Rising stars who could shape Astros’ future

As the Houston Astros look to solidify their place in Major League Baseball, the team’s success over the past eight seasons can largely be attributed to the robust contributions from their Minor League system.

Despite experiencing a dip that saw their farm system ranked 30th in 2024, the Astros have consistently showcased young talent,

with a Top 5 finisher in American League Rookie of the Year voting in nine of the last ten years.

This article explores several emerging prospects who have the potential to make significant impacts in the near future.

Ethan Pecko: A Rising Star on the Mound

Among the standout prospects is Ethan Pecko, the Astros’ 18th-ranked prospect and a sixth-round Draft pick from Towson University in 2023.

His impressive performance in 2024 earned him the title of Minor League Pitcher of the Year for the organization.

Over 26 games, including 15 starts across Single-A Fayetteville, High-A Asheville, and Double-A Corpus Christi, Pecko recorded a commendable 3.47 ERA.

He struck out an impressive 125 batters in 96 innings, showcasing a dominant presence on the mound with a 1.21 WHIP and limiting opponents to a .219 batting average.

His ability to generate strikeouts, ranking second in the system at 11.72 strikeouts per nine innings, highlights his potential to be a key player in the Astros’ future.

Anderson Brito: The Venezuelan Sensation

Another promising arm is Anderson Brito, the Astros’ 8th-ranked prospect. Signed for a mere $10,000 out of Venezuela in November 2023, Brito made an immediate impact, beginning his career with a jaw-dropping 0.40 ERA and 40 strikeouts in 22.1 innings during his time in the Dominican Summer League. After swift promotions, he continued to excel, finishing his season with a solid 2.63 ERA in 27.3 innings at Fayetteville. Brito’s fastball has notably improved, now reaching speeds in the mid-90s and even touching 99 mph, making him a thrilling prospect to watch.

James Hicks: A Versatile Pitching Talent

James Hicks, ranked 15th among Astros prospects, also had an impressive 2024 season. His first full year in professional baseball saw him participate in 25 games, including 12 starts, with a combined ERA of 3.82 and a 1.36 WHIP. Hicks displayed an ability to command the strike zone with six varied pitches, which kept hitters guessing and off-balance. With 115 strikeouts over 106 innings, his versatility on the mound indicates he could play a crucial role in the Astros’ pitching rotation moving forward.

Breakout Performers to Watch

Looking ahead, two players who made a significant impression in 2024 are Joseph Sullivan and C. Jancel Villarroel. Sullivan, a seventh-round pick from South Alabama, flashed his potential with a .740 OPS in 20 games at Fayetteville, demonstrating a blend of power and speed. His collegiate performance included 25 home runs and 45 stolen bases, making him an exciting player to monitor in the coming seasons. Meanwhile, Villarroel, the 26th-ranked prospect, made his mark by showing strong plate discipline and versatility on the field, playing multiple positions while recording a solid on-base percentage.

A Key Question for the Future

As the Astros continue to build for the future, one significant question looms regarding RHP Miguel Ullola, the organization’s 7th-ranked prospect. Ullola has shown promise with a striking 166 strikeouts in 127.1 innings during the past season, but his control issues—averaging 6.1 walks per nine innings—remain a concern. As he aims to refine his skills at Triple-A Sugar Land, improving his walk rate will be crucial for unlocking his full potential and solidifying his role within the Astros’ pitching lineup.

In conclusion, the Houston Astros have a wealth of talent in their Minor League system, and with continued development, these rising stars could play pivotal roles in shaping the team’s future success.