2018 Astros Consensus Top 32 Prospect Rankings

All of the major prospect rankings for 2018 are now in (see separate rankings from Baseball Prospectus, MLB Pipeline, Baseball America and FanGraphs below). I have taken all of these rankings and compiled them into this 2018 Astros Consensus Top Prospect list.

Forrest Whitley - August 2017

Photo by Jayne Hansen

The top 25 prospects were on at least three of the four rankings and the bottom seven were on two of the four rankings. The consensus rankings are, more or less, an average of the player's rankings on the list, with the exception of BP's "Next 10" which were all assigned a fixed median number (which was averaged with the other rankings) since they were not given an actual numerical ranking. Now that that's clear as mud, here is the consensus ranking list ...

CONSENSUS ASTROS TOP 32 LIST
1. RHP Forrest Whitley (on 4 of 4 ranking lists)
2. OF Kyle Tucker (4/4)
3T. RHP J.B. Bukauskas (4/4)
3T. OF/1B Yordan Alvarez (4/4)
5. SS Freudis Nova (4/4)
6. RHP David Paulino (3/4)
7. RHP Jorge Alcala (3/4)
8T. RHP Hector Perez (4/4)
8T. RHP Rogelio Armenteros (4/4)
10. LHP Cionel Perez (4/4)
11. RHP Corbin Martin (4/4)
12. 3B J.D. Davis (4/4)

13. RHP Jairo Solis (4/4)

14. OF Gilberto Celestino (4/4)

15. 3B Joe Perez (3/4)

16. SS Jonathan Arauz (4/4)

17T. C Garrett Stubbs (4/4)

17T. LHP Framber Valdez (3/4)

19. OF Ronnie Dawson (3/4)

20. RHP Dean Deetz (3/4)

21. RHP Riley Ferrell (3/4)

22. OF J.J. Matijevic (4/4)

23. OF Myles Straw (4/4)

24. RHP Cristian Javier (3/4)

25. RHP Jandel Gustave (3/4)

The following players were included on only 2 of the 4 rankings used:

26. LHP Patrick Sandoval (2/4)

27. OF Carlos Machado (2/4)

28. RHP Brandon Bailey (2/4)

29. 3B/C Abraham Toro-Hernandez (2/4)

30. C Chuckie Robinson (2/4)

31. LHP Brett Adcock (2/4)

32. SS Miguelangel Sierra (2/4)

Others who were listed on only one of the four rankings: C Max Stassi (FG), C Nathan Perry (BP), OF Drew Ferguson (MLBP), LHP Reymin Guduan (FG), 1B A.J. Reed (BA), RHP Tyler Ivey (FG), RHP Elian Rodriguez (BA), RHP Nick Hernandez (FG), RHP Peter Solomon (FG), RHP Brandon Bielak (FG), IF Josh Rojas (FG), RHP Kyle Serrano (FG), 3B Randy Cesar (FG) and SS Deury Carrasco (FG).

BASEBALL PROSPECTUS - December 5, 2017
1. RHP Forrest Whitley (10th on the BP top 101 overall list)
2. OF Kyle Tucker (20th on the BP top 101 overall list)
3. RHP J.B. Bukauskas
4. OF/1B Yordan Alvarez
5. RHP Rogelio Armenteros
6. IF Jonathan Arauz
7. OF Gilberto Celestino
8. RHP David Paulino
9. 3B Colin Moran - traded to Pittsburgh for Gerrit Cole
10. RHP Corbin Martin

BP's Next 10 (not ranked; in alphabetical order)
3B J.D. Davis
OF Carlos Machado
SS Freudis Nova
LHP Cionel Perez
RHP Hector Perez
C Nathan Perry
LHP Patrick Sandoval
RHP Jairo Solis
OF Myles Straw
C Garrett Stubbs
Plus One
OF J.J. Matijevic

BASEBALL AMERICA - January 18, 2018 + Prospect Handbook released in early February
1. RHP Forrest Whitley (10th on the BA top 100 overall list)
2. OF Kyle Tucker (15th on the BA top 100 overall list)
3. OF/1B Yordan Alvarez (62nd on the BA top 100 overall list)
4. RHP J.B. Bukauskas (76th on the BA top 100 overall list)
5. SS Freudis Nova
6. RHP Jairo Solis
7. RHP Hector Perez
8. RHP Jorge Alcala
(3B Colin Moran was between Alcala and Paulino in Handbook; traded to Pittsburgh)
9. RHP David Paulino
10. 3B J.D. Davis
11. RHP Rogelio Armenteros
12. LHP Cionel Perez
13. LHP Framber Valdez
14. 3B Joe Perez
15. RHP Corbin Martin
16. OF Myles Straw
17. C Garrett Stubbs
(OF Jason Martin was between Stubbs and Celestino in Handbook; traded to Pittsburgh)
18. OF Gilberto Celestino
19. OF Ronnie Dawson
20. RHP Dean Deetz
21. SS Jonathan Arauz
22. 1B A.J. Reed
23. RHP Cristian Javier
24. OF J.J. Matijevic
25. RHP Riley Ferrell
26. RHP Jandel Gustave
27. RHP Elian Rodriguez
28. SS Miguelangel Sierra

Note that the above numbers were adjusted to exclude players who were traded.

