Astros call up outfield prospect for series opener vs. Braves

The Houston Astros are calling up outfielder Zach Cole—the organization’s No. 19 prospect according to MLB Pipeline—ahead of Friday night’s series opener vs. the Atlanta Braves at Truist Park, per MLB.com’s Brian McTaggart. 

Over just 15 games with Triple-A Sugar Land, he’s slashing .353/.459/.745 with five home runs and 16 RBI. Cole, 25, was selected by Houston in the 10th round of the 2022 Draft from Ball State.

He joins an Astros team in a state of crisis. After leading the AL West for most of the season, Houston (79-68) is now tied with the Seattle Mariners (79-68) for the division lead, and the Texas Rangers (77-70) aren’t far behind, either. 

Source: The Astros are calling up OF prospect Zach Cole from Triple-A Sugar Land. He’ll join the team tonight in Atlanta. He’s played only 15 games at Triple-A, but is hitting .353/.459/.745 with five homers and 16 RBIs.

Cole gets the call

Cole wasn’t originally considered Major League talent, as he barely played during his first two seasons with Ball State. But he went on a tear over the last two months of his third season, slashing .402/.500/.841. 

That hot streak convinced the Astros to select him in the 10th round of the 2022 Draft, and he’s been an exciting prospect ever since. Cole has had an exceptional year in the minors across both Double-A and Triple-A, bouncing back from a disappointing 2024 season that was hindered by a lingering hamstring injury. 

Here’s part of his scouting report from MLB Pipeline: 

“If he can make consistent contact, Cole has the tools to be a star. He has plus speed and basestealing savvy, giving him legitimate 30-30 upside. After playing mostly left field at Ball State, he has become a quality defender in center as a pro. He also comes with double-plus arm strength and has notched 22 assists in 177 career starts in the outfield.”

The Astros will hope Cole can contribute down the stretch with a playoff spot on the line.