Astros select Sam Houston catcher Janek 28th overall

With the 28th overall pick in the 2024 MLB draft, the Houston Astros select Sam Houston catcher Walker Janek.

Janek, one of the best catchers in college baseball last season, was the first catcher, either college or prep, off the board in tonight’s first round.

Janek played three seasons for the Bearkats in Huntsville. The Portland, Texas native finished with a .326 batting average, 205 hits, 36 doubles, 6 triples and 37 HRs, along with 156 RBIs over his career. Defensively, he finished with a .987 fielding percentage.

He received the 2024 Buster Posey Award, given to the best catcher in college baseball. He was named Conference USA Defensive Player of the Year and was ranked the No. 23 prospect by MLB.com.

The slot value for the 28th pick is $3,132,500.