3 Astros Prospects Who Should Make Opening Day Roster if Minor League Season is Cancelled
By Jerry Trotta
If you think that there are several obstacles for Major League Baseball to overcome in order to get the 2020 season underway amid the coronavirus pandemic, well, that list is tenfold for the MiLB. There is growing chatter that it will be nearly impossible for the minor league season to be carried out.
If there's a silver lining to be had here, it's the fact that a cancellation would immediately benefit MLB clubs with robust farm systems. The Houston Astros, despite having one of the league's most talented rosters, fall under that description. In fact, we'd be surprised if these three prospects didn't make the Opening Day roster.
3. Bryan Abreu
Despite not appearing in a single game at Triple-A last season, Abreu had the luxury of getting called up to the Astros once rosters expanded. MLB.com has the 23-year-old ranked as the organization's No. 5 ranked prospect, and his impressive stint in 2019 -- he fanned 13 batters and surrendered just one run in 8.2 innings of work -- should have his spot on the Opening Day roster locked up.
2. Abraham Toro
Toro broke into the big leagues in 2019 and went on to appear in 25 games. The 23-year-old infielder proved that he's ready for a full-time promotion by absolutely tearing up minor league pitching. In 114 games across Double- and Triple-A, he hit .324/.411/.527 with 17 home runs and 80 RBI. If that doesn't warrant a spot on the Opening Day roster, we don't know what does.
1. Jose Urquidy
Forrest Whitley, the team's No. 1 prospect, struggled in 2019 and that gives the edge to Urquidy. The 25-year-old appeared in nine games for Houston last season, so the club already trusts him on the big stage. He owns a 3.37 ERA across 323.1 innings in the minors. Couple that with the fact that MLB teams will need as many pitchers as possible once the season starts, and it's easy to see why Urquidy is deserving of a spot on the Opening Day roster.