With the 28th pick of the 1st Round, the Houston Astros selected shortstop Brice Matthews from the University of Nebraska.
Matthews put together an incredible junior season slashing .359/.481/.723 with 11 2B, 20 HR, 67 RBI, 20 SB in 54 games. Matthews was ranked #57 by MLB.com and they had this to say about him: “One of the best athletes in the Big Ten Conference, Matthews batted just .266 in his first two seasons at Nebraska and struggled making the transition from second base to shortstop as a sophomore. He displayed more patience and drove the ball with more authority in the wood-bat Northwoods League last summer, a prelude to batting .359/481/.723 with 20 homers and 20 steals this spring. With his tools, he could go as early as the second round to a team that believes his offensive gains are real. Matthews has a quick right-handed swing and the ball jumps off his bat with some of the best exit velocities in the Draft. He has 20-25 homer potential, with most of his power playing to left field. Despite his breakout year, there are still concerns about his propensity to swing and miss, in particular on pitches within the strike zone, and his pull-happy tendencies. A Texas all-state quarterback after accounting for 54 touchdowns as a high school senior, Matthews is an impressive athlete with plus speed that he uses well on the bases. He covers ground at shortstop but only has an average arm and struggles with throwing accuracy. He’ll get the chance to stick at short in pro ball but projects better as a center fielder or second baseman.”
Brice Matthews will instantly be on of the top prospect in the Astros system! Congratulations to Brice for being drafted to the Houston Astros!
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