Kobe Kato wasn’t even an official member of Arizona’s team during his first season. Three years later, he’s a Major League draft pick.
Kato, a right-handed hitting second baseman, was picked by the Houston Astros in the 13th round of the 2021 MLB Draft on Tuesday.
The fourth-year sophomore is coming off a breakout 2021 season in which he hit .350 with a home run and 34 RBI, starting all 63 games at second. His 43 walks and .460 on-base percentage were both second on the team, as were his four triples.
Kato walked onto the UA team in 2018 as a catcher but did not play that first season.