The Future: Zach Cole
Can Astros rookie parlay a late-season flash into full-season production?
Each Winter, I reach out to Kenny Van Doren of Astros Future (I highly recommend the podcast) for players who have the potential to help the Astros in the coming season.
No one knows more about Astros prospects than Kenny.
Over the course of the next few weeks, I’ll be sharing the names Kenny shared with me, some of whom you’ve read about here previously, along with a few new names.
Out of Nowhere
After starting last season at AA Corpus Christi and raking there (.267/.363/.505 in 355 PA, 14 HR, 49 RBI) and in Sugar Land (.353/.459/.745 in 61 PA, 5 HR, 16 RBI), 2022 10th-round draft pick Zach Cole got the call to Houston last September and provided immediate returns with a two-run homer on the first MLB pitch he saw, finishing his debut with 3 hits and 4 RBI.
Cole went on to slash 255/.327/.553 in 47 MLB at-bats with 2 doubles and 4 homers, while providing Astros fans with hope for the future.
Cole is way down the Astros prospect list at No. 19, behind outfielders like Joseph Sullivan, Kevin Alvarez and Ethan Frey.
The left-handed Cole has displayed raw power and strength, along with speed and baserunning ability in his time in the Astros organization.
He struggles against lefties and can be overaggressive at times, a trait we saw in his short time with the Astros last season.
2026 Outlook
With Jake Meyers apparently on the trade block, Cole will likely have an opportunity next spring to make center field his, at least on a platoon basis.
While not having nearly enough plate appearances to qualify, Cole hit the ball hard, barreled it at a good rate and displayed solid bat speed and by all accounts, has become a quality defender with a strong arm.
First impressions last forever, and everyone will remember Cole’s home run in his first MLB plate appearance and supplying power last September, when the Astros had little, and that in and of itself will grant Cole some leeway, at least from fans.
Houston desperately needs the power in centerfield that he can provide; however, there are real concerns about Cole’s ability to make consistent contact (38% K rate) and hit left-handed pitching at the MLB level over the course of a full Major League season.
Thanks for reading!