Prior to 2021, the MLB Draft consisted of 40 rounds. Today, it has been reduced to just 20. Those 20 additional rounds once provided opportunities for 600 more players—30 teams selecting 20 extra players each—to begin careers in professional baseball. With the draft now shortened, undrafted free agents have grown significantly in importance and will remain a key area of focus for teams moving forward.
Following the 2024 draft, the Astros signed several promising prospects. One standout, Lucas Spence, has already made a strong impression, earning a quick promotion to High-A Asheville.
Lucas Spence, born and raised in Illinois, played his first two years of college ball at Black Hawk College in Moline, Illinois. This was a NJCAA school, but Spence was a standout hitting .380 as a sophomore earning him an All-Region 4 First-Team Selection. He also made six appearances on the mound where he had a 4.05 ERA with 27 strikeouts in 20 innings.
Spence would transfer to Southern Illinois University Edwardsville where his stellar play continued. The outfielder was a First-Team All-Ohio Valley Conference selection and lead the conference with a .385 batting average. He also made another 14 appearances on the mound striking out 22 in 18.2 innings.
Despite his stellar play, Spence would end up going undrafted in the 2024 MLB Draft. After going undrafted, he knew he wanted to play professional baseball and the decision to sign with a team was a no-brainer.
“The decision was pretty easy,” Spence said. “Talking with my dad from a young age I always wanted to play professional baseball. We had a conversation and I told him all I wanted was a chance so when I got a chance, I took it.”
However, the Astros’ interest in Spence didn’t begin after the draft—it was sparked during early workouts in the draft process.
“I did know the Astros had interest in me,” Spence said. “They were actually the only team that reached out and had me come out to a workout.”
After signing with the Astros in the summer of 2024, Spence was assigned to Single-A Fayetteville where he hit .200 in 24 games, though he had an impressive 15 walk to 22 strikeout ratio. But the transition from college baseball to professional baseball can be a difficult one at times, especially after playing 56 college games and 18 games in a Collegiate Summer League.
“The main difference from college ball to professional baseball is playing everyday,” Spence said. “A big adjustment mentally of having of having a super short memory and not riding a roller coaster throughout the weeks.”
Spence started off the 2025 season back in Fayetteville, but he made quick work of the Carolina League hitting .286 with 11 stolen bases and 18 BB/18 K in 23 games. This earned him a promotion to High-A Asheville where he is currently hitting .310 with 7 doubles, 2 home runs and 15 runs batted in over 22 games.
“Staying consistent with my routines and the things that got me to this point,” Spence said when asked about the key to his success this season. “Staying true to myself as a player and giving maximum effort every time I’m out there.”
The 22-year-old offers a well-rounded skill set on the field. He has a good eye at the plate, drawing walks and keeping his strikeouts to a minimum. He’s a threat on the basepaths and adds some sneaky power from the left side. And that’s just the beginning of what he brings to the game.
“I would say my best attribute on the field is my composure,” Spence said. “It’s really important to keep a steady state of mind throughout the weeks and not get too high or low.”
Now two months into his first full professional season, Spence is making a strong impression in the Astros organization. Posting a combined 143 wRC+ across Single-A and High-A—43% above league average—he’s emerging as a potential hidden gem uncovered by the Astros’ scouting and player development teams.
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