Who's Hot At The Plate?

Jason Schiavone - Schiavone got off to a great start this year and then slowed down a bit in Double-A, though he has heated up recently. This week the catcher hit .360 with a double, 5 home runs and 11 runs batted in. He now has 30 home runs over 108 games this season.

Pascanel Ferreras - Ferreras was Mr. Irrelevant back in 2023 but has defied the odds making it to Triple-A. This week the infielder hit .375 with a double, home run and 4 runs batted in. He’s hitting .320 with 19 doubles over 54 games in Triple-A.

Aaron Piasecki - Piasecki is another 2026 draftee who is off to a nice professional start. This week the infielder was great for the Woodpeckers hitting .500 with 4 doubles and 3 stolen bases over 5 games. He’s hitting .370 over his first 16 professional games.

Anthony Huezo - Huezo has been electric this season and had another big week. The 20-year-old hit .333 with 3 doubles, 3 home runs and 6 runs batted in for Asheville. Overall this season he has 22 home runs and 43 stolen bases, one of only three minor leaguers to post a 20/40 season.

Astros Prospect Stock Report: Volume 5

https://astrosfuture.com/2026/08/astros-prospect-stock-report-2026-volume-5/

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Who's Hot On The Mound?

Jagger Beck - Beck was signed as an undrafted free agent in 2024 and has been a great find. This week the right-hander tossed 5 scoreless innings with 7 strikeouts. He has a 2.84 ERA with 101 strikeouts over 85.2 innings in Single-A.

Parker Smith - Smith has had a bit of a tough season in Asheville but had a nice outing this week. In his one start for the Tourists, Smith tossed 5.2 scoreless innings while striking out 4. Smith has 70 strikeouts over 94 innings this season.

Dylan Howard - Howard has had some struggled in Asheville too but has had some strong outings too. This week, the right-hander struck out 6 batters over 5 innings while allowing 2 runs. He has 83 strikeouts over 93 innings this season.

Javier Perez - Perez was lights out early on in Fayetteville and has since been promoted to Asheville. This week the right-hander struck out 5 over 2 innings allowing 2 runs. He has 126 strikeouts in 104 innings between Single-A and High-A.

Astros 2026 Draft Class Making A Strong First Impression

https://astrosfuture.com/2026/08/astros-2026-draft-class-making-a-strong-first-impression/

TEAM ERA and OPS:

Sugar Land - From 4.43 ERA to 4.57 ERA - From .706 OPS to .712 OPS

Corpus Christi - From 4.46 ERA to 4.61 ERA - From .706 OPS to .709 OPS

Asheville - From 7.55 ERA to 7.43 ERA - From .805 OPS to .797 OPS

Fayetteville - From 4.81 ERA to 4.70 ERA - From .753 OPS to .752 OPS

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Who's Hot At The Plate?

Logan Hughes - Drafted #17 overall in the 2026 draft, Hughes is off a really strong start and had another monster week. The 21-year-old hit .370 with 4 doubles, 2 home runs and 10 runs batted in. He is proving why he was a first round pick.

DJ Newman - Newman was drafted by the Astros in the 15th round last year and finds himself here on back to back weeks. The 22-yea-old played in five games and hit .500 with 3 doubles, a home run, and 3 stolen bases. He’s hitting .342 this season.

Owen Nowak - Nowak is another draftee from the 2026 draft. The 12th rounder is off to a great start and this week he hit .522 with 2 doubles, a triple and 4 stolen bases. Overall this season in 11 games he is hitting .425 with 6 walks to 4 strikeouts.

Kevin Alvarez - Alvarez has had a great first full-season at 18 years old. This week the outfielder four games and hit .333 with a double, 2 home runs, 6 runs batted in and 6 walks to just 2 strikeouts. He’s hitting .268 with 25 doubles and 11 home runs this season.

Has Dana Brown Rebuilt the Astros Farm System?

https://astrosfuture.com/2026/08/has-dana-brown-rebuilt-the-astros-farm-system/

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Who's Hot On The Mound?

