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Astros Top 30 Prospects: New Rankings, Big Risers and New Faces

With the draft completed and the trade deadline now passed, I figured now would be the perfect time to update the Astros top prospects list. So here is the updated Top 30 Prospects list, featuring some new faces and a few big risers.

Check out a new feature, an interactive top 30 prospects here: https://astrosfuture.com/astros-top-prospects/

1. Kevin Alvarez, OF

Level: Single-A

The Astros signed Alvarez for $2 million in January 2025, one of the largest international bonuses the organization has ever awarded. Alvarez was widely regarded as one of the top pure hitters in the 2025 international signing class and has quickly lived up to that reputation. The left-handed hitter possesses elite bat-to-ball skills with an advanced approach and solid raw power, with the potential for more as he physically matures. He also stands out as a well-rounded athlete with a strong arm and solid defensive instincts. While Alvarez isn’t a burner on the bases, he is a solid runner once underway. Alvarez shown an advanced approach this season while adding more impact at the plate, collecting 23 doubles and nine home runs. His combination of contact skills, plate discipline and developing power gives him one of the highest offensive ceilings in the Astros’ system.

2. Xavier Neyens, INF

Level: High-A

Neyens was selected by the Astros in the first round of the 2025 MLB Draft and signed for $4.12 million, the organization’s largest signing bonus since Alex Bregman received $5.9 million in 2015. A left-handed hitter out of Mount Vernon High School in Washington, Neyens entered pro ball with some of the best raw power in his draft class. Neyens has a big frame with room to continue adding strength and already possesses plus-plus power while producing elite exit velocities. He combines that power with an extremely patient approach at the plate, rarely chasing and showing a willingness to work counts and take his walks. While there will be some swing-and-miss with his offensive profile, his combination of power and on-base ability gives him tremendous upside at the plate. He got off to a strong start with Single-A Fayetteville this season, posting an OPS near .900 with 14 home runs before earning a promotion to High-A Asheville. Still just 19 years old, Neyens possesses one of the highest offensive ceilings in the Astros’ system. Read more here.

3. Logan Hughes, OF

Level: Single-A

Hughes was selected by the Astros with the 17th overall pick in the 2026 MLB Draft following an extremely productive career at Texas Tech. The left-handed hitter put together a monster junior season, batting .375 with 18 home runs while drawing 50 walks compared to just 33 strikeouts over 55 games. Hughes has an advanced approach at the plate with the ability to make consistent contact without sacrificing power. He possesses plus raw power and projects to hit for above-average power in games, giving him the potential to develop into an impact offensive player. While Hughes may not provide a ton of defensive value, his bat is his calling card and should be what carries him through the system. His combination of contact ability, plate discipline and power gives him one of the highest offensive ceilings in the Astros’ farm system, and his advanced bat could allow him to move quickly through the minor leagues.

4. Jack Radel, RHP

Level: Rookie

Radel was selected by the Astros with the 28th overall pick in the 2026 MLB Draft, becoming the first pitcher taken by Houston in the first round since J.B. Bukauskas in 2017. He is an imposing presence on the mound, listed at 6-foot-5 and 250 pounds. The right-hander features a fastball that reaches 98 mph along with a plus cutter, slider and above-average command. He also generates elite extension, allowing his stuff to play up even more. In 2026 at Notre Dame, Radel posted a 3.29 ERA while striking out 116 batters over 87.2 innings. Radel’s combination of size, velocity, command and a deep arsenal gives him legitimate starting pitcher upside. Following the draft, he immediately becomes one of the highest-upside pitching prospects in the Astros’ farm system.

5. Albert Fermin, SS

Level: Rookie

Fermin was the Astros top international signing in January of this year, signing for $2.3 million. Fermin already produces consistent hard contact, and with his physical upside, there’s reason to believe he could grow into considerable in-game power as he matures. He is a switch hitter who has been really good from the left side, but still developing the right-handed swing. Defensively, Fermin is athletic enough to begin his professional career at shortstop, but evaluators believe his long-term home may ultimately be at third base. With his strong arm and solid instincts, he projects well at either position on the left side of the infield, giving the Astros a versatile and high-upside addition to their international class. He’s been great in the DSL this season batting .349 with 9 doubles, 5 home runs, 20 stolen bases and more walks than strikeouts.

