Astros' top prospects Walker Janek, Joseph Sullivan, and Michael Knorr showcase their power, speed, and pitching potential this spring.
Baseball is back, and pitchers and catchers have reported to Spring Training. Along with the usual big-league faces, the Houston Astros have extended invites to some of their top prospects not yet on the 40-man roster. These players could make an impact this spring, and it’s worth keeping an eye on their development as Houston prepares for the 2026 season.
Walker Janek (Catcher)
Walker Janek has emerged as a prospect to watch in the Astros system heading into 2026. In the 2024 MLB Draft, he was selected in the first round, 28th overall. He attended Sam Houston State University and is a strong defensive player, bringing the offensive power the team needs. Janek has stayed healthy throughout his pro career, with no major injuries slowing his climb.
2025 stats, per MILB: AVG .263, OBP .333, OPS .766, HR 12, RBI 46, SB 30
MiLB Career: AVG .244, OBP .309, OPS .711, HR 13, RBI 57, SB 30
Janek is an up-and-coming, versatile player. With continued improvement and health, the Astros could see him contributing at the major-league level sooner rather than later.
Joseph Sullivan (Outfielder)
Joseph Sullivan, a 24-year-old outfielder, is one of the top prospects invited to big league camp this spring. Known for his speed, plate discipline, and athleticism, Sullivan brings versatility both at the plate and in the field.
2025 stats, per MILB : G 106, AVG .220, HR 17, RBI 49, SB 42
Minor League Career: G 126, AVG .225, HR 17, RBI 58, SB 50
Sullivan’s combination of tools and athleticism gives him upside as a potential contributor in the Astros’ outfield in the coming seasons.
Michael Knorr (Pitcher)
Michael Knorr, a 24-year-old right-handed pitcher, is a non-roster invitee to 2026 Spring Training. Knorr has a fastball that touches the upper 90s and a promising changeup, giving him the tools to compete at higher levels. He has experience as both a starter and reliever in the minors, though he’s still working on consistency and command.
2025 Minor League Stats, per MILB : W-L 5-3, ERA 5.03, G 46, IP 53.2, SO 66, WHIP 1.51
Minor League Career: W-L 8-14, ERA 4.87, G 72, IP 151.2, SO 191, WHIP 1.42
Knorr will get a chance to show his stuff in big league camp, and the Astros are hoping to see development in both his command and secondary pitches.
Overall, Janek, Sullivan, and Knorr are some of Houston’s most intriguing non-roster invitees this spring, with growth, versatility, and skill sets that could provide depth as the Astros prepare for the 2026 season and aim to compete in the American League West.