With the 28th pick, Houston selects Walter Janek

Houston’s 2024 first-day draft includes just one player…

Walker Janek is a 6’0″, 198 lb (186 kg) catcher from Portland, Texas. Born September 24, 2002, he joined the Astros system out of San Houston State University with the 28th overall pick in the draft.

Janek’s five tools average an impressive 50 (future major leaguer), with only his speed (40 rated) and arm (60 rated) being on a different level. Both are acceptable qualities for a catcher.

In three seasons of college play, Janek has never finished a season below .300 in batting average. He has posted an overall average of .325/.476/.709, with 37 home runs and 156 RBIs in 166 games. He has also stolen 29 bases in 36 attempts. Perhaps most impressively, his walk-and-strikeout rate is nearly even, with 40 walks and 45 strikeouts during the 2024 season.

With Yainer Diaz as a major league starter, Victor Caratini as a backup and Cesar Salazar as a backup when needed, the Astros are pretty good in 2024. Janek could reach the major leagues around 2027 with some luck. According to Pipeline:

Janek creates raw power that translates into game-average pop with most of his home runs going to his pull side.

Janek was recently named Conference USA Defensive Player of the Year and could surprise everyone by making the jump to the MLB level as early as the 2026 campaign. For now, expect him to join the Fayetteville Woodpeckers or Asheville Tourists (assuming he signs with the Astros). At a $3.13 million position, he shouldn’t be too hard to secure.

In the meantime, enjoy your only pick from the first day of the draft. We’ll be back tomorrow with lots more details.