The Houston Astros entered the first round of the 2026 Major League Baseball Draft with a great opportunity: two first-round selections. Rather than gamble on high school prospects, Houston went the college route by selecting Texas Tech outfielder Logan Hughes with the No. 17 overall pick and Notre Dame right-handed pitcher Jack Radel at No. 28.
The Astros’ draft strategy often emphasizes polished college players capable of moving quickly through the minor leagues, and this year’s first round was no exception.
Hughes brings an All-American caliber left-handed bat, while Radel offers a power arm with starter potential. Together, the pair represents a balanced draft haul that addresses both the organization’s needs of pitching and a left-handed hitting outfielder.
Logan Hughes Could Be Next Impact Bat
With the 17th overall selection, Houston chose Hughes, one of the nation’s most productive hitters after a standout season at Texas Tech. He hit .375 with 18 home runs while showcasing the ability to consistently barrel the baseball. Scouts view him as a polished offensive player whose advanced approach should translate well to professional baseball.
With the 17th pick of the 2026 #MLBDraft, the @Astros select Logan Hughes from Texas Tech.
(MLB x Nippon Express) pic.twitter.com/vlGk7nCXLC
— MLB (@MLB) July 11, 2026
Although Hughes isn’t considered an elite defensive prospect and projects primarily as a corner outfielder, his bat gives him a real chance to climb the ladder quickly. A successful draft class needs hitters capable of reaching the majors in a hurry, and Hughes checks many of those boxes.
Hughes rarely expands the strike zone, consistently works quality at-bats and has shown the ability to ambush a fastball. Houston has built championship-caliber lineups around disciplined offensive players, and Hughes appears to fit that mold.
While his defensive ceiling may limit him to left field or right field, his offensive upside could more than compensate. If his power continues to develop against professional pitching, Hughes has the potential to become an everyday run producer.
Jack Radel Gives Houston Another High-End Pitching Prospect
The Astros weren’t finished adding impact talent in the first round of the draft.
With the 28th overall selection, acquired through MLB’s Prospect Promotion Incentive program thanks to Hunter Brown finishing 3rd in Cy Young voting last year, Houston selected Notre Dame right-hander Jack Radel, one of the fastest rising pitchers in the country.
Radel elevated his stock throughout his junior season by increasing his velocity while maintaining command. Standing 6-foot-5, he now features a fastball that reaches 98 mph while complementing it with multiple secondary pitches that he consistently throws for strikes. He finished the season with a 3.29 ERA and 116 strikeouts in 87 2/3 innings.
Jack Radel… fastball up to 98, above average slider, cuter and control. #Astros pic.twitter.com/7yvsRC2CEQ
— Astros Future (@AstrosFuture) July 11, 2026
Perhaps most importantly, Radel already demonstrates the type of command that often separates future major league starters from relievers. The combination of his velocity and command should make him one of Houston’s top pitching prospects almost immediately.
Houston Maximized Its First Round
Having two first-round selections gave the Astros flexibility, and they used it wisely.
Instead of taking unnecessary risks, Houston added one of the better college bats available and followed it with one of the top college pitchers remaining on the board.
Houston’s first round of the draft balanced immediate organizational needs with long-term upside. Hughes fills an area where the Astros have lacked offensive prospects, while Radel strengthens a pitching pipeline that has consistently produced big league contributors over the years.
Draft Picks Grade: A
Every draft is ultimately judged years down the road, but the Astros deserve praise for their first round. Hughes gives the organization an advanced hitter with legitimate middle-of-the-order potential, while Radel offers the type of durable starting pitching profile every franchise covets.
The Astros left the first round of the draft with a pair of players who fit their identity almost perfectly. Hughes provides offensive polish, Radel brings rotation upside and both could move through the farm system faster than their peers.
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