Myles Straw

Organization Prospect Rankings

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  Ranked Houston Astros #15 prospect in 2019
  Track Record: Straw and Rays prospect Nate Lowe formed an exceptional combination at St. John's River (Fla.) JC. As a pro, Straw has stood out for his blazing speed and ability to hit for average. He led the minors in batting in 2016, when he hit .358, and led the minors in 2018 with 70 steals. He earned his first big league promotion in September and a spot on the Astros' Division Series roster as a pinch-runner.
  
  Scouting Report: Straw's opposite-field approach rarely makes him a threat to hit the ball over an outfielder's head. That approach has worked so far, and he's steadily drawn walks despite lacking the power to frighten pitchers who are behind in counts. Straw handles velocity and doesn't get the bat knocked out of his hands despite his bottom-of-the-scale power, projecting as an above-average hitter. His 70-grade speed helps him beat out infield hits and makes him a threat to steal anytime a base is open. He can play all three outfield spots in part thanks to a plus-plus arm. In center field, he's an above-average defender excellent coming in on balls, but he needs his speed to make up for slower reads on balls over his head.
  
  The Future: Straw's lack of power limits him, but his speed, arm, defense and bat control give him a shot to be a useful big leaguer. He'll head to spring training with a shot to make the Astros' roster.
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  Ranked Houston Astros #17 prospect in 2018
  When he was graduating high school, Straw didn't have many options to play college baseball. But St. John's River (Fla.) JC took a chance on him and once he was there Straw impressed Astros scout John Martin with his speed and bat control. He then went out and led the minors in batting (.358) in 2016. Straw's approach is unique to say the least. A righthanded hitter, he peppers right field with an inside-out swing that leads to plenty of contact. Encouragingly, Straw showed a developing ability to yank the occasional pitch in 2017. In the outfield, Straw can be above-average at any of the three spots with a plus arm that fits in right field. His jumps and reads could use further refinement but his plus-plus speed helps him outrun any mistakes he makes. He has an excellent work ethic. Straw is likely a useful backup outfielder in the big leagues, but his on-base ability, speed and defense give him a shot for a slightly larger role.