3 Astros Top Prospects Who Could Make Opening Day Roster if Minor League Season is Cancelled

The fate of minor league baseball remains up in the air in 2020. MLB seems set to play some sort of season, but rumors have emerged that MiLB may not have a game played across any level. ESPN's Jeff Passan reported a decision has still not been made.

No minor league season should result in expanded rosters for MLB teams, which should open up more opportunities for prospects.

In the case of the Houston Astros, they had several top prospects reach the majors in 2019 to get that initial experience. Three prospects in particular stand out as players who should be on the Astros Opening Day roster this year if there is no minor league season.

3. Forrest Whitley

Houston Astros pitcher Forrest Whitley is the team's top prospect. / Rich Schultz/Getty Images

Whitley was the No. 17 pick in the 2016 draft and is the No. 1 prospect in the Astros organization, according to MLB.com. The only problem is that he got shelled in limited Triple-A action last season, posting a 12.21 ERA in eight appearances, but the key here is getting him on the roster so he can continue to develop. Simply training away from the team could stunt the development of the top prospect. Even with his struggles, he did have 86 strikeouts in 59.2 innings in 2019.

2. Abraham Toro

Houston Astros prospect Abraham Toro reached the majors in 2019. / Mark Blinch/Getty Images

Toro reached the majors last season and ended up appearing in 25 games. The infielder is ranked No. 3 in the organization and was slashing .324/.411/.527 in the minors before earning the call-up. The former fifth-round pick primarily played at third base for the Astros behind Alex Bregman, but may end up as the future first baseman after Yuli Gurriel's time with the team is over. His versatility, and the fact he has some major league experience, makes him a perfect player to carry on the Opening Day roster.

1. Jose Urquidy

Houston Astros pitcher Jose Urquidy reached Houston in 2019. / Rich Schultz/Getty Images

Urquidy is the No. 2-ranked prospect for the Astros and made seven starts for the team last season. He averaged just under one strikeout per inning in his nine total appearances. Urquidy became a star in town when he threw five shutout innings in Game 4 of the World Series. That showed he was ready for the big stage and vaulted him into the starting rotation for the 2020 season. Even with his lack of experience, Urquidy is an easy choice to include on the roster.