teams already being posted prior to the 2022 Draft**
| Rank | Player | Position | How Acquired |
| 1 | Korey Lee | C | 1st Round: 2019 Draft – 32nd Overall |
| 2 | Hunter Brown | RHP | 2019 Draft: 5th Round |
| 3 | Pedro Leon | OF | 2021 International Signing |
| 4 | Colin Barber | RHP | 2019 Draft: 4th Round |
| 5 | Joe Perez | 3B | 2017 Draft: 2nd Round |
| Risers | |||
| 1 | Alex Santos | RHP | 2020 Draft: 2nd Round |
| 2 | JC Correa | SS | 2019 Draft: 38th Round |
| 3 | Yainer Diaz | C | Trade with Guardians |
| 4 | Luis Santana | 2B | Trade with Mets |
| 5 | Logan Cerny | OF | Trade with Phillies |
1. Korey Lee C | Sugar Land Skeeters (AAA)
23-Years-Old | Bats: R | Throws: R | 6’2″ | 210 lbs. | ETA: 2023
| Hit | PWR | FLD | SPD | ARM | Role |
| 45 | 50 | 60 | 40 | 70 | 5 |
| AVG | OBP | SLG | OPS | HR | SB | CS | K% | BB% |
| .270 | .340 | .438 | .777 | 11 | 4 | 1 | 18.8% | 8.6% |
| ISO | wRC+ | SwStr% | GB% | LD% | FB% | Pull% | Cent% | Oppo% |
| .161 | 106 | 9.6% | 40.8% | 23.8% | 35.4% | 45.0% | 24.0% | 30.9% |
Scouting Report:
Korey Lee is a defensive first catcher who has a plus glove and a 70 arm with already outstanding pop times and threw out 43% of base runners who attempted to steal on him in 2021. He’s got enough strength that he should produce average power numbers at the plate, but there is legitimate swing-and-miss concern in his lofty swing as his swing can get too long at times causing him to swing over pitches. While his hit tool isn’t all that impressive, it won’t be a concern as his value comes from his defense.
Written By: Austin Farmer (@AustinF0421)
2. Hunter Brown RHP | Sugar Land Skeeters (AAA)
23-Years-Old | Bats: R | Throws: R | 6’2″ | 210 lbs. | ETA: 2022
| FB | CB | CH | SL | Control | Role |
| 60 | 60 | 45 | 55 | 50 | 5 |
| IP | G | GS | ERA | WHIP | K% | BB% | HR/9 |
| 100.1 | 24 | 19 | 4.04 | 1.42 | 30.3% | 11.5% | 1.08 |
| SwStr% | xFIP | GB% | LD% | FB% | Pull% | Cent% | Oppo% |
| 11.3% | 3.97 | 50.4% | 21.1% | 28.5% | 44.0% | 17.7% | 38.3% |
Scouting Report:
Brown is easily the Astros top pitching prospect as he has legitimate strikeout stuff. Brown has all the makings of a frontline starter as he displays fluid mechanics that cause mass amounts of deception and hides the ball well. His fastball sits mid-90’s with late-life and is his best offering. His curveball is absolutely filthy, it has late depth and it pairs so well with his fastball because of his arm speed. His slider is also a solid pitch as he can locate it down and in the dirt. He also has a changeup, but it’s more of another look than anything for the Brown. Overall, he’s risen quickly through the system and with his mixture of stuff and velocity, it’s easy to see why he’s so highly thought of in the Astros system.
Written By: Drake Mann (@drakemann4)
3. Pedro Leon OF | Sugar Land Skeeters (AAA)
24-Years-Old | Bats: R | Throws: R | 5’10” | 170 lbs. | ETA: 2023
| Hit | PWR | FLD | SPD | ARM | Role |
| 40 | 50 | 60 | 60 | 70 | 5 |
| AVG | OBP | SLG | OPS | HR | SB | CS | K% | BB% |
| .220 | .339 | .369 | .707 | 9 | 18 | 10 | 30.6% | 13.0% |
| ISO | wRC+ | SwStr% | GB% | LD% | FB% | Pull% | Cent% | Oppo% |
| .149 | 93 | 11.4% | 49.4% | 20.6% | 30.0% | 58.3% | 19.6% | 22.1% |
Scouting Report:
Despite a disappointing professional debut, Leon managed to climb his way to Triple-A after making an appearance at the MLB Future’s Game as well. Leon then competed in the Arizona Fall League where he struggled as well. A positive note for Leon was that his walk rates went up in the Fall League. While he won’t hit much in the bigs, Leon has enough speed and loft in his swing that he could produce a lot of extra base hits.
