The Houston Astros made their first cuts of spring training, many of which were top prospect who will now transition to the organization’s minor-league camp so they can get more playing time.
Sending them to minor-league camp does not mean they cannot return to play in MLB spring training games. Many of them could be playing in the MLB Spring Showcase game later this month. Those rosters are expected to be released on Friday.
MLB.com reported the cuts.
Chief among the cuts was outfielder Jacob Melton, who is the Astros’ No. 1 prospect as ranked by both MLB.com and Baseball America.
Melton moved into the top spot after the Astros traded two outfielders to the New York Mets to re-acquire Justin Verlander. Melton batted .245 with a .334 on-base percentage and a .467 slugging percentage in 99 games last season. He also belted 23 home runs, drove in 55 runs and stole 46 bases.
It was his first full minor-league season after he was taken in the second round of the 2022 MLB Draft out of Oregon.
Infielder Zach Dezenzo, another highly-touted prospect, was on the list. He could be the Astros’ third baseman of the future if they are unable to extend the contract of Alex Bregman. Last season he batted .304 with 18 home runs and 61 RBI, leading all Astros minor leaguers in slugging percentage.
One other cut was on the team’s organizational all-star team last season. Catcher Miguel Palma batted .285, hit seven home runs and drove in 46.
The other four cuts were pitchers A.J. Blubaugh, Colton Gordon and Rhett Kouba, along with infielder Will Wagner.
Not among the cuts was pitcher Spencer Arrighetti, who is the Astros’ highest-ranked pitching prospect.
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