Freudis Nova

In his age-18 season, Nova showed that he still has plenty of the traits typically found in young, raw hitters -- he rarely walks (3.8 BB%) and is extremely pull-heavy (62.2 Pull%) -- but he also displayed the significant upside that landed him on the dynasty-league radar a couple years ago. Despite that minuscule walk rate, he was 20% better than the average Gulf Coast League hitter, cranking out six home runs (tied for sixth in the league) while rarely striking out (13.4 K%). Nova (6-foot-1, 180 pounds) saw time at second base, but could stick at shortstop long term. He is a plus runner with the potential to develop plus game power in the coming years -- tools that separate him from most shortstop prospects. However, he won't be a fast riser through the system. The Astros know he has plenty of work to do on both sides of the ball, so look for him to be held back in extended spring training before being assigned to the New York-Penn League.