On Monday, the Fayetteville Woodpeckers announced a couple promotions as top prospects Xavier Neyens and Anthony Huezo were promoted to High-A Asheville.
Neyens, the Astros’ first-round pick in the 2025 MLB Draft who recently represented the organization at the All-Star Futures Game, has put together an impressive first professional season. The 19-year-old has looked every bit as advertised, pairing an elite approach at the plate with plus power.
Through 68 games, Neyens has drawn 79 walks, good for an incredible 25.9% walk rate and a .449 on-base percentage. He’s also swung at just 30% of pitches he’s seen this season, showing advanced strike-zone discipline. When he does decide to swing, though, he does damage. Neyens has launched 14 home runs while adding 16 stolen bases, and his strong start has propelled him into MLB Pipeline’s Top 100 prospects.
Huezo, who was selected by the Astros in the 12th round of the 2023 MLB Draft and signed for a $397,500 bonus, has broken out in a big way this season. After spending his first couple of years in rookie ball, the 20-year-old outfielder has emerged as one of the biggest risers in the organization.
Through 71 games with Fayetteville, Huezo has racked up 20 doubles, four triples, 14 home runs and 30 stolen bases while posting an .856 OPS. His 20 doubles and four triples both lead the Astros minor league system. At 6-foot, Huezo is a twitchy athlete with sneaky power, and his all-around production this season has quickly moved him up the Astros prospect rankings.
These promotions represent another wave of the organization’s future moving up a level, and it’s something Astros fans should be excited about.
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