6. Bryce Mayer, RHP

Level: Triple-A

Mayer was selected by the Astros in the 16th round of the 2024 draft and has quickly emerged as one of the biggest steals of the class. He began the season in Fayetteville, striking out 30 batters over 17.1 innings, which earned him a promotion to High-A. In Asheville, the right-hander continued to impress, posting a 2.85 ERA with 45 strikeouts across 41 innings. He was later bumped up to Double-A, where he’s held his own striking out 37 over in 29 innings. Mayer features a mid-90s fastball that plays up thanks to above-average vertical movement, paired with a strong curveball and a quality slider. He was also named the Astros minor league pitcher of the year for 2025. Mayer has been really good in 2026 posting a 2.61 ERA with 100 K in 69.0 innings in Double-A. Read more here.

7. Ethan Frey, OF

Level: High-A

Frey was selected by the Astros in the third round of the 2025 MLB Draft, with the team going over slot to secure his signing. The former LSU standout enjoyed a breakout junior year, batting .331 with 15 doubles, 13 home runs, and 50 RBIs across 62 games. Standing 6’6″, Frey combines impressive size with surprising athleticism and speed. He offers above-average power and has the tools to play center field, though he could eventually settle into a corner outfield role or first base as some scouts project him there. Following the draft he hit .330 with 5 doubles, 3 home runs, 17 runs batted in and an impressive 20 walks to 25 strikeouts. He got off to a slow start in 2026 but then got it going before landing on the IL. Since coming back, he’s swinging it well.

8. Ethan Pecko, RHP

Level: Triple-A

Pecko was selected by the Astros in the sixth round of the 2023 draft. Despite logging just 59.2 innings in college, the organization saw potential and so far, they’ve been proven right. Pecko had a breakout 2024 season where he posted a 3.47 ERA across three levels. In total, Pecko tallied 125 strikeouts over 96 innings, earning the title of Astros Minor League Pitcher of the Year in 2024. He features a mid-90s fastball and complements it with a deep arsenal that includes a slider, cutter, curveball, and changeup. After starting the 2025 season on the injured list, Pecko returned to form, posting a 1.75 ERA in July. Pecko finished the 2025 season in Triple-A and is back there now after an early injury. He has 68 K in 70.2 innings in Triple-A this season. Read more on Pecko here.

9. Jason Schiavone, C

Level: Double-A

The Astros selected Schiavone in the 11th round of the 2024 draft. After a down year in Fayetteville, he went on an absolute tear in Asheville batting .289 with 17 home runs and a 1.218 OPS. He also earned a promotion to Double-A where the numbers are down a bit, but still solid with a .770 OPS. Schiavone is an intersting hitter as he provides elite power, good plate discipline, but also some swing and miss. On top of the 23 home runs, he had drawn 80 walks in 91 games, though he has 126 strikeouts. The power is legit though and he has posted some elite exit velocities. Defensively, he is athletic behind the plate with improving receiving and a strong arm. He’s also thrown out 47% of base stealers in Double-A.

10. Wes Mendes, LHP

Level: Rookie

Mendes was selected by the Astros in the second round of the 2026 MLB Draft following a standout career at Florida State. The left-hander posted a 2.81 ERA with 125 strikeouts over 93 innings during his junior season. His best pitch is his changeup, which some evaluators considered the best in the 2026 draft class. Mendes also features a slider and cutter as part of a deep five-pitch mix. His fastball averages around 92 mph but has touched 96, and he significantly improved his strike-throwing and overall command as a junior. Mendes doesn’t have overpowering velocity, but his combination of a deep arsenal, plus changeup and strong command gives him the tools to succeed as a starter. He is one of the more polished pitching prospects in the Astros’ system and has a chance to move quickly through the minor leagues.