MLB PIPELINE - February 23, 2018
1. RHP Forrest Whitley (9th on the MLBP top 100 overall list)
2. OF Kyle Tucker (17th on the MLBP top 100 overall list)
3. RHP J.B. Bukauskas (76th on the MLBP top 100 overall list)
4. OF/1B Yordan Alvarez
5. SS Freudis Nova
6. LHP Cionel Perez
7. RHP Jorge Alcala
8. RHP David Paulino
9. 3B J.D. Davis
10. RHP Corbin Martin
11. RHP Hector Perez
12. RHP Rogelio Armenteros
13. RHP Jairo Solis
14. 3B Joe Perez
15. OF Ronnie Dawson
16. LHP Framber Valdez
17. OF Drew Ferguson
18. RHP Dean Deetz
19. RHP Cristian Javier
20. RHP Riley Ferrell
21. OF Myles Straw
22. SS Jonathan Arauz
23. OF Gilberto Celestino
24. C Garrett Stubbs
25. OF J.J. Matijevic
26. RHP Jandel Gustave
27. C Chuckie Robinson
28. LHP Brett Adcock
29. 3B/C Abraham Toro-Hernandez
30. RHP Brandon Bailey

FANGRAPHS - February 23, 2018
1. RHP Forrest Whitley (8th on the FG top 100 overall list)
2. OF Kyle Tucker (10th on the FG top 100 overall list)
3. OF/1B Yordan Alvarez (44th on the FG top 100 overall list)
4. RHP J.B. Bukauskas
5. RHP Hector Perez
6. LHP Cionel Perez
7. SS Freudis Nova
8. RHP Corbin Martin
9. 3B J.D. Davis
10. OF Gilberto Celestino
11. RHP Rogelio Armenteros
12. RHP Jairo Solis
13. C Max Stassi
14. RHP Jorge Alcala
15. C Garrett Stubbs
16. SS Jonathan Arauz
17. RHP Riley Ferrell
18. RHP Brandon Bailey
19. 3B Joe Perez
20. LHP Reymin Guduan
21. RHP Dean Deetz
22. 3B/C Abraham Toro-Hernandez
23. OF Ronnie Dawson
24. OF J.J. Matijevic
25. LHP Framber Valdez
26. RHP Jandel Gustave
27. RHP Tyler Ivey
Other Prospects of Note, In Order of Preference
28. LHP Patrick Sandoval
29. RHP Cristian Javier
30. OF Carlos Machado
31. C Chuckie Robinson
32. RHP Nick Hernandez
33. RHP Peter Solomon
34. RHP Brandon Bielak
35. LHP Brett Adcock
36. SS Miguelangel Sierra
37. IF Josh Rojas
38. RHP Kyle Serrano
39. OF Myles Straw
40. 3B Randy Cesar
41. SS Deury Carrasco

>>>>>>><<<<<<<

As a reminder, these were the players who were consensus prospects in 2017. Players had to appear on at least three of the four rankings used and are in order by averaged rankings.

2017 Consensus Top Prospect List

1. RHP Francis Martes - Graduated to MLB
2. OF Kyle Tucker
3. RHP David Paulino - Missed 80 games in 2017 for failed drug test; followed by surgery in October to remove a bone spur from his elbow
4. RHP Franklin Perez - Included in the trade for Justin Verlander
5. RHP Forrest Whitley
6. OF Derek Fisher - Graduated to MLB
7. OF Teoscar Hernandez - Included in the trade for Francisco Liriano
8. OF Ramon Laureano - Traded to A's for Brandon Bailey
9. C Garrett Stubbs
10. OF Daz Cameron - Included in the trade for Justin Verlander
11. SS Miguelangel Sierra
12. 3B J.D. Davis - Has not exceeded rookie limits
13. RHP Jandel Gustave - Missed the majority of the 2017 season after undergoing TJ surgery
14. 3B Colin Moran - Included in the trade for Gerrit Cole

Additionally, these players appeared on two of the four lists and are in order of averaged rankings.

