Another busy week down on the farm as the season continues to roll on. Here’s a look at some of the biggest developments across the system with this week’s Pipeline Report.
System Spotlight
Ethan Frey – OF – Asheville
Frey was selected by the Astros in the third round of the 2025 MLB Draft, with Houston going over slot to secure his signing. The former LSU standout made an immediate impression after entering the system, creating lofty expectations heading into the 2026 season.
While Frey got off to a slow start this year, he has caught fire over the last few weeks. Over his last 20 games, he is hitting .308, and he has raised that mark to .333 across his last nine contests. During that stretch, he has collected five doubles, two home runs, and nine RBIs. Overall in May, Frey is batting .287 with seven doubles, four home runs, 16 RBIs, and four stolen bases, already surpassing his production from April.
Keep An Eye On
Kellan Oakes – RHP – Fayetteville
Oakes was selected by the Astros in the ninth round of the 2025 MLB Draft and has gotten off to an impressive start to his professional career. The right-hander owns a 3.64 ERA with 36 strikeouts in 29.2 innings overall, but his recent performance has been especially encouraging. Over his last five outings, Oakes has dominated opposing hitters, posting a 1.59 ERA while recording 28 strikeouts against just four walks across 22.2 innings.
A reliever throughout his college career, Oakes has continued to work out of the bullpen in the Astros organization, though he has frequently been tasked with multi-inning appearances. His success has been fueled by a standout sweeper that generates plenty of swings and misses and helps make his fastball play up. If he continues missing bats at this rate, Oakes could quickly emerge as an intriguing relief prospect in the system.
Under-the-Radar Performer
Josh Wakefield – OF- Asheville
Wakefield was a 14th round pick by the Astros in the 2025 draft. He had a strong April hitting .323 with a .870 OPS over 18 games. He had trouble finding that same success to start the month but he’s turned it around recently. Over his last nine games, the 22-year-old is hitting .333 with 9 stolen bases. He also leads the system in stolen bases collecting 24 of them through 38 games. While Wakeifld may not provide a ton of pop, he gets on base and has the ability to turn walks into doubles with his speed.
One Transaction This Week
Drew Brutcher – 1B – Corpus Christi
Brutcher signed with the Astros as an undrafted free agent following the 2024 MLB Draft after spending four seasons at the University of South Florida. He opened the 2025 campaign with Fayetteville and impressed, batting .330 across 54 games to earn a promotion to High-A Asheville. However, the jump in competition proved challenging, as he hit just .185 after the promotion.
The Astros assigned him back to Asheville to begin 2026, and Brutcher has responded well. Over 33 games, he slashed .266 with three home runs, 20 RBIs, and a strong 17-to-24 walk-to-strikeout ratio. His performance earned him a recent promotion to Double-A, where he has already driven in two runs through his first two games.
An intriguing left-handed bat, Brutcher’s profile is built more around plate discipline and contact skills than power. He consistently works quality at-bats, draws walks, and puts the ball in play, giving him a chance to continue climbing the organizational ladder.
Promotion Watch
Who Could Be Next?
The Astros don’t have a ton of promotion worthy prospects in Triple-A, but keep an eye on right-hander Bryce Mayer as one who could move up to Triple-A soon. Mayer has a 3.41 ERA with 46 strikeouts over 29 innings in Double-A this season.
Quick Hits
- The Woodpeckers (Single-A) continue to lead the Astros system in stolen bases with 148.
- FCL Astros are off to a hot start at 14-3.
- Schiavone leads in the Astros system in HR (19) and RBI (46).
- Hertzler has 57 K in 32 IP (13.2 K/9).
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