Every year a team needs help from the system. Not just with the top guys, but sometimes with more unheralded prospects that get spot starts, come out of the bullpen, or help bolster a bench. Some of the top guys were obvious and have already helped, like Arrighetti and Loperfido. Here are a few prospects I think have a shot to help the Astros squad this season outside of some of the “top” prospects.
Shay Whitcomb
Whitcomb was the Astros 5th round pick in the 2020 draft signing for just $56,000. He had a breakout 2021 season posting a .893 OPS with 23 HR, 30 SB. Following a down 2022 season, he responded with a monster 2023 year with 35 HR (which led all of minor league baseball) and 102 RBI between Double-A and Triple-A. Despite some swing and miss earlier in his career, he has really improved his walk and strikeout rates, which is detailed here. This year he is hitting .310 with a .943 OPS in 44 Triple-A games. He is a capable defender at second base, third base and shortstop. Whitcomb could fit in a nice role as another utility guy on the big league club as the season rolls on.
Pedro León
León was once ranked as one of the top prospects in the Astros system. While he has fallen in some eyes of evaluators, like Whitcomb, he has made improvements in 2024. He has cut his strikeouts down from 28.4% last year to 23.2% this year. León has a huge arm in the outfield and speed on the base paths. His ability to play all outfield positions gives him the chance to provide depth in the outfield and the shot at being a pinch runner in tight games. In 2024, León is hitting .290 with a .922 OPS to include a minor league baseball leading 51 runs batted in.
Colton Gordon
It took Gordon a little while to get going this season, battling through some injuries. But now healthy, he is pitching well for Sugar Land. The left-handed pitching prospect has put up some dominant numbers in the minors including 151 strikeouts in 128.1 innings in 2023. While he isn’t overpowering, he has the pitch ability to keep guys off balance. But what helps give Gordon an edge is his ability against left-handed hitters. In 2022 he held lefties to a .171 BA. In 2023 he held lefties to a .184 BA. And in 2024 so far he has held lefties to a .179 BA. He also hasn’t allowed a homer against a left-handed hitter since 2022.
Logan VanWey
VanWey has quickly moved up the system, faster than anyone probably expected, especially for an undrafted free agent. VanWey signed with the Astros following the 2022 draft but has quickly risen up to Triple-A. The right-hander has been great this season in relief striking out 37 over 27 innings. VanWey can push it up to 97 MPH with his fastball/sinker and has added a new cutter to really help against left-handed batters. There is a good chance if the Astros want to add another relieved, they can just pluck VanWey from Triple-A. Read more on VanWey here.
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