In recent weeks, MLB.com has been unveiling lists of the top prospects at each position heading into the 2025 season. Notably, one of these lists features two Houston Astros prospects: Zach Dezenzo, ranked 9th, and Cam Smith, ranked 3rd. Dezenzo had a brief stint in the majors during 2024, while Smith was acquired as the centerpiece of the Kyle Tucker trade with the Cubs.
The Astros entered 2024 with the league’s lowest-ranked farm system. So far, this is the only list to include Astros players, and it boasts two. At the end of 2024, the only Astros prospect in the top 100 was outfielder Jacob Melton, ranked 89th. With the addition of Smith, the Astros now have two top-100 prospects, as Smith debuts at 73rd.
This recognition brings some optimism to Astros fans, particularly with two prospects featured on the third base list. Dezenzo, known for his brief major-league performance, showed power with four extra-base hits in 19 games. However, his nearly 8:1 strikeout-to-walk ratio highlighted the need for improvement in plate discipline. Versatile defensively, he spent most of his time at first base for the Astros.
Cam Smith, on the other hand, appears closer to making his major-league debut. The 21-year-old progressed to Double-A by the end of 2024 after hitting over .300 in both Low-A and Single-A, all while maintaining a strong plate approach. In five games at Double-A, he recorded five hits, including two triples. While there’s still time to see how both players develop, this marks a positive milestone for the Astros, having two top-10 prospects at a single position.