Written By: Austin Farmer (@AustinF0421)
4. Colin Barber OF | Asheville Tourists (A+)
21-Years-Old | Bats: L | Throws: L | 6’0″ | 200 lbs. | ETA: 2025
| Hit | PWR | FLD | SPD | ARM | Role |
| 60 | 55 | 55 | 55 | 50 | 5 |
| AVG | OBP | SLG | OPS | HR | SB | CS | K% | BB% |
| .214 | .365 | .452 | .817 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 41.5% | 17.0% |
| ISO | wRC+ | SwStr% | GB% | LD% | FB% | Pull% | Cent% | Oppo% |
| 238 | 123 | 16.9% | 50.0% | 0.0% | 50.0% | 25.0% | 25.0% | 50,0% |
Scouting Report:
Barber was taken in the 4th round in 2019 and there’s plenty of potential with Barber. There’s definite raw power in the tank with Barber. I believe some of his value will come with his power as his swing generates lift and easy flyball contact. However, his solid bat speed and barreling abilities showcase his hit being plus as well. He’s also a good runner and can play all three outfield spots. In the end, the Astros got a steal with Colin Barber, if he can be more consistent with the bat, his mixture of power and speed will be something the Astros will love for a long time.
Written By: Drake Mann (@drakemann4)
5. Joe Perez 3B | Corpus Christi Hooks (AA)
22-Years-Old | Bats: R | Throws: R | 6’2″ | 200 lbs. | ETA: 2022
| AVG | OBP | SLG | OPS | HR | SB | CS | K% | BB% |
| .291 | .354 | .495 | .849 | 18 | 3 | 4 | 24.0% | 9.1% |
| ISO | wRC+ | SwStr% | GB% | LD% | FB% | Pull% | Cent% | Oppo% |
| .205 | 125 | 10.9% | 41.0% | 23.5% | 35.5% | 40.8% | 22.6% | 36.7% |
Scouting Report:
Joe Perez was drafted second round all the way back in 2017. He’s an intriguing prospect to say the least. Except for one season in 2019 where he slashed .188/.246/.365, he’s done nothing but hit in the minors. The Astros have simplified his stance to have less movement and in turn has helped him develop some serious bat speed and ability to drive the ball to all fields. He’s going to be a solid run producer with his gap-to-gap power and good home run potential. The bat will carry him as Perez isn’t as gifted on defense as he is with the bat. Even though Perez might have a home at first base long term, Astros fans, the bat is legit and the name Joe Perez will be heard for a long time in Houston.
Written By: Drake Mann (@drakemann4)
Risers:
1. Alex Santos RHP | Fayetteville Woodpeckers (A)
20-Years-Old | Bats: R | Throws: R | 6’4″ | 195 lbs. | ETA: 2026
| FB | CB | CH | SL | Control | Role |
| 55 | 50 | 45 | 40 | 45 | 4 |
| IP | G | GS | ERA | WHIP | K% | BB% | HR/9 |
| 41.2 | 12 | 7 | 3.46 | 1.46 | 26.2% | 16.4% | 0.43 |
| SwStr% | xFIP | GB% | LD% | FB% | Pull% | Cent% | Oppo% |
| 14.0% | 5.50 | 27.7% | 23.8% | 48.5% | 39.0% | 23.8% | 37.1% |
Scouting Report:
Santos was selected by the Astros in the 2nd Rd. of the shortened 2020 Draft. With the weirdness of that draft, his name flew a bit under the radar. Since making his pro debut in June 2021, he has established himself as a name to keep an eye on in the depleted Astros’ system.
Santos’ best pitch is his FB which sits in the 91-94mph range with the ability to grab a 96/97 on occasions. His FB velo was a bit inconsistent in 2021, but he should be able to stabilize his velocity as he matures. He will get an above league average whiff rate on his FB as it plays decently well up in the zone, particularly against RHHs. He shows some potential in a high 70’s CB with 11/5 break to it. The pitch has solid depth, however he has had problems with leaving the pitch over the plate too much. He has shown a feel for a CH at times, and while the pitch is good, he will need to work it into his repertoire a bit more for it to be effective. Santos also throws a mid-high 80’s SL, but has yet to show any real feel for the pitch as he struggles to throw it for strikes or have any type of good break to it.
Santos has shown some difficulty at times repeating his mechanics, however he has plenty of time to figure it out as he will be only 20 years old for the 2022 season.
