From 2014 to 2020, it seemed like the Astros welcomed a new impact prospect every season, and each one stepped in and made an immediate difference. From George Springer to Carlos Correa to Yordan Alvarez, those arrivals played a major role in defining the organization’s golden era. While 2025 didn’t see that same level of immediate prospect impact in Houston, one player quietly made a massive leap from his preseason ranking to where he stands now. That prospect is right-hander AJ Blubaugh.
Blubaugh was drafted by the Astros in the 7th round of the 2022 draft out of University of Milwaukee-Wisconsin. He had a solid 2023 season posting a 4.41 ERA with 112 strikeouts in 100 innings between High-A and Double-A. The next year he had a breakout season posting a 3.71 ERA with 128 strikeouts over 124.1 innings with all but one start coming in Triple-A.
Heading into 2025, Blubaugh appeared to be a legitimate candidate for a call-up. He opened the season strong in Triple-A, posting a 2.00 ERA over his first four outings, which earned him a promotion to Houston. Blubaugh made his major league debut on April 30, striking out six over four innings while allowing seven runs, only two of which were earned. He was optioned back to Triple-A following the appearance.
The return to Triple-A wasn’t an easy one for Blubaugh. Over his next eight outings, he struggled, posting a 9.70 ERA while allowing 40 runs in 34.1 innings. He eventually found his footing, however, rebounding with a 2.94 ERA over his next seven outings, which earned him another call-up to Houston.
On August 5, Blubaugh played a key role in a bullpen game, working five innings and allowing just two runs, both on solo home runs, while striking out five. He generated seven swings and misses and touched 98 mph on his fastball. After being sent back to Triple-A, he made two more appearances before earning another call-up to Houston.
From August 23 through the end of the season, Blubaugh was dominant, posting a 0.78 ERA with 24 strikeouts over 23 innings. He contributed in multiple roles, providing value both as a starter and out of the bullpen.
Blubaugh wrapped up his first major league season with an impressive 1.69 ERA and 35 strikeouts across 32 innings in 11 appearances for the Astros. Although the sample size was somewhat limited, the numbers stood out. Opponents hit just .196 against his fastball and .207 against his sweeper, with an expected batting average of .167 on the latter. The sweeper also produced weak contact, averaging just 76.6 mph in exit velocity. Most remarkable was his changeup, which he threw 98 times without allowing a single hit, holding hitters to an 0-for-29 line.
Blubaugh’s first major league season showcased his talent at the highest level. Given the Astros lack of pitching for 2026, Blubaugh put himself in a great spot to big on the big league roster next year.