Arizona Fall League Preview: Houston Astros
By Drew Mitchell ·
As the Arizona Fall League gets underway, the Houston Astros have sent nine prospects to the Scottsdale Scorpions. Several are returning from injury, and others are looking to refine their skills against advanced competition.
Nick Monistere Looks to Rebound
Nick Monistere, a 22-year-old second baseman ranked 38th in the Astros' system by 80Grade, arrives in the AFL after a season interrupted by an injury that cost him most of May, June and July. Splitting time between High-A Asheville and Single-A Fayetteville, with a brief rehab stop in the Florida Complex League, Monistere posted a combined .183/.295/.285 line over 54 games with a 32.7 percent strikeout rate. His athleticism and defensive versatility remain assets, suggesting potential beyond the stat line.
The AFL offers Monistere a chance to stabilize his offensive production and cut down on the swing-and-miss. With his speed (20 steals in those 54 games) and defensive ability, a more refined approach could raise his profile as a utility option for the Astros.
Nehomar Ochoa Jr. Brings His Power
Nehomar Ochoa Jr., an outfielder also returning from injury, brings his power potential to the AFL. The 21-year-old slashed .287/.349/.500 between Fayetteville and Asheville, with 11 home runs and 29 stolen bases in 64 games. His aggressive approach led to a 29.8 percent strikeout rate, highlighting a need for better pitch recognition.
The assignment is an opportunity to refine that approach and prove his durability after a season cut short by a stint on the 60-day injured list. His raw power and arm strength make him a notable prospect, and a strong fall would help establish him as a complete player.
Joey Dixon's Strikeout Surge
Pitcher Joey Dixon, 24, made a strong impression in his brief stint at Single-A Fayetteville, striking out 14 of the 24 batters he faced (58.3 percent) over 6.1 innings in two starts before another injury shut him down. The AFL will show whether he can keep missing bats and stay healthy. If durability concerns ease, he could fit as a back-end starter or a valuable bullpen piece.
Waner Luciano's Potential at the Plate
Third baseman Waner Luciano, 21, brings both promise and risk to the AFL. He hit .265/.390/.451 with 10 home runs in 76 games, nearly all of them back at Single-A Fayetteville, a big jump from the .179 average he posted there in 2025. Plate discipline was the strength: he walked 52 times against 53 strikeouts, a 16.6 percent strikeout rate.
The AFL gives Luciano a platform to test that approach against older, more advanced pitching. If more of his contact turns into extra-base damage, his power potential could make him a valuable asset for the Astros.
Quick Hits: Other Astros in the AFL
Francisco Frias: The 21-year-old righty struggled with control, posting a 7.19 ERA and a 16.9 percent walk rate, mostly at High-A Asheville. The AFL offers him a chance to refine his command.
Jank Pichardo: The 22-year-old right-hander, who spent the first half of the season on the injured list, posted a 5.50 ERA over 18 innings between the Florida Complex League and Fayetteville and will work on missing more bats.
Juan Bello: The 22-year-old right-hander spent all of 2026 on the injured list, so the fall is his first chance to show where he stands.
Railin Perez: At 25, Perez posted a 3.53 ERA in 46 relief appearances at Double-A Corpus Christi.
Yeriel Santos: The 22-year-old righty faced significant challenges at High-A Asheville, where he posted a 7.87 ERA over 82.1 innings.
Of this group, Waner Luciano's performance, particularly whether his improved approach starts producing more power, could carry the biggest implications for the organization.