Astros Call Up Outfielder Zach Cole for MLB Debut

The Houston Astros are promoting outfielder Zach Cole from Triple-A Sugar Land for his major league debut ahead of their game against the Atlanta Braves. Cole, the Astros' No. 19 or No. 22 prospect depending on the source, has had a strong 2024 season split between Double-A and Triple-A, slashing around .279/.377/.539 with 19 home runs and 18 steals over approximately 97 games. While Cole offers a combination of power and speed, his high strikeout rate—ranging from about 27.9% to over 36%—raises concerns about his long-term consistency. Despite this, his recent surge in exit velocity and improved performance at Triple-A, including a 1.204 OPS in 15 games, suggests he could provide valuable outfield depth for the Astros as they contend in the AL West. Cole's versatility allows him to play all three outfield positions, though playing time may be limited. The Astros hope his power-speed mix can help them maintain momentum in the final weeks of the regular season.