IF Yulieski Gurriel - Graduated to MLB
1B A.J. Reed - Exceeded rookie limits in 2016
OF Gilberto Celestino
SS Anibal Sierra
LHP Cionel Perez
OF Ronnie Dawson
IF Jonathan Arauz
SS Freudis Nova
C Jake Rogers - Included in trade for Justin Verlander
OF Jason Martin - Included in the trade for Gerrit Cole
1B Yordan Alvarez
RHP Brady Rodgers - Had TJ surgery in May 2017
OF Stephen Wrenn
RHP James Hoyt - Graduated to MLB

Also, check out my series on players who are Beyond the Top 30
Shortstops
Second Basemen
First Basemen
Third Basemen
Center Field
Right Field
Left Field
Catchers
Utility Players
LHP
RHP

2018 Astros Consensus Top Prospect List

It is prospect ranking season ... time to start compiling the 2018 Astros Consensus Top Prospect list. Once everyone has weighed in, I will average the rankings from the various sources and compile a consensus list. In the meantime, these are the rankings that have come out so far.

Forrest Whitley - August 2017

Photo by Jayne Hansen

BASEBALL PROSPECTUS - December 5, 2017
1. RHP Forrest Whitley (10th on the BP top 101 overall list)
2. OF Kyle Tucker (20th on the BP top 101 overall list)
3. RHP J.B. Bukauskas
4. OF/1B Yordan Alvarez
5. RHP Rogelio Armenteros
6. IF Jonathan Arauz
7. OF Gilberto Celestino
8. RHP David Paulino
9. 3B Colin Moran - traded to Pittsburgh for Gerrit Cole
10. RHP Corbin Martin

BP's Next 10 (not ranked; in alphabetical order)
3B J.D. Davis
OF Carlos Machado
SS Freudis Nova
LHP Cionel Perez
RHP Hector Perez
C Nathan Perry
LHP Patrick Sandoval
RHP Jairo Solis
OF Myles Straw
C Garrett Stubbs
Plus One
OF J.J. Matijevic

BASEBALL AMERICA - January 18, 2018 + Prospect Handbook released in early February
1. RHP Forrest Whitley (10th on the BA top 100 overall list)
2. OF Kyle Tucker (15th on the BA top 100 overall list)
3. OF/1B Yordan Alvarez (62nd on the BA top 100 overall list)
4. RHP J.B. Bukauskas (76th on the BA top 100 overall list)
5. SS Freudis Nova
6. RHP Jairo Solis
7. RHP Hector Perez
8. RHP Jorge Alcala
(3B Colin Moran was between Alcala and Paulino in Handbook; traded to Pittsburgh)
9. RHP David Paulino
10. 3B J.D. Davis
11. RHP Rogelio Armenteros
12. LHP Cionel Perez
13. LHP Framber Valdez
14. 3B Joe Perez
15. RHP Corbin Martin
16. OF Myles Straw
17. C Garrett Stubbs
(OF Jason Martin was between Stubbs and Celestino in Handbook; traded to Pittsburgh)
18. OF Gilberto Celestino
19. OF Ronnie Dawson
20. RHP Dean Deetz
21. SS Jonathan Arauz
22. 1B A.J. Reed
23. RHP Cristian Javier
24. OF J.J. Matijevic
25. RHP Riley Ferrell
26. RHP Jandel Gustave
27. RHP Elian Rodriguez
28. SS Miguelangel Sierra

Note that the above numbers were adjusted to exclude players who were traded.

MLB PIPELINE - Coming out between late February and early March
Here is the 2017 postseason list.
1. RHP Forrest Whitley (9th on the MLBP top 100 overall list)
2. OF Kyle Tucker (17th on the MLBP top 100 overall list)
3. RHP J.B. Bukauskas (76th on the MLBP top 100 overall list)

FANGRAPHS - Release date unknown
1. RHP Forrest Whitley (8th on the FG top 100 overall list)
2. OF Kyle Tucker (10th on the FG top 100 overall list)
3. OF/1B Yordan Alvarez (44th on the FG top 100 overall list)

As a reminder, these were the players who were consensus prospects in 2017. Players had to appear on at least three of the four rankings used and are in order by averaged rankings.

2017 Consensus Top Prospect List

1. RHP Francis Martes - Graduated to MLB
2. OF Kyle Tucker
3. RHP David Paulino - Missed 80 games in 2017 for failed drug test; followed by surgery in October to remove a bone spur from his elbow
4. RHP Franklin Perez - Included in the trade for Justin Verlander
5. RHP Forrest Whitley
6. OF Derek Fisher - Graduated to MLB
7. OF Teoscar Hernandez - Included in the trade for Francisco Liriano
8. OF Ramon Laureano - Traded to A's for Brandon Bailey
9. C Garrett Stubbs
10. OF Daz Cameron - Included in the trade for Justin Verlander
11. SS Miguelangel Sierra
12. 3B J.D. Davis - Has not exceeded rookie limits
13. RHP Jandel Gustave - Missed the majority of the 2017 season after undergoing TJ surgery
14. 3B Colin Moran - Included in the trade for Gerrit Cole

Additionally, these players appeared on two of the four lists and are in order of averaged rankings.

