Spring training always brings optimism, but for some players, it brings urgency. While some players have their spots set in place, prospects are fighting for innings, at-bats, and a chance to force their way into the conversation. For a handful of Astros prospects, this spring isn’t just about development, it’s about proving they belong. Here are some prospects with something to prove this spring.
Brice Matthews
Matthews was selected by the Astros in the first round out of Nebraska, becoming Dana Brown’s first draft pick as general manager in Houston. Since then, he’s put together solid production throughout the minors, including a .283 average with 10 home runs and 25 stolen bases in Triple-A in 2025. That performance earned him a call-up to Houston, where he posted an 81 OPS+ with four home runs in 47 plate appearances.
With Dubón traded this offseason, the Astros have a clear need for a super utility option. Given Matthews’ experience at second base, third base, shortstop, and center field, he has a real opportunity to carve out a full-time role in 2026, especially if he puts together a strong spring and establishes himself as a big league player.
AJ Blubaugh
Blubaugh was selected in the seventh round of the 2022 draft out of the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee. He steadily climbed through the Astros’ system, reaching Triple-A in 2024. The 2025 season looked like it could be a breakout year, but he ran into early struggles in the minors.
Despite that, he earned a call-up to Houston and made the most of his opportunity, posting a 1.69 ERA with 35 strikeouts over 32 innings. His time was split between starting and pitching out of the pen. Now entering 2026, Blubaugh has a legitimate opportunity to establish himself as a reliable big league arm. Read more on his 2025 season here.
Zach Cole
Cole was selected in the 10th round of the 2022 draft. The left-handed hitting outfielder brings plus speed and significant raw power, though there is some swing-and-miss in his game. After a slow start in 2025, he caught fire in Double-A, posting 19 doubles, 14 home runs, and an .868 OPS over 82 games.
He earned a promotion to Triple-A and continued to rake, hitting .353 with five home runs in just 15 games before receiving a call-up to Houston where he had a 139 OPS+ with 4 home runs, 3 stolen bases over 15 games. His big league showing was encouraging, but now the focus shifts to proving it was sustainable, and that he’s ready to claim a full-time role in the Astros’ outfield.
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