After the first 10 rounds of the MLB Draft, the assigned slot value for every pick in rounds 11-20 is $150,000. However, some players, even college prospects, command bonuses above that amount. Last year, the Astros did exactly that, signing 11th-round pick Justin Thomas Jr. for more than the $150,000 slot value.
Thomas took an unconventional path to professional baseball, playing for three different programs during his college career. He began at Georgia as a freshman before transferring to Florida SouthWestern State College for his sophomore season and finishing at Arkansas as a junior.
“Three different places teach three different things,” Thomas said about the different programs he’s been a part of. “For me, it’s just about finding what works best for me. It’s been a blessing because I wouldn’t be in the position I’m in without going through those different programs.”
Thomas has put together an outstanding first full season in the Astros organization. Through 72 games, the 22-year-old is hitting .260 with 18 doubles, 13 home runs, 30 stolen bases and an .867 OPS, emerging as one of the more productive hitters in the Astros’ farm system.
“I think I’m an aggressive hitter, but there are times I’m passive depending on the pitcher,” Thomas said about his approach. “I’m just looking for something I can destroy. I feel like I’m an aggressive hitter.”
Like many organizations, the Astros are known for making adjustments to players after they draft them. One thing that has stood out while talking with prospects this year, though, is the emphasis the organization has placed on defense.
“Definitely my defense,” Thomas said about the biggest improvement in his game since college. “Working with Dylan Mazzo [Astros outfield coordinator], working on my pre-pitch, just helping me get better reads off the ball and improve my routes.”
Thomas faced some of the best competition in college baseball, playing in the SEC as both a freshman and a junior. While the SEC is widely regarded as the top conference in the country, professional baseball is a different challenge altogether. Adjusting to the quality of pitching is one of the biggest hurdles players have to overcome.
“Definitely the arms,” Thomas said with a chuckle about the biggest difference between college and pro ball. “A lot more guys throw two-seamers and sinkers, so seeing that every day is challenging, but it’s also fun.”
While looking through the statistics around the Astros’ farm system, one thing that stood out was how often Thomas had been hit by pitches. At one point, he held a sizable lead over the rest of the organization. That gap has narrowed some, but he still leads the system in getting plunked.
“Getting on base any way I can to help the team,” Thomas said about getting hit by pitches so often. “It’s kind of been a crazy stretch. I think I’ve been hit in the head like four or five times, and it’s kind of scary. But a lot of the guys joke around and say, ‘Wear it,’ so it’s kind of a fun thing to go through.”
This season, Thomas is enjoying some of the best success of his baseball career. After making his professional debut last year and posting a .677 OPS over his first 14 games, the 22-year-old has taken a step forward across the board, improving in virtually every offensive category.
“Just sticking to my approach and coming to the field every day with that approach,” Thomas said about what has led to his success this season. “Having confidence that I’m going to get hits and put good swings on the ball.”
The Astros have made aggressive baserunning a point of emphasis this season, whether it’s stealing bases or taking the extra base whenever the opportunity presents itself. That style of play fits Thomas perfectly.
He stole 35 bases during his time at Florida SouthWestern but didn’t run as much at Arkansas, partly because he was hitting in a lineup loaded with offensive talent. This season, though, he’s gotten back to making his speed a weapon.
“This year I really wanted to get back to stealing bases because that’s part of my game. So anytime I’m on first or second, I’m looking to steal a bag.”
Thomas’ combination of power, speed and defense has made him one of the biggest breakout performers in the Astros’ farm system this season. While the numbers have been impressive, it’s the work behind the scenes that has allowed him to take the next step.
The 22-year-old still has plenty of development ahead of him, but he’s already proving to be another strong value pick for the Astros. If he continues on his current trajectory, Thomas could enter 2027 as one of the organization’s fastest-rising outfield prospects.
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