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.
Fresno Grizzlies Announce 2025 Front Office Changes
Fresno (CA) – In anticipation of the 2025 season, the Fresno Grizzlies are thrilled to announce the following new hires and promotions within the organization: - Rylie Atherton joins the Fresno Grizzlies as the team’s newest Account Executive, Ticket Sales directly after securing her Bachelor’s Degree in Sports Business from
Fresno Grizzlies Unveil 10th Anniversary Fresno Tacos Uniform
Fresno (CA) – This morning, the Fresno Grizzlies released the latest redesign in the storied history of their Fresno Tacos alter ego. The 2025 Tacos uniform is a celebration of 10 seasons of Tacos baseball, with the Grizzlies first making the transformation to their world-famous alter ego in 2015. As
Fresno Grizzlies Single Game Tickets On Sale Now
Fresno, CA - This morning, the Fresno Grizzlies went on sale with their full slate of 2025 Single Game Tickets. With Opening Day less than 2 months away, fans can now choose their top games and seats for any home game at Chukchansi Park this season. As part of their
Fresno Grizzlies Release 2025 Promotional Calendar
Fresno, CA - This morning, the Fresno Grizzlies unveiled their 2025 promotional schedule featuring 34 unique theme nights. With many popular nights returning as well as new additions to the theme night slate, this year’s promotional calendar once again ensures that there is something for everyone at Chukchansi Park this
Fresno Grizzlies Announce Coaching Staff for 2025 Season
Fresno, CA - The Fresno Grizzlies and Colorado Rockies have announced the Fresno field and support staff for the 2025 season. Cesar Galvez, who spent the last two seaons as the Grizzlies’ Bench Coach, has been named Manager of the Fresno Grizzlies. Also returning to the Fresno staff is Jerry
Fresno Grizzlies To Host Annual Job Fair February 8
Fresno, CA - The Fresno Grizzlies are preparing for the 2025 season by hosting their yearly job fair on Saturday, February 8. The annual hiring event aims to fill over 100 positions at the ballpark that are an integral part of the game-to-game success of the organization. “We love getting
Fresno Grizzlies Unveil 2025 Season Theme - IT HAPPENS HERE.
Fresno (CA) – This morning the Fresno Grizzlies revealed their 2025 season theme and tagline - IT HAPPENS HERE. From fun to excitement to making memories, everything happens at Chukchansi Park. With over 200 events per year, including Fresno Grizzlies baseball, Tequila Fest, and Taco Truck Throwdown, the downtown Fresno
Fresno Grizzlies Announce Tequila Fest To Be Headlined by Ludacris
Fresno (CA) – This morning, the Fresno Grizzlies announced that Tequila Fest, set to return to Chukchansi Park on Saturday, May 17, will be headlined by three-time Grammy Award-winning artist Ludacris. Continuing the tradition of national-headlining acts like T-Pain, Busta Rhymes, T.I., Lil Jon, and many more, 2025 Tequila Fest’s
Tequila Fest Set To Take Place On May 17 at Chukchansi Park
Fresno (CA) – This morning, the Fresno Grizzlies announced that Tequila Fest will return to Chukchansi Park on Saturday, May 17. Tequila Fest, which was awarded the title of Best Non-Gameday Event of 2023 by Minor League Baseball, is a celebration of local food, vendors, throwbacks, and, of course, tequila.
Fresno Grizzlies’ David Jacinto Wins 2024 California League Head Groundskeeper of the Year Award
Fresno, CA - The Fresno Grizzlies and Minor League Baseball are proud to announce that Grizzlies’ Groundskeeper David Jacinto has won the California League Head Groundskeeper of the Year Award. This is Jacinto’s third time winning the top groundskeeper honor in his career and his second recognition in the California
Taco Truck Throwdown 13 Set To Take Over Chukchansi Park This Saturday
Fresno, CA – Chukchansi Park will turn into the epicenter of the taco universe this Saturday, November 9th, as the downtown Fresno ballpark hosts its annual Taco Truck Throwdown. Now in its 13th year, the annual event will feature music from Larry June, Coyote, Los Del Puerto, wrestling from Lucha
UPDATE: October 20th Concert at Chukchansi Park
The Thomas Rhett performance that was scheduled to take place on Sunday, October 20, at Chukchansi Park, has been cancelled. All credit and debit card transactions will be refunded to the purchasing card within 3-5 business days. Refunds on all cash transactions must be claimed at the Chukchansi Park Ticket
Jace Kaminska Named California League Pitcher of the Year; 2 More Grizzlies Also Announced as All Stars
