Just like the stock market, prospects’ stock will go up and down throughout the season. Below are a few hitters and pitchers who have seen their stock rise. Here is the Astros Prospect Stock Report 2026: Volume 1.
⇑ Stock Up ⇑
Hitter – Will Bush
Bush was selected by the Astros in the 16th round of the 2023 draft. The left-handed hitting Bush has some above average raw power and solid plate discipline. After a strong 2025 season, he started the 2026 season in Double-A and has been great. Through 12 games, the 22-year-old is hitting .324 with a 1.104 OPS. This includes 3 home runs and 14 walks to just 11 strikeouts. A really good start for Bush as his stock continues to rise.
2026 Stats: 12 G, .324 BA/.510 OBP/.595 SLG, 1 2B, 3 HR, 6 RBI, 2 SB, 14 BB/11 SO
Hitter – Josh Wakefield
Wakefield was a 14th round selection out of Grand Canyon University by the Astros in 2025. After some good college numbers, he’s been able to translate that to professional ball now. The 21-year-old outfielder is hitting .289 with a double, 2 home runs, 7 runs batted in and an impressive 7 stolen bases. He’s also drawn 8 walks. While he may not provide a ton of power, he’s shown the ability to get on base and still bags. Looking like a great pick so far.
2026 Stats: 11 G, .289 BA/.413 OBP/.474 SLG, 1 2B, 2 HR, 7 RBI, 7 SB, 7 BB/10 SO
Pitcher – Cole Hertzler
Hertzler was drafted by the Astros in the 5th round of the 2024 MLB Draft out of Liberty University. His fastball sits in the low to mid 90s and can tough 96 MPH while also adding a really good slider. Hertzler missed some time early in his career but he’s healthy now and pitching well. The right-hander has made three starts this year in Asheville and has a 2.13 ERA allowing just 5 hits in 12.2 innings while striking out 17 batters. Great start for him.
2026 Stats: 3 G, 2.13 ERA, 12.2 IP, 5 H, 3 ER, 7 BB, 17 K, 12.1 K/9
Pitcher – Javier Perez
Perez was signed by the Astros out of Mexico in March of 2024. Perez works with a fastball, changeup, cutter and curveball. He had a dominant 2025 which saw him get selected as the FCL pitcher of the year. This year he started in Fayetteville and has been really good striking out 19 over 13 innings while walking just 3. He also has allowed just 7 hits, though 4 of them have gone for homers. Perez has great command and seeing the up tick in strikeouts has been huge for him.
2026 Stats: 3 G, 4.15 ERA, 13.0 IP, 7 H, 6 ER, 3 BB, 19 K, 13.2 K/9
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