The MLB Draft is right around the corner, with the first taking place on July 13th. The Astros look to add more weapons to the system. While the MLB draft is probably the hardest draft to try and predict, here is a look at a potential four round mock draft for the Astros. Keep in mind, the Astros don’t have a second round pick after signing Christian Walker this off-season.
Round 1, #21) Ethan Conrad, OF, Wake Forest
This isn’t necessarily the pick I think Brown will make, but I think he would be a great fit for the Astros. He started his college career at Marist University where he hit .389 as a sophomore before transferring to Wake Forest. He also played in 76 summer league games across a few leagues and hit .382 with 8 home runs, including .385 in 30 games in the Cape Cod League, which is one of the best leagues in baseball. At Wake Forest, Conrad hit .372 before injuring his shoulder diving for a ball. He stands at 6’3″ and has great bat to ball skills from the left side, will the ability to add power. I also think it’s important for the Astros to get some savings on their bonus in the first round and they may be able to do that with Conrad.
Another Option: Devin Taylor, OF, Indiana
Round 3, #95) Ben Jacobs, LHP, Arizona State
Based on previous years, the Astros have favored college pitchers in this range. Jacobs is a 6’1″ left hander that has solid stuff across the board starting with a low to mid 90s fastball and plus slider and changeup. His junior year at Arizona State, the left-hander struck out 120 over 83.2 innings with a 4.95 ERA. While the ERA was high, he clearly has the swing and miss stuff and seems to be a guy the Astros can get into the system and unlock some new potential.
Another Option: Justin Lamkin, LHP, Texas A&M
Round 4, #126) Murf Gray, 3B, Fresno State
In the 4th round, the Astros go after another college position player in Murf Gray from Fresno State. Prior to his junior season, Gray showed off in the Cape Cod League hitting .329 with only 12 strikeouts in 35 games. In 2025, the right-hander hit .324 with 22 doubles, 18 home runs and an OPS over 1.000. Gray is a big kid, listed at 6’4″ and 230 lbs. While he doesn’t provide a ton on the defensive side of things, his bat will be his calling card and will be the reason he is a top pick.
Another Option: Antonio Jimenez, SS, Central Florida
CONCLUSION:
I think we will see the Astros go heavy on college players again, after getting some solid returns from some of the young international talent they have signed over the last couple of seasons. Projecting the draft is tough, but the Astros will most likely identify some sneaky pitchers in the top 10 rounds. It would be nice to see them swing for the fences on a couple high school prospects again, like they’ve done the last few drafts.
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