Cristian Gonzalez

Organization Prospect Rankings

• 
  Ranked Houston Astros #15 prospect in 2022
  Track Record: During a 2019 international signing period in which the Astros could not exceed a $300,000 signing bonus, Gonzalez got one of the two maximum bonuses Houston handed out. He played in the Dominican Summer League after signing and opened 2021 in the Florida Complex League. He played just 13 games before earning a promotion to Low-A Fayetteville, where he struggled to a .244/.299/.341 slash line.
  
  Scouting Report: Gonzalez has a projectable body that is still filling out. He is nimble but long-limbed, leading to questions about where his true defensive position is. The Astros play Gonzalez primarily at shortstop, where he shows a plus arm that could translate to the outfield if needed. Gonzalez has enough athleticism to stick at shortstop and the Astros intend to try it. He has above-average power and makes harder contact than some of his stats may suggest, but a stiff swing and poor strike zone discipline limit his production. As Gonzalez adds more weight and adjusts his swing, more of this power should manifest.
  
  The Future: Gonzalez has physical upside, but needs to figure out his swing, approach and defensive home. He will likely open 2022 back in Fayetteville.
  

• April, 2022 Scouting Report
  BA Grade: 45/Extreme
  
  Track Record: During a 2019 international signing period in which the Astros could not exceed a $300,000 signing bonus, Gonzalez got one of the two maximum bonuses Houston handed out. He played in the Dominican Summer League after signing and opened 2021 in the Florida Complex League. He played just 13 games before earning a promotion to Low-A Fayetteville, where he struggled to a .244/.299/.341 slash line.
  
  Scouting Report: Gonzalez has a projectable body that is still filling out. He is nimble but long-limbed, leading to questions about where his true defensive position is. The Astros play Gonzalez primarily at shortstop, where he shows a plus arm that could translate to the outfield if needed. Gonzalez has enough athleticism to stick at shortstop and the Astros intend to try it. He has above-average power and makes harder contact than some of his stats may suggest, but a stiff swing and poor strike zone discipline limit his production. As Gonzalez adds more weight and adjusts his swing, more of this power should manifest.
  
  The Future: Gonzalez has physical upside, but needs to figure out his swing, approach and defensive home. He will likely open 2022 back in Fayetteville.
• December, 2021 Scouting Report
  Track Record: During a 2019 international signing period in which the Astros could not exceed a $300,000 signing bonus, Gonzalez got one of the two maximum bonuses Houston handed out. He played in the Dominican Summer League after signing and opened 2021 in the Florida Complex League. He played just 13 games before earning a promotion to Low-A Fayetteville, where he struggled to a .244/.299/.341 slash line.
  
  Scouting Report: Gonzalez has a projectable body that is still filling out. He is nimble but long-limbed, leading to questions about where his true defensive position is. The Astros play Gonzalez primarily at shortstop, where he shows a plus arm that could translate to the outfield if needed. Gonzalez has enough athleticism to stick at shortstop and the Astros intend to try it. He has above-average power and makes harder contact than some of his stats may suggest, but a stiff swing and poor strike zone discipline limit his production. As Gonzalez adds more weight and adjusts his swing, more of this power should manifest.
  
  The Future: Gonzalez has physical upside, but needs to figure out his swing, approach and defensive home. He will likely open 2022 back in Fayetteville.