In a significant move, the Houston Astros have elevated corner infielder Zach Dezenzo to the major leagues, hoping his addition will bolster their pursuit of the division-leading Seattle Mariners. Originally a 12th-round pick, Dezenzo has rapidly ascended through the minor league ranks, thanks in part to adjustments in his swing mechanics.
Dezenzo’s progression was interrupted by a persistent wrist injury which delayed his debut. However, his performance across three minor league levels has been nothing short of impressive. Sporting a .306/.386/.517 batting line and six home runs in 38 games, Dezenzo's offensive output demonstrates his growth and readiness for the majors. Notably, he posted a stellar 1.211 OPS during his time in Triple-A, further emphasizing his potential impact.
A hot topic among scouts and analysts has been Dezenzo's power metrics. Over an 11-game span, he achieved an exit velocity of 95 mph or harder on 53% of his batted balls. This raw power is expected to provide a much-needed boost to the Astros' lineup, which currently ranks 14th in ISO (Isolated Power). Dezenzo is projected to split his playing time between various corner positions and designated hitter duties, offering the Astros both versatility and strength.
Brandon Sproat Joins the Astros
Another exciting development for Houston is the addition of Brandon Sproat, a pitcher who was drafted twice by the Mets before ultimately landing with the Astros. Sproat’s performance in High- and Double-A has been convincing; he recorded a 2.05 ERA and a 3.55 strikeout-to-walk ratio over 87 innings. His most remarkable feat came in his first August start, where he struck out 11 consecutive batters.
Kristian Campbell: A Rising Star
The Astros aren't just banking on newly promoted players. Kristian Campbell, initially drafted 132nd overall by the Red Sox in 2023, has shown noteworthy progress. Campbell showcased power at Georgia Tech, hitting four home runs in 45 games, and has continued to excel this season. His current stats in Double-A are impressive, with a .373/.473/.550 batting line, eight home runs, and 13 stolen bases in 45 games. Predominantly playing second base and center field, Campbell adds depth and flexibility to Houston's roster.
Edgardo Henriquez and Hayden Hackenberg: Power Arms on the Horizon
The Astros' farm system continues to yield promising pitchers like Edgardo Henriquez and Hayden Hackenberg. Henriquez has quickly moved from A-ball to Triple-A, and his strikeout rate is astonishing. Over his first 40 innings, he struck out 42.4% of the batters he faced and recently clocked a fastball at over 103 mph. Henriquez pairs his blazing fastball with a plus slider, adding a layer of intrigue to his profile.
Then there's Hayden Hackenberg, a second-round pick by the Braves in 2023, who has also made waves. In his first 29 innings in Double-A, Hackenberg struck out 45 batters and recorded a standout 16-strikeout performance against the Marlins' affiliate. However, he has struggled with control, walking more than four batters per nine innings. If he can harness his command, Hackenberg could be a formidable addition to the Astros' bullpen or starting rotation.
The Astros' recent promotions and the rapid development of their prospects reflect the organization's strategy of leveraging young talent to build a competitive team. As they aim to overtake the Seattle Mariners, these new additions — Dezenzo, Sproat, Campbell, Henriquez, and Hackenberg — represent key pieces in Houston's quest for division supremacy. With a blend of promising hitters and powerful arms, the Astros are positioning themselves for a vigorous stretch run.