IF Yulieski Gurriel - Graduated to MLB
1B A.J. Reed - Exceeded rookie limits in 2016
OF Gilberto Celestino
SS Anibal Sierra
LHP Cionel Perez
OF Ronnie Dawson
IF Jonathan Arauz
SS Freudis Nova
C Jake Rogers - Included in trade for Justin Verlander
OF Jason Martin - Included in the trade for Gerrit Cole
1B Yordan Alvarez
RHP Brady Rodgers - Had TJ surgery in May 2017
OF Stephen Wrenn
RHP James Hoyt - Graduated to MLB

Also, check out my series on players who are Beyond the Top 30
Shortstops
Second Basemen
First Basemen
Third Basemen
Center Field
Right Field
Left Field
Catchers
Utility Players
LHP
RHP

2017 Astros Consensus Top Prospect List

Now that most of the major Top Prospect lists have been released, let's see how the consensus shakes out. (Here is the consensus list from 2016.)

Francis Martes - April 2016

Photo by Jayne Hansen

In order to be included on this list, a player had to be included in three out of four of the top prospect lists compiled by Baseball America, Baseball Prospectus, MLB Pipeline and Minor League Baseball (John Sickels). Note that all four lists agreed on the top three in order.

1. RHP Francis Martes
2. OF Kyle Tucker
3. RHP David Paulino
4. RHP Franklin Perez
5. RHP Forrest Whitley
6. OF Derek Fisher
7. OF Teoscar Hernandez
8. OF Ramon Laureano
9. C Garrett Stubbs
10. OF Daz Cameron
11. SS Miguelangel Sierra
12. 3B J.D. Davis
13. RHP Jandel Gustave
14. 3B Colin Moran

Garrett Stubbs - June 2016

Photo by Jayne Hansen

Players who were named on two of the four lists included (in order of cumulative rankings):

IF Yulieski Gurriel
1B A.J. Reed
OF Gilberto Celestino
SS Anibal Sierra
LHP Cionel Perez
OF Ronnie Dawson
IF Jonathan Arauz
SS Freudis Nova
C Jake Rogers
OF Jason Martin
1B Yordan Alvarez
RHP Brady Rodgers
OF Stephen Wrenn
RHP James Hoyt

Ronnie Dawson - July 2016

Photo by Jayne Hansen

Jonathan Arauz - August 2016

Photo by Jayne Hansen

Five players graduated from the 2016 cumulative list (Alex Bregman, Joe Musgrove, Michael Feliz, Tyler White and Tony Kemp). Two players are no longer with the organization (Albert Abreu and Matt Duffy). And four players dropped off the list (Jon Kemmer, Riley Ferrell, Akeem Bostick and Andrew Aplin). The biggest movers on the list were Franklin Perez who jumped from #16 to #4 and Daz Cameron who dropped from #4 to #10 (after missing the final two months of the season with a broken finger).

2016 Astros Consensus Top Prospect List

Nine players of the top 21 Astros consensus prospects from 2015 either graduated or were traded. Let's see who took their places.

A.J. Reed - May 2015

Photo by Jayne Hansen

Now that the last of the major prospect lists are out, let's see where the consensus shakes out. First the individual lists:

Baseball America Top 29*: From the 2016 Prospect Handbook published in January 2016

1. 1B A.J. Reed
2. RHP Francis Martes
3. SS Alex Bregman
4. OF Kyle Tucker
5. OF Daz Cameron
6. RHP Joe Musgrove
7. RHP David Paulino
8. 3B Colin Moran
9. OF Derek Fisher
10. RHP Michael Feliz
11. RHP Albert Abreu
12. OF Jon Kemmer
13. 3B J.D. Davis
14. 2B/OF Tony Kemp
15. 3B/1B Tyler White
16. RHP Jandel Gustave
17. C Max Stassi
18. RHP Riley Ferrell
19. RHP Franklin Perez
20. 3B Wander Franco
21. OF Andrew Aplin
22. OF Gilberto Celestino
23. SS Miguelangel Sierra
24. C Alfredo Gonzalez
25. RHP James Hoyt
26. 3B Matt Duffy
27. IF Nolan Fontana
28. LHP Mike Freeman
29. LHP Reymin Guduan

*RHP Mark Appel and RHP Thomas Eshelman were in the handbook but were subsequently traded.

