Astros' top prospect tagged as potential 'breakout candidate' for 2026

Jared Bloom

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Astros' top prospect tagged as potential 'breakout candidate' for 2026 image

The 2025 season did not go as Houston Astros fans had hoped. Injuries played a big part in missing the postseason for the first time since the 2016 season. 

Now, the front office is looking to put to bed that disappointing season and start fresh in 2026. They did just sign Tatsuya Imai, helping bolster their starting rotation. 

Do not expect the front office to be done after that move. They also have sme needs to stabilize the bullpen and get a backup catcher. 

MORE: Athletics' right-hander named potential 'breakout candidate' for 2026

Astros' top prospect tagged as potential 'breakout candidate' in 2026

While fans are excited to see Imai come to the rotation, that is not all they should be excited about. Houston called up its top prospect last season, and he showed the front office what he is capable of. 

MLB.com's Brian McTaggart believes he could be a potential breakout candidate for the 2026 season. 

"Matthews, a first-round draft pick out of Nebraska in 2023 as a shortstop, made his debut last season and homered three times in a two-game span in Arizona last July, showing a glimpse of what he's capable of doing. He'll get some playing time at second base and center field in the spring and will need to cut down on his strikeouts."

Matthews played in 13 games during the 2025 season, where he hit.167/.222/.452 with four home runs, nine runs batted in, and a stolen base.

Houston had a bit of a logjam after the trade deadline and felt more comfortable sending Matthews down so he could get everyday reps. 

Now, he is not a lock to make the club's Opening Day roster, but his luck could see a change if he shows the front office his ability to handle center field while also cutting down on his swing and misses at the plate.

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