11. Anthony Huezo, OF

Level: High-A

Huezo, the Astros’ 12th-round pick in 2023, spent a couple of seasons in rookie ball before finally earning an assignment to full-season baseball. The 19-year-old played most of the season in the FCL showing some huge growth and while he hit .231 he had a team leading .856 OPS with 6 home runs and 12 stolen bases. He was promoted to Single-A where he finished the season hitting .301 over 22 games. He also a Hit+ of 114 in 2025, a really good number. Huezo posted an impressive 107 MPH 90th percentile exit velocity and a 27% barrel rate. Huezo’s in zone contact rate was high at 86%. Huezo took another step forward in 2026 posting a .856 OPS with 20 doubles, 14 home runs and 30 stolen bases in Single-A, earning him a promotion to High-A where he’s been solid through the first couple of weeks. Huezo has some big time tools, and while he strikes out a bit, his raw power makes up for it. Read more on him here.

12. Walker Janek, C

Level: Double-A

Janek was seen as the best defensive catcher in the 2024 draft, showing up a plus arm and a quick release. But he also made huge strides with the bat during college too. The 23-year-old has above average bat speed and the ability to produce 20+ homers at the major league level if he can make enough contact. His raw power has improved and he has chance to be a gold glove type at catcher while hitting for average and power. In 2025 the he hit .263 with 21 doubles, 2 triples and 12 home runs over 92 games for High-A Asheville. He also added a surprising 30 stolen bases. Even more important though, he threw out 31% of base stealers, a really strong number for a catcher. Offensively, he’s had some swing and miss issues this year but he’s turned it on recently and has 5 doubles and 14 stolen bases in 33 Double-A games. I’ve been told by a scout he is good enough defensively to start at the MLB level right now.

13. Kam Durnin, SS

Level: Single-A

Durnin was selected by the Astros in the fourth round of the 2026 MLB Draft after attending Wichita State before transferring to Missouri for his junior season. He enjoyed a breakout year with the Tigers, batting .329 with nine home runs and 11 stolen bases. At the plate, Durnin possesses above-average bat-to-ball skills while showing a strong approach and producing impressive exit velocities. Defensively, he is a strong shortstop with the tools to stick at the position and potentially develop into a plus defender at the major league level. The combination of contact skills, emerging power and defensive ability gives Durnin an intriguing all-around profile.

14. Beau Peterson, 3B

Level: Rookie

Peterson has been on the radar for a few years now and really burst onto the scene when he won the 2025 High School Home Run Derby, beating eventual No. 2 overall pick Grady Emerson. He carried that momentum into a strong summer where he was named the 2026 Gatorade Kansas Player of the Year. Peterson consistently sprayed line drives all over the field and showed an above-average hit tool but the power didn’t stand out, which likely contributed to him slipping to the fourth round where the Astros were able to scoop him up. The raw power is still in there, and with his advanced bat-to-ball skills, there’s plenty of upside for him to develop into one of the better prospects in the system. Defensively, Peterson projects to third base, where his plus arm should play well after being clocked at 94 mph on the mound.

15. Cole Hertzler, RHP

Level: Double-A

Hertzler was selected by the Astros in the fifth round of the 2024 MLB Draft out of Liberty University. Injuries limited him to just 21 professional innings early in his career, but when healthy, he showed plenty of upside, posting a 1.29 ERA with 28 strikeouts in Single-A. Hertzler features a four-pitch mix led by a fastball that sits in the low-to-mid 90s and can reach 96 mph. His best secondary offering is a slider that has continued to improve, while he has also added a changeup and curveball to round out his arsenal. Healthy in 2026, Hertzler has taken a big step forward. He posted a 2.72 ERA with 64 strikeouts over 43 innings at High-A Asheville before earning a promotion to Double-A. He has continued to perform with Corpus Christi, posting a 2.48 ERA over his first 29 innings. His combination of a deep arsenal and success at the upper levels has helped establish him as one of the better pitching prospects in the Astros’ system.

