Every year I try to predict a breakout prospect. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t. But one thing we have seen is almost every year the Astros have a guy that comes out of nowhere to establish himself in the system as a legitimate top prospect. I will select a few who could breakout, and I’m looking at guys mostly ranked out of the consensus top 30 or not very well known. Let’s get to the list.
Waner Luciano, 3B
Luciano didn’t receive a huge bonus coming out of the Dominican Republic, just $45,000, but he is looking like a bargain at this point. The right-hander is listed at 6’1″ and 170 lbs. At 17 in the DSL, he posted a .807 OPS. At just 18 he made his stateside debut, playing in 45 games in the FCL and connecting on 10 homers, showing off his raw power. He has good strike zone discipline and draws walks too, while still maintaining a violent swing. He will be starting the season in Single-A and has chance to really move up the list.
Raimy Rodriguez, RHP
Rodriguez is a right hander pitcher, listed at 6’1″ and 185 lbs. He was signed out of Puerto Rico back in 2022. He made his debut in 2022 in the DSL striking out 32 in 29.2 innings. In 2023, at just 17 years old, he made his stateside debut and despite some high walk numbers, he struck out 46 in 31.2 innings. Rodriguez gas good command and a solid upper-70s curveball. He will be making his full-season debut at just 18 years old this year in Fayetteville.
Kenni Gomez, OF
Gomez is a young Cuban outfielder who signed for $775k in 2022. Gomez has made his way stateside this season and had a .632 OPS in rookie ball, but showed enough that the Astros were willing to let him start the year in Fayetteville this season at 18 years old. The left-handed hitter makes a lot of contact but also has room to add power in his frame. A great athlete, Gomez is a plus runner and should be a threat on the bases and have the ability to stick in center field.
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