Brice Matthews, one of the Houston Astros’ most promising young talents, has been called up to the big leagues. Selected 28th overall in the 2023 MLB Draft, Matthews is currently ranked as the Astros’ No. 4 prospect and is a promising young talent.
Matthews has now appeared in five consecutive major league games, quickly making his presence felt at the highest level. On July 21, in his fifth game against the Arizona Diamondbacks, he delivered a breakout performance that turned heads across the league.
The young infielder launched two home runs and drove in five runs—an impressive feat for any player, let alone a rookie prospect just getting his first taste of the majors. Performances like this are rare and signal that Matthews could be a key piece of the Astros’ future.
Brice Matthews Was A Star In College
The young prospect was drafted in 2023 out of the University of Nebraska, where he showcased his versatility by playing both in the infield and occasionally in the outfield. As a freshman, Matthews made an immediate impact, earning Big Ten All-Freshman and All-Region honors. He posted a solid .271 batting average with five home runs and 34 RBIs, setting the tone for what would become a standout collegiate career.
The Houston native quickly put the Big Ten on notice with his offensive power and athleticism. His sophomore season mirrored the promise he showed as a freshman, displaying steady improvement and a high level of consistency at the plate and in the field. However, it was during his junior year that Brice Matthews truly broke out and caught the attention of MLB scouts nationwide.
He exploded for a .359 batting average, belted 20 home runs, and drove in 67 runs—establishing himself as one of the top college hitters in the country. His combination of speed, power, and defensive versatility made him a clear first-round talent heading into the 2023 MLB Draft.
Houston Astros Select Brice Matthews 2023 MLB Draft
His hometown team, the Houston Astros, made a smart move by selecting Brice Matthews in the 2023 MLB Draft. Not only can he hit at a high level, but he also brings strong defensive skills and impressive versatility across the infield. While Matthews is capable of playing multiple infield positions, he spent most of his time at shortstop—his natural position—during his first year in the minors. In the 2023 campaign, he logged 245 innings at shortstop across the Astros’ minor league affiliates, recording 50 assists and committing just six errors. His athleticism, arm strength, and field awareness have already proven valuable.
In the 2024 season, Matthews continued to showcase his defensive versatility by seeing time not only at shortstop but also at third base. Across both positions, he recorded a total of 104 assists, underscoring his range, quick decision-making, and strong arm. Whether anchoring the middle infield or handling the hot corner, Matthews demonstrated the kind of reliability and athleticism that projects well at the major league level.
Will Brice Matthews Take Over For Jose Altuve?
With Brice Matthews making an impressive leap to the majors, the Astros may be laying the foundation for their next great era. Longtime second baseman José Altuve, now in the later stages of his career, has seen more time as the team’s designated hitter—creating opportunities for younger talent to step in and make their mark. If all goes according to plan, the Astros could soon feature a dynamic infield duo in Matthews and Jeremy Peña, combining elite defense with offensive upside.
As the team gets healthier and their infield depth returns, Houston could once again become a force to be reckoned with. Given Matthews’ ability to play all around the diamond at a high level, it wouldn’t be surprising to see the Astros utilize his versatility across multiple positions to maximize their lineup flexibility.