16. Caden Powell, OF

Level: High-A

Powell was selected by the Astros in the 6th round of the 2024 draft and signed overslot for $422,500. The 21-year-old is listed at 6’3″ and 200 lbs with room to grow. He started his college career at Oklahoma but transferred to Seminole State College where he was named the D-1 junior college player of the year after hitting .502 with 32 HR, 104 RBI and a slugging percentage over 1.000. Powell started of the year great in Single-A posting an OPS over .800 while showing off power and speed. He also missed time with a broken hamate bone, an injury that often takes hitters a while to fully regain their power from. He’s been really good in High-A hitting .284 with 15 doubles, 12 home runs and 28 stolen bases.

17. Nick Potter, RHP

Level: High-A

Potter was selected by the Astros in the fifth round of the 2025 MLB Draft after spending two years at the junior college level and one season at Wichita State. Despite pitching primarily out of the bullpen in college, the Astros have transitioned the right-hander into a starting role. Potter’s best weapon is a big fastball that sits 95-96 mph and can reach 100. He also features a solid curveball, though command was the biggest question mark coming into pro ball. His arsenal will likely continue to evolve as the Astros develop him as a starter and work to expand his pitch mix. So far, the transition has gone extremely well. Potter has posted a 2.11 ERA with 70 strikeouts over 59.2 innings this season. His combination of premium velocity and success as a starter has made him one of the more intriguing pitching prospects in the Astros’ system. Read more here.

18. Jagger Beck, RHP

Level: Single-A

The Astros took a somewhat unconventional route after the 2024 draft, signing right-hander Beck out of high school as an undrafted player. Beck, listed at 6’6″, has a ton of projection in his frame left and already has stuff that is playing well in full season ball. Beck runs his fastball up to 96 MPH but has been able to keep hitters off balance with a really good curveball. The 19-year-old opened this season with his full-season debut in Fayetteville and has shown plenty of promise early on. Through 18 appearances, Beck owns a 2.97 ERA with 80 strikeouts over 69.2 innings pitched. Read more here.

19. Keon Johnson, SS

Level: Rookie

The Astros dipped into the high school ranks in the third round of the 2026 MLB Draft, selecting shortstop Keon Johnson out of Georgia. Johnson possesses solid tools across the board, with his hit tool and arm standing out as his best attributes. At the plate, Johnson combines impressive bat speed and strength with a patient approach and a good understanding of the strike zone. His contact skills should allow him to hit for average and get on base while developing more power as he physically matures. Defensively, Johnson has the athleticism, arm strength and overall skill set to stick at shortstop in professional baseball. While he may not have one elite carrying tool, there aren’t many weaknesses in his game either, giving him an intriguing all-around profile with plenty of room to develop.

20. Will Bush, C

Level: Double-A

Bush took an interesting route to professional ball, spending one year at Tyler Junior College before being selected by the Astros in the 16th round of the 2023 draft. The left-handed hitting Bush has some above average raw power and solid plate discipline. He has split time between catcher and first base, and may end up at first base long term. The 22-year-old started the season in High-A and posted a .812 OPS with 12 homers before getting a promotion to Double-A. For the Hooks he added another 3 home runs and 14 walks in 24 games. Overall he posted a 121 wRC+, which was near the top in the Astros system. Bush has been solid again posting a .784 OPS with 10 home runs in Double-A in 2026.

21. Luis De Leon, C

Level: Single-A

De Leon signed with the Astros in September 2024 for just $17,500, and he has already outperformed that bonus. After posting a respectable .784 OPS in 39 games as an 18-year-old in the Dominican Summer League last season, the Astros brought him stateside to begin 2026 with the FCL Astros. He quickly became one of the club’s top hitters, batting .390 with eight doubles, four home runs, 23 RBIs and more walks than strikeouts over 38 games. He has really good bat to ball skills and with some intriguing pop from the right side. Behind the plate, he also threw out 44% of attempted base stealers. According to his Instagram, De Leon was promoted to Fayetteville this week. At just 19 years old, he has an opportunity to climb the Astros’ prospect rankings in a hurry if he continues to perform at the next level.

