With the Houston Astros in first place in the American League West, there is plenty to be optimistic about. But, with only a 4.5-game lead, the Astros can’t afford to sit on their hands and not make any moves.
While they’re expected to look for left field help and starting pitching at the MLB trade deadline, the Astros should also consider other avenues for improving the roster. One of those ways to improve the roster without shipping off top prospects is by calling up those top prospects.
According to an article from Joel Reuter of Bleacher Report, the Astros are predicted to call up top prospect Miguel Ullola during the 2025 season in their pursuit of locking up the AL West.
“Regardless of what his long-term role ends up being,” Reuters writes. “He has the stuff to get big league hitters out right now.”
Ullola is a pitcher in the Astros’ farm system and is currently ranked as the fourth-best Astros prospect, but is the top-ranked prospect among all Astros pitchers.
With a lively fastball and solid auxiliary pitches, the Astros’ 22-year-old prospect can become a huge factor in the Astros’ pursuit of securing their spot atop the AL West.
In 2025 with the Astros, Ullola has a 3.19 ERA and a 3-2 record. He’s struck out 56 batters in 42.1 innings of work and has a 1.32 WHIP. While his WHIP is higher, it’s largely in part due to his 26 walks. He’s allowing just a .197 batting average against and has become a steady part of the Astros’ Triple-A rotation.
In calling Ullola up, the Astros would have the option of putting him right into the starting rotation or giving him a tryout in the bullpen. Whatever the Astros decide with Ullola, it’s likely to come at some point in the second half of the MLB season.
With a chance to win the AL West again, the Astros will look to improve their roster in a variety of ways. Fortunately, the Astros have an intriguing pitching prospect in the Minors waiting to get the call to the big leagues. Ullola is not only predicted to get called up soon, but also help make an impact on the Astros’ pursuit of the AL West title.
