Astros Sign Former Elite Prospect

The name might ring some bells for Oakland A's and Toronto Blue Jays fans. A former elite prospect of both teams, Franklin Barreto, has been signed by the Houston Astros. 

Barreto was one of the key prospects the Jays sent to the A's in the much-lauded Josh Donaldson trade in 2015. While Donaldson went on win AL MVP and help lead Toronto to the ALCS in back-to-back years, Barreto was a flop in Oakland, managing only about 25 games a season, and batting .175 in his three-plus years with the team.

The INF/OF had some success in the minors over that time, however, putting up an .836 OPS, showing power, speed and defense. He then underwent Tommy John surgery and missed the 2021 season completely. 

Still only 26 years old, the Astros are taking a shot on the post-hype prospect, signing him to a minor league deal. 2B and SS are his main positions, and there are a few that are still ahead of him on the depth chart for the Astros, but it's certainly worth a look-see in spring training, and he can provide depth at the Triple-A level.

Photo Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports