Welcome to the Astros Future Mailbag! Yesterday, I reached out on social media and asked for your questions, and you delivered. Below are some of the best ones along with my answers.
Q: When does Ryan Forcucci debut?
A: Forcuccui was the Astros 3rd round pick in 2024 after posting some dominant numbers at UC San Diego, including a 2.16 ERA with 37 K in 25 innings. He would miss the rest of the season after a UCL injury. Forcucci had Tommy John Surgery in June, a month before the Astros drafted him in July. The last update I got was Forcucci, he was ramping back up with his throwing, but given we are in August, I suspect he won’t debut until next spring.
Q: Do Ethan Frey and Janek get to AA before the years end?
A: I’ll start with Janek. He was the Astros first round pick in the 2024 draft and while posting some solid numbers, it appears the Astros are being patient with him. In 78 games in High-A he’s hitting .262 with 11 home runs and a .780 OPS. He’s been solid defensively too. But my guess is he won’t move up this year and instead will start in Double-A next season.
For Frey, the Astros 3rd round pick this year, he is off to a great start. In just 12 games in Single-A, the 6’6″ Frey is hitting .308 with more walks than strikeouts. Given that both Single-A and High-A have the same number of games left, roughly 18, I think we will see him stick in Single-A for the rest of the year. Though I think he could take the move up without issues.
Q: Which up and coming Astros prospect are you most excited to see in the future?
A: Right now, I feel like there are a lot on the list. Looking at some new draftees like Neyens, Frey, Mitchell, etc. Then some other guys like Alvarez, Sullivan, Pecko. If I had to choose one, right now I might go Sullivan. Mainly because the Astros are in need of an impact bat in the outfield. While Sullivan has some swing and miss issues, he’s connected on 17 home runs and stolen 38 bases in 94 games between High-A and Double-A.
Q: When do you think Ullola will be in Houston?
A: Earlier this year, I thought he’d be in Houston by this point but unfortunately it’s been a struggle for him recently. Over his last 63.1 innings he’s walked 58 batters, and he’s walked 41 over his last 41 innings. The Astros will have to make a decision on his Rule 5 status this off-season and if they add him, which I think they will, he will probably debut at some point in 2026.
Q: Do you feel after the draft and then trades the farm system is in better shape or about the same?
A: I definitely think the system is in better shape after the draft. Adding some high potential guys like Neyens and Mitchell out of high school really ups the lower level talent. They also added two other high schoolers in the draft and another two as undrafted free agents. Then adding in some of the college level talent like Frey, Monistere and the others will be huge. They shipped a few out in trades but I think they added way more in the draft than they shipped out.
Q: Who has more upside, Neyens or Alvarez?
A: This is a good one. While I think both are elite talents, I give the upside to Neyens. At 18-years-old, he is 6’4″ and 210 lbs and showed off some big time power. I think Alvarez is more hit over power right now, and that’s just fine. But Neyens brings a different level of power to his game. Both have immense talent and I’m excited about their future in the Astros system.
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