As we inch closer to the 2026 season, I am going to give top three prospects at each position. This will be based on where they currently play and also where they may end up. This will culminate with my newly updated top 30 prospects before the season starts. This week, we are starting with the catcher position.
1. Walker Janek
Janek was seen as the best defensive catcher in the 2024 draft, showing up a plus arm and a quick release. But he also made huge strides with the bat during college too. The 21-year-old has above average bat speed and the ability to produce 20+ homers at the major league level. He hit .364 with 17 homers, 58 runs batted in and 13 stolen bases in 58 games in 2024 for the Bearkats. His raw power has improved and he has chance to be a gold glove type at catcher while hitting for average and power. In 2025 the 22-year-old hit .263 with 21 doubles, 2 triples and 12 home runs over 92 games for High-A Asheville. He also added a surprising 30 stolen bases. Even more important though, he threw out 31% of base stealers, a really strong number for a catcher.
2. Jancel Villarroel
Villarroel was signed by the Astros in August of 2022 out of Venezuela. While he is smaller in stature, listed at 5’8″ and 176 lbs, he makes up for it with his ability. The catcher has elite bat to ball skills and a good understanding of the strike zone. Before going stateside in 2024, he had 37 BB/37 SO in 57 games in the DSL. Villarroel put together a nice 2024 season and followed that up with a better 2025. The 20-year-old hit .259 with 18 doubles, 8 home runs, 54 runs batted in and 20 stolen bases. In Single-A he posted a 122 wRC+ with a nice 11.3 BB% and 17.2 K%. His numbers dipped a but at High-A but it was small sample. He also played multiple infield positions and finished with a really strong 118 wRC+.
3. Will Bush
Bush took an interesting route to professional ball, spending one year at Tyler Junior College before being selected by the Astros in the 16th round of the 2023 draft. The left-handed hitting Bush has some above average raw power and solid plate discipline. He has split time between catcher and first base, and may end up at first base long term. The 21-year-old started the season in High-A and posted a .812 OPS with 12 homers before getting a promotion to Double-A. For the Hooks he added another 3 home runs and 14 walks in 24 games. Overall he posted a 121 wRC+, which was near the top in the Astros system.
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