The Houston Astros officially signed their top two picks from this year’s draft on Wednesday, adding outfielder Logan Hughes and right-hander Jack Radel to the organization. Both prospects toured Daikin Park ahead of Houston’s matchup with the Marlins, taking in batting practice and introducing themselves to Espada and members of the roster.
Hughes, a left-handed hitter, called the moment “a dream to reality.” In two seasons at Texas Tech, he hit 37 home runs and drew more walks than strikeouts. Astros director of amateur scouting Cam Pendino described him as one of the better bats available in this year’s draft class, someone who stood out during a pre-draft workout at Daikin Park for his power. Hughes will begin his professional career at outfield and first base.
Radel, a 6-foot-5 right-hander, posted a 3.29 ERA with 116 strikeouts across 87⅔ innings in his junior season at Notre Dame. His fastball sits in the mid-90s and has touched 98 mph, and the Astros believe there’s room to sharpen his secondary pitches. Radel was drafted using the prospect promotion incentive pick Houston received for Hunter Brown’s top-three AL Cy Young finish last season. Asked which pitcher he models his game after, Radel pointed to a name with deep ties to the organization: Nolan Ryan.
Houston had four picks among the draft’s first 93 selections this year, a notable haul for a farm system that outside evaluators have widely ranked among the thinnest in baseball. The team’s 22 total picks included nine pitchers and 13 position players.
