1. Xavier Neyens, INF
Level: Single-A DOB: 10/29/06
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 bonus since Alex Bregman received $5.9 million in 2015. A left-handed hitter out of Mount Vernon High School in Washington, Neyens boasts some of the most impressive raw power in the 2025 draft class. While he has a strong arm suited for a corner infield or outfield spot, it’s his powerful bat and advanced hitting ability that made him a top pick. Standing 6’4″ and weighing 210 pounds, Neyens projects as a formidable middle-of-the-order presence. Neyens if off to a hot nice start posting an OPS near .900 with a walk rate over 20%, and some impressive exit velocities.
2. Kevin Alvarez, OF
Level: Single-A DOB: 01/13/08
The Astros signed Alvarez this past winter for $2 million, one of the highest international bonuses the organization has ever awarded. Just 17 years old, Alvarez was widely regarded as one of the top pure hitters in the 2025 international signing class. A left-handed bat with an advanced approach, he projects for above-average power and stands out as a well-rounded athlete with a strong arm and solid defensive instincts. According to Francys Romero, evaluators have compared his physicality and skill set at this age to a young Kyle Tucker or Paul O’Neill. Alvarez put together a strong pro debut in the DSL posting a .874 OPS with an impressive 12.0% walk rate and insane 9.9% strikeout rate. This year in Single-A he’s hitting .242 with 5 home runs at just 18 years old.
3. Ethan Frey, OF
Level: High-A DOB: 03/15/04
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. The 21-year-old hit .330 with 5 doubles, 3 home runs, 17 runs batted in and an impressive 20 walks to 25 strikeouts. Unfortunately he hasn’t been able to replicate that success in High-A so far hitting just .227, though he still has a solid walk rate.
4. Ethan Pecko, RHP
Level: Triple-A DOB: 08/25/02
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 20 K in 16.1 innings in Triple-A this season. Read more on Pecko here.
5. Bryce Mayer, RHP
Level: Double-A DOB: 07/07/04
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 Double-A this year posting a 3.70 ERA with 37 K in 24.1 innings.
6. Joseph Sullivan, OF
Level: Double-A DOB: 07/01/02
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. His numbers are down a bit this year, but he still has 9 HR and 12 SB in 38 games for the Hooks. Read more here.
7. Walker Janek, C
Level: Double-A DOB: 09/24/02
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. He got off to a slow start this season but I’ve been told by a scout he is good enough defensively to start at the MLB level right now.
8. 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 made the most of his first professional season. He started the 2025 season in Fayetteville and after hitting .286 in Single-A, he was promoted to High-A where he connected on 6 home runs with a .774 OPS. He was promoted to Double-A where he added 4 more home runs with 17 runs batted in. He finished the season with 31 doubles, 27 stolen bases and a .771 OPS in 116 games, and an impressive 14.3% walk rate. 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.
9. Cole Hertzler, RHP
Level: High-A DOB: 06/21/03
Hertzler was drafted by the Astros in the 5th round of the 2024 MLB Draft out of Liberty University. Hertzler has pitched limited innings due to injury but has dominated hitters in Single-A with a four pitch mix. In 21 professional innings, he has a 1.29 ERA with 28 strikeouts. His fastball sits in the low to mid 90s and can tough 96 MPH. Hertzler’s best secondary pitch is his slider that has continued to progress. His also added a changeup and curveball. Now healthy, Hertzler has been dominant in High-A posting a 2.70 ERA with 49 strikeouts over 33.1 innings.
10. Albert Fermin, SS
Level: Rookie DOB: 02/09/09
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. 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.