Overlooked Houston Astros' Signee VanWey Fueled For Major League Chance

The Houston Astros signed Missouri Southern reliever Logan VanWey to a minor league contract.

Kenny Van Doren | Jul 23, 2022

Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports

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Houston Astros

While drafted prospects made their way to Houston and West Palm Beach this week, the Houston Astros added another name to the pot in Logan VanWey from Missouri Southern on Wednesday.

VanWey worked out with the Astros in late May after scout Jim Stevenson made contact with the right-handed pitcher. Throwing at Minute Maid Park, VanWey grew interest from the organization while meeting with front office members.

After the workout, Stevenson informed VanWey the Astros were interested and to stay in contact over the next month as the organization kept track of his summer outings and reached out to former coaches of his own.

"I knew that was good news if they're trying to get more information about me," VanWey said. "And then (Stevenson) was saying keep your phone on you. We'll see what happens. He said he'd be pulling for me, so I knew Jim really did like me as a person and as a baseball player especially."

VanWey played four summers in wood-bat leagues, before signing with the Glacier Range Riders of the Pioneer League after his 2022 collegiate season. On a three-day road trip to Idaho Falls ending Tuesday, VanWey waited for a call with the Chicago White Sox and the Milwaukee Brewers also taking interest.

As the 17th round approached, VanWey received a phone call from Stevenson who informed him the Astros would offer him a contract following the completion of the Draft.

"I was super excited," VanWey said. "Really of any teams, honestly, I was really wanted to go to the Astros because of their farming system, all the stuff they have for pitchers analytics-wise. It's a dream come true to pitch for the Astros organization."

His teammates were looking out the windows of the hotel, asking him if it was good news. VanWey told them it was the Astros, and he didn't know what to do in the moment but celebrate with his teammates.

As VanWey takes the next step in professional baseball, he couldn't help but reminisce on the times he felt overlooked. The 23-year-old from Joplin, Mo., competed in the 2021 MLB Draft League for the Trenton Thunder, sporting a 1.61 ERA and 32 strikeouts in 22 1/3 innings.

"I just didn't have one of those years," VanWey said. "You just don't know why or who they're looking for or why they picked some guys. So I came back to school extra motivated again."

After failing to receive a call in 2021, VanWey had an extra chip on his shoulder. His motivation to compete in his fifth collegiate season and obtain an offer was overwhelming.

VanWey even threw on snow-covered fields during the winter into a net by himself for an hour a day, because he had no where else to throw.

"I always want to give it my 100 percent," VanWey said. "If nothing happens, I want to know that I went out doing everything I could to give myself the best shot."

There wasn't a certain player VanWey idolized or a team he contributed his love of the game to, but he does attribute his drive to pitching coach Steve Luebber — who is on the Kansas City Royals' High-A.

Luebber is also a native of Joplin where he became a mentor to VanWey. The 23-year-old raved about having a professional pitching coach in his life to show him the ropes, prove he was talented enough to continue playing the game of baseball and encourage him to get better with each passing obstacle.

The transition from closer to a starter during his 2022 season at Missouri Southern transition tested VanWey in the early goings. From giving his all for one to two innings to conserving energy, the right-hander matured into a viable starter. He now hopes to prove his experience in both roles to the Astros' organization.

"You got to pace yourself and let loose and know when to step off the pedal and just go on cruise control," VanWey explained. "I've done both, so whatever they ask of me I'm accustomed to, and I'll know exactly how to take care of my body and what to do."

VanWey leaves Missouri on Sunday for West Palm Beach, Fla., before conducting his physical and signing Monday at the Astros' spring training complex. He is the only reported undrafted signee as of Saturday.

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Published Jul 23, 2022

KENNY VAN DOREN

Kenny Van Doren is a writer for FanNation's 'Inside the Astros,' part of Sports Illustrated. Kenny formerly covered the Astros for Climbing Tal's Hill of FanSided. Kenny also attends the University of Missouri where he studies journalism.