Baseball Prospectus Top 10: Posted 2/2/16

1. SS Alex Bregman
2. 1B A.J. Reed
3. RHP Francis Martes
4. OF Daz Cameron
5. OF Kyle Tucker
6. OF Derek Fisher
7. 3B Colin Moran
8. RHP Michael Feliz
9. RHP David Paulino
10. SS Miguelangel Sierra

Fangraphs Top 24: Posted 2/17/16

1. 1B A.J. Reed
2. SS Alex Bregman
3. RHP Francis Martes
4. OF Daz Cameron
5. 3B Colin Moran
6. 3B/1B Tyler White
7. RHP Joe Musgrove
8. OF Derek Fisher
9. OF Kyle Tucker
10. 3B J.D. Davis
11. 2B/OF Tony Kemp
12. RHP David Paulino
13. SS Miguelangel Sierra
14. RHP Michael Feliz
15. RHP Riley Ferrell
16. OF Jon Kemmer
17. OF Teoscar Hernandez
18. RHP Brady Rodgers
19. OF Andrew Aplin
20. RHP Akeem Bostick
21. LHP Reymin Guduan
22. IF Nolan Fontana
23. RHP Chris Devenski
24. OF Danry Vasquez

Minor League Ball Top 20: Posted 2/28/16

1. SS Alex Bregman
2. 1B A.J. Reed
3. RHP Francis Martes
4. OF Kyle Tucker
5. RHP Joe Musgrove
6. RHP Michael Feliz
7. OF Daz Cameron
8. 3B Colin Moran
9. OF Derek Fisher
10. RHP David Paulino
11. 3B J.D. Davis
12. RHP Franklin Perez
13. 2B/OF Tony Kemp
14. 3B/1B Tyler White
15. RHP Albert Abreu
16. 3B/1B Matt Duffy
17. RHP Jandel Gustave
18. RHP Akeem Bostick
19. OF Teoscar Hernandez
20. OF Gilberto Celestino

MLB Pipeline Top 30: Posted 3/1/16

1. SS Alex Bregman
2. 1B A.J. Reed
3. RHP Francis Martes
4. OF Kyle Tucker
5. OF Daz Cameron
6. 3B Colin Moran
7. RHP David Paulino
8. RHP Joe Musgrove
9. OF Derek Fisher
10. RHP Michael Feliz
11. RHP Albert Abreu
12. 3B J.D. Davis
13. 3B/1B Tyler White
14. 2B/OF Tony Kemp
15. SS/2B Jonathan Arauz
16. OF Gilberto Celestino
17. OF Miguelangel Sierra
18. RHP Franklin Perez
19. RHP Jandel Gustave
20. RHP Riley Ferrell
21. OF Jon Kemmer
22. RHP James Hoyt
23. RHP Brendan McCurry
24. RHP Chris Devenski
25. C Alfredo Gonzalez
26. OF Teoscar Hernandez
27. 3B Matt Duffy
28. OF Andrew Aplin
29. RHP Akeem Bostick
30. LHP Michael Freeman

Now for the Consensus Top 24 list. To make this list, a player needed to appear on three of the five lists above. I have averaged their rankings and here is how they stand. And we have a tie! (Actually, we have two of them.)

1. SS Alex Bregman
1. 1B A.J. Reed
3. RHP Francis Martes
4. OF Daz Cameron
5. OF Kyle Tucker
6. RHP Joe Musgrove
7. 3B Colin Moran
8. OF Derek Fisher
9. RHP David Paulino
10. RHP Michael Feliz
11. 3B J.D. Davis
12. 3B/1B Tyler White
13. RHP Albert Abreu
14. 2B/OF Tony Kemp
15. SS Miguelangel Sierra
16. OF Jon Kemmer
16. RHP Franklin Perez
18. RHP Jandel Gustave
19. RHP Riley Ferrell
20. OF Gilberto Celestino
21. OF Teoscar Hernandez
22. RHP Akeem Bostick
23. OF Andrew Aplin
24. 3B/1B Matt Duffy

Other players on at least two of the five lists include LHP Reymin Guduan, IF Nolan Fontana, RHP Chris Devenski, C Alfredo Gonzalez, RHP James Hoyt and LHP Mike Freeman. Those who appeared on one list include RHP Brady Rodgers, OF Danry Vasquez, C Max Stassi, 3B Wander Franco, SS/2B Jonathan Arauz and RHP Brandon McCurry.

>>>>>>><<<<<<<

Who will the next round of top prospects be? Find out here!

2015 Consensus Astros Top Prospect Listings

MLB Pipeline came out with their Astros Top 30 Prospects yesterday and I have incorporated that information and added consensus ranking information by compiling all of the various lists into one and ranking them by their average. I will keep this information posted on the sidebar of the front page throughout the season for future reference.

Now that you've seen the Top 30 or so prospects in the Astros system, it's time to check out the 2015 Houston Farm System Handbook. There you will find information on over 250 players in the Astros system, including many who will make these lists for the first time next year. Read up now and get ahead of the experts!

