The Houston Astros aren’t exactly known for having a deep, star-studded farm system - and this year, that reality is coming into sharper focus. With the front office working under tight financial constraints and a roster that still has a few holes, the Astros are turning to their prospect pipeline to help round out the edges.
They’re not just hoping for a breakout or two - they’re going to need it.
The team still has needs: a left-handed bat in the outfield, a backup catcher, and maybe a utility man who can bring more offense to the table. But with Jim Crane reportedly unwilling to cross the luxury tax threshold, Houston’s options on the free-agent market are limited.
That means opportunity knocks for the kids. If they can show something this spring, there’s a path to the big-league roster - even if it’s a narrow one.
Here’s a breakdown of six Astros prospects who could make some noise in spring training, ranked by their chances of turning heads - and maybe even cracking the Opening Day roster.
6. RHP Miguel Ullola
Miguel Ullola has the kind of arm that makes scouts sit up in their seats. His fastball is electric, and he held his own over a full season at Triple-A Sugar Land, finishing with a 3.88 ERA.
But the flip side? A walk rate north of 15%.
That kind of command issue makes it tough to project him into the Astros’ immediate plans, especially with a crowded competition for rotation spots.
Still, Ullola is the top-ranked pitcher in the system for a reason. He’s only 23, and if he can show improved command this spring, he could pitch his way into relevance - either as a future starter or a bullpen weapon later in the season. Don’t expect him to break camp with the big club, but he’s a name to watch for midseason reinforcements.
5. C Will Bush
The Astros had their eyes on bringing back Victor Caratini, but the Twins swooped in with a deal Houston couldn’t match. That opens the door - at least a crack - for Will Bush to enter the conversation as a backup catcher.
Bush showed some promise with the bat in High-A Asheville, slashing .247/.370/.441. But the jump to Double-A Corpus Christi proved challenging, as his numbers dipped to .175/.333/.338. Add to that some questions about his defensive future - he split time between catcher and first base - and it’s clear Bush has some ground to make up.
At just 22, he’s still developing, but unless he takes a major leap this spring, he’s likely ticketed for more seasoning in the minors.
4. OF Joseph Sullivan
Looking for a left-handed outfield bat with upside? Joseph Sullivan checks a lot of boxes - patience, pop, and speed.
But shoulder injuries have slowed his progress, and he’s only logged 31 games above High-A. That lack of upper-minors experience makes it unlikely he’ll be a serious contender for an Opening Day spot.
That said, Sullivan has the kind of tools that can make an impression in camp. If he stays healthy and shows flashes of his offensive potential, he could put himself in position for a call-up later in the season. He’s not quite ready for the show, but he’s on the radar.
3. INF/OF Brice Matthews
Now we’re getting into real contenders.
Brice Matthews, Houston’s No. 1 prospect, got a taste of the majors last summer when injuries forced the club’s hand. He didn’t exactly light it up - posting a .675 OPS - but the potential is there. Matthews brings a higher offensive ceiling than someone like Nick Allen, and the Astros are experimenting with him in center field this spring to increase his versatility.
The challenge? The infield is stacked, and unless someone goes down or Matthews absolutely rakes in March, it’s going to be tough to find a spot for him on the 26-man roster.
Still, he’s got the tools to make it interesting. If he impresses, he could force the Astros into some tough decisions - and that’s exactly what you want from a top prospect in camp.
2. RHP AJ Blubaugh
AJ Blubaugh made a quiet but effective debut last year, logging 32 innings with a 1.69 ERA. Most of that came out of the bullpen, though he did make a couple of starts. His ability to give multiple innings could be a big asset for a Houston team that’s toying with a six-man rotation.
Blubaugh isn’t flashy, but he’s efficient and versatile - the kind of guy who can sneak his way onto a roster by doing a little bit of everything. With rotation depth ahead of him, his best shot might be as a swingman or long reliever. If he picks up where he left off last season, don’t be surprised if he’s on the Opening Day roster.
1. OF Zach Cole
Zach Cole didn’t just turn heads last September - he turned the conversation. His late-season cameo was impressive, capped by a 142 wRC+ that made people take notice.
Even better? He hits from the left side, which is exactly what the Astros need in the outfield.
Now, the strikeouts are a concern - a 38.5% K rate isn’t sustainable - but the raw tools are there. If the Astros move Jake Meyers in a trade, Cole could be in line for the starting center field job. And even if they don’t, it would take a pretty rough spring to keep him off the roster in some capacity.
He’s not a sure thing, but right now, Cole looks like the most likely of the Astros’ prospects to make a real impact out of the gate in 2026.
The Bottom Line
The Astros don’t have the deepest farm system in baseball, but they’ve got a handful of young players who could help fill out a roster that’s tight on cash and flexibility. Whether it’s Blubaugh’s versatility, Matthews’ upside, or Cole’s left-handed pop, there are paths to the big leagues for these prospects - if they can seize the moment this spring.
For a team trying to stay in contention without busting the budget, internal development isn’t just a bonus - it’s a necessity. And that makes this spring training a proving ground for Houston’s next wave.