Astros hope draft bolsters farm system, Houston’s draft haul leans on college commodities
Published 8:29 am Sunday, July 12, 2026
The Houston Astros are pinning their hopes on top college prospects to provide a boost to their lukewarm farm system.
WIth their first two picks in the first round, Houston went with known college commodities, taking Texas Tech outfielder Logan Hughes at 17 and Notre Dame right-hander Jack Radel 28th overall in Saturday’s 2026 MLB Draft at the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia.
During his junior year at Texas Tech, the left handed-batter Hughes posted a .375 batting average with 71 RBI while Radel, a 6-foot-5 hurler, went 8-4 with a 3.29 ERA and 116 strikeouts in his final season at Notre Dame.
“It’s overpowering joy,” said Rendel after being drafted by the Astros. “The chance to play in professional baseball is a dream come true and playing for a franchise like Houston, it means something. There’s a lot of culture there and a lot of inspiration there, so it’s exciting.”
Houston also sought to further bolster its number of pitching prospects with the selection of Wes Mendes (RHP), out of Florida State. Mendes led the Seminoles in innings pitched last year with 93, going 9-3 with a 2.81 ERA. He is a 6-foot-1 lefty with a full array of five pitches to choose from, and a 96 mph fastball.
Despite the presence of shortstop Jeremy Pena at the big club and rising prospect Xavier Neyens in the minors, the Astros selected two more shortstops over the weekend, taking Georgia high school standout Keon Johnson 93rd overall and University of Missouri shortstop Kam Durin 121st overall.
Email newsletter signup
Loading …
A Vanderbilt commit, Johnson regressed during his senior year compared to his junior year but has solid range and arm strength. Meanwhile, Kam Durin, a transfer from Wichita State, led the Mizzou Tigers in nearly every offensive category during his lone season in Columbia, hitting .329 with nine home runs and 25 RBI.
Infielder Beau Peterson out of Mill Valley High in Kansas was picked 117th overall by Houston. It remains to be seen if Peterson will sign a pro-ball contract or head to Austin where he is committed to play at the University of Texas.
Lane Fobbs is a sports writer for the Victoria Advocate. Drop him a line on Twitter/X @fobbstalkinball