We are now just a couple weeks away from pitchers and catchers reporting to Spring Training. The Astros system has seen quite the change over the last few years with promotions and trades, but still has some talent in it. Here are three prospects who could explode in 2026.
Ethan Frey
Frey was selected by the Astros in the third round of the 2025 MLB Draft, with the team going over slot to secure his signing. The former LSU standout enjoyed a breakout junior year, batting .331 with 15 doubles, 13 home runs, and 50 RBIs across 62 games. Standing 6’6″, Frey combines impressive size with surprising athleticism and speed. The 21-year-old was great in his debut as he hit .330 with 5 doubles, 3 home runs, 17 runs batted in and 20 walks to 25 strikeouts. This worked out to an impressive 166 wRC+ in his debut. He also posted a ridiculous 6.2% swinging strike rate and a 83.4% contact rate. Just for a quick comparison, 2024 first rounder and #3 prospect in all of baseball JJ Wetherholt had a 6.7% swinging strike rate and 83.8% contact rate in his debut following the draft. With Frey’s ability to make contact and the potential for big time power, he could take off in 2026.
Ryan Forcucci
Forcucci is a right-handed pitcher listed at 6’3″ and 205 lbs that the Astros selected in the third round of the 2024 draft. The right-hander only made five starts in college in 2024, but was dominant posting a 2.16 ERA with 37 K in 25 innings. He has a mid 90s fastball that tops at 97 and a wipeout slider in the 80s. Forcucci had Tommy John surgery in June, which caused him to miss the rest of 2024 and all of 2025. He’s back healthy now and has been pitching in West Palm Beach this off-season. He has above average command and knowing the Astros system, his pitching repertoire will look different than it did back in 2024. He has the makings to be an above-average starter and could show it in 2026.
Anthony Huezo
Huezo was drafted by the Astros in the 12th round of the 2023 draft out of high school. After a rough first year in pro ball, he turned it around in 2025. The 19-year-old played most of the season in the FCL and hit .231 but had a team leading .856 OPS with 6 home runs and 12 stolen bases. He finished the season in Fayetteville hitting .301 over 22 games showing some really growth. He also posting a 90th percentile max exit velocity with 107 MPH. He also had a 27% barrel rate which was the highest of 19 year olds listed on Baseball America’s Hit+ list. His season ended a couple weeks early due to injury but he is healthy and dominating in Australia hitting .340 with 6 doubles, 6 home runs, 22 runs batted in and a 1.031 OPS in 30 games. He will be 20 years old for the 2026 season and has the chance to really fly up the rankings.
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