The Houston Astros already have a surplus of infielders, and it will be interesting to see how the team decides on the starting infield lineup for 2026.<\/p>\n
There are currently six infielders<\/a> listed on the 40-man roster, including their top prospect in an under-the-radar move. Brice Matthews<\/a> is now the big name in the Astros\u2019 system and ranks No. 93 in MLB\u2019s top 100 prospects list.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n While officially listed as a shortstop, Matthews started 87 games at second base for Triple-A Sugar Land. During his brief stint with the Astros last season, Matthews played all 13 big-league games at second as well.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n With Jose Altuve likely to spend some time in left field and at designated hitter, Matthews could see an opening<\/a>. The Astros traded Mauricio Dub\u00f3n for Nick Allen, who likely fills a bench role. Right now, it could be Isaac Paredes at second. Considering the numerous trade rumors<\/a> circulating about him, if Houston decides to part ways with Paredes<\/a>, it would create a more straightforward path for Matthews.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Matthews<\/a> will compete for a starting spot in spring training and has earned praise and high expectations from the Astros\u2019 coaches and front office. The 28th overall pick in the 2023 MLB Draft from the University of Nebraska officially made his presence felt during his brief time in the major leagues last season. Matthews got promoted to the big-league team in July after Altuve moved to the outfield due to injury.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n He burst onto the scene and got all eyes on him on July 11 after a breakout two-home run, five-RBI performance against the Diamondbacks. Matthews followed that up the next day with a clutch two-run homer in the eighth that ended up being the game-winner. Additionally, he made a remarkable double play that ended the game. The 5-foot-11, 190-lb infielder showcased his talent on both sides of the ball, which is why he remains a centerpiece for the future.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Matthews spent three seasons at Nebraska<\/a> and closed his final year hitting .359 with 67 RBIs in 54 games. He smashed 20 home runs and became the first player in program history to reach the 20 HR, 20 stolen base mark in a single season. Matthews was the highest-selected Cornhusker draft pick since 2005 and spent his first year in the Astros organization growing at the Florida Complex League Astros and Single-A Fayetteville. He took the next step in 2024 and quickly rose through the ranks to reach Triple-A at the end of the year.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n This pathway was a dream come true for Matthews, a Houston native who trained at the Astros Youth Academy as a younger player. Matthews attended Atascocita High School outside Houston and was ranked third at his position. He was also the starting quarterback for the football team. Before his call-up, before he was going to play in the All-Star Futures game, Matthews was playing at a high level in Sugar Land, posting a .283 AVG and .876 OPS.\u00a0 <\/span>He hit 10 home runs, 39 RBIs, and also stole 25 bases at that time.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n After a series of events in his life in Arizona, Matthews cooled off and struggled, as most prospects do in their first MLB stint. He hit for just a .167 average and .674 OPS in 13 games, while hitting four homers and nine RBIs.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nWhere Brice Matthews Could Play<\/h3>\n
Matthews\u2019 Major League Breakout<\/h3>\n
The Houston Kid<\/h3>\n
The Talent Potential with Matthews<\/h3>\n