During the rebuilding years, the Astros’ farm system was consistently regarded as one of the top in baseball. This success can be attributed not only to their high draft picks but also to excellent scouting on the international front and savvy trades made by the front office.
As the Astros returned to competitiveness, they began utilizing their prospects in various ways. The most obvious approach was promoting them to the big league roster, with players like George Springer, Carlos Correa, Alex Bregman, Yordan Alvarez, and others making significant impacts. Additionally, they leveraged their prospects to acquire top-tier major league talent, including Justin Verlander, Gerrit Cole, Zack Greinke, and Ryan Pressly.
All of this has contributed to the Astros’ farm system slipping in the rankings among prospect writers, and that’s understandable. However, what these rankings often overlook is the exceptional development the Astros are known for. Guys like Cristian Javier, Luis Garcia, Framber Valdez, Chas McCormick, Jeremy Pena and Ronel Blanco weren’t considered “top” prospects. But the Astros were able find and develop these players into top contributors.
While the system may not have that buzz that it once had, there is a clear group of Tier 1 players, high potential arms, underrated arms and some really young talent. Below will be a break down of some of the prospects in the system.
Tier 1
Cam Smith – Originally a first round pick of the Cubs (#14 overall), Smith was acquired in the deal that sent Tucker to Chicago. Smith was a standout at Florida State showing off an advanced approach that led to him hitting .387 with 16 homers his junior year. Following the draft, he hit .313 with 7 home runs over 32 games making it up to Double-A. Big time prospect.
Jacob Melton – Melton was the Astros second round pick in the 2022 draft. He oozes potential with light tower power and really good speed, which he has displayed in his minor league career. Over the last two seasons, Melton has hit 38 home runs and stolen 76 bases in 204 games. 2025 could be the year for him to get a call-up.
Brice Matthews – Matthews was seen as one of the best athletes in the Big 10 going into the 2023 draft. He has a quick swing with strong exit velocities, even for his size. Scouts note he has 20-25 HR potential with good pull power. Matthews made a quick rise in the system last year making it Triple-A and posting a .865 OPS with 15 home runs and 32 stolen bases.
Walker Janek – Janek was seen as the best defensive catcher in the draft, showing up a plus arm and a quick release. He has above average bat speed and should have the ability to produce 20+ homers at the major league level. His raw power has improved and he has chance to be a gold glove type at catcher while hitting for average and power.
Luis Baez – The Astros signed Luis Baez for $1.3 million during the 2022 international signing period. Baez is well built at 6’1″ and 205 lbs and possesses plus power from the right side. Baez was very young for his competition at 20-years-old in 2024 but managed to hit 21 home runs as he made it up to Double-A.
High-Potential Arms:
Miguel Ullola – Ullola is a young flame throwing right hander. The 22-year-old features a plus fastball that sits mid-90s and touches 99 MPH. While he has some command issues, he has overpowered the hitters in lower levels with the fastball/slider combination. The fastball and slider are his two best pitches, but he does throw a curveball as well. In 2024, he struck out 171 batters in 130.1 innings between Double-A and Triple-A.
Ryan Forcucci – Forcucci is a right-handed pitcher listed at 6’3″ and 205 lbs that the Astros selected in the third round of the draft in 2024. The 21-year-old only made five starts in 2024, but was dominant posting a 2.16 ERA with 37 K in 25 innings. He has a mid 90s fastball that tops at 97 and a wipeout slider in the 80s. He was seen as a potential first rounder early in the season but Tommy John surgery caused him to slide.
Anderson Brito – Brito was signed by the Astros out of Venezuela for $10,000 in 2023. Despite being smaller in stature, listed at 5’10” and 155 lbs, he has a monster fastball that sits around 96 MPH and can tough 99. He also has a good slider and changeup too. He made a quick rise in 2024 making it up to Single-A.
Underrated Arms:
The Astros system is loaded with underrated arms. A.J. Blubaugh struck out 133 over 128.2 innings with a 3.71 ERA in Triple-A last year. Ryan Gusto struck out 141 batters in 148.1 innings with a 3.70 in Triple-A. Colton Gordon also pitched well in Triple-A as well posting a 3.94 ERA.
The 2023 draft revealed some potential draft steals. Ethan Pecko, selected in the 6th round, was the Astros minor league pitcher of the year in 2024. He struck out 125 over 96 innings making it up to Double-A at 21-years-old. Jackson Nezuh struck out 151 batters in 120.1 innings between Single-A and High-A. James Hicks made his way up to Double-A in his first full year and compiled 115 strikeouts in 106 innings
Very Young Prospects:
The Astros also have some very young prospects in the system. Chase Jaworsky, drafted in the 5th round in 2023, had 20 doubles and 28 stolen bases in 78 games in Single-A. Nehomar Ochoa as 18 years old led Fayetteville in home runs. Jancel Villarroel drove in 41 runs last year between two levels at 19-years-old.
Kenni Gomez, at 19-years-old, hit .267 with 25 doubles and 20 stolen bases between Single-A and High-A. The Astros recently signed Kevin Alvarez, who was seen as one of the best hitters in the international prospect class.
I could keep going, but it’s clear there’s some real talent in the system. Beyond the “Tier 1” players, they’ve got some strong pitching prospects and young players who can be developed further. With the track record the Astros have in player development, there’s plenty of reason to be optimistic about the future. With all of this said, I think the Astros farm system is underrated. Now, I’m just ready for the 2025 season to kick off!
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