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Let’s take a look at where the MLB Draft Class of 2016 is now

By Joshua Sadlock

TAMPA, FL - JUNE 03: Mickey Moniak (2) of the Threshers hits his first home run of the season during the Florida State League game between the Florida Fire Frogs and the Clearwater Threshers on June 03, 2018, at Spectrum Field in Clearwater, FL. (Photo by Cliff Welch/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
TAMPA, FL - JUNE 03: Mickey Moniak (2) of the Threshers hits his first home run of the season during the Florida State League game between the Florida Fire Frogs and the Clearwater Threshers on June 03, 2018, at Spectrum Field in Clearwater, FL. (Photo by Cliff Welch/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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WEST PALM BEACH, FL – FEBRUARY 25: Forrest Whitley #68 of the Houston Astros throws the ball against the New York Mets during a spring training game at The Fitteam Ballpark of the Palm Beaches on February 25, 2019 in West Palm Beach, Florida. (Photo by Joel Auerbach/Getty Images)
WEST PALM BEACH, FL – FEBRUARY 25: Forrest Whitley #68 of the Houston Astros throws the ball against the New York Mets during a spring training game at The Fitteam Ballpark of the Palm Beaches on February 25, 2019 in West Palm Beach, Florida. (Photo by Joel Auerbach/Getty Images) /

17. Houston Astros: Forrest Whitley, RHP, Alamo Heights HS (TX)

In a farm system that is constantly loaded thanks to the best advanced analytics team in the league, the crown jewel for the Astros is right-hander Forrest Whitley. The Texas high schooler shot up from six feet even to 6-foot-7 by his senior season to rocket up draft boards. The Astros viewed him as the best high schooler in the draft and jumped all over him at 17, signing him for over $3 million.

Whitley found immediate success and reached Double-A before the end of his first full professional season. He dominated Rookie ball in 2016 to the tune of 12.5 strikeouts per nine and then threw nearly 100 innings in 2017 with a 2.83 ERA and 13.9 strikeouts per nine. Unfortunately, his 2018 season was derailed by lat and oblique injuries as well as a 50-game suspension for testing positive for a drug of abuse.

The 21-year-old rebounded from the disappointment of his 2018 regular season to lead the Arizona Fall League in strikeouts and cement his status as the top pitching prospect in the league. He throws an easy 98-mph fastball with sink, good changeup, power curveball and slider. Whitley is the total package and projects as a true number-one starter.

Whitley has phenomenal raw stuff but can get shaky with his command — as is sometimes typical for tall, lanky pitchers. He is currently dealing with a shoulder injury, but will begin pitching again in July. The Astros could make him available for trade, but should do everything in their power to keep him.

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