Astros Predicted To Make Shocking Decision With Generational Top Prospect
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The Houston Astros have quietly placed themselves at the top of the league this year despite not getting the expected production from Yordan Alvarez and Christian Walker.
In the coming weeks, the Astros will be forced to make some big decisions. One of their biggest decisions is what to do with top prospect Brice Matthews when Jeremy Peña returns from injury.
FanSided's Zachary Rotman recently predicted the Astros would demote Matthews in the coming weeks when a few big names on their roster return from injury.
HOUSTON, TEXAS - JULY 12: Brice Matthews #28 of the Houston Astros jogs to the dugout after the third inning against the Texas Rangers at Daikin Park on July 12, 2025 in Houston, Texas.
HOUSTON, TEXAS - JULY 12: Brice Matthews #28 of the Houston Astros jogs to the dugout after the third inning against the Texas Rangers at Daikin Park on July 12, 2025 in Houston, Texas."He's with the big-league team because of injuries to a slew of middle infielders, mainly Jeremy Pena, but Pena is expected to return from the IL shortly after the All-Star break if not immediately so," Rotman wrote. "When Pena returns, there's a good chance the Astros will use Mauricio Dubon regularly at second base, forcing Matthews to the bench.
"Rather than letting their top prospect sit on the bench, the Astros would simply be better off demoting him back to Triple-A, giving him more time to develop. He's only 23 years old, after all. Matthews might be a cornerstone for the Astros sometime soon, but he probably shouldn't be in the everyday lineup for a team attempting to win the World Series."
The expectations were high on Matthews coming up to the big leagues, but he's struggled in his limited time. This small sample size isn't indicative of his potential, but it could show that he's not ready for the big leagues yet.
Matthews was only called up to Houston because of injuries. When these players all return healthy, he's likely going to be sent down to continue developing. It's the best decision for the franchise and its top prospect.
More MLB: Red Sox Trade Rumors Reaching New Peak With Lefty Reliever As Trade Bait
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