Carlos Correa - May 2014

Photo by Jayne Hansen

Cumulative Prospect Rankings:
(All of those ranked 1-10 were on at least 5 of 6 lists; all those ranked 11-21 were on at least 3 of 6 lists)

1. SS Carlos Correa
2. RHP Mark Appel

3. RHP Vince Velasquez

4. OF Brett Phillips

5. RHP Michael Feliz

6. OF Domingo Santana

7. 3B Colin Moran

8. RHP Lance McCullers

9. OF Teoscar Hernandez

10. LHP Josh Hader

11. OF Derek Fisher

12. 1B A.J. Reed

13. 3B J.D. Davis

T14. OF Preston Tucker

T14. 2B Tony Kemp

16. IF Nolan Fontana

17. RHP Joe Musgrove

18. C Max Stassi

19. OF Danry Vasquez

20. RHP Brady Rodgers

21. IF Ronald Torreyes

FanGraphs: 10/10/2014
Top 200 List: 2/17/15

1. SS Carlos Correa (#5 on top 200)
2. RHP Mark Appel (#18 on top 200)
3. RHP Vince Velasquez (#75 on top 200)
4. 3B Colin Moran (#121 on top 200)
5. 3B Rio Ruiz - Traded to the Braves (#43 on top 200)
6. RHP Lance McCullers (#126 on top 200)
7. RHP Mike Foltynewicz - Traded to the Braves (#69 on top 200)
8. OF Brett Phillips (#107 on top 200)
9. OF Domingo Santana
10. OF Teoscar Hernandez
11. RHP Nick Tropeano - Traded to the Angels
12. OF Derek Fisher
13. 1B A.J. Reed
14. LHP Josh Hader
15. RHP Michael Feliz
16. IF Nolan Fontana
17. 3B J.D. Davis
18. OF Preston Tucker
19. C Max Stassi
20. LHP Kent Emanuel
21. RHP Andrew Thurman - Traded to the Braves
22. RHP Joe Musgrove
23. 2B Tony Kemp
24. RHP Brady Rodgers
25. OF Delino DeShields - Claimed in the Rule 5 Draft
26. IF Ronald Torreyes

Baseball America: 11/24/14 [UPDATED 3/2/15]
(This is the updated list of the top 31 from the recently released prospect handbook.)

1. SS Carlos Correa
2. RHP Mark Appel
3. RHP Mike Foltynewicz - traded to Atlanta
4. RHP Vince Velasquez
5. RHP Michael Feliz
6. OF Brett Phillips
7. 3B Colin Moran
8. 3B Rio Ruiz - traded to Atlanta
9. OF Teoscar Hernandez
10. LHP Josh Hader
11. RHP Lance McCullers
12. OF Domingo Santana
13. OF Derek Fisher
14. OF Preston Tucker
15. 3B J.D. Davis
16. 1B A.J. Reed
17. RHP Frances Martes
18. 2B/OF Tony Kemp
19. RHP Joe Musgrove
20. C Max Stassi
21. RHP Adrian Houser
22. RHP Brady Rodgers
23. C Roberto Pena
24. 2B/UT Ronald Torreyes
25. OF Andrew Aplin
26. LHP Kent Emanuel
27. RHP Jake Buchanan
28. RHP Asher Wojciechowski
29. RHP Andrew Thurman - traded to Atlanta
30. OF Danry Vasquez
31. 1B Conrad Gregor

MinorLeagueBall.com (John Sickels): 1/27/15

1. SS Carlos Correa
2. RHP Mark Appel
3. RHP Michael Feliz
4. RHP Vince Velasquez
5. OF Domingo Santana
6. OF Brett Phillips
7. LHP Josh Hader
8. RHP Lance McCullers
9. OF Derek Fisher
10. OF Teoscar Hernandez
11. 3B Colin Moran
12. 2B Tony Kemp
13. 3B J.D. Davis
14. 1B A.J. Reed
15. 1B Conrad Gregor
16. IF Nolan Fontana
17. C Max Stassi
18. OF Danry Vasquez
19. OF Preston Tucker
20. RHP Kyle Smith

Keith Law ESPN: 1/30/15 (Insider only)

1. SS Carlos Correa (#3 on top 100)
2. RHP Mark Appel (#44 on top 100)
3. RHP Vince Velasquez (#56 on top 100)
4. 3B Colin Moran (#73 on top 100)
5. OF Brett Phillips (#76 on top 100)
6. RHP Lance McCullers
7. RHP Michael Feliz
8. OF Derek Fisher
9. LHP Josh Hader
10. 3B J.D. Davis

Baseball Prospectus: 2/4/15

1. SS Carlos Correa
2. RHP Mark Appel
3. RHP Vince Velasquez
4. OF Brett Phillips
5. OF Derek Fisher
6. RHP Michael Feliz
7. RHP Lance McCullers
8. OF Domingo Santana
9. 3B Colin Moran
10. OF Teoscar Hernandez