22. Joseph Sullivan, OF

Level: Double-A

Sullivan was the Astros 7th round pick in 2024 after a solid college career at South Alabama. The outfielder was a mid round selection but came with a ton of upside. He is a great athlete with plus speed and the chance to stick in center field. Sullivan grades well on swing decisions and has good raw power that he has been able to prove in games this season. He has a great makeup and has an edge to him in the weight room and on the field. His first full season was a good one as he accumulated 17 home runs, 42 stolen bases and a .798 OPS over 106 games. He also led the Astros system in walks and stolen bases. He’s had some struggles in 2026 but still has 11 home runs and 20 stolen bases through 80 games. Read more here.

23. Nehomar Ochoa, 1B/OF

Level: High-A

Ochoa was drafted by the Astros in the 11th round of the Galena Park High School in Houston, and signed for $300,000 double the slot for the 11th round. He is huge kid, listed at 6’4″ and 230 lbs. Despite his size, he is a good athlete who can play all three outfield positions, though he will probably end up in the corners or at first base down the line. Ochoa has above average power and is a good baserunner with speed to swipe some bags. He had a nice first season at 18 years old but a freak accident derailed his 2025 season. This year Ochoa was back to form hitting .287 but his season ended due to a broken finger. Read more here.

24. Juan Fraide, RHP

Level: Single-A

Fraide was signed by the Astros out of Mexico in January 2025. While he isn’t physically imposing at 5-foot-11, the right-hander has some impressive stuff. His fastball can reach 96 mph, and he pairs it with a solid mix of off-speed pitches. Fraide began his professional career in the Dominican Summer League last year but quickly earned a move stateside. He opened the 2026 season in the Florida Complex League, and after just four starts, the Astros promoted him to Single-A Fayetteville at only 20 years old. Fraide has handled the aggressive assignment well, posting a 3.38 ERA with 48 strikeouts over 42.2 innings. His combination of velocity, secondary stuff and success against more advanced competition makes him an intriguing young arm in the Astros’ system.

25. Jackson Nezuh, RHP

Level: Triple-A

Nezuh, the Astros’ 14th-round pick in 2023 out of Louisiana-Lafayette, is shaping up to be a draft-day steal. He began his first full pro season in Single-A, where he struck out 105 batters over 81.2 innings. After earning a promotion to High-A, he was even more impressive, posting a 2.79 ERA with 46 strikeouts in 38.2 innings, bringing his season total to 151 strikeouts across 120.1 innings. Nezuh features a low-to-mid 90s fastball and complements it with a standout split-change, along with a slider and a sweeper that have fueled his high strikeout rates. Nezuh had some struggles in 2025 but finished the season strong posting a 1.67 ERA over his final six games. This year he’s back to racking up strikeouts with 101 over 84 innings between Double-A and Triple-A. Read more on him here.

26. Jase Mitchell, C

Level: Rookie

Mitchell was selected by the Astros in the seventh round of the 2025 MLB Draft and signed for $797,500, more than $500,000 over slot, after opting to forgo his commitment to Kentucky. A physical, left-handed-hitting catcher, Mitchell brings impressive raw power and patience at the plate while also showing a strong throwing arm behind the plate. He’s also considered a solid receiver defensively. With his combination of tools and upside, Mitchell has the potential to to be a top catching prospect. He played in the FCL this season and while it wasn’t the best performance, he was able to posted a .730 OPS while walking at a 33.7% clip. Read more here.

27. Gabel Pentecost, RHP

Level: Single-A

Pentecost was selected by the Astros in the sixth round of the 2025 MLB Draft out of Taylor University following a standout college career. As a junior, he posted a 3.04 ERA with 116 strikeouts over 80 innings. Pentecost’s fastball sits in the low 90s and can reach 96 mph, but the pitch plays up thanks to his extension. He features a solid mix of pitches across the board, with his slider standing out as his best secondary offering. Pentecost opened the 2026 season with Single-A Fayetteville and impressed early, striking out 19 batters over 17 innings before landing on the injured list. While the injury has limited his opportunity to build on that strong start, his combination of deception, a deep arsenal and strikeout ability makes him an intriguing arm in the Astros’ system.

