Hunter Brown Named Houston Astros Best Prospect By ESPN

Although no Houston Astros prospect broke into ESPN's top 50, Hunter Brown was pegged the organization's best farmhand.

Kiley McDaniel released his 2022 midseason top-50 Major League Baseball prospect ranking Tuesday. And although no Houston Astros cracked the list, Hunter Brown was dubbed the organization's best farmhand.

It comes as no surprise to anyone. Brown currently sports a league-best 2.45 ERA over 91 2/3 innings in the Pacific Coast League this season. His 118 strikeouts are tied for first and his 1.12 WHIP ranks second among PCL starting pitchers.

Brown is clicking on all facets, and as he awaits a call to the show, he continues to improve in all aspects of his game including out of the bullpen. Two outings ago, the righty made a 5 1/3 innings relief appearance — the longest by a Sugar Land Space Cowboy.

High-A outfielder Colin Barber was also mentioned by McDaniel as an intriguing riser that didn't make the top 50 nor the next-best list. Barber has been on the shelf since July 30 with an undisclosed injury.

Prior to his injured list placement, Barber had played only five games in July, leaving in the seventh inning of his last action on July 22. The 21-year-old is slashing .303/.410/.470 on the year with a South Atlantic League Player of the Week honor in early June. 

More From SI's Inside The Astros:

1. Report: Former Astros Pitcher Fiers' Contract Terminated By CPBL Club
2. Grading the Houston Astros MLB Trade Deadline Transactions
3. Jeremy Peña isn't Competing for Rookie of the Year, And That's a Good Thing
4. Houston Astros Poised to Make Another World Series Run
5. Mancini Mania: Behind the Houston Astros' Latest Streak of History
6. Artist Brendan Murphy on His Signature Addition to Minute Maid Park
7. Trey Mancini Gives Houston Astros a Much Deeper Lineup
8. Astros Pass New York Yankees as Best Team in the American League
9. Astros' Álvarez Stopped Striking Out and Became the Best Hitter in Baseball
10. 'Tracking Like Wheels Up': A Long Journey Back For Astros Prospect McKee

---

Make sure to follow Inside the Astros on Twitter @InsideAstrosSI!