“Astros’ Slugging Pipeline: Luis Baez Emerging as a Powerhouse Prospect”
As the Houston Astros gear up for spring training, much of the spotlight is on Cam Smith, their anticipated third baseman of the future. Acquired in the blockbuster Kyle Tucker trade, Smith has all the makings of a cornerstone player. With his natural fit at third base, he’ll eventually have to compete with Isaac Paredes for the spot. But what truly excites the Astros is his raw power, the very skill that made him a first-round pick last year.
However, Smith isn’t the only slugger climbing through Houston’s farm system.
MLB Pipeline recently kicked off a series analyzing each team’s most powerful prospect. While Smith seemed like the obvious choice, they took a deeper dive and uncovered another rising star: Luis Baez.
Baez, a promising outfielder, has already turned heads in just three seasons of professional baseball. Signed out of the Dominican Republic during the 2022 international signing period, he secured a hefty $1.2 million signing bonus an early sign of the Astros’ confidence in his potential.
He debuted in the Dominican Summer League, putting up an impressive .305/.351/.552 slash line with nine home runs and 43 RBI in 58 games. In 2023, he transitioned to the U.S., starting in the Florida Complex League before earning a promotion to Class-A Fayetteville. While his overall average dipped (.248/.357/.481), his power surged launching 11 home runs with 38 RBI.
Last season, Baez had a breakout year. Playing 106 games across High-A Asheville and Double-A Corpus Christi, he crushed 21 home runs and tallied 76 RBI while slashing .258/.301/.462. Now entering his age-21 season, he’s on track to reach Triple-A Sugar Land by year’s end.
With the Astros constantly searching for more firepower in the outfield, Baez is quickly establishing himself as a legitimate big-league option. His rise is one to watch.
