With the season is over we will review each position in the minor league system during the 2024 season. This week we will look at the outield position. I will focus on players who played majority of their games at this position, though they could end up on multiple lists.
Previous Position Reviews:
TOP PERFORMERS
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+
Jacob Melton
Melton, the Astros 2nd round pick in 2022, had a solid year in 2024. He started the year in Double-A and hit .248 with a .749 OPS and 10 home runs/19 stolen bases, despite dealing with some injuries. He was later promoted to Triple-A where he hit .260 with 1o doubles, 5 home runs and 11 stolen bases over 47 games. Overall, he showed the power speed combo that has him highly rated as he hit 15 home runs and 30 stolen bases in 2024.
2024 Stats: 105 G, .253 BA/.310 OBP/.426 SLG, 20 2B, 2 3B, 15 HR, 54 RBI, 30 SB
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+
THE REST OF THE PACK
Quincy Hamilton
Hamilton got off to a rough start in Double-A hitting .131 in 18 games but got moved up to Triple-A and started hitting well. In 99 Triple-A games, he had a .814 OPS with 21 doubles, 15 home runs and 56 runs batted in while drawing 54 walks.
2024 Stats: 117 G, .229 BA/.344 OBP/.424 SLG, 22 2B, 5 3B, 16 HR, 61 RBI, 11 SB
Logan Cerny
Cerny is a high upside power/speed prospect but had some struggles in 2024. He started in High-A and had a .773 OPS with 14 home runs and 26 stolen bases, but when promoted to Double-A he hit just .180 with 2 home runs in 33 games.
2024 Stats: 106 G, .211 BA/.301 OBP/.394 SLG, 22 2B, 3B, 16 HR, 45 RBI, 32 SB
Nehomar Ochoa
Ochoa showed off some big potential this season. The 19-year-old led the lead Fayetteville in home runs connecting on 10 in 103 games. He also stole 17 baes and overall posted a .676 OPS. He played the majority of the season at 18-year-old and will have a chance to really feast next year in Asheville.
2024 Stats: 103 G, .222 BA/.317 OBP/.359 SLG, 15 2B, 10 HR, 44 RBI, 17 SB
Kenedy Corona
Corona came into the season with a lot of hype but never really got it going. He played in 78 games in Double-A and hit .219 with just 2 home runs. He finished off the season in Triple-A hitting .191 with just 1 home run over 20 games. He will be 25 for the 2025 season.
2024 Stats: 98 G, .214 BA/.314 OBP/.290 SLG, 12 2B, 2 3B, 3 HR, 29 RBI, 27 SB
2025 OUTLOOK/CONCLUSION
The outfield position might be the biggest question mark next season. While the Astros have Chas McCormick and Jake Meyers, they traded Kyle Tucker and don’t plan to use Yordan Alvarez in left field much. There is a clear opportunity for a guy like Jacob Melton to come up and make an impact, and he may get that chance with a big spring. Pedro Leon may get a chance early in spring training too. Baez and Gomez are two highly rated international prospects that hopefully can be the next wave, along with Nehomar Ochoa. The outfield position will be one to watch for sure over the next 3-4 months.
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