HOUSTON, TX – July 16, 2025 – While Xavier Neyens and Ethan Frey headlined the Houston Astros’ 2025 MLB Draft class, the team made several other intriguing selections across the 20 rounds, focusing on a blend of high-ceiling athletes and proven collegiate performers. Notably, the Astros did not have a second-round pick this year, a consequence of signing first baseman Christian Walker during the offseason.
Following their first-round selection of high school infielder Xavier Neyens (21st overall) and third-round pick of LSU outfielder Ethan Frey (95th overall), the Astros continued to build with a focus on both offensive tools and developmental upside.
Key Selections & Strategic Picks:
Fourth Round (No. 126 overall): Nick Monistere, INF, Southern Mississippi The Astros snagged a highly productive college infielder in Monistere. An athletic right-handed hitter, he’s known for his power, having launched 21 home runs this past season en route to being named the Sun Belt Player of the Year. His collegiate success brings a more immediate offensive presence to the lower levels of the farm system.
Fifth Round (No. 156 overall): Nick Potter, RHP, Wichita State While primarily a reliever for the Shockers, the Astros intend to develop Potter as a starter. He possesses an “explosive fastball” that consistently sits in the upper-90s, offering a strong arm for the organization to mold within their pitching development program. This pick reflects the Astros’ penchant for identifying and developing raw pitching talent.
Seventh Round (No. 216 overall): Jase Mitchell, C, Cape Henlopen HS (Lewes, Del.) A high school catcher, Mitchell brings plus bat speed and a promising power swing from the left side. The Astros were particularly impressed with his defensive aptitude behind the plate, believing his overall catching skills make him a strong candidate to reach the big leagues despite the inherent risks of drafting high school catchers.
Eighth Round (No. 246 overall): Kyle Walker, 2B, Arizona State From a strong collegiate program, Walker adds another infielder to the system.
Eleventh Round (No. 336 overall): Sam Thomas, OF, University of Arkansas Thomas is a “plus defender” in center field with elite speed and a developing bat. He played a significant role for the University of Arkansas team that reached the College World Series, bringing valuable experience and a high motor to the Astros’ outfield prospects.
The Astros’ draft strategy leaned heavily on offensive talent, selecting 12 position players compared to just six pitchers. Among their later-round picks, the team also chose two-way player Curtis Hebert from the University of Portland in the 20th round (No. 606 overall). A native of Anchorage, Alaska, Hebert played both shortstop and pitched in college, but the Astros plan to develop the athletic right-hander primarily as a pitcher within their system.
The draft class provides a fresh injection of talent across various positions, aiming to sustain the franchise’s competitive window for years to come.