Juan Fraide - Fraide has been a really nice find and having a strong season. After starting in the FCL, the right-hander got promoted to Fayetteville where he’s been even better. This week he tossed 5.2 scoreless innings with 7 strikeouts. He has a 2.79 ERA this season.

Bryce Mayer - After dominating Double-A, Mayer earned a promotion to Sugar Land. After a rough first outing his last two have been good as he tossed 5.1 scoreless innings with 7 strikeouts this week. He’s up to 112 strikeouts over 83.1 innings this season.

Ryan Verdugo - Verdugo has been up and down but he’s also been unhittable at times. This week the right-hander made one start and tossed 6 scoreless innings allowing just one hit while striking out 8. He’s held opponents to a .197 batting average against this year.

Jagger Beck - Beck has been one of the true breakout prospects this season. This week the right-hander made one start and struck out 8 over 6 innings allowing 2 runs. The 19-year-old has racked up 94 strikeouts over 80.2 innings in Single-A.

Astros Prospect Arturo Flores Sets Woodpeckers Home Run Record

https://astrosfuture.com/2026/08/astros-prospect-arturo-flores-sets-woodpeckers-home-run-record/

TEAM ERA and OPS:

Sugar Land - From 4.54 ERA to 4.43 ERA - From .715 OPS to .706 OPS

Corpus Christi - From 4.2 ERA to 4.46 ERA - From .710 OPS to .706 OPS

Asheville - From 7.45 ERA to 7.55 ERA - From .805 OPS to .805 OPS

Fayetteville - From 4.93 ERA to 4.81 ERA - From .744 OPS to .753 OPS

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Who's Hot At The Plate?

DJ Newman - Newman was drafted by the Astros in the 15th round last year and after some injuries this year, the outfielder is swinging it well. This week he hit .474 with a double, 2 home runs and 10 runs batted in. Overall this season he’s hitting .319 over 45 games.

Ben Tryon - Tryon was selected by the Astros in the 17th round of this year’s draft and is off to a nice start. This week for the Woodpeckers he hit .500 with a double, a home run and 5 runs batted in. It’s early for him, but he’s off to a good start in his pro career.

Logan Hughes - Drafted #17 overall in the 2026 draft, Hughes is off a really strong start. This week he played in four games and hit .368 with 3 doubles, a triple, 4 runs batted in and 6 stolen bases. Like Tryon, he’s off to a really nice start in the Astros system.

Kam Durnin - Another draftee, Durnin was selected din the 4th round of the 2026 draft. He played in four games this week for the Woodpeckers and hit .412 with a double, a home run, 3 runs batted in and 3 stolen bases. Really nice start for a few of the Astros 2026 draftees.

Astros Prospects Who Have Made The Biggest Leaps In 2026

https://astrosfuture.com/2026/08/astros-prospects-who-have-made-the-biggest-leaps-in-2026/

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Who's Hot On The Mound?

Juan Fraide - Fraide has been a really nice find and having a strong season. After starting in the FCL, the right-hander got promoted to Fayetteville where he’s been even better. This week he tossed 6 scoreless innings with 5 strikeouts. He has a 2.96 ERA in Fayetteville.

Bryce Mayer - After dominating Double-A, Mayer earned a promotion to Sugar Land. His first outing wasn’t great but he was back to form this week allowing 1 run over 6 innings. Overall he has a 3.12 ERA with 105 strikeouts across 78 innings between Double-A and Triple-A.

Nolan DeVos - DeVos’ breakout in Double-A has continued with another good game. This week the right-hander tossed 4 scoreless innings with zero walks to 8 strikeouts. In Double-A DeVos has a 1.93 ERA with 6 walks to 32 strikeouts over 23.1 innings.

Jose Guedez - Guedez missed some time with an injury for a few years and has transitioned to relief, but was really good this week. Across three outings, the right-hander tossed 4.2 scoreless innings with 6 strikeouts. The overall numbers haven’t been great, but he had a nice week.

