Astros brass sees potential in consistently 'underranked' farm system
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. -- The last time the Astros landed in the top 10 of MLB Pipeline’s farm system rankings was before the 2019 season. Since those rankings expanded to all 30 teams ahead of the 2020 season -- 11 lists in total -- they’ve never ranked higher than
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. -- The last time the Astros landed in the top 10 of MLB Pipeline’s farm system rankings was before the 2019 season. Since those rankings expanded to all 30 teams ahead of the 2020 season -- 11 lists in total -- they’ve never ranked higher than 27th and landed No. 29 on this year’s preseason list.
That clearly hasn’t impacted their ability to win at the Major League level, having reached the playoffs eight straight years. And they continue to get major contributions to the big league team from relatively unheralded prospects, maximizing talents from late-round Draft picks or bargain international signees.
“One of the things that we take pride in is being able to extract everything we can from the players that we have,” said Jacob Buffa, Astros senior director of player development and performance science. “And overall, I think our group has done a pretty good job. We're not going to hit on every single player, but I think we have a pretty good process that allows us to give the Major League team players that will ultimately help them win a World Series.”
Right now, the system does lean toward bats, with the top five of the new Top 30 all position players, headlined by new acquisition -- and No. 1 prospect -- Cam Smith. It’s the best assortment of hitters the system has had in some time and four of the five (2024 first-round pick Walker Janek is the exception) have the chance to impact the big league roster during the 2025 season.
The pitchers are trying to catch up. Right-hander Miguel Ullola (No. 6), signed for $75,000 in 2021, led the Minors in average-against (.163) and raced to Triple-A in '24 -- though he left the Astros’ Spring Breakout game last Friday with shoulder discomfort. No. 7 Anderson Brito thrived in reaching full-season ball for the first time last year. Ethan Pecko (No. 10), the organization’s Minor League Pitcher of the Year, and A.J. Blubaugh (No. 11) excelled at the upper levels while four Astros arms -- Blubaugh, Colton Gordon (No. 16), Ryan Gusto (No. 21) and Wander Suero -- were all named Triple-A Pacific Coast League All-Stars, once again giving the organization a pool of perhaps lesser-known (but ultimately big league-ready) pitchers to call upon as they try to compete in the AL West again.
“One of the strengths of our pitching development, it’s not just a broad sweeping, ‘Hey, this is something that we focused on and this is a common theme that allowed all these guys to get better,'” said Buffa, pointing to Ullola’s improved walk rates and Blubaugh’s continued velocity jumps as distinct examples. “It’s different modes of success for all of them. That’s one of the things that I’m proud of with our pitching department. It’s an individualized approach for each one of the guys.”
It’s not that the Astros don’t see things like farm system rankings and likely think they’re underranked regularly. It’s just not something they focus on, knowing that their mode of operation seems to work, even if it’s underappreciated.
“We notice it and our players notice it, but It’s not our ultimate target,” Buffa said. “We’d love for our players to get recognition for their sake, not necessarily because we want it to reflect a certain way on the program.
“These guys put in a lot of really hard work and they’re talented, and as their coaches, we believe in them, so we’d love for them to get recognition. But ultimately that’s not how we’re going to assess success or failure.”
📩 SUBSCRIBE TO THE BASEBALL TRAVELER NEWSLETTER
Camp standout: Brice Matthews
Matthews (No. 2) was the Astros’ first-round pick in 2023 after posting a 20-20 season at Nebraska in his Draft year. Hailing from suburban Houston, the local kid came home and had a very solid first full season of pro ball, making it to Triple-A despite missing a chunk of the season with back problems. He finished the year with 15 homers and 32 steals in 79 games.
Matthews’ numbers in Grapefruit League games don’t jump off the page, but the Astros have loved how much he looked like he belonged in big league camp, all while focusing on the right side of the infield more than he has previously, though he did play more there during his time in the Puerto Rican Winter League during the offseason.
“He’s looked fantastic on and off the field,” Buffa said. “He’s come in confident, he’s shown some leadership abilities. He’s playing second right now, which he didn’t play last year. And he looks great at second. He’s putting together good ABs with good quality contact.”
Breakout candidate: Jackson Nezuh
Nezuh was the club’s 14th-round pick in the 2023 Draft out of Louisiana-Lafayette -- yet another late-round find for the Astros. He didn’t throw after signing, but then was leading the Single-A Carolina League with 105 strikeouts in 81 2/3 innings before getting promoted to High-A in July of his first full season. His 30 percent strikeout rate and 3.15 K/BB rate really stood out.
“He has an electric fastball that misses a lot of bats,” Buffa said. “He has a good breaking ball. We’re very excited about him, and I think by the end of the year, a lot of people will be talking about him.”
Nezuh may have started the buzz early with his performance in the Astros’ Spring Breakout game. The right-hander, No. 15 on the Top 30, struck out four in 1 2/3 innings, including fanning the side in the sixth inning against Nationals prospects.
