With pitchers and catchers set to report to Spring Training in just a couple of weeks, the Astros’ farm system continues to take shape. While the system has undergone significant changes in recent years due to promotions and trades, there remains intriguing talent throughout the organization. Here are three prospects who could be poised for a breakout in 2026.
Frey was selected by the Astros in the third round of the 2025 MLB Draft, with the organization going over slot to ensure his signing. The former LSU standout broke out during his junior season, hitting .331 with 15 doubles, 13 home runs, and 50 RBIs over 62 games. The 21-year-old carried that momentum into his professional debut, where he impressed by hitting .330 with five doubles, three home runs, 17 RBIs, and a strong 20-to-25 walk-to-strikeout ratio. His performance translated to an outstanding 166 wRC+ in his first taste of pro ball. Under the hood, the numbers were just as encouraging, as Frey posted an elite 6.2% swinging-strike rate along with an 83.4% contact rate. For comparison, 2024 first-round pick and current No. 3 overall prospect in baseball JJ Wetherholt recorded a 6.7% swinging-strike rate and an 83.8% contact rate in his own pro debut. Given Frey’s advanced contact skills and the potential for significant power as he continues to develop, he looks like a strong candidate to take a major step forward in 2026.
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Forcucci is a right-handed pitcher listed at 6-foot-3 and 205 pounds whom the Astros selected in the third round of the 2024 MLB Draft. Although he made only five starts during the 2024 college season, he was dominant in that limited sample, posting a 2.16 ERA with 37 strikeouts over 25 innings. The right-hander features a mid-90s fastball that has touched 97 mph, paired with a wipeout slider in the 80s that gives him a true swing-and-miss weapon. Forcucci underwent Tommy John surgery in June, sidelining him for the remainder of 2024 and all of the 2025 season, but he has since returned to full health. This offseason, he has been throwing in West Palm Beach as he works his way back into game shape. Forcucci also shows above-average command, and within the Astros’ development system, it’s likely his pitch mix will evolve from what it looked like in 2024. With his combination of stuff, command, and projection, he has the potential to develop into an above-average starter and could begin to show that upside during the 2026 season.
Huezo was selected by the Astros in the 12th round of the 2023 MLB Draft out of high school. After a challenging first year in professional baseball, he took a significant step forward in 2025. The 19-year-old spent most of the season in the Florida Complex League, where he hit .231 but led the team with an .856 OPS while also posting six home runs and 12 stolen bases, flashing an intriguing blend of power and athleticism. Huezo finished the season strong after a promotion to Fayetteville, hitting .301 over 22 games and showing noticeable growth at the plate. The underlying data supports the breakout, as he recorded a 90th-percentile max exit velocity of 107 mph and posted an eye-popping 27% barrel rate, the highest among 19-year-olds listed on Baseball America’s Hit+ leaderboard. Although his 2025 season ended a couple of weeks early due to injury, Huezo is now healthy and has been dominating in the Australian Baseball League this offseason. Through 30 games, he is hitting .340 with six doubles, six home runs, 22 RBIs, and a 1.031 OPS. Entering the 2026 season at just 20 years old, Huezo has the tools and momentum to climb quickly up prospect rankings.