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
Stolen Bases an Emphasis in 2026
Through conversations with several players and a look at the numbers, it’s clear the Astros have placed a greater emphasis on aggressiveness on the basepaths throughout the minor league system this season. The Fayetteville Woodpeckers have been at the forefront of that effort, leading the organization with 178 stolen bases. Anthony Huezo, Josh Wakefield, and German Ramirez have already surpassed the 20-steal mark, showcasing the team’s commitment to creating pressure with speed.
The trend extends beyond Single-A. The Corpus Christi Hooks stole 152 bases over 137 games during the 2025 season. This year, they’ve already swiped 126 bases through just 60 games, putting them on pace to shatter last year’s total. Yamal Encarnacion leads both the Hooks and the entire Astros farm system with 28 stolen bases, while Max Holy has added 27 steals between High-A and Double-A. Several other prospects have also made significant contributions on the bases, including Justin Thomas with 19 stolen bases, Kyle Walker with 20, and Nehomar Ochoa with 22.
The numbers leave little doubt that stolen bases have become a point of emphasis throughout Houston’s player development system. As the organization continues to prioritize athleticism and aggressive baserunning, it will be interesting to see how that philosophy translates to the upper levels of the minors and eventually to Houston.
Continuing to Impress
Jason Schiavone – C – Corpus Christi
Back in the 2024 MLB Draft, the Astros selected catcher Jason Schiavone in the 11th round out of James Madison University. Schiavone profiles as a classic three-true-outcomes hitter, combining power, walks, and strikeouts. While he showed promising plate discipline in 2025 with strong walk rates, he has taken a significant step forward offensively this season.
The 23-year-old got off to a blistering start with High-A Asheville, launching 17 home runs in just 35 games and earning a promotion to Double-A Corpus Christi. His power production quickly put him on the radar as one of the more intriguing bats in the Astros system. Since joining the Hooks, Schiavone has continued to prove that his breakout is legitimate. Through his first 19 games at Double-A, he has hit five home runs while posting a .281 batting average and a .962 OPS. Just as encouraging, he has trimmed his strikeout rate from 31.0% in Asheville to 26.5% against more advanced competition.
The combination of plus power, improved contact skills, and continued production at the Double-A level suggests Schiavone’s hot start was no fluke. What once looked like an intriguing offensive profile is quickly turning into one of the more compelling breakout stories in the Astros farm system.
Under-the-Radar Performer
Chase Call – OF – Asheville
Call, the Astros’ 16th-round selection in the 2025 MLB Draft, is quietly putting together an impressive season with High-A Asheville. The 24-year-old has appeared in 43 games for the Tourists, posting a .223 batting average while collecting 13 doubles, 9 home runs, and 15 stolen bases.
While the overall numbers are solid, his recent performance has been even more encouraging. Since May 7, Call has been one of Asheville’s hottest hitters, batting .302 with a 1.040 OPS over a 23-game stretch. Although he is a bit older than the typical High-A prospect, Call’s production is becoming difficult to ignore. If he continues to perform at this level, a promotion to Double-A Corpus Christi could be on the horizon in the near future.
One Transaction This Week
Cole Hertzler – RHP – Corpus Christi
Cole Hertzler, the Astros’ fifth-round pick in the 2024 MLB Draft, has emerged as one of the organization’s biggest pitching success stories. After battling injuries early in his professional career, the right-hander entered the 2026 season fully healthy and has taken full advantage of the opportunity.
Hertzler opened the year with High-A Asheville and delivered dominant results despite pitching in one of the most hitter-friendly environments in minor league baseball. Over 10 appearances, he posted a 2.72 ERA while striking out 64 batters in 43 innings. Perhaps even more impressive, he limited opposing hitters to a .169 batting average, consistently overpowering lineups with his arsenal.
His performance earned him a promotion to Double-A Corpus Christi this week, where he will face a significant new challenge in the Texas League. Just two years removed from being selected in the fifth round, Hertzler has steadily climbed the prospect ranks and now finds himself firmly in the conversation as one of the Astros’ top pitching prospects.
Promotion Watch
Who Could Be Next?
I’ve pointed out plenty of arms in the “who could be next” feature, but this week I will be going with a position player. While not sure it happens right away, infielder Pascanel Ferreras has put himself on the radar. The 24-year-old had a nice start in Double-A but has since been promoted to Triple-A where he’s taken off. Through 8 games, Ferreras is hitting .444 with a double, 2 home runs and 7 runs batted in. Ferreras has the ability to play all over the infield and could be a nice utility player.
Quick Hits
- The Woodpeckers (Single-A) continue to lead the Astros system in stolen bases with 172.
- FCL Astros continue to play well at 20-6 so far.
- 28 of Anthony Huezo’s 50 hits this season have gone for extra bases.
- Javier Perez and Cole Hertzler lead the system with 64 strikeouts.
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