May 26, 2023; Mesa, AZ, USA; Sam Houston Bearkats' Walker Janek (3) celebrates his 3-run home run against the GCU Lobos during their WAC Tournament game at Hohokam Stadium. Joe Rondone/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK

Astros 2024 First-Round Pick Walker Janek is Tearing Up the Arizona Fall League

Originally posted on Houston Astros on SI
By Jeremy Trottier | Last updated Oct 20, 2025 8:00 PM ET

The Houston Astros have had an interesting few years, going from a team that was routinely competing for a World Series to a squad that missed the postseason in 2025.

Injuries have plagued their roster for the last 12 months more so than usual, and with the previous offseason being one of offloading veterans for some key young talents, it is clear that the Astros are focusing on the future a little bit.

The positive when it comes to doing so is that their farm system has rapidly replenished with lots of promising young talents, and one of the most notable names of the bunch is catcher Walker Janek.

A 2024 first-round pick, Janek has worked hard to improve in High-A Asheville for Houston, and now, he has had the opportunity to play in the Arizona Fall League as well, with many of the other best prospects in the nation.

Through the first few weeks of the event, he has looked outstanding among various levels of competition, with plenty of prospects from every level appearing. It was unclear how he would do, given that he is only a year and a half into his professional playing career, but so far, he has showcased some exceptional promise.

How Has Janek Done Statistically in the Arizona Fall League?

Courtney Sacco/Caller-Times via Imagn Content Services, LLC

Following a performance in which Janek put up seven RBI in a single game, he has continued to completely kill the ball offensively. In seven total games so far, he is slashing .333/.375/.733 with 18 RBI, three home runs, five runs, three stolen bases, 10 strikeouts and two walks.

From one game to the next, he just continues to prove that he is ready to show the world what he can do at the plate.

Have a night, Walker Janek!

The @astros 2024 first-rounder becomes the first player since 2019 to deliver a 7-RBI performance in the @MLBazFallLeague. pic.twitter.com/WvVimGFOwN
— MLB Pipeline (@MLBPipeline) October 18, 2025

Overall, he is still quite a ways away from making his MLB debut, with two levels between him and the Astros. However, if he can continue this level of production in Arizona for the remainder of his playing time, he could be considered for a promotion to Double-A early in the 2026 season, given that he will have experience playing nearly year-round.

Following a much better year in High-A compared to his first half season in 2024, it is clear that he is adjusting and adapting to the level of competition extremely well. Now he just needs to maintain it for a few more months and will hopefully find himself getting closer to his MLB debut in the future.

This article first appeared on Houston Astros on SI and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: