On January 17, the Astros invited 18 players to 2025 Spring Training. The group of players includes several former Major Leaguers, as well as a few of the Astros’ top prospects. Among the notable prospects include former first-round pick Brice Matthews, and power-hitting outfielder Jacob Melton.
Shortstop Brice Matthews is headed to big league camp, after a whirlwind 2024 campaign that saw him ascend from High-A to Triple-A. Across four levels, Matthews hit .265/.384/.481 with 15 home runs, 31 extra-base hits, and 32 stolen bases. However, Matthews struck out 108 batters over 79 games.
There is, at least based off the numbers and from what I saw from Matthews last April, swing-and-miss in his game. However, Matthews showcased plus athleticism — making him someone who can fit anywhere around the infield — and should be able to make enough contact at the MLB level with his skillset.
Matthews, a primary shortstop, looked good at the position but may not profile there long-term with Jeremy Pena in Houston. The 22-year-old played 21 games at third last season and could slide over there at the MLB level.
The Astros also invited top prospects, OF Jacob Melton and P Miguel Ullola, to camp.
Melton could slide into a regular role with the Astros this season, with Kyle Tucker now in Chicago. The left-handed hitting outfielder hit .253/.310/.426 (.736 OPS) with 15 home runs and 37 extra-base hits last season, ending in Triple-A. The year earlier, Melton hit 23 home runs.
Ullola, meanwhile, put up gaudy numbers last season in the Minors, with 171 strikeouts over 130 frames. Opposing batters hit only .163 off Ullola, who like Melton, could be in the Majors at some point in 2025.
Other prospects going to camp include Jose Fleury, Ray Gaither, A.J. Blubaugh, Logan VanWey, Miguel Palma, Jesus Bastidas, Tommy Sacco Jr., Aaron Brown, Misael Tamarez, Quincy Hamilton, and ex-Red Sox pitcher Brandon Walter.
Aside from the prospects, the Astros also included relievers Glenn Otto, Rafael Montero, and Steven Okert to their non-roster invitee list.
Okert has a strong chance of making it out of camp. The Astros only have one firm left-handed reliever, Josh Hader, on their roster, with Bennett Souza and Colton Gordon among options. The 33-year-old Okert was a strong strikeout pitcher from 2021-23 but that wasn’t the case in 2024, a year that saw him post an ERA north of 5.00 and a 8.4 K/9.
Montero, meanwhile, has been an Astro over the last four years. However, Montero struggled with command, posting his highest BB/9 (4.5) since his days as a starter in the Mets organization.
The Astros join the Royals, Cardinals, Guardians, and Phillies as teams that have announced their Spring Training invitees for 2025.