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.
Reading Fightin Phils Unveil Expanded Alarm Tech R-Phils Team Store
(Reading, PA) - The Reading Fightin Phils, Double-A affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies, are excited to grow our partnership with Alarm Tech, located in Reading, as the new sponsor of the newly expanded R-Phils team store. The Alarm Tech R-Phils Team Store will officially open on Opening Night, Friday, as
Reading Fightin Phils Unveil Brand New Redner’s Beer & Wine Café Big Straw Slushies
(Reading, PA) - The Reading Fightin Phils, Double-A affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies, are excited to introduce a brand new and improved Redner's Markets Beer and Wine Cafe Big Straw Slushy Stand. The R-Phils are excited to partner with Redner's, the Preferred Grocery Store of the R-Phils, for the new
Fightin Phils Defeat Jersey Shore in Exhibition Game
(Reading, PA) - The Reading Fightin Phils defeated High-A Jersey Shore, 6-3, on Tuesday night at FirstEnergy Stadium. Potential future Fightin Phils got to see the stadium and see where they could be playing in the near future. For the Fightin Phils, this game was the first time new roster
Philadelphia Phillies Announce 2025 Reading Fightin Phils Break Camp Roster
(Reading, PA) - The Philadelphia Phillies have announced the 2025 Break Camp roster for the Reading Fightin Phils. The roster includes 29 total players, with 15 pitchers and 14 position players. Headlined on the roster is Phillies No. 2 prospect Aidan Miller, who joined the Fightin Phils for the final
FirstEnergy Stadium Transitioning to Cashless in 2025
(Reading, PA) - In an effort to increase efficiency for in-stadium purchases and transactions, the Reading Fightin Phils will be converting FirstEnergy stadium to cashless, beginning with the 2025 season. Fans may use credit cards, debit cards or Apple Pay for all purchases at concession stands, bars, the team store
Fightin Phils to Sport Multiple Specialty Jerseys on Saturday Night's this Summer
(Reading, PA) - The Reading Fightin Phils, Double-A affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies, are excited to partner with Philly Pretzel Factory - Muhlenberg, Grand Property Company, Spring House Window & Door - Malvern, The Learning Experience Wyomissing and 830 AM WEEU, this season as the team will wear a variety
Fightin Phils to Play as "Reading Hot Dogs" on Berks Packing Sunday Family Funday
(Reading, PA) – The 2025 Reading Fightin Phils home schedule will feature 12 Sunday Family Fun Day games throughout the season. Berks Packing Sunday Family Fun Days include four tickets, with four hot dogs and four sodas when purchased in advanced of game day for only $65. These 12 games
Win a 2025 Harley-Davidson!
Get ready to rev up your support for Baseballtown Charities with the return of Classic Harley-Davidson's "Bike for Baseballtown Charities" giveaway! On Saturday, August 16th, Classic Harley-Davidson Night at the R-Phils offers a chance to win a brand new 2025 Harley-Davidson Street Bob, valued at over $18,000, simply by purchasing
R-Phils to Play as Los Luchadores on Fiesta Friday’s
(Reading, PA) – In connection with Minor League Baseball’s “Copa de la Diversion” initiative, the Reading Fightin Phils are once again excited to play as “Los Luchadores de Reading,” during Friday home games throughout the 2025 season, also known as “Fiesta Friday” at FirstEnergy Stadium. Reading first introduced Los Luchadores
Fightin Phils to Wear New Throwback Thursday Jerseys in 2025
(Reading, PA) - The Reading Fightin Phils, Double-A affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies, will debut new jerseys on Throwback Thursday's in 2025. The uniforms will recognize the 1980s era of Phillies baseball with the throwback "R" and other elements from the Mike Schmidt-era. The Throwback Jerseys will be worn by
Fightin Phils and WEEU to Partner for Home Broadcasts in 2025
(Reading, PA) - The Reading Fightin Phils and 830 AM WEEU "The Voice of Berks and Beyond" are excited to announce a brand-new and expanded partnership that will have all 69 R-Phils home games in 2025 broadcasted live on WEEU's website. Each game throughout the upcoming season will be heard
Phillies Future on Full Display in Spring Breakout Game
(Clearwater, FL) - For the 6,347 fans that filled Baycare Ballpark on Friday afternoon, a brief look into the future of the Philadelphia Phillies was on full display. The Phillies prospects took down the Pirates 5-3 on a beautiful afternoon, but what happened between the first pitch and final out
Fightin Phils to Provide Radio Coverage of Phillies Spring Breakout Game
