In a recent post by MLB Pipeline, they made predictions for every farm system heading into the 2026 season, and their outlook for the Houston Astros system was fairly bullish.
The Astros enter the 2026 season without a Top 100 prospect on Pipeline’s list for the third time in the last five years, but that doesn’t mean the system lacks talent.
Their bold prediction is that the Astros will have three Top 100 prospects by the end of the 2026 season. The three players they project to make the list are:
Kevin Alvarez – Alvarez was signed by the Houston Astros this past winter for $2 million, one of the largest international bonuses the organization has ever handed out. Just 17 years old, Alvarez was widely regarded as one of the top pure hitters in the 2025 international signing class. A left-handed hitter with an advanced approach at the plate, he projects for above-average power and stands out as a well-rounded athlete with a strong arm and solid defensive instincts. Alvarez backed up the hype in his first professional season, hitting .300 with 12 doubles, three triples, two home runs, 33 RBIs, and 11 stolen bases over 47 games.
Ethan Frey – Frey was selected by the Houston Astros in the third round of the 2025 MLB Draft, with the team going over slot to secure his signing. The former LSU Tigers baseball standout broke out during his junior season, batting .331 with 15 doubles, 13 home runs, and 50 RBIs over 62 games. Standing 6’6”, Frey combines impressive size with surprising athleticism and speed. He offers above-average raw power and currently has the tools to handle center field. The 21-year-old impressed in his professional debut, hitting .330 with five doubles, three home runs, and 17 RBIs while drawing 20 walks against 25 strikeouts.
Xavier Neyens – Neyens was selected by the Houston 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 possesses some of the most impressive raw power in the 2025 draft class. Standing 6’4″ and weighing 210 pounds, Neyens projects as a potential middle-of-the-order bat thanks to his powerful swing and advanced hitting ability.
If these three prospects take the steps forward that MLB Pipeline predicts, the Houston Astros farm system could quickly gain more national attention. While the system may lack a current Top 100 prospect, the talent is there for a few players to break out in 2026. A strong season from this group could reshape the perception of the Astros’ pipeline.
