Top pick, Forrest Whitley, signs with Astros

Whitley signs deal with Astros

HOUSTON – The Houston Astros continue to move quickly to get their draft picks signed and playing. 

 

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The latest to sign is the first player they selected in the June draft, the 17th overall pick Forrest Whitley.

 

Whitley signed his deal on Wednesday and made his first ever visit to Minute Maid Park. He is expected to begin his professional career with the Astros gulf coast league affiliate.

 

Prior to the draft, Astros executive adviser Nolan Ryan, was sent out to watch him pitch. Whitley tossed a no-hitter that night and looks forward to the opportunity to learn from him.

 

"He was the most durable pitcher of all-time," Whitley said.

 

"He was throwing 98 (mph) when he was 45 years old, so he was obviously doing something right. I'd love to get some advice from him."

 

Whitley, 18, posted a 9-1 record and a 0.31 ERA in his senior season at Alamo Heights High School in San Antonio, Texas. He struck out 126 batters in his 68.0 innings of work. Whitley pitched Alamo Heights into the UIL Class 5A Final by going six and two-thirsds innings with 11 strikeouts, vs. College Station in the state semifinal game. 

 

In 2016, the 6-foot-7 righthander was named to the Rawlings-Perfect Game 1st Team All-America and Texas All-Region 1st Team. In his junior year, he was named to the Perfect Game Underclass Second Team and played on the USA Baseball 18U National Team.