MLB Pipeline recently released a set of predictions for every farm system heading into the 2026 season, and their outlook on the Houston Astros organization was notably optimistic.
While the Astros begin the year without a Top 100 prospect on Pipeline’s rankings, something that has now happened three times in the last five seasons, the system still features plenty of intriguing talent.
Pipeline’s bold prediction is that three Astros prospects will work their way onto the Top 100 list by the end of the 2026 season. The players they highlighted are:
Kevin Alvarez – The Astros signed Alvarez in January of 2025 for $2 million, one of the highest international bonuses the organization has ever awarded. Just 17 years old, Alvarez was widely regarded as one of the top pure hitters in the 2025 international signing class. A left-handed bat with an advanced approach, he projects for above-average power and stands out as a well-rounded athlete with a strong arm and solid defensive instincts. According to Francys Romero, evaluators have compared his physicality and skill set at this age to a young Kyle Tucker or Paul O’Neill. In 47 games in 2025, the 17-year-old hit .300 with 12 doubles, 3 triples, 2 home runs, 33 runs batted in and 11 stolen bases. This also included an impressive 12.0% walk rate and insane 9.9% strikeout rate. He was also named as a DSL All-Star.
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. He offers above-average power and has the tools to play center field, though he could eventually settle into a corner outfield role or first base as some scouts project him there. The 21-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.
Xavier Neyens – Neyens was selected by the Astros in the first round of the 2025 MLB Draft and signed for $4.12 million, the organization’s largest bonus since Alex Bregman received $5.9 million in 2015. A left-handed hitter out of Mount Vernon High School in Washington, Neyens boasts some of the most impressive raw power in the 2025 draft 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. Standing 6’4″ and weighing 210 pounds, Neyens projects as a formidable middle-of-the-order presence. He’s the first high school position played selected by the Astros in the first round since Tucker in 2015.
If these three prospects take the steps forward that MLB Pipeline predicts, the Houston Astros farm system could quickly gain more national attention. While the system may lack a current Top 100 prospect, the talent is there for a few players to break out in 2026. A strong season from this group could reshape the perception of the Astros’ pipeline.
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