There is a lot of raw power at the top of the Astros' farm system, and it was on display Saturday for Single-A Fayetteville.
No. 1 prospect Kevin Alvarez went deep once for the Woodpeckers in the first game of a doubleheader, while No. 2 prospect Xavier Neyens homered twice in that same game against Charleston at Joseph P. Riley Jr. Ballpark.
Alvarez, who was the No. 7 international prospect in the 2025 class, seems to be getting into a groove after a lackluster start to his season at the plate. The 18-year-old with 55-grade power and a 60-grade hit tool has nine hits in his past 30 at-bats. Five of those nine hits went for extra bases, including both of his home runs this year.
Both of Neyens' two dingers for the Woodpeckers were absolute no-doubters that vanished out of sight. Swings like those show you why the 19-year-old third baseman has drawn comparisons to the Braves' Austin Riley. One key difference, however, is that Neyens is a left-handed batter.
Houston's top pick in the 2025 Draft, Neyens' 65-grade power has helped him launch five homers in his first 19 pro games. He has struck out 31 times in 87 plate appearances, but he's also logged a 17.2% walk rate, which has contributed to his impressive .282/.414/.535 slash line.
Neither player is expected to make a big league impact until 2029, but Astros fans can dream about what it'll look like to have these two boppers in their future everyday lineups.