Houston Astros take college safety net in mock draft

In MLB Pipeline’s latest mock draft, the Houston Astros were expected to take Stanford catcher Malcolm Moore with the 28th overall pick. Moore is one of the two best receivers in this year’s draft, and at 20 years old, he has a high ceiling with plenty of room to grow.

Despite his high pedigree, Moore hasn’t posted the type of batting average normally seen in a first-rounder, but everything else screams first-round pick. With a quick glance at his numbers, the .255 average sticks out like a sore thumb. But looking closer reveals more about the story.

In 2024, Moore has 16 home runs with 36 RBIs and a .414 and .553 slugging percentage. A .967 OPS from a catcher is something many teams would covet. Although his batting average dropped and he drove in half as many runs, the increase in his on-base percentage was a good sign.

In 2023, the catcher has struck out 50 times, but has reduced that to 35 this season, while also doubling his number of walks from 21 to 44. According to his scouting report, Moore has “high pursuit rates elite and swing-and-miss rates.” in the zone.”

Although Moore’s batting and plate discipline shows plenty of upside, the defensive prowess still leaves some questions.

“If teams think he can be an average catcher, he could easily be considered a top-10 pick, but scouts aren’t as convinced by his glove as they are by his bat,” MLB Pipeline explains. And that is the problem.

It’s not that Moore is a bad defender behind the dish. His arm is average, maybe a little worse, and he is a good receiver and framer. Ultimately, it is more likely that he will end up leaving his position.

The most likely destination if he were to move would be first base. Given his arm, the third baseman is removed from the roster for a new position. Yet even though he’s leaving what is a very valuable position, his abilities at the plate make him so intriguing that he remains a first-round prospect.

If Moore is Houston’s selection, he’s a player fans could get excited about. With Houston’s recent release of Jose Abreu and Yainer Diaz amid a sophomore slump and hitting below league average, one could dream of him hitting at either position.

With Houston’s struggles this season, a player of this caliber at this point in the first round could end up being a bargain.