The Sleeper Astros Prospects Rising Through the System

The Houston Astros have long been a powerhouse in Major League Baseball, thanks largely to their ability to draft and develop talent efficiently. While much of the spotlight tends to fall on the marquee names in their system—players like Hunter Brown, Jeremy Peña, and Yordan Álvarez—there’s a growing group of sleeper prospects quietly climbing through the Astros’ minor league ranks. These players may not be household names yet, but their potential and recent performances suggest they could play a meaningful role in Houston’s future success.

Let’s dive into the sleeper Astros prospects who are rising through the system and why they deserve a closer look.

1. Trey Martin — Outfield

Trey Martin, a 23-year-old outfielder, is one of the more intriguing offensive prospects flying under the radar in the Astros’ system. Drafted in the fifth round of the 2019 MLB Draft out of Western Carolina University, Martin’s minor league resume has steadily improved over the last few seasons.

At Double-A Corpus Christi in 2024, Martin posted a solid .275 batting average with 15 home runs and an impressive .820 OPS. What makes Martin stand out isn’t just his ability to hit for power but his approach at the plate. He displays advanced plate discipline, walking at a rate above 12% and striking out less frequently than many of his peers. His polished swing and strong strike-zone awareness suggest he could profile as a top-of-the-order hitter who can get on base and provide some pop.

Defensively, Martin has the speed and athleticism to handle all three outfield positions, adding versatility to his skill set. The Astros value this type of flexible defender who can fill multiple roles at the big league level.

While he’s not yet a top-tier prospect on Houston’s overall list, Martin’s combination of contact skills, power, and versatility makes him one of the most promising sleeper bats in the system.

2. Cameron Sisk — Starting Pitcher

Cameron Sisk is a hard-throwing right-hander who has flown under the radar for much of his minor league career but has quietly made strides toward becoming a frontline arm. Selected in the 7th round of the 2020 draft out of the University of North Carolina, Sisk’s development has been a steady climb rather than an overnight breakout.

In 2024 at Triple-A Sugar Land, Sisk posted a 3.30 ERA with a strikeout rate north of 10 K/9 innings. What is most encouraging about Sisk is his improved command and secondary pitch development. Early on, he relied primarily on a mid-90s fastball and a power curveball but struggled with control. Over the past two years, he has refined his changeup and added better command, which has helped him limit walks and keep hitters off balance.

Sisk’s pitching style is built around inducing weak contact and striking out batters with his breaking ball and fastball combo. If he can continue to improve his control at the major league level, Sisk could develop into a valuable back-of-the-rotation starter or high-leverage reliever.

Given Houston’s current pitching depth, Sisk could be a key depth piece or a late-blooming starter in the near future.

3. Julio Carreras — Catcher

Catchers with strong defensive skills and developing bats are always in high demand, and Julio Carreras is an example of a catcher who has quietly progressed through the Astros’ system with promise.

Signed out of the Dominican Republic as an international free agent in 2019, Carreras has shown notable improvements at the plate over the past couple of seasons. At Double-A in 2024, he posted a respectable .270 average with moderate power and a solid walk rate. His strikeout numbers have decreased, showing better pitch recognition and an improved approach.

Defensively, Carreras is known for his strong arm and quick release behind the plate. His framing skills have also shown growth, a key tool for working effectively with pitchers. Given that catching depth can be hard to come by, especially with the ability to hit, Carreras’ combination of tools makes him a sleeper worth watching.

While he may not project as a star, his potential to serve as a quality backup or a platoon option at catcher is significant for Houston’s long-term roster flexibility.

4. Angel Martinez — Infielder

Angel Martinez is a versatile infielder who has quietly impressed in the lower minors and is steadily climbing through the Astros’ ranks. Drafted out of high school in the 2021 MLB Draft, Martinez’s ceiling is intriguing due to his combination of speed, defensive versatility, and emerging offensive skills.

Martinez’s bat is still developing, but his contact skills and plate discipline have improved markedly over his last season at High-A Fayetteville, where he posted a .280 batting average with 30 stolen bases. His speed is a weapon both on the basepaths and in the field, where he can play second base, shortstop, and third base.

One of Martinez’s key strengths is his ability to make consistent contact and use his legs to get on base. As his power develops, he could become a prototypical lead-off hitter for Houston with the ability to steal bases and manufacture runs.

His glove work and range at multiple infield spots add to his value, making him a potential everyday player or a super-utility type who can contribute immediately upon reaching the majors.

5. Eric Jorgensen — Left-Handed Relief Pitcher

Relief pitching is a crucial element of any championship roster, and Eric Jorgensen has emerged as one of the Astros’ more promising bullpen arms. Drafted in 2021 from a Division II program, Jorgensen wasn’t highly touted initially but has developed into a late-inning threat.

At Double-A Corpus Christi and Triple-A Sugar Land last year, Jorgensen posted strikeout rates well above 12 K/9, demonstrating an electric fastball that can reach the upper 90s and a devastating slider. His ability to generate swings and misses is what makes him particularly intriguing.

What sets Jorgensen apart is his improved control and ability to throw strikes consistently. His walk rate has decreased from early career struggles, making him a more reliable late-inning option.

The Astros’ bullpen is always competitive, but Jorgensen could emerge as a high-leverage option or a future closer if he continues his upward trajectory.

Why Houston’s System is Ripe for Sleepers

The Astros have built their reputation on strong scouting, player development, and a system that emphasizes versatility and pitchability. While their top prospects often get attention, it’s these sleepers who can provide the necessary depth and unexpected boosts to maintain Houston’s competitive edge.

Because of the Astros’ ability to develop players’ secondary tools—whether refining breaking pitches or improving plate discipline—these sleepers often break out later than in other systems. They come with fewer expectations but quietly grow into valuable contributors.

As Houston continues to focus on sustainable success, keeping an eye on these rising sleepers will be vital for fans and analysts alike. The next breakout star could be hiding just a few stops below the major leagues.

Final Thoughts

The Houston Astros’ minor league system is rich with talent beyond the usual suspects. Trey Martin, Cameron Sisk, Julio Carreras, Angel Martinez, and Eric Jorgensen are just a few of the lesser-known names who are steadily climbing and showing potential to contribute at the big league level.

Their progress represents not only the strength of Houston’s scouting and development but also the club’s emphasis on building depth and finding value in players who fly under the radar. These sleepers are worth watching closely—they may well be the next generation of Astros contributors helping the team chase more championships in the years ahead.