Undrafted Charlie Weber Turning Heads With Unique Look On The Mound

https://astrosfuture.com/2026/08/undrafted-charlie-weber-turning-heads-with-unique-look-on-the-mound/

TEAM ERA and OPS:

Sugar Land - From 4.61 ERA to 4.54 ERA - From .715 OPS to .715 OPS

Corpus Christi - From 4.55 ERA to 4.52 ERA - From .719 OPS to .710 OPS

Asheville - From 7.34 ERA to 7.45 ERA - From .800 OPS to .805 OPS

Fayetteville - From 4.88 ERA to 4.93 ERA - From .739 OPS to .744 OPS

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Who's Hot At The Plate?

Waner Luciano - Luciano spent a few years in Fayetteville but has got it figured out this season. This week the 21-year-old hit .444 with 3 doubles, a home run and 4 stolen bases. Overall this season he’s hitting .292 with 15 doubles, 8 home runs and a .917 OPS through 56 games.

Max Holy - Holy may not end up on the hotlist often since he is carried by his elite defense at shortstop, but this week he was strong. In six games for the Hooks, Holy hit .375 with 2 home runs and 2 stolen bases. This year he has 8 home runs and 37 stolen bases over 95 games.

Ethan Frey - After a slow start, Frey has really been swinging it well and had another nice week for Asheville. The 22-year-old played in five games and hit .364 with 4 doubles, a home run and 6 runs batted in. Overall he is hitting .288 with 16 doubles and 10 home runs in 70 games.

Alejandro Nunez - Nunez continues to fly under the radar, but he just hits and has continued to move up. This week for the Hooks, Nunez hit .389 with a double, 2 runs batted in and a stolen base. The 21-year-old is hitting .364 in Double-A and has a .722 OPS overall this season.

Astros Top 30 Prospects: New Rankings, Big Risers And New Faces

https://astrosfuture.com/2026/08/astros-top-30-prospects-new-rankings-big-risers-and-new-faces/

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Who's Hot On The Mound?

Brett Gillis - After suffering a UCL injury and a long rehab, Gillis had found his form and putting together a nice season. This week the right-hander struck out 7 over 5.2 innings allowing 2 runs. Overall, he has a 3.57 ERA with 74 strikeouts over 88.1 innings this season.

Nolan DeVos - DeVos’ breakout in Double-A has continued. After being on the list last week, this week the right-hander made one start and struck out 6 over 5 innings allowing one run on one hit. In Double-A, DeVos has 2.33 ERA with 6 walks to 24 strikeouts in 19.1 innings.

Jesus Carrera - Carrera has had some strong outings this season and this week might have been his best. The right-hander went 5 innings striking out 8 batters to no walks allowing just one unearned run. He’s up to 65 strikeouts over 69.1 innings this season in Fayetteville.

Cole Hertzler - Hertzler got off to a great start in Asheville this year and was quickly promoted to Corpus Christi. This week he had a nice outing striking out 7 over 4 innings allowing just one hit and one unearned run. On the season, the right-hander has a 2.63 ERA with 87 K in 72 innings.

Astros Prospect Stock Report 2026: Volume 4

https://astrosfuture.com/2026/08/astros-prospect-stock-report-2026-volume-4/

TEAM ERA and OPS:

Sugar Land - From 4.50 ERA to 4.61 ERA - From .712 OPS to .715 OPS

Corpus Christi - From 4.57 ERA to 4.55 ERA - From .727 OPS to .719 OPS

Asheville - From 7.39 ERA to 7.34 ERA - From .806 OPS to .800 OPS

Fayetteville - From 4.75 ERA to 4.88 ERA - From .746 OPS to .739 OPS

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1. Kevin Alvarez, OF

Level: Single-A

The Astros signed Alvarez for $2 million in January 2025, one of the largest international bonuses the organization has ever awarded. Alvarez was widely regarded as one of the top pure hitters in the 2025 international signing class and has quickly lived up to that reputation. The left-handed hitter possesses elite bat-to-ball skills with an advanced approach and solid raw power, with the potential for more as he physically matures. He also stands out as a well-rounded athlete with a strong arm and solid defensive instincts. While Alvarez isn’t a burner on the bases, he is a solid runner once underway. Alvarez shown an advanced approach this season while adding more impact at the plate, collecting 23 doubles and nine home runs. His combination of contact skills, plate discipline and developing power gives him one of the highest offensive ceilings in the Astros’ system.

