Astros’ Zach Daniels Hopes Calmer Approach Pays Off

The Astros took a chance on outfielder Zach Daniels despite a circuitous college journey.

He performed so poorly in his first two seasons at Tennessee that coach Tony Vitello considered whether Daniels even deserved a spot on the team.

But Daniels recovered to hit .357/.478/.750 in 17 games in 2020 before coronavirus canceled his junior season. Tennessee had not reached Southeastern Conference play, which invited skepticism that Daniels had taken advantage of lesser competition.

The Astros liked Daniels’ loud tools, plus-plus speed and believed he would improve with more in-game experience. They took him in the fourth round of a five-round draft in 2020, spurring Daniels’ confidence.

“Tennessee, I didn’t play that much over the course of my career, and that would frustrate me,” Daniels said. “If you’re a competitive person, that should always frustrate you. I needed to get better to figure out more consistency and get on the field. I always tried to worry about the things I could control.”

The 23-year-old Daniels has unmistakable athleticism and his raw upside is among the highest of any outfielder in Houston’s organization. 

In his first full pro season, Daniels hit .224/.342/.358 with nine home runs and 22 stolen bases in 85 games across both Class A levels. His showed a grooved swing with a strikeout rate bordering on 35% and his hit tool often lacked.

He played through a cracked rib, which he suffered in 2020, en route to a promotion to High-A Asheville, where he’s likely to begin this season.

Daniels spent the offseason calming his offensive approach and finding a better feel for his quick movements.

“The consistency is going to come from this year,” Daniels said. “This offseason was spent on a lot of time in the cage, finding a lot of feel in my swing. This year, I felt different things in my swing I’d never felt before, so I’m excited to just put those to the test during the season.”

SPACE SHOTS

— The Astros are experimenting with another center fielder at shortstop. This time, it’s 2021 third-rounder Tyler Whitaker. Whitaker played some shortstop early in his career at Las Vegas’ Bishop Gorman High, but the Astros drafted him as a center fielder. During minor league minicamp, Whitaker said he’s spending 60% of his time on the infield between third base and shortstop.