21. Parker Smith, RHP
Level: Single-A DOB: 03/05/03
Smith, a native Houstonian and a 4th round pick by the Astros this season, was one of the big time starters for Rice over the last couple of years. Smith operates with a low to mid 90s fastball, touching 96 MPH. He also has a plus changeup and solid slider. His junior year at Rice, he struck out 78 over 89.1 innings but scouts believe there is way more in the tank. Smith has really good control, walking just 66 in over 220 innings in college. Smith dealt with some injuries this season but has a 3.34 ERA in 29.2 innings in Single-A.
22. Will Bush, C
Level: Double-A DOB: 03/04/04
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. This year in High-A he has a .811 OPS as a 21-year-old in 72 games in High-A.
23. Zach Cole, OF
Level: Double-A DOB: 08/04/00
Cole was drafted in the 10th round in the 2022 draft. The left-handed hitting outfielder has plus speed and some big time raw power, though that comes with some swing and miss. After struggling in his first taste of pro ball, Cole has put together an impressive 2023 season. In 111 games between Single-A and High-A, Cole is hitting .258 with 20 2B, 8 3B, 19 HR, 37 SB. This year Cole .819 OPS with 13 home runs and 13 stolen bases over 67 games. Cole comes with some huge upside. Read more on Cole here.
24. Luis Baez, OF
Level: Double-A DOB: 01/11/04
The Astros signed Luis Baez for $1.3 million during the 2022 international signing period. He is a solid athlete but won’t provide a ton on the bases, though he should be an adequate defender in the corner outfield spots. Baez has shown off the bat at times, but he hasn’t walked much and strikeouts are a little high, though he has been young for the leagues he is in. His conditioning has been questioned a bit and due to some injuries, he’s had a rough 2025 season. Read more on Baez here.
25. Jase Mitchell, C
Level: Rookie DOB: 09/30/06
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 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 rise quickly through the Astros’ system and climb prospect rankings in the coming years.
26. Alimber Santa, RHP
Level: Triple-A DOB: 05/03/03
Santa was signed as an international free agent and is listed at just 5’10”, 163 lbs but really turned heads in spring training when Chandler Rome reported that the right hander sat 96-97 MPH with his fastball and has a changeup, slider and curveball. Santa ended up getting hurt and wasn’t able to show what he could do. After battling through some injuries, the Astros deployed him in a relief only role this season and the results have been great as he’s posted a 1.38 ERA through 58.2 innings.
27. Trey Dombroski, LHP
Level: Double-A DOB: 03/13/01
Dombroski was drafted by the Astros in the 4th round of the 2022 draft after a standout career at Monmouth University, including 14 BB/130 K in 95 innings as a junior. The lefty stands at 6’5″ and 235 lbs. While he doesn’t blow you away with his stuff, he really knows how to pitch and has very good command. Dombroski has posted some good numbers in the minors and after a tough 2024 season, he’s turned things around posting a 3.83 ERA this year. Read more on Dombroski here.
28. Kenni Gomez, OF
Level: High-A DOB: 05/14/05
Gomez was signed by the Astros out of Cuba for $775,000 in 2022. Gomez has made his way stateside this season and had a .632 OPS in rookie ball, but showed enough that the Astros were willing to let him start the year in Fayetteville this season at 18 years old. He has performed well posting a .753 OPS with 33 extra base hits and 13 stolen bases. He earned a late season promotion to High-A where he hit .272 in 20 games. The left-handed hitter makes a lot of contact but also has room to add power in his frame. He doesn’t walk much but is a good athlete with room to grow still.
29. Nehomar Ochoa, OF
Level: Single-A DOB: 07/31/05
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 moving forward. Ochoa had a solid first full season in 2024 and was slated for a potential big year this season but a freak accident in early spring put his debut off for a while and he has yet to get going full speed. Read more on him here.
30. Lucas Spence, CF
Level: Double-A DOB: 05/09/01
Spence had a strong junior season at Southern Illinois Edwardsville, batting .385 with an OPS over 1.000, but ultimately went undrafted. The Astros signed him as an undrafted free agent, and he’s made the most of his first professional season. After posting a .827 OPS in Single-A, he earned a promotion to High-A, where he’s continued to perform, recording a .746 OPS over 60 games. A left-handed hitting outfielder, Spence is known for his disciplined approach at the plate, showing strong swing decisions. He also possesses excellent speed, which he puts to good use both on the bases and in the outfield defensively. Read more here.