The Houston Astros’ top prospects take the field Thursday morning in MLB’s Spring Breakout showcase, facing the Miami Marlins at 11:05 a.m. CT. The game will be streamed on MLB.TV, MLB.com, the MLB App, and Space City Home Network.
Headlining the roster is Kevin Alvarez, the 18-year-old Cuban outfielder who has quickly become one of the most talked-about players in the Astros’ system. Signed for $2 million in January 2025, Alvarez is ranked as Houston’s No. 1 prospect by MLB Pipeline and has already made an impression this spring, including a Grapefruit League appearance against the Marlins in which he recorded a 102.7 mph exit velocity on a lineout. Yordan Alvarez joked afterward that he didn’t hit the ball that hard at 18.
A loose, flexible left-handed hitter with above-average tools, Alvarez has already drawn comparisons to Kyle Tucker.
Xavier Neyens, the Astros’ first-round pick in the 2025 draft, is the club’s No. 2 prospect and another name to watch. The 6-foot-3 shortstop out of Mount Vernon, Washington brings plus raw power and a patient approach that stood out in last year’s high school class. He is expected to open the season in Single-A, with a potential move to third base as he develops.
On the mound, right-hander James Hicks is the highest-ranked pitcher in the group at No. 15. The 13th-round pick out of South Carolina in 2023 was named the 2025 Arizona Fall League Pitcher of the Year after throwing 14 scoreless innings with a 34% miss rate and just two walks. His mid-80s changeup generated a 56% miss rate in the AFL, and he has as many as six pitches in his arsenal.
Alimber Santa, ranked No. 18, is one of the system’s biggest power arms, touching 96 mph in Grapefruit League play this spring after posting a 2.31 ERA across Double-A and Triple-A last season.
Walker Janek, the Astros’ No. 5 prospect and 2024 first-round pick, rounds out a catching group that also includes Jason Schiavone.
Spring Breakout has quickly become one of the most anticipated prospect events of the year, and Thursday’s matchup offers Astros fans a rare look at the next wave of talent. With Opening Day a week away, it’s the final chance to see Houston’s future before the regular season begins.