2. Xavier Neyens, INF

Level: High-A

Neyens was selected by the Astros in the first round of the 2025 MLB Draft and signed for $4.12 million, the organization’s largest signing bonus since Alex Bregman received $5.9 million in 2015. A left-handed hitter out of Mount Vernon High School in Washington, Neyens entered pro ball with some of the best raw power in his draft class. Neyens has a big frame with room to continue adding strength and already possesses plus-plus power while producing elite exit velocities. He combines that power with an extremely patient approach at the plate, rarely chasing and showing a willingness to work counts and take his walks. While there will be some swing-and-miss with his offensive profile, his combination of power and on-base ability gives him tremendous upside at the plate. He got off to a strong start with Single-A Fayetteville this season, posting an OPS near .900 with 14 home runs before earning a promotion to High-A Asheville. Still just 19 years old, Neyens possesses one of the highest offensive ceilings in the Astros’ system.

3. Logan Hughes, OF

Level: Single-A

Hughes was selected by the Astros with the 17th overall pick in the 2026 MLB Draft following an extremely productive career at Texas Tech. The left-handed hitter put together a monster junior season, batting .375 with 18 home runs while drawing 50 walks compared to just 33 strikeouts over 55 games. Hughes has an advanced approach at the plate with the ability to make consistent contact without sacrificing power. He possesses plus raw power and projects to hit for above-average power in games, giving him the potential to develop into an impact offensive player. While Hughes may not provide a ton of defensive value, his bat is his calling card and should be what carries him through the system. His combination of contact ability, plate discipline and power gives him one of the highest offensive ceilings in the Astros’ farm system, and his advanced bat could allow him to move quickly through the minor leagues.

4. Jack Radel, RHP

Level: Rookie

Radel was selected by the Astros with the 28th overall pick in the 2026 MLB Draft, becoming the first pitcher taken by Houston in the first round since J.B. Bukauskas in 2017. He is an imposing presence on the mound, listed at 6-foot-5 and 250 pounds. The right-hander features a fastball that reaches 98 mph along with a plus cutter, slider and above-average command. He also generates elite extension, allowing his stuff to play up even more. In 2026 at Notre Dame, Radel posted a 3.29 ERA while striking out 116 batters over 87.2 innings. Radel’s combination of size, velocity, command and a deep arsenal gives him legitimate starting pitcher upside. Following the draft, he immediately becomes one of the highest-upside pitching prospects in the Astros’ farm system.

5. Albert Fermin, SS

Level: Rookie

Fermin was the Astros top international signing in January of this year, signing for $2.3 million. Fermin already produces consistent hard contact, and with his physical upside, there’s reason to believe he could grow into considerable in-game power as he matures. He is a switch hitter who has been really good from the left side, but still developing the right-handed swing. Defensively, Fermin is athletic enough to begin his professional career at shortstop, but evaluators believe his long-term home may ultimately be at third base. With his strong arm and solid instincts, he projects well at either position on the left side of the infield, giving the Astros a versatile and high-upside addition to their international class. He’s been great in the DSL this season batting .342 with 8 doubles, 5 home runs, 20 stolen bases and more walks than strikeouts.

Subscribe below to see the rest of the top 30 right here, or click the following link:

https://astrosfuture.com/2026/05/houston-astros-top-30-prospects-2026-new-faces-big-risers-updated-rankings/

Here is the link for the interactive top 30 prospects: https://astrosfuture.com/astros-top-prospects/

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Starting tomorrow, I’ll be rolling out a brand-new interactive Astros Top 30 Prospects.

Instead of just scrolling through a traditional list of names and scouting reports, you’ll be able to interact with the rankings. Each prospect will have a drop-down section where you can see live stats, prospect rankings, production scores and an overall Prospect Score based on their performance.

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The goal is to make the Top 30 more than just a list. I want it to become a place where you can quickly see how each prospect is performing, how they compare to others in the system and why they rank where they do.

The new interactive Top 30 will officially go live tomorrow, when I'll also send out my updated Astros Top 30 Prospects list. Keep an eye out for the link!

