These Houston Astros prospects are considered their best at every level

What pushed the Houston Astros into the dynastic race they currently find themselves in is the strength of their farm system.

Not only did they draft talented players, but they also developed them into Major League stars.

They strayed from that a bit during their quest for World Series titles, trading away many of their top prospects to bring in established help that helped them during their deep postseason run.

Because of this, the Astros’ farm system has been considered the worst in all of baseball over the past two years, as they have left their pipeline empty of top talent.

Still, those they’ve tapped have contributed more often to MLB, something they need to continue to happen as many of their current stars are expected to hit the open market over the next few seasons.

With this in mind, Executive Director Dana Brown was hired to help rebuild their agricultural system.

Bleacher Report’s Joel Reuter looked at each team’s pipeline and listed each affiliate’s top players.

For Houston, he has AJ Blubaugh in Triple-A, Jacob Melton in Double-A, Luis Baez with High Single-A, Alonzo Tredwell in Single-A and Brice Matthews in rookie ball.

Blubaugh is an interesting choice considering what Joey Loperfido did earlier this season in Triple-A to earn himself a promotion. Maybe that’s why Reuter chose the pitcher, but the slugger is now back in the minors.

Still, the 23-year-old right-hander is no slouch, listed as the Astros’ No. 7 prospect after posting a career 4.25 ERA in 42 appearances and 24 starts. He is also a good strikeout player, fanning 183 batters in 163 innings pitched.

Melton is the organization’s top-ranked prospect and is expected to become the center fielder of the future with an expected draft date of 2025.

Baez is 20 years old and already ranked #2 in their pipeline as he has shown the ability to hit for power and average at every save.

Tredwell is another pitcher who made the list, and although he struggled in his first professional season with an 8.10 ERA over nine outings and eight starts, the 2023 second-round pick has tons talented.

And then there’s Matthews who looks like a future star.

He is a stud athlete who can make an impact on the defensive end, while projecting as a solid hitter and base stealer throughout his career.