MLB Pipeline: 3/18/15

1. SS Carlos Correa (#3 overall; #1 in shortstops)
2. RHP Mark Appel (#30 overall)
3. OF Domingo Santana (#71 overall)
4. RHP Vince Velasquez (#86 overall)
5. RHP Michael Feliz
6. 3B Colin Moran (#9 at third base)
7. OF Brett Phillips
8. OF Teoscar Hernandez
9. LHP Josh Hader
10. RHP Lance McCullers
11. OF Derek Fisher
12. 1B A.J. Reed (#5 at first base)
13. 3B J.D. Davis
14. 2B Tony Kemp
15. OF Preston Tucker
16. RHP Joe Musgrove
17. IF Nolan Fontana
18. RHP Kyle Smith
19. C Max Stassi
20. OF Danry Vasquez
21. RHP Frances Martes
22. RHP Daniel Mengden
23. RHP Asher Wojciechowski
24. RHP James Hoyt
25. RHP Adrian Houser
26. RHP Brady Rodgers
27. OF Andrew Aplin
28. IF Ronald Torreyes
29. SS Joan Mauricio
30. SS/OF Osvaldo Duarte

>>>>>>><<<<<<<

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Consensus Top 20 Astros Prospect List and Farm Rankings

I've been collecting Prospect Rankings from various baseball pundits, culminating with Jonathan Mayo's pre-season Top 20 which came out late last week (added below). I also added the Fan Graph's ranking that came out in December. I have now taken the liberty of compiling a Consensus Top 20 List from the rankings of the six sources listed below. (A player needed to appear on at least three of the lists to make the top 20.)

CONSENSUS TOP 20 PROSPECT LIST

1. SS Carlos Correa
2. OF George Springer
3. RHP Mark Appel
4. RHP Mike Foltynewicz
5. 1B Jon Singleton
6. RHP Lance McCullers
7. RHP Vincent Velasquez
8. OF Domingo Santana
9. RHP Michael Feliz
10. 3B Rio Ruiz
11. OF Delino DeShields
12. RHP Asher Wojciechowski
13. C Max Stassi
14. LHP Josh Hader
15. RHP Andrew Thurman
16. OF Teoscar Hernandez
17. RHP Nick Tropeano
18. RHP Kyle Smith
19. SS Nolan Fontana
20. OF Danry Vasquez

RHP Kevin Chapman and OF Andrew Aplin are the only two players who appeared in the top 20 on any of the lists (Baseball America) who did not make the consensus list.

Those who were on the consensus list from last year who dropped off were Jarred Cosart, Jonathan Villar, Brad Peacock, Robbie Grossman, Adrian Houser and Carlos Perez. New to the consensus list are Appel, Feliz, Hader, Thurman, Hernandez, Smith and Vasquez.

ORGANIZATIONAL TOP PROSPECT LISTS

Baseball America's Organizational Top 10 (1/21/14)
1. SS Carlos Correa
2. OF George Springer
3. RHP Mark Appel
4. RHP Mike Foltynewicz
5. RHP Lance McCullers
6. RHP Vincent Velasquez
7. 1B Jon Singleton
8. OF Domingo Santana
9. RHP Michael Feliz
10. RHP Asher Wojciechowski

UPDATE: I got the BA Prospect Handbook in the mail today so I can now reveal their rankings of #11-31 in the Astros system.

11. 3B Rio Ruiz
12. C Max Stassi
13. OF Delino DeShields
14. LHP Josh Hader
15. RHP Andrew Thurman
16. OF Teoscar Hernandez
17. LHP Kevin Chapman
18. RHP Nick Tropeano
19. OF Andrew Aplin
20. SS Nolan Fontana
21. RHP Jake Buchanan
22. RHP Kyle Smith
23. LHP Kent Emanuel
24. LHP Chris Lee
25. OF Leo Heras
26. RHP Gonzalo Sanudo
27. RHP Jandel Gustave
28. LHP Reymin Guduan
29. OF Danry Vasquez
30. OF Brett Phillips
31. 2B/SS Ronald Torreyes

Baseball Prospectus' Organizational Top 10 (11/4/13)
1. SS Carlos Correa
2. OF George Springer
3. RHP Mark Appel
4. RHP Mike Foltynewicz
5. 1B Jon Singleton
6. RHP Vincent Velasquez
7. RHP Lance McCullers
8. OF Domingo Santana
9. 3B Rio Ruiz
10. RHP Michael Feliz

