Drafted in the 16th round (483rd overall) by the Houston Astros in 2010.
Top Rankings
Organization Prospect Rankings
Wallace attended Cy-Fair High in suburban Houston, playing with Pirates farmhand Robbie Grossman and Nats minor leaguer Caleb Ramsey. He also played with Ramsey in college at Houston, where he hit 19 homers in his final two seasons as the regular catcher. Wallace's 2009 junior season almost ended before it began when he was hit in the face with a pitch in February, and he still wears a protective mask at the plate to protect his reconstructed face. He needed five metal plates and 42 screws to help repair the broken bones. The Astros drafted him as an organizational soldier in 2010, signing him for $5,000 in the 16th round. Wallace ranked third in the system last year with 20 homers and 78 RBIs. He has good strength, the leadership skills for catcher and an outstanding work ethic. He works out at the Astros' local facility all offseason, and his efforts helped reshape his body and prepare him for the pro grind in 2011. His best tool is his solid power, which could become plus if he improves his pitch recognition and patience. He probably strikes out too much to hit for a high average in the big leagues. Behind the plate, he's a solid receiver with the ability to handle a pitching staff. He has a fringy arm and threw out 21 percent of basestealers last year, including just three of 30 in Double-A. He spent one-third of his time as a DH and fits a backup catcher-profile. He'll head back to Corpus Christi in 2012.
Download our app
Read the newest magazine issue right on your phone