Astros Projected to Take Virginia Standout in Latest Mock Draft

The versatile slugger could be a great fit for Houston's lineup.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 7:03pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting a baseball player's batting stance and swing, with sharp planes of navy, crimson, and gold creating a dynamic, multi-perspective composition.A cubist interpretation of a baseball player's swing captures the dynamic energy and versatility of the Astros' potential first-round draft pick.Houston Today

The Houston Astros are projected to select Eric Becker, a shortstop from the University of Virginia, with their first-round pick in the upcoming MLB Draft. Becker is considered a 'high-floor' prospect with one of the better hit tools in the 2026 class, though some scouts believe he may be better suited for a utility role in the majors rather than an everyday shortstop.

Why it matters

The Astros have had tremendous success in the MLB Draft in recent years, selecting stars like George Springer, Carlos Correa, and Alex Bregman. Adding a versatile, high-contact hitter like Becker could be another savvy pick that bolsters their talented roster.

The details

Becker has posted impressive offensive numbers at Virginia, batting .356/.454/.621 over 573 plate appearances as a three-year starter. While he has experience at shortstop, some scouts believe his best fit in the majors may be as a utility player who can fill in at multiple infield positions. The Astros have historically leaned towards college talent in the first round, and Becker's well-rounded skill set could make him an attractive option for the 17th overall pick.

  • The 2026 MLB Draft will take place in June.

The players

Eric Becker

A shortstop from the University of Virginia who is projected to be selected by the Houston Astros in the first round of the 2026 MLB Draft. Becker is considered a 'high-floor' prospect with one of the better hit tools in the class, though some scouts believe he may be better suited for a utility role in the majors rather than an everyday shortstop.

Houston Astros

A professional baseball team based in Houston, Texas that competes in Major League Baseball. The Astros have had tremendous success in the MLB Draft in recent years, selecting stars like George Springer, Carlos Correa, and Alex Bregman.

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What they’re saying

“Becker is a high-floor middle infielder with one of the better hit tools in the 2026 class, and he sports a .356/.454/.621 line over 573 plate appearances as a three-year starter at Virginia. He played third base for Team USA last summer and might end up fitting best as an offensive-minded utility player who fills an everyday role without an everyday position.”

— Joel Reuter, Bleacher Report Writer

What’s next

The 2026 MLB Draft will take place in June, where the Houston Astros will have the 17th overall pick and are projected to select Eric Becker from the University of Virginia.

The takeaway

The Astros have a strong track record of success in the MLB Draft, and adding a versatile, high-contact hitter like Eric Becker could be another savvy pick that bolsters their talented roster. While Becker may not profile as an everyday shortstop, his well-rounded skill set could make him an attractive option for the Astros as they look to continue their run of success.