Houston Astros Farm System Not Dead Last in Latest Rankings

The Houston Astros don't have a fertile farm system right now, but they're still winning where it matters most.

The Houston Astros got their farm system report card from MLB Pipeline earlier this week and, well, things are looking up — a little bit.

After being ranked dead last in the site’s 2023 midseason rankings, the Astros moved up to No. 27 in the 2024 preseason rankings.

It continues a trend for the Astros, who have been at or near the bottom of the past five MLB Pipeline rankings.

The Astros also don’t have a single Top 100 prospect.

On one hand, it could mean the cupboard is dry. On the other, the Astros are still winning where it matters — in the Majors.

Since 2017, the Astros have reached at least the American League Championship Series every season, which includes four World Series appearances and two World Series titles. They’ve also won six division titles in seven seasons.

But the Astros will, at some point, need more young talent to come through its ranks. Some of that talent could accelerate in its development in 2024.

Jacob Melton is the Astros’ No. 1 overall prospect. He was recently cut from Major League camp so he could get more at-bats in minor-league camp and prepare for 2024, where he could start at Triple-A Sugar Land.

Melton batted .245 with a .334 on-base percentage and a .467 slugging percentage in 99 games last season. He also belted 23 home runs, drove in 55 runs and stole 46 bases.

Another outfielder, Luis Baez, is No. 2 overall. Pitcher Spencer Arrighetti, who is still with the Astros in Major League camp and has had an impressive spring, is No. 3, followed by shortstop Brice Matthews and third baseman Zach Dezenzo.

Matthews was the Astros’ first-round pick last July. Dezenzo could be the Astros’ third baseman of the future if they are unable to extend the contract of Alex Bregman. Last season he batted .304 with 18 home runs and 61 RBI, leading all Astros minor leaguers in slugging percentage.

The remaining Top 15 prospects are infielder Joey Loperfido, outfielder Zach Cole, pitcher A.J. Blubaugh, pitcher Jose Fluery, pitcher Colton Gordon, pitcher Jake Bloss, outfielder Kenedy Corona, pitcher Alonzo Tredwell, pitcher Rhett Kouba and infielder Will Wagner.

The remaining Top 30 prospects are pitcher Michael Knorr, pitcher Andrew Taylor, infielder Warner Luciano, outfielder Cesar Hernandez, outfielder Colin Barber, pitcher Miguel Ullola, pitcher Trey Dombroski, outfielder Cam Fisher, catcher Miguel Palma, pitcher Alimber Santa, outfielder Pedro León, outfielder Esmil Valencia, shortstop Camilo Diaz, shortstop Chase Jaworsky and pitcher Misael Tamarez.