With the season is over we will review each position in the minor league system during the 2025 season. This week we will look at the third base position.
Previous Position Reviews:
TOP PERFORMERS
Shay Whitcomb
Whitcomb has been a constant producer in the Astros system for the last few years and 2025 was no different. He played in 107 games for Sugar Land and led the team with a .267 batting average, a .869 OPS, 25 home runs and 64 runs batted in. He was able to get a little time in Houston too. Whitcomb has proven enough where at this point, he just needs some extended major league time rather in Houston or somewhere else.
2025 Stats: 107 G, .267 BA/.360 OBP/.509 SLG, 23 2B, 25 HR, 64 RBI, 16 SB, 122 wRC+
Sami Manzueta
Manzueta was the youngest position player on the DSL Astros Blue in 2025 playing most of the season at 16 years old. He posted some strong numbers though as he led the team in home runs (5) and had a .797 OPS over 46 games. He also impressed with the plate discipline as he walked 42 times to just 36 strikeouts. Strong first showing for the young infielder.
2025 Stats: 46 G, .224 BA/.405 OBP/.392 SLG, 9 2B, 5 HR, 24 RBI, 7 SB, 114 wRC+
THE REST OF THE PACK
Waner Luciano
Luciano put up some intriguing numbers in the Florida Complex League a couple years ago but has struggled to hit at the full season level. This year for Fayetteville, Luciano hit just .179 with a .536 OPS in 82 games. The walk and strikeout rates weren’t bad, but he’s hit just .183 in 154 games in Single-A.
2025 Stats: 82 G, .179 BA/.269 OBP/.267 SLG, 9 2B, 5 HR, 32 RBI, 13 SB, 65 wRC+
Drew Vogel
Vogel was drafted by the Astros in the 15th round of the 2024 draft. The Astros assigned him to High-A in 2025 but he struggled hitting just .180 in 109 games. This included 156 strikeouts, a 37.4% strikeout rate, though he did had 11 home runs and 24 stolen bases as well.
2025 Stats: 109 G, .180 BA/.274 OBP/.309 SLG, 12 2B, 3B, 11 HR, 38 RBI, 24 SB, 64 wRC+
2026 OUTLOOK/CONCLUSION
While at this point it may not be clear who will be the starting third baseman in 2026, the Astros are in a good spot with Carlos Correa and Isaac Paredes. Whitcomb will most likely be in Triple-A again but does provide some depth if injuries were to occur. The Astros have some intriguing shortstop prospects who could move over to third base one day in Neyens and Powell.
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