Houston Astros Prospect Profile: Walker Janek
Walker Janek – C
HT/WT: 6’0″/190 | Bat/Throw: R/R | School: Sam Houston State | DOB: 09/24/02
Overview:
Janek entered the draft regarded as its premier defensive catcher, boasting a plus arm, lightning-quick release, and polished receiving skills. He’s also made significant strides with the bat during his college career. The 21-year-old pairs above-average bat speed with the potential for some home run pop at the major league level. In 2024, he hit .364 with 17 homers, 58 RBIs, and 13 stolen bases in 58 games for the Bearkats, earning the prestigious Buster Posey Award as the nation’s top collegiate catcher.
Scouts project Janek’s raw power to continue developing, with a realistic ceiling of 15–20 home runs in the majors. His true calling card, however, is defense—he has the tools to become a Gold Glove-caliber backstop, with elite pop times, a strong arm, and the ability to control the running game. In 2025, he’s maintained his offensive momentum, posting a .769 OPS with 11 homers and 24 stolen bases in 73 games, while gunning down 31% of attempted base stealers.
Baseball America had the following to say about his defense: “Behind the plate, Janek is plus, with strong receiving and blocking skills and a plus-plus arm that helps him consistently post pop times of under 1.9 seconds on throws to second base. Janek’s combination of elite catch-and-throw skills, an ability to handle a pitching staff and average offensive contributions makes him a well-rounded prospect.”
Articles:
Astros Draft Walker Janek #28 Overall
Stats (via BRef):
| Year | Age | Tm | Lg | Lev | G | PA | AB | R | H | 2B | 3B | HR | RBI | SB | CS | BB | SO | BA | OBP | SLG | OPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 19 | Sam Houston State | WAC | NCAA | 51 | 231 | 182 | 37 | 56 | 4 | 1 | 7 | 33 | 6 | 1 | 32 | 46 | .308 | .432 | .456 | .888 |
| 2023 | 20 | Sam Houston State | WAC | NCAA | 57 | 261 | 226 | 48 | 68 | 17 | 0 | 13 | 65 | 10 | 2 | 26 | 47 | .301 | .377 | .549 | .926 |
| 2023 | 20 | Falmouth | CCBL | Smr | 30 | 130 | 114 | 22 | 32 | 5 | 1 | 5 | 17 | 7 | 3 | 9 | 24 | .281 | .364 | .474 | .838 |
| 2024 | 21 | Sam Houston State | CUSA | NCAA | 58 | 271 | 220 | 55 | 80 | 15 | 5 | 17 | 58 | 13 | 4 | 40 | 45 | .364 | .476 | .709 | 1.185 |
| 2024 | 21 | Asheville | SALL | A+ | 25 | 103 | 97 | 10 | 17 | 6 | 1 | 1 | 11 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 30 | .175 | .214 | .289 | .502 |
| 2025 | 22 | Asheville | SALL | A+ | 73 | 316 | 282 | 45 | 72 | 15 | 2 | 11 | 34 | 24 | 1 | 26 | 84 | .255 | .329 | .440 | .769 |
Notes/Transactions:
07/26/24 – Signed with Astros
08/06/24 – Assigned to Asheville (High-A)
Highlights:
C Walker Janek has been swinging a hot bat over his last 100 plate appearances.
During that 22-game span with @GoTourists, Janek is slashing .307/.390/.500 with 8 2B and 3 HR. pic.twitter.com/sJGslesfV4
— Astros Player Development (@AstrosPlayerDev) June 21, 2025
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