“I Think That Was The Biggest Thing For Me” | Houston Astros No.4 Prospect Brice Matthews Promoted To Double-A

“I Think That Was The Biggest Thing For Me” | Houston Astros No.4 Prospect Brice Matthews Promoted To Double-A

by | Jul 4, 2024 | THE THREE SPOT

After beginning the season 31-38 the Houston Astros have won 12 of their last 16 games including a four-game series sweep over the high-flying Baltimore Orioles who currently have the second-best record in the American League. With their championship nucleus still intact but getting older, the Astros are hoping that some of their famed system prospects pan out and are ready to contribute when called upon.

 

Brice Matthews A Future Houston Astros MLBbro

 

One of the club’s top prospects is 2023 first round pick (28th overall), Brice Matthews who despite being banged up a bit has been promoted to Double-A. The Houston native has all the tools to be a key piece of the Astros next wave going forward, and if he continues to develop as quick as he already has he could join this group before their done.

 

The Astros had Matthews on their radar following a blistering junior season at Nebraska which saw him hit .359 with 20 homers, 67 RBI and 20 stolen bases in just 54 games. Matthews sudden change in power was a welcomed site after the shortstop hit just 12 long balls in his previous 84 college games. Matthews told reporters this about his predraft interaction with the club.

 

“A little bit at the draft combine. I had a conversation and interview with them Astros and then a little after talking to my agent I knew they had interest.”

Matthews Has Been Raking In The Minors and Swiping Bags

 

After beginning the season at the Rookie level and High-A Asheville, Matthews was recently promoted to the Double-A Corpus Christi Hooks. In 2024 as a whole Matthews is batting a solid .306 with seven homers and 22 RBI, with a .938 OPS in 134 at-bats.

 

Where he’s really shined is base thefts, nabbing 22 in 25 attempts (88 percent) clip.

 

If Matthews can stay healthy these are the type of numbers he’s capable of producing on a consistent basis. When asked about his play, and how he rehabbed from his previous injury, the former Huskers star was open about what he did.

 

“Getting healthy and just trying to stay on my back leg. Holding my ground as long as I could. I think that was the biggest thing for me.”

 

If his first game back from injury was any indication, Matthews is fully healthy after going yard twice, helping him win South Atlantic player of the week in his first week back from his nagging back injury.

 

 

Matthews Knows Double-A Will Present New Challenges

 

While Matthews is happy to get the promotion, he also knows things will be tougher at the Double-A level, especially the pitching he’ll face daily. When discussing the difference between High-A hurlers and Double-A mound marauder, Matthews was pretty blunt.

 

“They don’t make mistakes. But other than that, it’s still baseball. Everything’s been the same having all the guys, good to be around them and play baseball and have fun close to my family.”

 

Drafted as a shortstop, Matthews has also spent time at third base and in the outfield. As of now he’s slated to stay there, but because of his unique athleticism he could be used in other spots for the Astros.