The Houston Astros have been facing challenges with their farm system for a while now, and the 2025 MLB draft hasn’t helped their standing. In the latest rankings from Bleacher Report’s Joel Reuter, the Astros have slipped from No. 22 to No. 24, being overtaken by both the San Francisco Giants and the Baltimore Orioles—two teams that made significant strides with strong draft classes.
This drop in the rankings isn’t particularly surprising given the Astros’ limited draft capital. They had just two selections in the first three rounds due to their forfeited second-round pick resulting from the Christian Walker signing. With such a small number of picks, the stakes were high, and the team made some noteworthy yet risky choices that have elicited mixed reactions.
Their first-round pick, Xavier Neyens, has immediately made his mark by debuting as the No. 6 prospect in the organization. Neyens, a high school standout, brings tremendous offensive potential to the table. However, concerns linger around his ability to make consistent contact, as scouts have noted some swing-and-miss tendencies. If he can refine his approach, there’s a chance he could evolve into a formidable power hitter, potentially knocking out 40 home runs in a season.
Following Neyens, the Astros selected Ethan Frey in the third round. Frey’s collegiate career has been marred by injuries and tough competition, limiting his full production to just one year. His selection reflects a strategy that some fans may embrace while others might question.
Looking at the organization’s top five prospects, the focus shifts to second baseman Brice Matthews, who just made his MLB debut shortly before the All-Star Break. Unfortunately, his performance has been less than stellar so far, with an 0-for-7 start and five strikeouts in his first two games. Although he might face a quick return to the minors once the roster is back to full health, it’s valuable for him to gain experience at the Major League level. Fans shouldn’t be too worried just yet; every player has to navigate through rough patches.
The remainder of the Astros’ top 10 prospects includes Neyens, right-handed pitcher Anderson Brito, outfielder Joseph Sullivan, right-hander Jose Fleury, and righty Ryan Forcucci. Sullivan, in particular, has been turning heads this season. Drafted in the seventh round just last year, he’s made quite an impression with his performance. At just 22 years old, he boasts a .233/.411/.462 slash line, with 15 home runs, 35 RBI, and an eye-catching 34 stolen bases across 75 games. While his game reflects some swing-and-miss issues, his combination of power and speed is definitely something to keep an eye on as he continues to develop.
In summary, the Astros’ farm system may not be elite, but it has youngsters with intriguing potential. While the draft didn’t transform their rankings, players like Neyens and Sullivan could prove crucial as Houston looks to cultivate its next wave of talent.
