In the first round of the 2026 MLB Draft, the Astros selected a pitcher for the first time since 2017, taking right-hander Jack Radel with the 28th overall pick. It was a selection that drew plenty of praise, including from draft analyst Joe Doyle of Over-Slot.
Doyle joined the Astros Future Podcast to break down Houston’s draft class and had high praise for Radel’s long-term outlook.
“Workhorse frame, big, durable, fastball, slider primarily,” Doyle said. “The change-up has come a long ways. He showed it quite a bit in 2026, but this is a guy that’s probably going to be capable of throwing 180 to 190 innings at the big league level.”
Doyle sees Radel as a potential mid-rotation starter if his changeup continues to develop.
“I think if the change-up comes and it establishes itself as an above-average pitch, you’re talking about a potential low three-starter,” Doyle said.
Radel has a big junior season for Notre Dame posting a 3.29 ERA while striking out 116 batters over 87.2 innings. While Doyle is already a fan of Radel’s arsenal, he believes there is still more velocity to unlock in the 6-foot-5 right-hander.
“He’ll reach back for 97, he’ll touch 98. But you look at that body, you look at how fast he moves, you look at the strength. I would expect Radel is probably going to debut 95 to 96, settle in 94 to 96.”
Radel already features a strong pitch mix, but Doyle believes continued development of his changeup and splitter could elevate him even further.
“You’re going to need that change up, you’re going to need that split, and I think he’s going to develop it. I think he’s a true surefire, plug-and-play number four starter for sure, and I do think there’s some mid-rotation upside here if he can continue to develop some of those tertiary weapons.”
Radel officially signed with the Astros on Wednesday and will be assigned to the Florida Complex League Astros. He may not debut there, but might get a chance in Fayetteville before the season ends.
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