“He’s One Of Our Biggest, Strongest Guys In Our System” | Astros Slugger Corey Julks Hopes To Make MLB Jump In 2023

The Houston Astros have experienced a ton of success over the last five seasons, playing in three World Series, winning one championship. Despite the cheating allegations that surround the franchise’s 2017 World Series title, the Astros have become one of the best brands in all of sports.

Led by former manager A.J. Hinch and now Dusty Baker, who this season became the first Black manager to reach the 2,000-win plateau, there have been no shortage of great players in H-Town during this unprecedented run. The likes of Alex Bregman, Justin Verlander, Jose Altuve, Jordan Alvarez to name a few.

 A key ingredient to sustained success is a farm system that develops and prepares players for the majors, allowing the front office to dabble in free agency without breaking the bank. 

COREY JULKS

A future MLBbro who is currently in the Astros farm system is slugger Corey Julks, a 2017 eighth-round pick from Houston. Julks is what we call a late bloomer in the sport, but what he brings to the table is raw power. The 26-year-old slugger was thought of as an organizational player, but with his recent surge at the plate the last two seasons, he’s caused a lot of chatter about his prospects in the Astros everyday lineup.

 In February, Astros assistant general manager Pete Putila raved about Julks, who stands 5-foot-10 and 215 pounds.

 “He’s one of our biggest, strongest guys in the system. He’s very athletic. But with his swing, he just wasn’t getting the power production that we thought he could achieve.”

 

  

Julks Has Been A HR Magnet In 2022

 As a member of Astros Triple-A affiliate (Sugar Land Space Cowboys) the power-hitting Julks flourished this season.  After never hitting more than 20 homers in any of his previous Single-A and Double-A seasons, Julks flipped the script and went yard 31 times, further displaying his natural power. In 130 games played he was always available, showcasing his durability as well. He even tallied a slash line of .270/.351/.503 with his highest-career OPS.

 

 

Julks’ surprising display of pop is a welcomed sight for the Astros who are looking for another power bat to team along with Yordan Alvarez, the All-Star slugger who’s hit 70 homers the last two seasons.

 Astros Hoping For Fourth Trip To WS In Six Seasons

 Sitting at 104-55, which is the best record in the American League and second-best record in MLB, the Astros look like a team that could return to the Fall Classic. The team will be looking to win manager Dusty Baker his first World Series, something that’s eluded him in his stellar managerial career. And while, Julks isn’t a current member of the team in the majors, he sure does seem like a great fit for the team in 2023.

 

 

Who wouldn’t want to join a franchise that wins and develops at the level the Astros do. Julks would be coming into a situation where the pressure wouldn’t be on him to produce at a high rate right away. Which is always a good thing, and especially for someone who’s considered a late bloomer.

 Expect Julks to appear at Minute Maid Park in 2023 and expect baseballs to fly out with regularity.