Brice Matthews is one of the few players on this list who is not on the MLB Top 100 list, but he’s also one of the few to already have Major League experience ahead of 2026. The 23-year-old debuted on July 11, 2025, and collected 42 at-bats in 13 games.

Matthews has the potential to be a true 5-tool player and has tremendous power for his size (5’11” 190 lbs). He hammered 4 homers in 13 games during his cup of coffee with the Astros, but he did strike out 20 times in 42 plate appearances. That will be the biggest question for Matthews: Can he make consistent contact? He has good speed, and his athleticism benefits him on the base paths, stealing 73 bases in just over 200 career pro games.

In terms of comps, his approach at the plate brings two names to mind: his stance in the right-handed batter’s box conjures up memories of Jose Bautista, with a slight squat that explodes open on contact. When it comes to that contact, his two-handed uppercut swing reminds me of Michael Harris II. Some analysts are predicting him to win Rookie of the Year like Harris II, and if he can make the kind of adjustment that “Money Mike” made a year ago where he went from being statistically the worst hitter in baseball in the first half of the season to one of the best in the second, Houston could have a future star on their hands.

Matthews is a natural shortstop, but he is projected to be a long-term second baseman, due to average arm strength. The Astros may also give him some work in center field in 2026, which could fuel Michael Harris comparisons even more. Other comps include Elly De La Cruz, but the arm strength, and speed, while notable, aren’t up to Elly’s level.

As far as cutting down on the strikeouts, Brice has as many strikeouts as hits so far in Spring Training. He’s got a lot of work to do, but he may get an opportunity to work it out at the Major League level, and that experience could be invaluable. I believe Brice Matthews has a multiple All-Star career in his future.

Houston – we have a prospect!