It would’ve been easy to view the Astros’ selection of J.C. Correa in the 38th round of the 2019 draft, and subsequent signing as a non-drafted free agent in 2020, as a favor to his older brother Carlos, but to do so would’ve been unfair. The younger Correa, while not the most dynamic athlete in the family, was a star for Lamar University in his only full NCAA season, hitting .332/.381/.529 while serving as the regular shortstop, showing great all around feel for hitting. He had never been a highly touted prospect due to his middling athletic tools, but his strong performance in the Southland conference at age 20 had earned him a pro look on the merits, and it made perfect sense for his opportunity to come with the Astros.