The Astros have set their rosters for opening day of the minor league baseball season. There are a lot of intriguing players at each level and could be a big year for a few prospects. Below are a couple players to watch at each minor league level!
Sugar Land Space Cowboys (Triple-A)
Hitter – Zach Cole, OF
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. Overall in 2025, Cole had a 22 doubles, 7 triples, 19 home
runs and a system leading 151 wRC+ over 97 games. He also earned a late season promotion to Houston. While he will start in Triple-A, he should be back up in 2026 at some point.
One More: Collin Price, C/1B
Pitcher – Hudson Leach, RHP
Leach was signed as an undrafted free agent following the 2024 draft. Leach was dominant at times in 2025, but his command would get away from him and he ended up with a 5.54 ERA overall, though he had a 3.51 FIP. He did finish with 63 strikeouts in 39 innings, including some run in Triple-A. He turned some heads in the AFL with a really good breaking ball and a fastball that was sitting high 90s, touching 99 MPH. With some nice outings in Sugar Land, Leach could find himself in the Houston bullpen.
One More: Alimber Santa, RHP
Corpus Christi Hooks (Double-A)
Hitter – Lucas Spence, OF
The Astros signed Spence as an undrafted free agent in 2024, 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 flew up the rankings last year and has the tools to be a plus defender too.
One More: Joseph Sullivan, OF
Pitcher – James Hicks, RHP
Hicks was a 13th round pick by the Astros in 2023 and has flew through the system initially with a breakout 2023 where he posted a 3.82 ERA with 115 strikeouts over 106 innings across three different levels. Hicks had some injuries in 2025 and struggled for the most part posting a 5.59 ERA in 46.2 innings in Double-A. He did finishthe year on a high note striking out 23 to just 4 walks over his final 14.2 innings and then carried that into a dominate Arizona Fall League showing posting a 0.00 ERA with 19 strikeouts in 14 innings. He should be in Triple-A in 2026.
One More: Bryce Mayer, RHP
Asheville Tourists (High-A)
Hitter – Caden Powell, INF/OF
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. Powell started the 2025 season great in Single-A posting an OPS over .800 while showing off power and speed. He missed some time with an injury and had some struggles when coming back, but his power and upside with the bat is legit.
One More: Ethan Frey, OF
Pitcher – Cole Hertzler, RHP
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. He is healthy now and has a chance to make a big impact in 2026.
One More: Parker Smith, RHP
Fayetteville Woodpeckers (Single-A)
Hitter – Xavier Neyens, INF
Neyens was selected by the Astros in the first round of the 2025 MLB Draft and signed for $4.12 million. A left-handed hitter out of Washington, Neyens boasts some of the most impressive raw power from his 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. The 19-year-old will be in full season ball and get a chance to show why he was a first round pick.
One More: Kevin Alvarez, OF
Pitcher – Jagger Beck, RHP
Beck was signed as an undrafted free agent following the 2024 draft. He pitched sparingly in 2025 but then went off to winter ball in Australia and dominated striking out 36 over 37 innings while posting a 3.16 ERA. The right-hander has a mid 90s fastball and is an imposing figure on the mound at 6’6″ and 205 lbs. The 19-year-old will be one of the youngest pitchers on the Fayetteville roster.
One More: Nick Potter, RHP
