WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — Brice Matthews is back in big-league camp with something to prove.
The Astros’ top prospect got his first taste of the majors last July, hitting four home runs in 13 games before strikeouts became an issue. Now the 23-year-old is competing for an Opening Day roster spot as a super utility option, and MLB.com recently labeled him Houston’s biggest dark horse candidate to break camp with the club.
A Houston native who starred at Atascocita High School before becoming a first-round pick out of Nebraska in 2023, Matthews brings a rare power-speed combination that continues to intrigue the organization. He hit .283 with 10 home runs and 25 stolen bases in 73 Triple-A games last season before earning his July call-up.
His debut showed both promise and growing pains. Matthews launched four homers in 42 at-bats but struck out 20 times, finishing with a .167 average as major league pitchers quickly adjusted.
Power-Speed Profile
Matthews’ power is legitimate. He hit 20 home runs with 20 stolen bases during his junior season at Nebraska, then homered twice in his fifth big-league game last July against Arizona. The following night, he delivered another eighth-inning homer to give Houston the lead and helped turn a game-ending 4-6-3 double play with the bases loaded.
“This is his sixth game and he comes and makes that big play and has big swings,” Jose Altuve said at the time. “That tells us a lot about the player he is and what he’s looking for in those situations. He seems like he wants to be in that situation.”
But swing-and-miss remains the question. Matthews struck out 158 times in 124 Triple-A games across two seasons, and big-league arms exploited his aggressive approach during his brief audition. If he’s going to stick this spring, improved plate discipline will be essential.
Versatility Could Be the Key
What Matthews offers—and what Houston needs—is defensive flexibility.
He logged time at second base, third base, shortstop, and center field in 2025, making him a natural candidate for the utility role. With Altuve back at second full-time and Jeremy Peña entrenched at shortstop, Matthews’ clearest path is proving he can move around the diamond while providing power off the bench.
Manager Joe Espada remains encouraged after spending time with Matthews during a December camp in Austin.
“At second base, he played above-average defense,” Espada said. “And the bat we’re excited about. He’s dynamic. He can run, hit for power. I see him as someone who can take over at some point and be one of those pieces that can help us win games for many years.”
The question is whether “at some point” means Opening Day or later in the season.
Houston’s infield mix—Altuve, Peña, Carlos Correa, Isaac Paredes, Christian Walker—leaves little margin for error. But the Astros are operating near the luxury tax threshold and won’t be adding expensive depth. That reality opens opportunities for young, controllable players who can contribute.
Matthews has two minor league options remaining, so Houston can afford patience. But if he shows tangible offensive adjustments this spring, the decision could get complicated.
The tools are there. Athleticism. Power. Speed. Defensive range.
Whether those tools translate consistently against major league pitching will determine where Matthews opens 2026. One way or another, the hometown prospect figures to impact Houston’s roster this season.