Something to prove: Cristian Gonzalez
Gonzalez signed with the Astros way back in July 2018 for $300,000. He had modest success early in his career, but had spent the 2022 season in High-A at age 20. Since then, he’s played just 10 games over the past two years, with a hamstring injury early in 2023 and then Tommy John surgery at the end of the season landing him on the 60-day injured list in both 2023 and 2024.
He’s healthy now and even got some time in big league Grapefruit League action. He’s still only 23 years old and will now hopefully get the chance to see if his skill set can carry him up the ladder ... if he can stay off the injured list.
“It was a really unfortunate series of injuries,” Buffa said. “He’s worked extremely hard and done a good job of coming back. He’s a tremendously talented infielder with multiple tools. I’m very intrigued to see him after having not played for almost two years.”
Jonathan Mayo is a reporter for MLBPipeline.com. Follow him on Facebook and @JonathanMayo, and listen to him on the weekly MLB Pipeline Podcast.
Chiefs Release 2025 Promotional Schedule
PEORIA, IL – The Peoria Chiefs released their jam-packed 2025 promotional schedule on Thursday. In total, the 2025 promotional calendar features 26 giveaways, 23 fireworks nights, 22 theme nights, four alternate identities and three bobblehead nights. A trio of former Chiefs headline the bobblehead giveaways. On June 28, the Chiefs
Chiefs to Raffle off Morgan Wallen Concert Tickets on May 25
PEORIA, IL – For the second year in a row, the Peoria Chiefs have teamed up with Fan Cave Tickets to provide a chance to win a trip to one of the year’s hottest concerts. On Sunday, May 25, the Chiefs will raffle off two tickets to Morgan Wallen’s show
Chiefs Announce 2025 On-Field Staff
PEORIA, IL – The Peoria Chiefs will have a new-look coaching staff in 2025, the parent club St. Louis Cardinals announced on Friday. Roberto Espinoza will serve as the club’s manager. Espinoza, 35, becomes the 26th manager in franchise history, taking over the post previously held by Patrick Anderson. After
Cardinals Catcher Pedro Pages Headlines Attendees at 2025 Caravan Stop
PEORIA, IL – Former Chief and current Cardinals catcher Pedro Pages highlights the list of four players who will appear at the 2025 Cardinals Caravan in Peoria January 17-18. Pages, 26, made his Major League debut in 2024 and appeared in 68 games for the Cardinals. The backstop hit seven
Peoria Chiefs, Wilson Services Reach Field Naming Rights Agreement
PEORIA, IL – The Peoria Chiefs and East Peoria-based Wilson Services, central Illinois’ leader in landscaping, have agreed to name the Dozer Park playing surface Wilson Services Field. Effective in 2025, Wilson Services will become the first title sponsor of the on-field surface in franchise history and have their logo
Sign Ups Open for Homer's Kids Club
Homer's Kids Club is back for another season! Presented by Culver's, sign ups are now available for the 2025 season! For just $40, members will receive an exclusive kids club hat, a lanyard, credential and an autograph book! Each child will also receive eight vouchers, including six undated vouchers, good
Holiday Special on Sale Now!
With the holiday season fast approaching, let the Chiefs help you find the perfect gift for that special someone! The Chiefs annual Holiday Ticket Special is live! For just $69, fans can purchase four vouchers to any 2025 Chiefs home game and receive four random Chiefs-related gifts in the process.
Chiefs Release 2025 Game Times
PEORIA, IL – The Peoria Chiefs, in conjunction with Major League Baseball, announced start times for all 2025 home games on Monday. Weeknight home games for the upcoming season will again start at 6:35 p.m. Friday and Saturday home contests will feature a 7:05 p.m. first pitch. The majority of
2024 Chiefs Hurler Mathews Named Cardinals Minor League Pitcher of the Year
PEORIA, IL – Quinn Mathews added to his long list of accolades on Monday when the 2024 Chiefs southpaw was named the Cardinals Minor League Pitcher of the Year. Mathews, who was recently named Minor League Baseball’s Pitching Prospect of the Year, finished the season with 202 strikeouts to pace
Chiefs Announce 2025 Schedule
PEORIA, IL – The Peoria Chiefs announced their 2025 schedule on Monday ahead of the franchise’s 43rd season. For the second time in three years, the Chiefs will open their season at home. Peoria kicks off the 2025 campaign hosting the Quad Cities River Bandits April 4-6 at Dozer Park.
