The Houston Astros entered the 2026 MLB Draft looking to strengthen an organization that has remained competitive at the Major League level while continuing to replenish its farm system. Rather than chasing upside with a class full of high school players, Houston once again leaned on a familiar strategy—selecting experienced college players who could move through the minor leagues relatively quickly.

While the Astros mixed in several intriguing high school prospects, the overall theme of the draft was clear: add polished talent, build pitching depth, and strengthen the middle of the diamond.

Here’s a closer look at Houston’s 2026 draft class.

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First Round

Logan Hughes, OF — Texas Tech

The Astros opened the draft by selecting one of the best hitters in the Big 12.

Hughes brings a polished left-handed bat, athleticism, and experience against top-level college pitching. His combination of offensive production and defensive versatility makes him one of the safest selections in Houston’s draft class.

Why did Houston like him?

• Advanced college hitter
• Athletic outfielder
• Left-handed bat
• Could move quickly through the system

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Competitive Balance Round A

Jack Radel, RHP — Notre Dame

Houston continued adding to its pitching staff with the powerful right-hander from Notre Dame.

Standing 6-foot-5 and 250 pounds, Radel offers a durable frame and the type of power arsenal the Astros have developed successfully in recent years.

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Round 2

Wes Mendes, LHP — Florida State

One of the better college left-handers available.

Mendes gives Houston another strike-thrower capable of developing into either a starter or high-leverage reliever.

Adding quality left-handed pitching has been a priority throughout the organization.

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High-Upside Prep Talent

Houston didn’t ignore the high school ranks.

Notable prep selections include:

Keon Johnson

Shortstop — First Presbyterian HS (GA)

One of the more athletic shortstops available in the draft.

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Beau Peterson

Infielder — Mill Valley HS (KS)

A projectable infielder with plenty of room to develop physically.

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James Tronstein

Shortstop — Harvard-Westlake HS (CA)

One of the later-round upside plays who could become an excellent value if he signs.

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Texas Connections

Texas Baseball Report readers will recognize two names.

Rashawn Galloway

Texas State

The Bobcats catcher became Houston’s 16th-round selection after a strong college career.

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Ben Tryon

Dallas Baptist

The versatile infielder gives the Astros another proven college bat from one of the nation’s premier mid-major programs.

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Pitching Depth Was Clearly A Priority

Houston selected numerous pitchers throughout the draft, including:

• Jack Radel
• Wes Mendes
• Gavin Eddy
• Michael Addari
• Bryan Carney
• Tazwell Butler
• Peyton Fiene
• Brady Thomas
• Mick Uebelhor

Rather than relying on one premium arm, Houston built impressive pitching depth that should strengthen every level of the farm system.

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Best Pick

Logan Hughes

Houston landed an advanced hitter with experience against elite college competition.

He projects as one of the quickest players in this class to reach Double-A.

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Biggest Sleeper

Ben Tryon

The Dallas Baptist infielder may not have received national headlines, but Houston has a long history of finding value in experienced college players.

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Player To Watch

Wes Mendes

Quality left-handed pitching is always valuable.

If Mendes continues developing his secondary pitches, he could move quickly through the Astros organization.

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Overall Draft Strategy

Houston followed a familiar blueprint.

The Astros emphasized:

• Experienced college players
• Pitching depth
• Athletic defenders
• Middle infield versatility
• A handful of high-ceiling prep prospects

Rather than chasing risky upside with every pick, Houston built a balanced class featuring players who could impact the organization within the next few seasons.

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Draft Grade: A-

The Astros assembled one of the more balanced draft classes in baseball.

Houston found immediate organizational depth while adding several intriguing long-term prospects. Logan Hughes headlines the class, while pitchers Jack Radel and Wes Mendes give the organization two arms capable of moving quickly through the system.

If a few of the high school selections develop as hoped, this class has the potential to become one of Houston’s stronger drafts in recent years.

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Final Thoughts

The Astros have consistently shown they trust their player development system, and this draft reflects that philosophy.

By blending experienced college talent with a select group of high-upside prep players, Houston added depth throughout the organization without sacrificing long-term potential.

Time will ultimately determine the class’s success, but on paper, the Astros appear to have addressed several organizational needs while continuing to build toward sustained success.

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Houston Astros 2026 Draft Class

Round	Player	Position	School
1	Logan Hughes	OF	Texas Tech
CB-A	Jack Radel	RHP	Notre Dame
2	Wes Mendes	LHP	Florida State
3	Keon Johnson	SS	First Presbyterian HS (GA)
4	Kam Durnin	SS	Missouri
4C	Beau Peterson	IF	Mill Valley HS (KS)
5	Gavin Eddy	RHP	California
6	Michael Addari	RHP	Illinois State
7	Bryan Carney	RHP	Olivet
8	Aaron Piasecki	SS	Troy
9	Ryan Pruitt	OF	South Florida
10	Tazwell Butler	RHP	Kansas State
11	Peyton Fiene	RHP	Odessa JC
12	Owen Nowak	OF	Middle Tennessee
13	Jack Beck	SS	Columbia Central HS (TN)
14	Brady Thomas	RHP	Jacksonville State
15	James Tronstein	SS	Harvard-Westlake HS
16	Rashawn Galloway	C	Texas State
17	Ben Tryon	IF	Dallas Baptist
18	Petey Soto Jr.	SS	Utah Tech
19	Noah Miller	C	Michigan
20	Mick Uebelhor	LHP	Western Kentucky