Here’s a sneak peek at what it will look like:

And it won’t just be my rankings.

You’ll also have the ability to build your own Astros Top 30 Prospects, ranking the players exactly how you see them. Once you’re finished, you’ll be able to share your custom Top 30 with other Astros fans through a direct link or downloadable image.

I think this will be one of the most fun parts of the new rankings. Everyone has different opinions on prospects, so now you’ll be able to build your own list, share it and compare it with mine and other Astros fans. Here are some more screen shots:

As always, thank you all for the support over the years. Astros Future wouldn’t be what it is today without everyone who reads, follows and shares the work.

I really think this new Top 30 will be a game-changing tool for the site and a fun resource for Astros fans who enjoy following the farm system. I’m excited to finally get it out there, and I hope you enjoy using it.

As always, I’d love to hear your feedback once you’ve had a chance to check it out!

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Who's Hot At The Plate?

Walker Janek - Janek had a rough start to the season and ended up on the injured list. He got healthy and has been crushing ending up on this list again this week. In four games for the Hooks, Janek hit .529 with a double, 2 home runs, 7 runs batted in and 4 stolen bases.

DJ Newman - Newman also faced some injuries issues but has been really good since coming back. This week in five games for the Woodpeckers, he hit .583 with 2 doubles, a home run, 7 runs batted in and 2 stolen bases. He has a .883 OPS through 37 games this season.

Kevin Alvarez - Alvarez, one of the Astros top prospects, put together a really nice week for the Woodpeckers. In five games the 18-year-old hit .375 with 2 doubles, a triple, a home run and 6 walks to 3 strikeouts. Overall this season, Alvarez is hitting .281 with 23 doubles and 9 home runs.

Jason Schiavone - Schiavone has been one of the breakout prospect this season and despite slowing down a bit in Double-A, he had a big week this week. In four games for the Hooks, he hit .500 with 4 doubles, 5 runs batted in and 3 stolen bases. Schiavone has a .973 OPS overall this season.

Inside Justin Thomas’ Breakout Season With The Astros

https://astrosfuture.com/2026/07/inside-justin-thomas-breakout-season-with-the-astros/

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Who's Hot On The Mound?

Bryce Mayer - Mayer has continued to dominate in the minors and this week had his best outing of the season. In his one start for the Hooks, Mayer tossed 6 scoreless innings allowing just 3 hits with 9 strikeouts. On the season, he has a 2.61 ERA with 100 strikeouts over 69 innings.

Nolan DeVos - DeVos looked like a great pick back in 2023 when he had a breakout season, but injuries over the last couple of years have hurt him. This year after some time in Asheville, DeVos has promoted to Double-A and been great. This week DeVos struck out 7 over 6 innings allowing 2 runs.

Ryan Verdugo - Verdugo was drafted by the Astros in the 12th round of the 2024 draft and has been really good at times this year. In one outing this week for the Woodpeckers, Verdugo tossed 6 scoreless innings with 4 strikeouts. He’s allowed just 47 hits over 65.2 innings in Single-A.

James Hicks - Hicks seems to alternate good and bad outings, and this week was a good one. In his start for the Hooks, Hicks allowed one runs over 5.1 innings. On the season, he has a 4.96 ERA but has also turned in some really good outings and might see Triple-A this year.

Astros Minor League Players Of The Month: July

https://astrosfuture.com/2026/08/astros-minor-league-players-of-the-month-july-3/

TEAM ERA and OPS:

Sugar Land - From 4.56 ERA to 4.50 ERA - From .702 OPS to .712 OPS

Corpus Christi - From 4.58 ERA to 4.57 ERA - From .719 OPS to .727 OPS

Asheville - From 7.19 ERA to 7.39 ERA - From .808 OPS to .806 OPS

Fayetteville - From 4.87 ERA to 4.75 ERA - From .733 OPS to .746 OPS

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Who's Hot At The Plate?

Walker Janek - Janek had a rough start to the season and ended up on the injured list. Once healthy, he hit well in his rehab games and that has continued with the Hooks. This week the catcher hit .375 with a double, a home run, 2 runs batted in and 4 stolen bases.

