Nine Houston Astros Top 30 prospects — led by top prospect Jacob Melton — were named as part of the organization’s All-Stars, as determined by MiLB.com.
The site put together an All-Star team for each organization, regardless of where they are in the Astros’ system.
Melton moved up to the organization’s No. 1 prospect after a trade in August that sent outfielders Drew Gilbert and Ryan Clifford to the New York Mets for pitcher Justin Verlander.
Melton finished 2023 at Double-A Corpus Christi and batted .245 with 23 home runs and 55 RBI. He drew 52 walks and stole 46 bases and was one of five minor league players to have at least 20 home runs and 40 stolen bases.
The next Astros starting pitcher could be Spencer Arrighetti, who was picked as the right-handed starter and finished his season at Triple-A Round Rock. The Astros’ No. 3 prospect went 9-7 with a 4.40 ERA with 141 strikeouts in 124.2 innings. He pitched at least five innings in 13 of his 21 starts.
Zach Dezenzo, the team’s No. 5 prospect, was selected as the third baseman and with Alex Bregman going into a contract year, Dezenzo’s time may be coming. He ended 2023 with Double-A Corpus Christi and batted .304 with 18 home runs and 61 RBI. With High-A Asheville he batted .407 and his .531 slugging percentage led all Astors minor-league players.
Three other Top 10 prospects made the team — outfielder Joey Loperfido (No. 6, .278, 25 home runs, 78 RBI), left-handed pitcher Colton Gordon (No. 7, 7-7, 4.14 ERA) and outfielder Zach Cole (No. 10, .258, 19 home runs, 65 RBI).
The remaining Top 30 prospects on the All-Star team include second baseman Pedro León (No. 13, .244, 21 home runs, 72 RBI), catcher Miguel Palma (No. 17, .285, seven home runs, 46 RBI) and shortstop Shay Whitcomb (No. 25, .240, 35 home runs, 102 RBI). Whitcomb was left unprotected in the Rule 5 Draft but was not selected. He finished the season at Triple-A.
The non-Top 30 prospects on the All-Star team were first baseman J.J. Matijevic (.244, 16 home runs, 76 RBI) and relief pitcher Cole McDonald (2-3, 3.59 ERA).
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