Keith Law's ESPN.com Organizational Top 10 (1/30/14) via House of Houston
1. SS Carlos Correa
2. RHP Mark Appel
3. OF George Springer
4. RHP Mike Foltynewicz
5. 1B Jon Singleton
6. OF Delino DeShields
7. RHP Vincent Velasquez
8. RHP Lance McCullers
9. 3B Rio Ruiz
10. RHP Michael Feliz

John Sickels (minorleagueball.com) Organizational Top 20 (2/18/14)
1. SS Carlos Correa
2. OF George Springer
3. RHP Mark Appel
4. RHP Mike Foltynewicz
5. RHP Lance McCullers
6. RHP Vincent Velasquez
7. OF Domingo Santana
8. RHP Michael Feliz
9. 1B Jon Singleton
10. 3B Rio Ruiz
11. OF Delino DeShields
12. RHP Asher Wojciechowski
13. C Max Stassi
14. RHP Nick Tropeano
15. LHP Josh Hader
16. RHP Kyle Smith
17. RHP Andrew Thurman
18. OF Danry Vasquez
19. OF Teoscar Hernandez
20. SS Nolan Fontana

Jonathan Mayo's MLB.com Organizational Top 20 (3/7/14)
1. SS Carlos Correa
2. RHP Mark Appel
3. OF George Springer
4. 1B Jon Singleton
5. RHP Lance McCullers
6. RHP Mike Foltynewicz
7. OF Delino DeShields
8. OF Domingo Santana
9. RHP Vincent Velasquez
10. RHP Michael Feliz
11. 3B Rio Ruiz
12. C Max Stassi
13. OF Teoscar Hernandez
14. RHP Asher Wojciechowski
15. LHP Josh Hader
16. RHP Andrew Thurman
17. RHP Nick Tropeano
18. SS Nolan Fontana
19. RHP Kyle Smith
20. OF Danry Vasquez

Fan Graph's Top 10 + the next five (12/23/13)
1. SS Carlos Correa
2. OF George Springer
3. RHP Mark Appel
4. 1B Jon Singleton
5. RHP Mike Foltynewicz
6. RHP Vince Velasquez
7. RHP Lance McCullers
8. OF Domingo Santana
9. 3B Rio Ruiz
10. LHP Josh Hader
11. RHP Michael Feliz
12. C Max Stassi
13. OF Delino DeShields
14. RHP Andrew Thurman
15. RHP Kyle Smith

OVERALL TOP PROSPECT LISTS

Baseball Prospectus' Top 101 Prospect List (1/27/14)
5. SS Carlos Correa
20. OF George Springer
21. RHP Mark Appel
43. RHP Mike Foltynewicz
57. 1B Jon Singleton

Jonathan Mayo's MLB.com Top 100 (1/23/14)
8. SS Carlos Correa (#3 on SS list)
17. RHP Mark Appel (#6 on RHP list)
21. OF George Springer (#5 on OF list)
50. 1B Jon Singleton (#1 on 1B list)
52. RHP Lance McCullers
54. RHP Mike Foltynewicz
66. OF Delino DeShields

Here's my take on how the 2014 list compared to 2013, as well as how the Astros fared vs. the other AL West teams.

Keith Law's ESPN.com Top 100 Prospect List (1/29/14) via Astros County
4. SS Carlos Correa
11. RHP Mark Appel
19. OF George Springer
70. RHP Mike Foltynewicz
78. 1B Jon Singleton
80. OF Delino DeShields
82. RHP Vincent Velasquez

Fan Graphs Top 100 Prospect List (2/11/14)
9. SS Carlos Correa (#4 on SS list)
14. OF George Springer (#3 on OF list)
26. RHP Mark Appel (#14 on Pitcher list)
55. 1B Jon Singleton (#1 on 1B list)
57. RHP Mike Foltynewicz (#27 on Pitcher list)
67. RHP Vincent Velasquez (#30 on Pitcher list)

Baseball America's Top 100 Prospect List (2/19/14)
7. SS Carlos Correa
18. OF George Springer
39. Mark Appel
59. Mike Foltynewicz
77. Lance McCullers
82. Jon Singleton

FARM SYSTEM RANKINGS

Keith Law's ESPN.com Farm System Rankings (1/28/14) via Astros County
2014 - Ranked 1st
2013 - Ranked 4th
2012 - Ranked 27th

Baseball America's Farm System Rankings (coming out in the Prospect Handbook)
However, they had this take in October that ranked the Astros system #2.
2014 - Ranked 5th in the new Prospect Handbook
2013 - Ranked 9th
2012 - Ranked 17th

John Sickels (minorleagueball.com) Farm System Rankings (coming ?)
2014 -
2013 - Ranked 10th
2012 - Ranked 25th

Baseball Prospectus' Farm System Rankings (2/26/14)
2014 - Ranked 5th
2013 - Ranked 9th
2012 - Ranked 26th