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. I will try to leave off the obvious top prospects to watch and dig a little deeper.
Sugar Land Space Cowboys (Triple-A)
Hitter – Zach Daniels, OF
Daniels was the Astros 4th round pick in 2020, and one that came with a lot of upside. Since coming into the system he has shown his potential including a 2022 season posting a .894 OPS with 23 HR, 22 SB. In 2023 in Double-A, Daniels has a .817 OPS with 13 HR, 22 SB. He has some strikeout concerns, but when he makes contact it’s normally really loud. Moving up to Triple-A will be a good test for him.
One More: Quincy Hamilton, OF
Pitcher – Ryan Gusto, RHP
Gusto has been in the system since being an 11th round pick in 2019. He is a little older than the normal prospect but has continued to make progress in the system. In 2023, he finished the season in Double-A posting a 2.93 ERA with 62 K in 61.1 innings. Gusto was clocked up to 98 MPH this spring and worked on refining a sweeper/slider last year. I think he has a chance to be a guy to really break onto the scene and make a major league debut in 2024.
One More: Rhett Kouba, RHP
Corpus Christi Hooks (Double-A)
Hitter – Logan Cerny, OF
Cerny was acquired by the Astros in the deal that sent Garrett Stubbs to Philadelphia. Cerny is a toolsy prospect who comes with a power/speed combination. He has some swing and miss in his game but was still able to post an OPS over .800 in his first full season and have success on the bases stealing 35 in 86 games, though he had some struggles in 2023. His speed and defense will allow him to stick in center field as he moves up the system.
One More: J.C. Correa, INF
Pitcher – Michael Knorr, RHP
The Astros drafted Knorr in the 3rd round of the 2022 draft. Knorr has a fastball that reaches 98 MPH and a good changeup. He also has some deception in his delivery and if he can command his fastball a bit better, he can move up the system pretty quickly with his fastball/changeup combination. He was solid in 2023, though dealt with injuries. If he stays healthy, we could see him take off in Double-A.
One More: A.J. Blubaugh, RHP
Asheville Tourists (High-A)
Hitter – Cam Fisher, OF
Fisher was drafted by the Astros in 2023 after having a great college career at UNC Charlotte. The lefty hitter slashed .348/.507/.813 with 30 HR, 64 BB in 64 games this season. He offers plus power and bat speed while also generating a lot of walks. He is a solid athlete but is being projected as a corner outfielder.
One More: Jeron Williams, INF
Pitcher – Trey Dombroski, LHP
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 pitched the full season in Single-A striking out 148 in 119 innings with a 3.71 ERA, setting many Fayetteville records.
One More: Jake Bloss, RHP
Fayetteville Woodpeckers (Single-A)
Hitter – Chase Jaworksy, SS
Jaworsky is a smooth athlete listed at 6’1″ and 170 lbs. He is a righty thrower, lefty hitter. Scouts have noted he has a strong arm, good range at shortstop and a left handed swing that has some pop. He is pretty advanced at the plate and should be able to have success this year, despite his young age. He got a huge bonus being a 5th round pick last year.
One More: Nehomar Ochoa, OF
Pitcher – Colby Langford, LHP
Always nice to haver more lefties. Langford is a 6’3″ left handed pitcher who led NJCAA D2 in strikeouts with 128 last year before being drafted in the 19th round. He won’t blow you away but has great movement on his stuff.
One More: Ethan Pecko, RHP
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