28. Adrian Ardines, RHP

Level: Single-A

Ardines was signed by the Astros out of Panama in January 2024. After spending his first two professional seasons in the Dominican Summer League, the right-hander made the move stateside in 2026 and has quickly emerged as an intriguing young arm. Ardines posted a 3.42 ERA with 56 strikeouts over 52.2 innings in the Florida Complex League before earning a promotion to Single-A Fayetteville. He impressed in his full-season debut, striking out seven batters over four innings. Ardines can run his fastball up to 96 mph while also featuring a pair of promising breaking balls. Still just 19 years old and already finding success in full-season baseball, Ardines has the stuff and upside to potentially become another international pitching find for the Astros.

29. Justin Thomas Jr., OF

Level: High-A

Thomas was drafted by the Astros in the 11th round of the 2025 draft after spending three years at three different schools. He put together a strong junior season at Arkansas, hitting .303 with nine home runs. He didn’t do much following the draft, but he has broken out this year with Asheville, connecting on 20 doubles and 15 home runs with an OPS over .850 while also stealing 31 bases. Thomas is a plus athlete who played football in high school, and at 5-foot-9 and 195 pounds, he’s built like a cornerback. He covers plenty of ground in the outfield with his plus speed, which also makes him a threat on the bases. There is some sneaky pop in his bat, too, and after a strong season in Asheville, the next step in Corpus Christi will be a big test for him. Read more here.

30. Alonzo Tredwell, RHP

Level: Double-A

Tredwell is an imposing presence on the mound, measuring 6’8″ and 230 pounds. A second-round pick in 2023, he had a strong college career at UCLA, finishing with a 2.83 ERA and 113 strikeouts over 92.1 innings. The right-hander features a mid-90s fastball that can touch 96 mph, complemented by a sharp slider as his primary secondary pitch. His fastball plays especially well up in the zone, generating plenty of whiffs due to its carry. Tredwell had a breakout season in 2025. The right-hander pitched across three different levels and posted a 3.69 ERA with 122 strikeouts over 100 innings. This included a dominant 40 strikeouts over 22.2 innings in Double-A to end the season. Tredwell started the season in the injured list and has yet to pitch in 2026. Read more on Tredwell here.

HONORABLE MENTION:

Juan Sierra, OF
Sami Manzueta, INF
Max Holy, SS
Javier Perez, RHP
Ryan Forcucci, RHP
Nick Monistere, INF
Josh Wakefield, OF
Randy Arias, SS
Gavin Eddy, RHP
Alejandro Nunez, INF

Rank Player Position Level Age
1 Kevin Alvarez OF Single-A 18
2 Xavier Neyens INF High-A 19
3 Logan Hughes OF Single-A 21
4 Jack Radel RHP Rookie 21
5 Albert Fermin INF Rookie 17
6 Bryce Mayer RHP Triple-A 24
7 Ethan Frey OF High-A 22
8 Ethan Pecko RHP Triple-A 23
9 Jason Schiavone C Double-A 23
10 Wes Mendes LHP Rookie 21
11 Anthony Huezo OF High-A 20
12 Walker Janek C Double-A 23
13 Kam Durnin INF Single-A 22
14 Beau Peterson INF Rookie 19
15 Cole Hertzler RHP Double-A 23
16 Caden Powell OF High-A 22
17 Nick Potter RHP High-A 22
18 Jagger Beck RHP Single-A 19
19 Keon Johnson INF Rookie 18
20 Will Bush C/1B Double-A 22
21 Luis De Leon C Single-A 19
22 Joseph Sullivan OF Double-A 24
23 Nehomar Ochoa OF High-A 21
24 Juan Fraide RHP Single-A 20
25 Jackson Nezuh RHP Triple-A 24
26 Jase Mitchell C Rookie 19
27 Gabel Pentecost RHP Single-A 23
28 Adrian Ardines RHP Single-A 19
29 Justin Thomas OF High-A 22
30 Alonzo Tredwell RHP Double-A 24

Be sure to subscribe to receive weekly updates on the Astros minor league system. Also be sure to follow on X, @AstrosFuture, follow me on Instagram, @AstrosFuture and like my Facebook page, facebook.com/AstrosFuture.

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