Now that a week of Spring Training baseball has passed (actually about a week and a half), I figured this was an appropriate time to look at the prospects who have performed well so far. Check them out below:
Cam Smith
It’s the obvious one to start with, but Smith has been one of the best players in Spring Training so far, prospect or not. The first round pick from 2024 has played in 5 games and has connected on a triple, two home runs, six runs batted in and also has 4 walks to just 1 strikeout. That’s good for a .571 BA and 2.441 OPS.
Zach Dezenzo
Dezenzo had a solid 2024 season and with a big Spring Training, could get a chance for an extended MLB role this year. So far this spring, Dezenzo is hitting .313 (5-for-16) with a double and two runs batted in. He leads the Astros in hits so far in Spring Training.
Kenni Gomez
Gomez hasn’t seen much time this spring, but he has made the most of his opportunities. In seven plate appearances, Gomez is 2-for-5 with 2 runs scored, 2 walks and 2 stolen bases. After a solid first full season in 2024, Gomez has a chance to establish himself as a legit prospect in the Astros system this year.
Logan VanWey
VanWey had a big 2024 season for Triple-A Sugar Land where he struck out 98 over 72.2 innings with a 3.22 ERA. This spring, he has pitched in 5 games totaling 5 innings while striking out 5 and not allowing a run. With the potential needs for the pen in 2025, VanWey’s spring performance can possibly earn him a spot.
Jose Fleury
Fleury had a breakout 2023 season but struggled with some injuries last year. This spring so far, he has looked back to form. Over 2 games he has struck out 4 batters in 4 innings while allowing just 1 run. This would be a huge development for him and the system if he gets back to the 2023 form.
Ryan Gusto
Gusto is probably the “favorite” on the prospect level to be the next guy in line to be a starter in Houston after a great 2024 season in Triple-A. In Spring Training, he looks like he is ready. He has pitched in 2 games and struck out 4 batters over 4 innings while allowing just 2 hits.
Aaron Brown
Brown was up and down a lot last year but managed to strike out 126 in 114 innings. So far this spring, he has been phenomenal. In two games, the right-hander has tossed 4 scoreless innings with 2 strikeouts, looking more like the good Aaron Brown last year.
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