This Astros prospect continues to turn heads with elite defensive tools
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Max Holy immediately jumped to mind when Micheal Thomas was once asked about underrated prospects.
The Astros' Minor League field coordinator already knew much about the elite shortstop now ranked No. 29 in the organization, but he also believed the 24-year-old possessed the tools to contribute at the highest level one day on defense alone.
"He gives me these weird early David Eckstein-type vibes," Thomas said. "He's a really solid defender who may do some incredible things in his career."
Houston signed Holy as an nondrafted free agent in July 2024. A product of Central Missouri, the alma mater of Astros owner Jim Crane, Holy posted his best offensive numbers -- .364/.478/.659 with 14 homers -- during his redshirt junior season.
That success at the plate has wavered across the past three seasons in Houston's farm system, but his defense hasn't. Holy has received grades of 60 for his run and arm tools, while his 65-grade field tool -- tied for second-best in all of the Minor Leagues -- ranks as his best overall.
Holy's devoted time to strengthening his arm, but his reaction time and ability to move laterally have been his best calling cards.
"Since Max has walked in the door, the work ethic itself and the dynamic about how he goes about his business, it's been overly impressive," Thomas said.
"Nothing seems to overwhelm him. Nothing seems to scare him. … He's been one of the more comfortable defenders I've seen in professional baseball in a long time, especially for a UDFA guy from a small school."
The game hasn't moved fast for Holy, one of three nondrafted free-agent signings on the Astros' Top 30 Prospects list.
The infielder, who has made 96 starts at shortstop this season between Double-A and High-A, has ranked among the best defenders on Houston's internal leaderboard, particularly when compared with upper-level players and ones with big league experience.
"The glove part is electric to watch," Thomas said. "The range piece is the part that sits behind it and definitely assists. The arm, he uses what he has. I don't think he tries to overblow it in any regards, but he definitely has pushed the needle on that."
Holy has now acclimated to three levels in his pro career. The Astros have been able to plug him into different situations, and he's tallied 42 career starts at second base and five at third this season.
"He's exciting to watch when you see balls get hit 105+ (mph) on the ground, and Max makes them look like routine ground balls," Thomas said. "If he gets to it and he's clean, you're out. There's no question."
Holy's offensive production did drop following his May promotion to Corpus Christi. The right-handed hitter has slashed .199/.334/.305 in 87 games after posting a 107 wRC+ across 20 contests for Asheville.
And then the Hooks had to place Holy on the 7-day injured list Friday with a lower-body injury. The Astros don't expect the hiccup to end his season and hope to have him back this week or next.