Juan Rojas - Rojas was signed as an international free agent in Jan…

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Who's Hot At The Plate?

Ethan Frey - Frey had a slow start to the season and then turned it on in May before an injury sidelined him for a bit. He came back and this week was solid hitting .375 with a double, home run, 6 runs batted in and 2 stole bases. Overall, Frey is hitting .277 through 56 games this season.

Sebastian Mendez - Mendez was signed by th…

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Who's Hot At The Plate?

Will Bush - Bush got off to a hot start and then cooled off a bit with an injury, but he has came back with a vengeance. This week, the 22-year-old hit .429 with 2 doubles, 2 home runs and 5 runs batted in over 6 games. He has a 1.025 OPS over his last 20 games and a .855 OPS overall this season.

Sami Manzueta - Manzueta had a supe…

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Rd 1, #17) Logan Hughes, OF, Texas Tech

Hughes is an extremely productive college hitter from Texas Tech. In his junior year, Hughes hit .375 with 18 home runs and 50 walks to 33 strikeouts over 55 games. Hughes has one of the best hit tools in the draft and solid power to mat…

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DATE AND TIME:

Day 1: Saturday, July 11 (Rounds 1-4)
• 1:00-2:30 p.m. ET - Picks 1-…

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Who's Hot At The Plate?

Chase Call - Call has been a little boom or bust this year but when he’s hot, he’s hot. This week he hit .526 with 3 doubles, 2 home runs and 13 runs batted in. Call is hitting .237 this season with 19 doubles, 12 home runs and 18 stolen bases through 61 games.

Josh Wakefield - Wakefield got off to a nice start but an injured derai…

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Let’s start with the travel day because, honestly, it was a mess. A tropical depressio…

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Who's Hot At The Plate?

Xavier Neyens - Neyens, the Astros first round pick last year, has put together a strong season so far. This week the 19-year-old hit .400 with 3 home runs and 9 walks in just 5 games. Overall this season, Neyens has a .900 OPS with 12 home runs for the Woodpeckers.

Albert Fermin - Fermin got the biggest international bonus the Ast…

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MLB also introduced limits on pitcher disengagements, including pickoff attempts and step-offs. Pitchers are now limited to two disengagements per plate appearance, giving baserunners more opportunities to get comfortable leads and attempt steals.

The introduction of the pitch clock in 2023 also played a huge role in increasing the impact of speed. With pitchers working within a set time limit, runners are better able to anticipate timing and recognize opportunities to break for second or third base, creating more chances to take advantage on the basepaths.

The Astros have yet to fully capitalize on these rule changes at the major league level. Since the implementation of these changes, the Astros rank 26th out of 30 teams in stolen bases, but the shift in philosophy throughout their minor league system could put them in a position to take advantage moving forward.

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What started on social media has grown into something much bigger than I ever imagined.

Over the years, Astros Future has become a place where fans can follow prospects, get daily minor …

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Who's Hot At The Plate?

Drew Brutcher - Brutcher, signed as an undrafted free agent in 2024, has been on a tear since joining the Hooks. This week in six games he hit .438 with a home run, 5 runs batted in and an impressive 7 walks to 4 strikeouts. Overall he is hitting .306 this season.

Pascanel Ferreras - Like Brutcher, Ferreras has also been dominant s…

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Who's Hot At The Plate?

Drew Brutcher - Brutcher, signed as an undrafted free agent in 2024, was one of the hottest hitters on the planet this week. The 24-year-old hit .542 with 6 doubles, 2 home runs and 14 runs batted in over 5 games. Brutcher is hitting .358 with 3 home runs and 23 runs batted in over 14 Double-A games.

Tyler Whitaker - Whitaker was d…

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Who's Hot At The Plate?

Pascanel Ferreras - Ferreras, the last pick of the 2023 draft, got a promotion to Triple-A this week and had a monster debut. Through five games for Sugar Land, Ferreras hit .529 with a double, 2 home runs, 5 runs batted in and 2 stolen baes. He’s hitting .302 overall this season.

Justin Thomas - Thomas was drafted by the Astros in…

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