Some prospects follow the normal level-by-level climb. Others force the issue. The Astros have drafted some players recently that could be fast movers and while we’ve seen them be patient at times, other times they move prospects multiple levels in a span on months. Below are three prospects I think can move faster than expected in 2026.
Ethan Frey
I’ve wrote about him a lot this off-season, but hard for him to not pop up on every list. Frey was selected by the Houston Astros in the third round of the 2025 MLB Draft, with the team going over slot to secure his signing. The former LSU Tigers baseball standout broke out during his junior season, batting .331 with 15 doubles, 13 home runs, and 50 RBIs over 62 games. Standing 6’6”, Frey combines impressive size with surprising athleticism and speed. The 21-year-old impressed in his professional debut, hitting .330 with five doubles, three home runs, and 17 RBIs while drawing 20 walks against 25 strikeouts. We will see where he starts out at this year, but if Frey continues to hit like he did in 2025, he should be a fast mover this season.
Nick Potter
Potter was the Astros 5th round selection in the 2025 draft and while he has yet to throw a professional pitch, he has shown in workouts the stuff that got him drafted so high. The right-hander started his college career at Crowder College and after two seasons, he transferred to Wichita State where he had a 3.34 ERA with 33 strikeouts in 29.2 innings in relief. He operates mid to high 90s with a fastball that can hit 100 MPH. The fastball and a tight slider creates a really good two pitch mix for him in relief. Potter will have to command his pitches but with the stuff he has, he could be a fast riser in the system.
Cole Hertzler
Hertzler was drafted by the Astros in the 5th round of the 2024 MLB Draft out of Liberty University after a 4.16 ERA as a junior. Hertzler has pitched limited innings due to injuries in 2025 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. He’s also added a changeup and curveball. Hertzler has a great build at 6’4″ and if he gets healthy, he could be a fast mover due to his pitch mix and raw stuff.
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