Fresno, CA – Minor League Baseball announced Wednesday morning that three Fresno Grizzlies were awarded California League All-Star honors thanks to their stellar 2024 campaigns. Right-handed starting pitcher Jace Kaminska, left-handed relief pitcher Welinton Herrera and third baseman Braylen Wimmer were the winning recipients of their respective positions, as voted
Hibernation comes early for Grizzlies in 11-5 loss to Giants in 2024 finale
Fresno, CA (Sunday, September 8) – The Fresno Grizzlies (29-37, 67-64) were vanquished by the San Jose Giants (37-29, 74-57) 11-5 Sunday afternoon from Chukchansi Park. Fresno went into hibernation, dropping the final contest of the regular season, splitting the six-game set with their North Division rival. A Sunday crowd
All smiles as Fresno topples San Jose 7-3 in penultimate game of season
Fresno, CA (Saturday, September 7) – The Fresno Grizzlies (29-36, 67-63) conquered the San Jose Giants (36-29, 73-57) 7-3 Saturday night from Chukchansi Park. Fresno’s penultimate game of the season ended with an offensive outpouring, as the Grizzlies tallied 12 hits and seven runs. The Grizzlies improved to 13-9 on
Comeback claws trimmed by inches in Fresno’s 6-5 (11) defeat versus San Jose
Fresno, CA (Friday, September 6) – The Fresno Grizzlies (28-36, 66-63) were stunned by the San Jose Giants (36-28, 73-56) 6-5 in 11 frames Friday night from Chukchansi Park. The two teams have played 21 total innings over the past two evenings, both ending with free baseball. One night after
Tena and Mena shrink Giants in Grizzlies’ 5-4 (10) walk-off dub
Fresno, CA (Thursday, September 5) – The Fresno Grizzlies (28-35, 66-62) walked-off on the San Jose Giants (35-28, 72-56) 5-4 in 10 frames Thursday night from Chukchansi Park. Fresno enjoyed their ninth walk-off win of the 2024 season with their third consecutive coming in the 10th. The Grizzlies relished a
Hopfe and Hobson hammer homers, but Fresno falls 10-5 to San Jose
Fresno, CA (Wednesday, September 4) – The Fresno Grizzlies (27-35, 65-62) were defeated by the San Jose Giants (35-27, 72-55) 10-5 Wednesday night from Chukchansi Park. The Grizzlies offense scattered nine hits with seven of them landing for singles (first six batters in order had a hit). Fresno also swiped
McCabe’s late knock backs Luciano’s stellar outing in Grizzlies 5-1 win over Giants
Fresno, CA (Monday, September 2) – The Fresno Grizzlies (27-34, 65-61) growled past the San Jose Giants (34-27, 71-55) 5-1 Monday evening from Chukchansi Park. Fresno improved to 46-12 overall and 24-4 at home when allowing three runs or fewer. The Grizzlies finished the season 14-10 in the first game
Rawhide rope Grizzlies 2-1 to open up September
Visalia, CA (Sunday, September 1) – The Fresno Grizzlies (26-34, 64-61) fell to the Visalia Rawhide (35-25, 64-61) 2-1 Sunday afternoon from Valley Strong Ballpark. Fresno dropped the finale and suffered a series setback to their Highway 99 rival. The Grizzlies finished 33-34 on the road overall and 10-23 in
Postseason Chances Dashed after Fresno’s 6-3 loss in Visalia
Visalia, CA (Saturday, August 31) – The Fresno Grizzlies (26-33, 64-60) were overwhelmed by the Visalia Rawhide (34-25, 63-61) 6-3 Saturday night from Valley Strong Ballpark. The Grizzlies fell to 49-16 all-time against the Rawhide (6-5 this season). Fresno has won 30 of their last 41 contests against their Highway
Walks and errors cost Fresno in 3-2 setback to Visalia
Visalia, CA (Friday, August 30) – The Fresno Grizzlies (26-32, 64-59) were edged out by the Visalia Rawhide (33-25, 62-61) 3-2 Friday night from Valley Strong Ballpark. The Grizzlies dropped to 49-15 all-time against the Rawhide (6-4 this season). Fresno has won 30 of their last 40 contests against their
Laundry List of Grizzlies’ Longballs Place Rawhide in 11-2 Spin-Cycle
Visalia, CA (Thursday, August 29) – The Fresno Grizzlies (26-31, 64-58) washed away the Visalia Rawhide (32-25, 61-61) stain 11-2 Thursday evening from Valley Strong Ballpark. Fresno had two players almost spin cycles in Felix Tena and Blake Wright, with both needing triples. The Grizzlies improved to 49-14 all-time against
Grizzlies OF Robert Calaz Named 2024 Arizona Complex League MVP
Fresno, CA - Minor League Baseball announced Thursday morning that current Fresno Grizzlies OF Robert Calaz was named the 2024 Arizona Complex League MVP in their end-of-season awards. Calaz was also selected as one of the three top outfielders in the league and the only Rockies prospect named to the
Late Rawhide Stampede Chase Grizzlies 6-5 Wednesday
Visalia, CA (Wednesday, August 28) – The Fresno Grizzlies (25-31, 63-58) were lashed late by the Visalia Rawhide (32-24, 61-60) 6-5 Wednesday night from Valley Strong Ballpark. The Grizzlies fell to 48-14 all-time against the Rawhide (5-3 this season). Fresno has won 29 of their last 38 contests against their