If you're a Houston Astros fan, it’s time to get excited. Really excited. The long wait is finally over—Brice Matthews, the team’s top prospect and a hometown kid, is heading to the big leagues.
That’s right. Just days after shining in the All-Star Futures Game, Matthews got the call. He’s officially leaving Sugar Land behind and is set to join the Houston Astros at Daikin Park. And honestly? The timing couldn’t be better.
Let’s hit pause for a sec and rewind the story.
Brice Matthews isn’t just some random call-up. He’s been on the radar since high school. A product of Atascocita High School in Humble, Texas, Matthews went on to crush it for three years with the Nebraska Cornhuskers. His performance turned heads, and the Astros snagged him in the first round of the 2023 MLB Draft. Since then, it’s been a steady climb through the minors—and now, all that hard work is paying off.
At just 5-foot-10, Matthews might not have the towering frame of some major leaguers, but don’t let that fool you. The guy is built like a tank and swings like one, too. According to MLB.com’s scouting report, his right-handed swing generates some of the highest exit velocities from the 2023 draft class. He’s got legitimate power—25+ home run potential kind of power. That power stretches from the left-field foul pole all the way to right-center, and it’s backed up by serious bat speed and raw strength.
⚾ Key Highlights from His 2025 Minor League Season:
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Batting Average: .283
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Home Runs: 10
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RBIs: 39
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Stolen Bases: 25
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All-Star Futures Game selection
And now, he's joining a team that desperately needs some spark—especially at second base.
Let’s be honest, second base has been a bit of a revolving door for Houston ever since Jose Altuve shifted over to left field. The guys trying to fill his shoes haven’t exactly impressed at the plate. Brendan Rodgers, who was supposed to be the everyday answer, has struggled massively—hitting a dismal .191. Mauricio Dubón has been better, sure, but he’s needed all over the diamond with half the roster wrapped in ice packs.
Yeah, it’s been that kind of season.
The Astros have already had 22 players hit the Injured List this season—and we’re only halfway through. To make matters worse, outfielder Jake Meyers recently missed a game with a hamstring issue, and that could add to the growing list. So, bringing in fresh legs like Matthews isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s a necessity.
💥 Why Matthews is a Game-Changer:
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High exit velocity = offensive threat
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Strong base runner with 25 steals
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Defensive versatility at second
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Homegrown talent brings fan excitement
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Adds depth to injury-ridden lineup
That said, there’s one area where Matthews still needs to clean things up: strikeouts. His swing-and-miss tendencies are no secret. In fact, his strikeout rate in 2024 sat around 31%, which is definitely a red flag. Even though he doesn’t chase pitches outside the zone too much (a good sign of plate discipline), he still swings through a fair share of hittable ones.
Still, the Astros clearly see something in him. After a rocky debut, Houston’s coaching staff worked closely with him to tweak his swing and improve contact. The result? A more confident, more explosive version of Brice Matthews. It’s clear the team believes those whiffs can be tamed over time.
🔍 Scouting Takeaway:
“He rarely chases pitches but has more in-zone swing and miss than is desirable… The potential for 25+ homers per year is there. Compact build, explosive swing, strong arm. A pro-ready player with elite tools.”
Another bonus? He’s not a stranger to this stage. Matthews has been on the edge of a call-up for months now, and this isn't his first rodeo. The Astros have flirted with promoting him before but decided to let him cook a little longer in the minors. After what he’s shown lately, that wait seems to have paid off.
Matthews’ call-up also gives Houston something it hasn't had all season—momentum. The fan base needed a jolt, and Matthews is delivering it. It’s not just about his stat line or his resume; it’s about what he represents. A local kid making it to the big leagues? You couldn’t script it better if you tried.
He’s a product of the Houston system, both literally and figuratively. From high school fields in the suburbs to college diamonds in Nebraska to the minor league grind in Sugar Land—Matthews’ path has been a story of steady progress, real grit, and a whole lot of promise.
And now, it’s showtime.
🎙️ What’s Next for Matthews?
Now that he’s in Houston, all eyes will be on how he adjusts to major league pitching. Will the strikeouts continue? Or will we see a player who turns raw tools into consistent results?
Expect him to split time at second initially—maybe some platoon opportunities while the Astros evaluate his rhythm. But if he catches fire? Watch out. This could be the beginning of a long-term stay.
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Bottom line: the Astros just got more exciting. Matthews brings power, speed, and energy to a team that desperately needs it. Sure, there’ll be some growing pains—it’s part of the process. But make no mistake: the future just arrived in Houston, and his name is Brice Matthews.
So Astros fans, you might want to grab your popcorn. Because the show is just getting started. 🌟
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