Yeah maybe his hit tool was underrated in the reports. I have read that his swing is a little unconventional but he has very good contact skills, ok power and a good eye that should help his tool.
i can understand the Astros were looking for a safe pick after drafting a bust in Appel ( I know he is not done yet but they shipped him as a secondary piece for a relief pitcher so for them he is a bust). With his position and solid hitting he is probably a safe pick to become a 3-4 war player and maybe a little more.