(Clearwater, FL) - The Reading Fightin Phils are excited to announce that they'll be providing the radio coverage of Friday's Spring Breakout Game between the Philadelphia Phillies and Pittsburgh Pirates, live from Baycare Ballpark in Clearwater. Audio coverage will be available on the Fightin Phils Website, The Phillies Website, along
Wathan, Ruf and May Featured in 2025 Fightin Phils Hall of Fame Class
(Reading, PA) - The Reading Fightin Phils, Double-A affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies, are excited to announce that former Manager Dusty Wathan, along with Darin Ruf and Trevor May, will be inducted into the Penn State Health Children's Hospital Reading Baseball Hall of Fame. The trio will be inducted prior
11 Former Fightin Phils Represented on Phillies Spring Breakout Roster
(Reading, PA) - Major League Baseball announced the Philadelphia Phillies roster for the 2025 Spring Breakout Game on Thursday. The Phillies top prospects will take on the Pittsburgh Pirates prospects on Friday, March 14 in Clearwater, Florida. Of the 27 prospects on the Phillies breakout roster, 11 have previously played
Baseballtown Charities Dream League Entering Eighth Season with Largest Enrollment Ever
(Reading, PA) - The Baseballtown Charities Dream League is entering its eighth season in 2025 and is excited to share that this year will feature the largest enrollment in the history of the Dream League. With the large number of participants, the need for volunteers has never been greater and
Bring Your Dog to the Park This Summer
(Reading, PA) – The Reading Fightin Phils are excited to have our furriest fans out at FirstEnergy Stadium this summer during our Bark in the Park nights thanks to Humane Pennsylvania. There will be five Sunday nights at America’s Classic ballpark where fans can bring their dogs along with them
Join the Fightin Phils for Celebrate your Faith Nights in 2025
(Reading, PA) - The Reading Fightin Phils, Double-A affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies, are excited to again host three Celebrate Your Faith Nights throughout the 2025 season. These discussions will be led by members of the Fightin Phils roster. This season's Celebrate Your Faith Nights are scheduled for Thursday June
Job Fair, Anthem Tryouts, Ticket Pickups and Sales set for March 1st
(Reading, PA) – The Reading Fightin Phils are excited to welcome fans to FirstEnergy Stadium on Saturday, March 1st for National Anthem tryouts, single-game ticket sales, season tickets pickup, and our biggest job fair yet! The Fightin Phils Job Fair will take place from 9 a.m. - 11 a.m. The
Fightin Phils to Play as Reading Flapjacks for 22nd Annual Morning Game September 9
(Reading, PA) - The Reading Fightin Phils, Double-A affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies, are excited to announce that they'll be playing as the Reading Flapjacks for the 22nd Annual Morning Game on Tuesday, September 9. First pitch is scheduled for 11 a.m. against the Somerset Patriots. The R-Phils will continue
Fightin Phils to Play Jersey Shore BlueClaws in April 1 Exhibition Game
(Reading, PA) - The Reading Fightin Phils, Double-A affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies, will host the High-A Jersey Shore BlueClaws in a preseason exhibition game on Tuesday, April 1, at 5 p.m. Tickets for the game are on sale NOW and can be bought HERE; and all tickets will be
Al Pedrique to Return as Fightin Phils Manager for 2025
(Reading, PA) - The Philadelphia Phillies announced on Friday that Al Pedrique will return as the manager of the Reading Fightin Phils for the 2025 season. Pedrique returns to Reading after leading the R-Phils the last two seasons. Pedrique, 64, finished 59-78 with Reading in 2024, but his team boasted
Fightin Phils to Become Reading Prost on September 13
(Reading, PA) - The Reading Fightin Phils, Double-A affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies, will become the Reading Prost on Saturday, September 13. First pitch is scheduled for 6:45 p.m. against the Somerset Patriots in the penultimate game of the 2025 season. Berks County, home of the R-Phils, is host of
Fightin Phils to Welcome Professional Wrestler "Swoggle" on July 18
(Reading, PA) - The Reading Fightin Phils, Double-A affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies, are excited to announce that professional wrestler "Swoggle" will be coming to FirstEnergy Stadium on Friday, July 18. Swoggle will be in attendance for that night's game against the Portland Sea Dogs, Double-A affiliate of the Boston
R-Phils to Celebrate Military Appreciation Night on July 3
(Reading, PA) – On Thursday, July 3rd the R-Phils will celebrate Military Appreciation Night at America’s Classic Ballpark when the team takes on the Somerset Patriots (Yankees) at 7 p.m. Fans can honor a special military member in their life by reserving a group outing to receive a personalized game-worn