It was a good year in the Astros system. Some big time performances from the top prospects, some breakout performances from unknown prospects and some great comeback seasons. Check out the best performances below and vote on who you think if the Astros minor league hitter of the year!
Justin Dirden
Dirden was another undrafted free agent following the 2020 draft and put together a great 2022 season. After having a breakout 2021, the lefty hitter slashed .302/.384/.558 with a system leading 40 doubles. He also had 24 HR and led the system with 101 RBI. Dirden played 92 games in Double-A and 32 games in Triple-A. He should be pushing for a call-up to the Astros next season.
2022 Stats: 124 G, .302 BA/.384 OBP/.558 SLG, 40 2B, 5 3B, 24 HR, 101 RBI, 12 SB, 135 wRC+
Yainer Diaz
Diaz was acquired in the trade that sent Myles Straw to Cleveland. After looking promising following the trade, the right-hander put up some gaudy numbers in 2022. He started the season in Double-A and hit .316 with 13 2B, 9 HR in 57 gamers. He was promoted to Triple-A where he had 16 HR in just 48 games. Overall he hit .306 and earned a call-up to the Astros. Look for him to get some serious time on the MLB roster next season.
2022 Stats: 105 G, .306 BA/.356 OBP/.542 SLG, 22 2B, 4 3B, 25 HR, 96 RBI, 121 wRC+
Corey Julks
Julks was solid in 2021 but had a breakout season in 2022. The 26-year-old and his new found power led the Astros system with 31 HR in 130 games, all coming in Triple-A. He also managed to hit .270 and steal 22 bases with the increased power. While Sugar Land plays in some great hitter’s parks, Julks performed better at home (.882 OPS) despite Constellation Field playing down compared to the rest of the PCL.
2022 Stats: 130 G, .270 BA/.351 OBP/.503 SLG, 21 2B, 4 3B, 31 HR, 89 RBI, 22 SB, 108 wRC+
David Hensley
Like Julks, Hensley had a solid 2021 season but also experienced a breakout 2022. The 6’6″ right hander played in 104 games in Sugar Land and slashed .298/.420/.478. He also had 30 2B, 10 HR, 20 SB as he played all over the field for the Space Cowboys. His play earned him a call-up where he had a 1.027 OPS in 16 games for the Astros. He also led the Astros system with 80 walks in those 104 Triple-A games.
2022 Stats: 104 G, .298 BA/.420 OBP/.478 SLG, 30 2B, 4 3B, 10 HR, 57 RBI, 20 SB, 130 wRC+
Joey Loperfido
Loperfido started the season pretty strong but probably had the best finish out of any Astros prospect. After hitting .270 in April, the lefty hit .325 the rest of the way. This included .339 with a .976 OPS over his final 63 games. Overall he slashed .316/.408/.492 with 25 2B, 12 HR, 69 RBI and 32 SB. He also played above average defense in the outfield and at first base. Hopefully he starts in Double-A in 2023.
2022 Stats: 108 G, .316 BA/.408 OBP/.492 SLG, 25 2B, 4 3B, 12 HR, 69 RBI, 32 SB, 149 wRC+
Zach Daniels
Daniels also started the season a bit slow but caught fire to close the year. The 23-year-old hit .346 with 17 HR over his final 56 games. Overall he posted a .894 OPS with 23 HR, 64 RBI and 22 SB in 95 games in High-A. He was one of two Astros minor leaguers with 20 HR and 20 SB this season.
2022 Stats: 95 G, .282 BA/.371 OBP/.522 SLG, 15 2B, 23 HR, 64 RBI, 22 SB, 140 wRC+
Quincy Hamilton
Hamilton made quite the rise during the 2022 season. After starting the year in Single-A and posting a .885 OPS, he was promoted to High-A where he had a .966 OPS in 49 games. He was then promoted to Double-A where he played another 34 games. Overall he had a .857 OPS with 28 2B, 17 HR, 27 SB and 76 BB in 119 games.
2022 Stats: 119 G, .280 BA/.396 OBP/.461 SLG, 28 2B, 17 HR, 68 RBI, 27 SB, 135 wRC+
Kenedy Corona
Corona was acquired in the deal that sent Marisnick to the Mets. He started the year in Single-A and had a .837 OPS in 45 games earning a promotion to High-A. In High-A, he had a .871 OPS in 62 games. Overall the right-hander had a .857 OPS with 24 2B, 19 HR, 28 SB in 107 games. A nice breakout 2022 season for him.
2022 Stats: 107 G, .278 BA/.362 OBP/.495 SLG, 24 2B, 4 3B, 19 HR, 67 RBI, 28 SB, 133 wRC+
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