The final iteration of the “top three prospects” series finishes with relief pitchers this week. While projecting relievers is difficult, as some starters will transition, I will stick to true relievers in the system.
Previous Top Three:
1. Forrest Whitley
Whitley, the former first round pick in 2016, had a breakout 2017 season but struggled with injuries over the next few years. Whitley continued to work and stayed resilient, turning in his best professional season in seven years with his performance in 2024 as he made a move to the bullpen. The right-hander pitched the majority of the season in Triple-A and there he had a 1.89 ERA with 45 strikeouts in 33.1 innings. He was called up and pitched in 3 games in Houston and struck out 5 over 3.1 innings. His stuff was great, sitting in the high 90s and regularly hitting 99 MPH. This was a huge year for Whitley and he figures to be a reliever in the Astros pen in 2025. Read more on him here.
2. Logan VanWey
VanWey was signed as an undrafted fre agent following the 2022 draft and has already defied the odds. In 2024, the right-hander made a quick rise to Triple-A and was dominant in the Sugar Land bullpen. Over 72.2 innings, he posted a 3.22 ERA and racked up 98 strikeouts. VanWey has a deceptive delivery, but also runs the fastball up to 96 MPH while mixing in a sweeper, sinker, cutter and changeup. He’s had a great spring, and could get a role in Houston’s pen eventually. Read more on him here.
3. Abel Mercedes
Mercedes is a very intriguing prospect. The right-hander is one of the hardest throwers in the system hitting over 100 MPH multiple times, even up to 102 MPH. He is also unhittable, allowing just 21 hits in 45.1 innings while racking up 74 strikeouts during the 2024 season. The downside was the 55 walks in 45.1 innings, so command is something he will have to improve. He has the raw stuff that gets him ranked here and with some improvement, he could fly up the system.
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