Astros reach deals with 9 undrafted players

HOUSTON -- The Astros have been busy in the market for non-drafted free agents, officially signing nine college players who weren’t selected in the MLB Draft earlier this month.

The nine players are right-handers Jimmy Endersby of Concordia University Irvine, Kyle Gruller of Houston Baptist, Jonathan Sprinkle of Central Missouri, Zack Matthews of Oklahoma and Cesar Gomez of Texas-Arlington; outfielders Justin Dirden of Southeast Missouri and Cody Orr of Tiffin (Ohio) University; and infielders Peter Zimmermann of Missouri and second baseman JC Correa of Lamar University.

• Team-by-team: Undrafted free agent signing tracker

Under the rules for this year’s Draft, any undrafted player can sign with any team but for no more than $20,000. The Astros have committed to paying their Minor League players a $400 stipend weekly through the end of August, including the non-drafted free agents upon signing a contract following a physical.

• Everything to know about Astros' 2020 Draft

The Draft was shortened to five rounds this year because of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, including the shutdown of college and high school baseball seasons.

Here’s a closer look at the nine undrafted players who have signed:

JC Correa, 2B, Lamar University
The younger brother of Astros shortstop Carlos Correa, JC hit .245 with a .321 slugging percentage and .317 on-base percentage in the abbreviated 2020 season. He played in 53 games last year and led the team in in batting average (.332), hits (74), doubles (14), home runs (10), and RBIs (44). Prior to his time at Lamar, he hit .364 in 80 career games at Alvin Junior College with a .432 OBP and a .491 slugging percentage.

Justin Dirden, OF, Southeast Missouri
Dirden, a 6-foot-4 left-handed hitter, hit .414 with nine home runs, 26 RBIs and 20 runs scored in only 17 games for the Redhawks, slugging .900 before the shutdown. Dirden ranked second in the nation in home runs and led the Ohio Valley Conference in hits (29), home runs, RBIs, total bases (63), and stolen bases (nine).

Before playing two years at Southeast Missouri, Dirden spent time at East Carolina and Jefferson College.

Jimmy Endersby, RHP, Concordia University Irvine
Endersby, who throws his fastball 92-95 mph and has a hard curveball, was the ace of Division II Concordia Irvine’s pitching staff during the shortened season. He started five games and posted a 1.88 ERA with 37 strikeouts in 28 2/3 innings. Endersby transferred to Concordia from Cal State Fullerton.

“The Astros know something about pitching that other teams don't,” Endersby said. “They develop guys to become monsters and big leaguers, and I believe my strengths fit their philosophies.”

Cesar Gomez, RHP, Texas-Arlington
A two-way player who transferred following two years at North Central Texas College, Gomez appeared in eight games in relief this year, saving four games. He threw 8 2/3 innings and struck out six batters while holding opponents to a .214 batting average. Gomez struck out the side against Dallas Baptist on Feb. 25.

As a junior last year, Gomez struck out 33 hitters and walked 24 in 52 2/3 innings, mostly in relief, and posted a 5.13 ERA as a pitcher, while appearing in 31 games as a utility player. His fastball sits around 94-97 mph, and he features a changeup and curveball.

Kyle Gruller, RHP, Houston Baptist
Gruller was 1-2 with a 2.70 ERA and 36 strikeouts in 23 1/3 innings in four starts this year. A Houston-area native, he was a preseason All-Southland Conference first team selection after going 3-3 with a 2.18 ERA and .207 opponents’ batting average as a junior.

Zack Matthews, RHP, University of Oklahoma
Matthews, who is recovering from Tommy John surgery, touches 98 mph with his fastball. He pitched in only four games this year before the elbow surgery. Prior to that, the 5-foot-11 Matthews appeared in 35 games in relief over his first two seasons with the Sooners, with 43 strikeouts in 33 2/3 innings.

Cody Orr, OF, Tiffin University
A two-way player at Division II Tiffin, Orr hit .412 with 10 runs scored, two homers, 10 RBIs, eight walks and five steals in nine games this year as a junior. He also threw one scoreless inning on the mound. As a sophomore in 2019, Orr hit .349 with 55 runs and 29 RBIs and set a school record with 88 1/3 innings on the mound, going 6-1 with a 5.09 ERA in 15 appearances (14 starts).

Jonathan Sprinkle, RHP, Central Missouri
As a junior this year, Sprinkle appeared in eight games (three starts) and was 2-0 with a 3.86 ERA and one save. He threw 23 1/3 innings, allowing 17 hits and 10 runs with 43 strikeouts. Last year, he averaged 14.9 strikeouts per nine innings for Division II Central Missouri, which is the alma mater of Astros owner Jim Crane.

Peter Zimmermann, INF, Missouri
A transfer from San Jacinto College in east Houston, Zimmermann hit .333 with four homers, 17 RBIs and a .433 on-base percentage in 16 games for Missouri this year. As a junior, he hit .287 with 10 doubles, seven homers and 34 RBIs as the Tigers’ designated hitter.