There were some big time performances in the Astros system from the top prospects, some breakout performances from unknown prospects and some great comeback seasons. Check out the best performances below and vote on who you think is the Astros minor league hitter of the year!
Shay Whitcomb
Whitcomb put together a phenomenal 2023 leading minor league baseball in home runs but had the most home runs in baseball but followed that up with an even better year in 2024. In 108 games in Triple-A, Whitcomb hit .293 with 25 home runs, 91 runs batted in and 26 stolen bases. He posted a 123 wRC+ and took home the Triple-A Championship MVP as well. This was also his third straight 20/20 season.
2024 Stats: 108 G, .293 BA/.378 OBP/.530 SLG, 19 2B, 2 3B, 25 HR, 91 RBI, 26 SB, 123 wRC+
Brice Matthews
The 2023 first-round pick put together a strong season making his way up to Triple-A. Despite an early back injury which cause him to miss some time, Matthews hit .265 with 15 home runs, 44 runs batted in, 32 stolen bases and a .865 OPS in 79 games. This included 14 games in Triple-A and his first Triple-A home run in the Championship game. A very good first full season for the first-rounder.
2024 Stats: 79 G, .265 BA/.384 OBP/.481 SLG, 15 2B, 3B, 15 HR, 44 RBI, 32 SB, 142 wRC+
Pedro Leon
Leon has been in the Astros system for a while now, and has produced, but in 2024 he had another good year helping Sugar Land to a Triple-A Championship. In 118 games in Triple-A, Leon hit .299 with 24 home runs, 90 runs batted in and 29 stolen bases. He also had a few at-bats at the major league level too. This was his second consecutive season with 20+ home runs and 20+ stolen bases.
2024 Stats: 118 G, .299 BA/.372 OBP/.514 SLG, 25 2B, 2 3B, 24 HR, 90 RBI, 29 SB, 119 wRC+
Luis Baez
Baez was a huge signing for the Astros a few years ago and this year was his first breakout season. At 20-years-old he made it up to Double-A and had a strong season hitting .258 with 25 doubles, 21 home runs and 76 runs batted in over 106 games. He figures to make a push for Triple-A next season. The numbers alone are impressive, but to do it at a couple years below the league average age is even better.
2024 Stats: 106 G, .258 BA/.301 OBP/.462 SLG, 25 2B, 21 HR, 76 RBI, 11 SB, 112 wRC+
Kenni Gomez
Gomez was another international signing for the Astros that has proven to be a nice get. The 19-year-old started the year in Single-A and finished the season in High-A. In 107 games, he hit .267 with 25 doubles, 5 triples, 7 home runs and 20 stolen bases. He had a .737 OPS overall. After a solid first season, he has flown up the prospects rankings and could be due for a huge 2025 season.
2024 Stats: 60 G, .267 BA/.333 OBP/.403 SLG, 25 2B, 5 3B, 7 HR, 42 RBI, 20 SB, 116 wRC+
Austin Deming
Deming signed for just $7,500 in 2023, but has clearly outperformed his draft status. The 24-year-old hit .264 in High-A before a promotion to Double-A where he had a .857 OPS to finish off the year. Overall, he hit .262 with 24 doubles, 19 home runs and 63 runs batted in across 113 games in 2024. He is another college hitter that has performed well in the system.
2024 Stats: 113 G, .262 BA/.348 OBP/.464 SLG, 24 2B, 19 HR, 63 RBI, 13 SB, 131 wRC+
John Garcia
Garcia, the Astros 19th round pick in 2022, put together a really strong season in 2024. The 23-year-old had a breakout season hitting .293 with 21 doubles, 10 home runs, 9 stolen bases and a .852 OPS in 77 games in High-A. This level of offense at the catcher position is big. He proved that he is a legit prospect to watch next season.
2024 Stats: 77 G, .293 BA/.372 OBP/.480 SLG, 21 2B, 2 3B, 10 HR, 39 RBI, 9 SB, 143 wRC+
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