The Astros have set their rosters for opening day of the minor league baseball season. There are a lot of intriguing players at each level and could be a big year for a few prospects. Below are a couple players to watch at each minor league level. I will try to leave off the obvious top prospects to watch and dig a little deeper.
Sugar Land Space Cowboys (Triple-A)
Hitter – Collin Price, C/1B
Price was drafted in the 6th round of the 2022 draft. The 25-year-old has made his way through the system and posted some solid numbers at time including 16 doubles and 13 home runs between High-A and Double-A last year. He had a nice spring connecting on 2 homers too. He figures to get a lot of time in Sugar Land and could put up some big numbers.
One More: Kenedy Corona, OF
Pitcher – Tyler Ivey, RHP
Ivey was drafted in the third round way back in 2017. He had dominant minor league numbers his first few years in the minors eventually earning a call-up in 2021. He made one major league start but then never made it back after dealing with some injuries. The right-hander is now back in the system after a three year hiatus and had a good spring. It will be fun to see if he can capture the potential he showed years ago.
One More: Misael Tamarez, RHP
Corpus Christi Hooks (Double-A)
Hitter – John Garcia, C
Garcia, the Astros 19th round pick in 2022, had a breakout 2024 season establishing himself as a legit prospect. The 23-year-old had a hit .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 also threw out 20% of base stealers in High-A. Double-A will be a good challenge for Garcia and an opportunity to hit some higher level pitching.
One More: Logan Cerny, OF
Pitcher – Wilmy Sanchez, RHP
Sanchez has been in the Astros system since 2022 and made his way up to High-A last year. He put up some ridiculous numbers in 2024 including 82 strikeouts in 56 innings. He got some run with the Astros in Spring Training and tossed 3 scoreless innings with 6 strikeouts. While relievers tend to fly un the radar, Sanchez has a chance to establish himself as a legit prospect this season.
One More: Alejandro Torres, RHP
Asheville Tourists (High-A)
Hitter – Joseph Sullivan, OF
Sullivan was the Astros 7th round pick in 2024 after a solid college career at South Alabama. He has a great makeup and the ability to play center field and add some power. In 2024 after the draft, Sullivan played in 20 games and hit .250 with 13 walks, 11 strikeouts, 5 doubles and 8 stolen bases for the Woodpeckers. He could put up some huge numbers in the hitter friendly Asheville.
One More: Cristian Gonzalez, INF
Pitcher – Jose Guedez, RHP
Taylor was a second round pick in 2022 after an impressive college career for Central Michigan posting a 2.45 ERA with 261 K in 195 innings. Taylor had some solid numbers in 2023 striking out 126 batters in 84 innings. He struggled with injuries in 2024 but is now healthy and a chance to reclaim the potential that led him to be a second round pick. Read more on Taylor here.
One More: Matthew Linskey, RHP
Fayetteville Woodpeckers (Single-A)
Hitter – Caden Powell, INF
Powell was selected by the Astros in the 6th round of the 2024 draft and signed overslot for $422,500. He started his college career at Oklahoma but transferred to Seminole State College where he was named the D-1 junior college player of the year after hitting .502 with 32 HR, 104 RBI and a slugging percentage over 1.000. Powell has some swing and miss in his game, but with an adjustment off-season he could be a breakout prospects in 2025.
One More: Jason Schiavone, C
Pitcher – Ramsey David, RHP
David was the Astros 10th round pick in 2024 and while he is an older prospect (24-years-old), he has some really good stuff. The right-hander was up to 98 MPH in the spring breakout game. Despite the limited reps, he could be a fast mover in the system and the Astros showed confidence in him putting in the spring breakout game.
One More: Bryce Mayer, RHP
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