Written By: Milton Dauber (@MiltonDauber)
2. JC Correa SS | Asheville Tourists (A+)
23-Years-Old | Bats: R | Throws: R | 6’0″ | 200 lbs. | ETA: 2025
| Hit | PWR | FLD | SPD | ARM | Role |
| 50 | 45 | 55 | 50 | 60 | 5 |
| AVG | OBP | SLG | OPS | HR | SB | CS | K% | BB% |
| .310 | .368 | .464 | .833 | 9 | 10 | 9 | 13.2% | 7.8% |
| ISO | wRC+ | SwStr% | GB% | LD% | FB% | Pull% | Cent% | Oppo% |
| .155 | 126 | 8.4% | 44.0% | 21.1% | 34.8% | 40.3% | 24.8% | 34.9% |
Scouting Report:
JC Correa is a name that should be familiar to Astros fans as he’s the brother of Carlos Correa and he’s shown some tools since being signed by the Astros. He is a defensive first prospect but his bat has gotten better as of late. He’s very versatile as he’s played all four infield spots and some outfield as well. The most interesting part is he has gotten some reps at catcher and the Astros might be developing him as a catcher going forward. His hit tool is better than his power is below average. It’ll be interesting to see how an advance in pitching will treat Correa and how much the Astros want to challenge him going forward. Correa is interesting as his versatility will be key for him going forward. But if the bat develops, he could become a nice piece for the Astros in the future.
Written By: Drake Mann (@drakemann4)
3. Yainer Diaz C | Sugar Land Skeeters (AAA)
23-Years-Old | Bats: R | Throws: R | 6’0″ | 195 lbs. | ETA: 2023
| Hit | PWR | FLD | SPD | ARM | Role |
| 50 | 55 | 50 | 40 | 55 | 5 |
| AVG | OBP | SLG | OPS | HR | SB | CS | K% | BB% |
| .340 | .370 | .632 | 1.002 | 12 | 12 | 3 | 19.4% | 5.2% |
| ISO | wRC+ | SwStr% | GB% | LD% | FB% | Pull% | Cent% | Oppo% |
| .292 | 160 | 15.1% | 46.3% | 16.5% | 37.2% | 41.5% | 29.3% | 29.3% |
Scouting Report:
Diaz has a loud bat at a position that is usually defensive minded. He’s capable of hitting 475-foot blasts, with power to all fields. While he will come with some strikeouts, he should post average batting averages every season, which will make him a valuable piece in Houston’s lineup. The damage that he can do to baseballs will be exciting, and 25+ homeruns isn’t a stretch for the powerfully built Dominican, who had originally signed for just $25,000 out of his home country.
Written By: Austin Farmer (@AustinF0421)
4. Luis Santana 2B | Asheville Tourists (A+)
22-Years-Old | Bats: R | Throws: R | 5’9″ | 196 lbs. | ETA: 2025
| Hit | PWR | FLD | SPD | ARM | Role |
| 55 | 45 | 50 | 45 | 50 | 4 |
| AVG | OBP | SLG | OPS | HR | SB | CS | K% | BB% |
| .224 | .301 | .385 | .686 | 6 | 5 | 2 | 23.0% | 6.6% |
| ISO | wRC+ | SwStr% | GB% | LD% | FB% | Pull% | Cent% | Oppo% |
| .161 | 86 | 13.2% | 38.4% | 18.4% | 43.2% | 53.4% | 20.6% | 26.0% |
Scouting Report:
Luis Santana was acquired from the Mets for JD Davis and I don’t think anyone has expected him to be on this list but he’s quietly been consistent throughout the minors. You might recognize Santana from a viral bat flip he did after a home run in 2021. However, he’s so much more than that. Santana has a lot of moving parts in the box and when he makes contact its loud. For his size, he has some pop in his bat but his hit tool is what’ll make him such a valuable piece going forward. It’ll be interesting to see his development with the Astros set at shortstop and second base, he could be used as a trade chip to get something bigger. However, where it stands now, this is one guy to watch in the Astros system and someone who can keep rising the ranks quickly.
Written By: Drake Mann (@drakemann4)
5. Logan Cerny OF | Fayetteville Woodpeckers (A)
22-Years-Old | Bats: R | Throws: R | 6’1″ | 185 lbs. | ETA: 2025
| Hit | PWR | FLD | SPD | ARM | Role |
| 45 | 50 | 55 | 70 | 55 | 4 |
| AVG | OBP | SLG | OPS | HR | SB | CS | K% | BB% |
| .200 | .349 | .286 | .635 | 0 | 6 | 2 | 27.9% | 18.6% |
| ISO | wRC+ | SwStr% | GB% | LD% | FB% | Pull% | Cent% | Oppo% |
| .086 | 85 | 13.7% | 23.8% | 33.3% | 42.9% | 43.5% | 26.1% | 30.4% |
Scouting Report:
Logan Cerny is a newly acquired Houston prospect who could be overlooked in the Minors but has enough athleticism and defensive capabilities that he could reach the bigs in a timely manner. Originally a catcher coming out of high school, Cerny transitioned to the outfield where his athleticism and plus-plus speed play better. He’s got pop in his bat but it won’t be a major impact in a lineup. If his bat can keep up, Cerny’s stock could rise even more, but his bat could be replaced in the bigs if there are better options. With his above-average glove and speed, Cerny will stick in center.
Written By: Austin Farmer (@AustinF0421)
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