The Houston Astros have inked contracts with eight of their drafted players and have also secured agreements with three undrafted free agents, as reported by MLB.com on Friday.
Among the signed draft picks is Cole Herzler, a right-handed pitcher from Liberty University, selected in the fifth round, marking the highest signed draft pick thus far.
However, the Astros’ top three picks—first-round pick Walter Janek (catcher from Sam Houston), third-round pick Ryan Forcucci (right-handed pitcher from UC San Diego), and fourth-round pick Parker Smith (right-handed pitcher from Rice)—remain unsigned at this time, while the team did not possess a second-round pick.
Currently, the Astros are embarking on a west coast series against the Seattle Mariners to commence the second half of their season while also gearing up for the impending trade deadline on June 30.
Among the recent signings include Dylan Howard (right-handed pitcher from Radford) in the eighth round, Ryan Smith (right-handed pitcher from Illinois-Chicago) in the ninth round, and Ramsey David (right-handed pitcher from Southeastern University) in the 10th round.
Additional signings encompass Drew Vogel (shortstop from Murray State) in the 15th round, Ethan Wagner (outfielder from P27 Academy, South Carolina) in the 17th round, Grant Burleson (pitcher from Western Kentucky) in the 18th round, and Twine Palmer (pitcher from Connors State College) in the 19th round.
Furthermore, the Astros have bolstered their roster by adding three undrafted free agents: infielder Max Holy (Central Missouri), outfielder Lucas Spence (Southern Illinois-Edwardsville), and pitcher Danny Trehey (Florida Atlantic).
Below is the comprehensive list of the Houston Astros’ selections from the 2024 MLB Draft:
1. Walter Janek, C, Sam Houston
2. Ryan Forcucci, RHP, UC San Diego
3. Parker Smith, RHP, Rice
4. (No selection in second round)
5. Cole Herzler, RHP, Liberty
6. Dylan Howard, RHP, Radford
7. Ryan Smith, RHP, Illinois-Chicago
8. Ramsey David, RHP, Southeastern University
9. Drew Vogel, SS, Murray State
10. Ethan Wagner, OF, P27 Academy (SC)
11. Grant Burleson, P, Western Kentucky
12. Twine Palmer, P, Connors State College
This flurry of signings reflects the Astros’ commitment to reinforcing their roster depth and talent pipeline through both the draft and free agent acquisitions.