The Houston Astros have been one of baseball’s model franchises over the past decade, but as they head into the 2026 season, there's no denying the farm system is running on fumes. ESPN recently ranked Houston’s minor league pipeline 29th out of 30 teams - and they're one of just two organizations without a single player in MLB’s Top 100 prospects. That’s not exactly the kind of depth you want when you're trying to sustain a championship window.
Still, just because the system is thin doesn’t mean it’s empty. Spring training is often where the under-the-radar guys start to make noise, and for the Astros, there are a couple of names worth circling as potential breakout candidates this spring.
They’re not top-tier prospects, but they don’t have to be. What Houston needs right now isn’t necessarily star power - it’s contributors.
Players who can fill roles, eat innings, and maybe - just maybe - surprise us.
Let’s take a closer look at two Astros prospects who could turn heads in camp.
Jose Fleury, RHP - The Underdog with Something to Prove
Jose Fleury’s path to this point hasn’t exactly followed the blueprint of a top prospect. Signed for just $10,000 out of the Dominican Republic in 2021, Fleury came into pro ball without much fanfare.
But what he’s lacked in hype, he’s made up for in performance. He’s been a steady riser through the Astros’ system, consistently putting up solid numbers at every stop.
In 2025, Fleury finally made it to Triple-A - and hit his first real bump in the road. But before that, he was dealing in Double-A.
Over 10 starts and 39.2 innings, he posted a 1.82 ERA with a 2.92 FIP and a 4.11 strikeout-to-walk ratio. That’s not just good - that’s the kind of line that earns you a serious look.
Fleury isn’t going to blow hitters away with velocity. His fastball sits in the low 90s, but it has life, and he pairs it with a deceptive changeup that fades late. His stuff plays up thanks to his command and pitchability - two traits that tend to separate the guys who survive in the big leagues from those who don’t.
Scouts don’t see ace potential here, and that’s fine. The Astros already have frontline arms in Hunter Brown and Tatsuya Imai.
What they need is someone who can slot in at the back of the rotation, keep them in games, and take pressure off the bullpen. Fleury could be that guy - if he can show more consistency against higher-level hitters.
He did flash that potential late last season. On September 10, he tossed a gem for Triple-A Sugar Land: six innings, two hits, one run, no walks, and six strikeouts. That was his first quality start at that level, and it showed what he’s capable of when everything clicks.
Spring training will be a big test. If Fleury can keep that momentum going, he could force his way into the conversation for a roster spot - or at least put himself near the top of the call-up list when injuries inevitably hit.
Wes Clarke, 1B - Power Bat Looking for a Path
When the Astros acquired Wes Clarke from the Brewers last June for cash considerations, it didn’t exactly make headlines. But it might turn out to be one of those quiet moves that pays off in a big way.
Clarke, 25, had been blocked in Milwaukee after the Brewers brought in Andrew Vaughn to lock down first base. With no clear path to the majors, Clarke became expendable. Houston saw an opportunity - and now, they might have something brewing.
Originally a catcher-first baseman hybrid, Clarke hasn’t caught regularly since 2023. That’s probably for the best. His value lies in his bat, and the Astros are hoping his power can carry him to the next level.
After joining the Astros, Clarke put together a strong showing in Double-A. In 283 plate appearances with the Corpus Christi Hooks, he posted a 143 wRC+ - meaning he was 43% better than league average at the plate.
He walked at a jaw-dropping 22.3% clip while striking out 19.4% of the time, and he slugged .447. That’s a rare combination of patience and pop.
He’s not quite MLB-ready yet, but the timing could work in his favor. With a potential Christian Walker trade appearing less likely as the offseason winds down, the Astros might be looking for internal options at first base. Clarke could be one of them - especially if he comes into spring training swinging a hot bat.
He’s already shown he can crush a baseball. Now, it’s about proving he can do it against better pitching. If Clarke continues to show the kind of plate discipline and power he flashed in Double-A, he might just earn himself a shot at the big leagues in 2026.
Final Thoughts
The Astros’ farm system might not be loaded with blue-chip talent, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t players worth watching. Jose Fleury and Wes Clarke are long shots, sure - but they’re also the kind of players who can make a real impact if things break right.
For a team that’s still chasing titles, finding value in unexpected places could be the difference between another deep postseason run and an early exit. And if Fleury or Clarke can take that next step this spring, Houston might just find themselves with a couple of much-needed reinforcements - right when they need them most.