Chiefs Rout Captains in Season Finale
PEORIA, IL – In a game that featured 16 Peoria hits and four Lake County ejections, the Chiefs blitzed the Captains in an 11-0 win at Dozer Park. The Chiefs wasted no time getting started on Sunday. Miguel Villarroel led off the Peoria first with a long home run to
Spivey Silences Peoria Bats in 3-1 Lake County Win
PEORIA, IL – Lake County starter Carter Spivey took a perfect game into the seventh inning Saturday, as the Captains pitched their way past the Chiefs 3-1 at Dozer Park. Spivey, who entered action with a 7-1 record on the season, was hardly challenged as he ventured through the Peoria
Captains Grind out Win in 11 Innings
PEORIA, IL – An 11th-inning single from Jonah Advincula proved to be the difference in a 4-3 Lake County win on Friday at Dozer Park. After both teams stranded runners in the 10th, Advincula stood in with a runner at third and one out in the top of the 11th.
Chiefs Boat Race Captains Behind Six-Run Third
PEORIA, IL – The Peoria Chiefs batted around in the third inning and scored six times in an 8-3 win over the Lake County Captains on Thursday. Peoria jumped out to an early 1-0 lead in the bottom of the first, scoring a run without the benefit of a hit.
Chiefs Eliminated from Playoff Contention with 2-1 Loss Wednesday
PEORIA, IL – The Peoria Chiefs gave it a valiant run in the second half, but with their 2-1 loss to Lake County on Wednesday, the Chiefs were officially eliminated from postseason contention. A Chiefs loss, paired with a 5-1 Quad Cities win, robbed the Chiefs of consecutive postseason berths
Collado's Homer Sinks Chiefs
PEORIA, IL – Maick Collado’s two-run homer in the ninth inning stunned the Chiefs and gave the Lake County Captains a 4-3 win at Dozer Park on Tuesday. Collado stood at the plate with one out in the top of the ninth against Chiefs reliever Tanner Jacobson. The game’s tying
Chiefs Clip Sky Carp on Saturday
BELOIT, WI – The Peoria Chiefs never trailed Saturday in an 8-4 win over the Beloit Sky Carp at ABC Supply Stadium. Again, the Chiefs jumped out to a 1-0 lead in the first inning. Tre Richardson drove in his fourth first-inning run in this week’s series, scoring Alex Iadisernia
Chiefs Best Sky Carp Behind Moore's Historic Night
BELOIT, WI – Peoria shortstop Brody Moore did something that hasn’t been done in professional baseball this season in Friday’s 4-3 win over the Beloit Sky Carp. Moore recorded four hits and swiped five bases, tying a single-game franchise record. Moore is the only player this season, regardless of level,
Vradenberg Upends Chiefs on Thursday
BELOIT, WI – The Beloit Sky Carp recorded 14 hits and Brock Vradenburg drove in five runs in a 6-2 win over the Peoria Chiefs on Thursday. Vradenberg got the scoring started in the bottom of the second with a two-run homer to right center to give Beloit a 2-0
Iadisernia Delivers in a Pinch, Chiefs Rally Past Beloit
BELOIT, WI – After being called upon as a pinch hitter, Alex Iadisernia delivered a go-ahead, two-run single to lead the Chiefs to a four-run seventh inning and a 7-3 win over the Beloit Sky Carp on Wednesday. Peoria trailed 3-2 entering the seventh inning, but loaded the bases with
Sky Carp Power Past Chiefs
BELOIT, WI – The Beloit Sky Carp mashed three home runs, including a pair over the game’s final three innings, to rally past the Chiefs 7-5 on Tuesday. Leading 5-3 entering the seventh, Chiefs starter Brycen Mautz turned the ball over to Tanner Jacobson after walking the lead-off man. After
TinCaps Seesaw Past Chiefs Sunday
PEORIA, IL – In a game that featured multiple ties and lead changes, the Fort Wayne TinCaps walked away with an 8-5 win in Sunday’s series finale against the Peoria Chiefs. The Peoria offense wasted no time getting started on Sunday, turning in four consecutive singles against TinCaps starter Eric
Peoria Comeback Bid Falls Short in 3-2 Defeat
PEORIA, IL – The Peoria Chiefs put the tying and winning runs on base in the bottom of the ninth inning, but came up just short in a 3-2 loss to the Fort Wayne TinCaps. With the Chiefs trailing 3-1 entering the inning, Chase Adkison led off the frame with
Chiefs Rally Past TinCaps, Win Sixth Straight
PEORIA, IL – The Peoria Chiefs racked up another come-from-behind win this week, scoring four runs in the bottom of the seventh on Friday to emerge a 6-4 victor over the Fort Wayne TinCaps. Peoria trailed 4-2 entering the bottom of the seventh and loaded the bases with just one
Chiefs Triumph Again Behind Bernal's Walk-Off Blast
PEORIA, IL – For the second night in a row, the Peoria Chiefs defeated the Fort Wayne TinCaps via a walk-off home run. Leonardo Bernal’s two-run homer in the bottom of the 10th sent the Chiefs to a 6-4 win Thursday and their fifth consecutive victory. Before Bernal’s blast, Chiefs