The Astros have set their rosters for opening day of the minor league baseball season. There are a lot of intriguing players at each level and could be a big year for a few prospects. Below are a couple players to watch at each minor league level!
Sugar Land Space Cowboys (Triple-A)
Hitter – Zach Cole, OF
Cole was drafted in the 10th round in the 2022 draft. The left-handed hitting outfielder has plus speed and some big time raw power, though that comes with some swing and miss. Overall in 2025, Cole had a 22 doubles, 7 triples, 19 home runs and a system leading 151 wRC+ over 97 games. He also earned a late season promotion to Houston. While he will start in Triple-A, he should be back up in 2026 at some point.
One More: Collin Price, C/1B
Pitcher – Hudson Leach, RHP
Leach was signed as an undrafted free agent following the 2024 draft. Leach was dominant at times in 2025, but his command would get away from him and he ended up with a 5.54 ERA overall, though he had a 3.51 FIP. He did finish with 63 strikeouts in 39 innings, including some run in Triple-A. He turned some heads in the AFL with a really good breaking ball and a fastball that was sitting high 90s, touching 99 MPH. With some nice outings in Sugar Land, Leach could find himself in the Houston bullpen.
One More: Alimber Santa, RHP
Corpus Christi Hooks (Double-A)
Hitter – Joseph Sullivan, OF
Sullivan was the Astros 7th round pick in 2024 after a solid college career at South Alabama. He is a great athlete with plus speed and the chance to stick in center field. He started 2025 in High-A and had a .872 OPS with 15 HR, 34 SB earning him a promotion to Double-A. The promotion to Double-A was a little tougher for him, but he still finished with 17 home runs, 42 stolen bases and a .798 OPS over 106 games in his first full season. He has some huge upside.
One More: Lucas Spence, OF
Pitcher – Bryce Mayer, RHP
Mayer was selected by the Astros in the 16th round of the 2024 draft and has quickly emerged as one of the biggest steals of the class. Mayer has a breakout 2025 season striking out 112 batters over 87.2 innings between three levels. Mayer features a mid-90s fastball that plays up thanks to above-average vertical movement, paired with a strong curveball and a quality slider. He was also named the Astros minor league pitcher of the year for 2025 and has a chance to get to the bigs this year.
One More: James Hicks, RHP
Asheville Tourists (High-A)
Hitter – Ethan Frey, OF
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. He offers above-average power and has the tools to play center field. The 22-year-old hit .330 with 5 doubles, 3 home runs, 17 runs batted in and an impressive 20 walks to 25 strikeouts. This worked out to an impressive 166 wRC+. He also posted a ridiculous 6.2% swinging strike rate and a 83.4% contact rate in his pro debut. He should really rake in the hitter friendly Asheville.
One More: Caden Powell, INF/OF
Pitcher – Cole Hertzler, RHP
Hertzler was drafted by the Astros in the 5th round of the 2024 MLB Draft out of Liberty University. Hertzler has pitched limited innings due to injury but has dominated hitters in Single-A with a four pitch mix. In 21 professional innings, he has a 1.29 ERA with 28 strikeouts. His fastball sits in the low to mid 90s and can tough 96 MPH. Hertzler’s best secondary pitch is his slider that has continued to progress. His also added a changeup and curveball. He is healthy now and has a chance to make a big impact in 2026.
One More: Parker Smith, RHP
Fayetteville Woodpeckers (Single-A)
Hitter – Xavier Neyens, INF
Neyens was selected by the Astros in the first round of the 2025 MLB Draft and signed for $4.12 million. A left-handed hitter out of Washington, Neyens boasts some of the most impressive raw power from his class. While he has a strong arm suited for a corner infield or outfield spot, it’s his powerful bat and advanced hitting ability that made him a top pick. The 19-year-old will be in full season ball and get a chance to show why he was a first round pick.
One More: Kevin Alvarez, OF
Pitcher – Jagger Beck, RHP
Beck was signed as an undrafted free agent following the 2024 draft. He pitched sparingly in 2025 but then went off to winter ball in Australia and dominated striking out 36 over 37 innings while posting a 3.16 ERA. The right-hander has a mid 90s fastball and is an imposing figure on the mound at 6’6″ and 205 lbs. The 19-year-old will be one of the youngest pitchers on the Fayetteville roster.
One More: Nick Potter, RHP
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