Astros MLB Draft Tracker: Live Updates, Picks and Analysis

The draft for Major League Baseball is finally upon us, marking the oh-so-close All-Star break. Now, it might seem different that the draft is mid-season, but baseball is a different breed compared to other professional sports.

Most players selected will not be featured on a major league roster anytime soon, as they will start in the team's farm system to continue developing their game. So, athletes can be drafted and immediately start their professional careers in the minor leagues.

That being said, the draft will commence at 1 p.m. ET and can be found on NBC and Peacock with the Chicago White Sox getting the first pick with the Houston Astros not coming up on the board until No.17.

With a depleted pipeline, the Astros will need to take full advantage of the three picks that they will see in the first three rounds. Houston's future had been gambled away for "right now" success, so every pick is increasingly important for this ballclub.

Now, the Astros received an extra pick as Hunter Brown finished in the top three for the AL Cy Young last season, and that will take place right after pick No.25.

Houston Astros Draft Pick Tracker

Round 1, Pick No. 17: Logan Hughes, OF, Texas Tech

The Houston Astros used their first pick in the 2026 MLB Draft for left-handed outfielder Logan Hughes, who has spent the last couple of years playing for the Texas Tech Red Raiders after transferring from Stetson after his freshman season.

Hughes' value specifically comes from his ability to produce at the plate, and that is exactly what he will have to do to have a spot on this roster, as he isn't a defensive pick by any means. But he has the slug, hitting 37 combined long balls while batting .350 in his two years at Tech.

It is not a secret that Houston isn't just in short supply of prospects, but specifically outfielders, so much so that the Astros made it known that they would be seeking left-handed fielders when the trade deadline comes around.

Prospect Promotion Incentive, Pick No. 28: Jack Radel, RHP, Notre Dame

Promotion/compensation picks definitely worked out in favor of the Astros, who are trying to beef up their pipeline everywhere, not just position players. Jack Rodel was a good move for Houston, especially when factoring in his 7.2-foot extension.

The 6-foot-5, 250-pound righty has really good college experience, meaning that he could move through the pipeline quite quickly as opposed to someone coming straight out of high school.

Radel got better each season he spent as a starter for the Fighting Irish as he dropped his ERA a full point from 4.58 to 3.58 from a freshman to a sophomore, and then another .30 points for his junior season while striking out 116 in 15 starts as a junior.

Round 2, Pick No. 57: Wes Mendes, P, Florida State

Mendes' college career started at Mississippi, where he struggled as a reliever, but the following season moved into the role as a starter for FSU, where he started to show positive developments in his game.

By the time his junior season came to a close, he had posted a 2.81 ERA in 16 starts to complement 125 punchouts. It might not take too long for Mendes to work his way through the farm system.

The Astros kept the same pace as they drafted someone with some really good collegiate experience and success, as Wes Mendes was the ACC Pitcher of the Year in 2026. The Astros were enticed by his changeup, which is one of the best that collegiate ball had to offer this past season.

Round 3, Pick No. 93:

Round 4, Pick No. 121:

How to Watch the MLB Draft

The MLB Draft will be over the course of two days, July 11-12. Day one starts at 1 p.m. ET and day two will begin at 11:30 a.m. ET.

You can watch the MLB Draft:

2026 MLB DRAFT

Day 1: Saturday, July 11 (Rounds 1-4)

1:00-2:30 p.m. ET - Preview show + Picks 1-10 (NBC/Peacock)

2:30-4:30 p.m. ET - Picks 11-40 (MLB Network, Peacock, MLB.com, MLB.TV, MLB+)

4:30-7:45 p.m. ET - Picks 41-135 (Peacock, MLB.com, MLB.TV, MLB+)

Day 2: Sunday, July 12 (Rounds 5-20)

11:30 a.m.-7:30 p.m. ET (MLB.com, MLB.TV, MLB+)

Add us as a preferred source on Google