As we inch closer to the 2025 season, I am going to give top three prospects at each position. This will be based on where they currently play and also where they may end up. This will culminate with my newly updated top 30 prospects before the season starts. This week, we are moving on to the outfield position.
Previous Top Three:
1. Jacob Melton
Melton was drafted by the Astros in the 2nd round of the 2022 draft out of Oregon State. Melton had a standout junior year in college slashing .360/.424/.671 with 22 2B, 17 HR, 21 SB as he earned Pac-12 player of the year honors. Melton is a left handed swinging outfielder who stands at 6’3″ and 210 lbs. He is a plus runner on the bases and in the outfield and has the ability to stick in center field defensively. He has ridiculous raw power, but has had some swing and miss in his game. In 2024, Melton played between Double-A and Triple-A and hit 15 home runs and stole 30 bases. Read more on Melton here.
2. Luis Baez
The Astros signed Luis Baez for $1.3 million during the 2022 international signing period. The 21-year-old is well built at 6’1″ and 205 lbs and possesses plus power from the right side. He is a solid athlete but won’t provide a ton on the bases, though he should be an adequate defender in the corner outfield spots. Baez was very young for his level in 2024, splitting time between High-A and Double-A. In 106 games, Baez hit .258 with 25 doubles, 21 home runs and 76 runs batted in. Read more on Baez here.
3. Kenni Gomez
Gomez was signed by the Astros out of Cuba for $775,000 in 2022. Gomez has made his way stateside in 2023 and had a .632 OPS in rookie ball, but showed enough that the Astros were willing to let him start 2024 in Fayetteville this season at 18 years old. He performed well, eventually getting a promotion to Asheville. Overall, Gomez hit .267 with 25 doubles, 7 home runs and 20 stolen bases over 107 games. 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.
Be sure to subscribe to receive weekly updates on the Astros minor league system. Also be sure to follow on X, @AstrosFuture, and like my Facebook page, facebook.com/AstrosFuture.
